Tiny vs. Small House

bySavannah Dodge/December 28, 2020

TINY vs. SMALL HOUSE

Young professionals, newlyweds, young families, empty nesters, and retirees alike are joining the tiny living community. While many are aware of the ever-popular tiny house on wheels, there are a multitude of options when deciding to reduce the size of one’s living quarters. One option that we are highlighting in this blog is the small house. Here we will discuss not only the difference between tiny and small houses but also, the benefits and drawbacks of each.

First things first, the basic differentiation;

TINY HOUSE

Tiny houses are commonly considered to be less than 400 sq.ft

Can be built on trailer or foundation (although more commonly on wheels)

SMALL HOUSE

Small houses are anywhere between 400 – 1,000 sq.ft

Built on a foundation

** However, there is no singular definition as to what defines a home as a tiny or small house. This is an individual definition based on our experience in the field. **

TINY

Tiny houses have become a worldwide phenomenon in recent years, for a number of reasons. They provide a unique sense of freedom that attracts a wide array of individuals. From low to no mortgage payments, the ability to move wherever, whenever, and the aesthetic freedom that comes with designing your own tiny home. They surround us everywhere we look, from the television to social media platforms and even your local bookstore.

BENEFITS

Economic

Low-Mid Purchase Price

Low Maintenance Cost

Low to No Utility Cost

Environmental

Significantly Lower Carbon Footprint

Mobility

B&B’s Tiny House On Wheels are RVIA certified

Allowing them to be considered an RV

Move Wherever Whenever

DRAWBACKS

Size

Living in less than 400 sq.ft is not suitable for every lifestyle

Economic

Due to the short history of tiny houses in America, the long term resale market is unknown at this point in time.

Zoning

Tiny Houses are only permitted in towns that allow for them within their zoning codes. This must be the first step when planning for a tiny house and oftentimes requires adaptation to what your original plan might have been.

SMALL

Small houses may seem like the latest advancement within the tiny house movement, but in reality, small houses have been around us for centuries. Some of the most well known small homes in America would be the cape cod house, shotgun house, mobile & modular homes, as well as general cottages. These can be seen across the entirety of America’s real estate market, offering a chance to live small without having to sacrifice your way of life.

BENEFITS

Economic

More affordable than traditional homes

Resale values operate much like traditional homes

Environmental

Lower carbon footprint than traditional houses

Size

Larger than a Tiny House, but more manageable than a traditional home

( May result in a happy medium for many )

Build or Buy

Small houses exist already in the real estate market, giving you the option to;

Buy & Renovate

Buy Move-In Ready

OR Build Custom

DRAWBACKS

Size

Many will still be downsizing from their current homes, requiring adjustment and a shift in priorities.

Economic

Higher purchase price (than a tiny house)

Higher utility bill (than a tiny house)

Environmental

Generally speaking, the larger your home, the higher your energy consumption, the more fossil fuels that are burned … resulting in a larger carbon footprint than that of tiny houses.

( However, every house is different and one must take into consideration the building materials and methods that were used in order to determine their own personal carbon footprint. This can also be offset by integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar within your home. )

Maintenance

Small houses require more maintenance than tiny houses, however, still less than a traditional home.