The last several years have been hard on the economy causing the price of homes to plummet. However, they have rebounded across the country making it difficult for new home buyers, and even those that have retired, to live independently in a home that they can call their own. Energy bills and maintenance are two of the largest expenses of home ownership. The larger the home, the more expensive it is to live in on a monthly basis. If you’re working with a tight budget, but your dream is to live independently in a home, a tiny home or Micro Cottage might be just the answer.
While living on a budget drives many to explore tiny homes, the real message behind the tiny house movement is simple living and more being more conscious about how we live. As the pace of life gets increasingly hectic, people are looking for ways to simplify their schedules and lives, and hopefully find some peace of mind in the process. Tiny modular homes are one possible step in the process to enjoying a simpler, more meaningful life.
The Benefits of a Tiny Modular Homes
People who downsize from a larger home and move into a smaller or even a tiny house can experience the following benefits:
- Less time cleaning.
- Less time maintaining the house.
- The monthly bills are all cheaper.
- It feels cozy and easy to manage.
- It’s better for the environment.
Ember
Tiny Homes Go By Many Names
- Tiny Homes
- Micro Homes
- Micro Cottages
- Cabins
- Park Models
- Granny Flats
- Backyard Cottages
- Accessible Dwelling Units
Trailblazer
Many Uses for Tiny Houses or Micro Cottages
Our tiny modular home plans contain homes of every design style. Homes with small floor plans such as Cottages, Ranch Homes and Cabins make great starter homes, empty nester homes or even backyard cottages. Every square inch of these dwellings is put to good use creating an efficient and practical space that anyone would love to call home. Because micro cottages are so small, they are cost effective to build and live in.
The trend of building tiny, micro houses has been fueled by their cost-effectiveness. People are finding many ways to apply them to specific situations. Backyard cottages provide opportunities for families and may accommodate many uses including a growing family, a home office, or a rental unit. Backyard cottages increase housing options allowing people to live where they work and play and can have a positive impact for generations of family.
Backyard cottages are also known as accessory dwelling units (ADU’s), and can also be called granny flats, granny pods or ECHO housing. They are small homes or cottages on the same lot as, but physically detached from, the primary residence. A larger number of municipalities and jurisdictions have or are in the process of updating their zoning regulations to allow backyard cottages.
Micro cottages are tiny houses, and a growing trend in affordable housing options. They are typically defined as home with less than 1000 square feet. Why have more house than you need? A little place is cost effective and easy to own and maintain.
Tiny Homes, Micro Cottages, and Building Codes
The recent rise of tiny homes and micro cottages have caused much confusion with building codes for home builders. Imagine the confusions created for home buyers as they try to sort their way through the maze of codes and regulations as they attempt to build a home that fits their budget, looks great, and supports their lifestyle.
It is important to understand the code that Impresa Modular adheres to in comparison to other options available. Each code determines where a particular home or building type can be placed, how long it can be placed (either temporarily or permanently attached to the land), and it’s type of occupancy (i.e. how long it can be continuously lived in). In addition, each state, county and local municipality can create deviations from standard building codes of the desired placement location.
In your research you will hear terms such as: cottage, cabin, park model, tiny home, mobile home, HUD Code home, manufactured home, and recreations vehicles (RV’s). Your New Home Consultant is a great source of experience when you have questions about your new home and the building codes. Here is a brief explanation of the different codes in plain, straightforward language:
- MODULAR CABINS, COTTAGES, & HOMES (IRC)
The International Building Code (IRC) is a model building code developed by the International Code Council (ICC). The purpose of the IRC is to set standards to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction of buildings. The IRC was developed to consolidate existing building codes into one uniform code that could be used nationally and internationally to construct buildings.
This code is updated every three years and adopted by each state. Homes/Cottages/Cabins that will be permanently affixed to the site, and will not retain a frame or tire to be moved later, are typically built to this code. Conventional homes are typically built to this code.
- MANUFACTURED CABINS (HUD)
HUD code is a national “performance” code created by the Federal government that preempts all local, county and state codes and is established by Department of Housing and Urban Development. They are built in the controlled environment of a manufacturing plant and are transported in one or more sections. After initial and final inspections at the factory, no additional inspections are required to be made to the home itself, only the foundation and construction need final inspection for occupancy.
Many know homes and cabins built using this code as mobile homes, single-wides, double-wides, or sectional homes. They will always maintain a metal frame which is an integral part of their structure. While they may be known as mobile homes, they are not easily moved once take to a home site and must be attached to the site.
- PARK MODELS, CABINS, & COTTAGES (ANSI CODE)
Park Model manufacturers build under the ANSI A119.5 standard which is administered and enforced by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). The code requires that park models meet or exceed more than 500 construction standards. Park Models were developed in response to the need for a cost effective structure that could be used like an RV but looks more like a manufactured home.
A Park Model unit is designed only for recreational use and not as a permanent dwelling according to the code to which it is constructed. Models can be built to a maximum floor size of 399 square feet, not including a loft. They are built on a permanent chassis, with removable wheels, axles and tongue.
Are Tiny Modular Homes Right for You?
If you want to spend your time living life and worry less about house expenses and cleaning, then a tiny home might be the perfect solution for you and your family.
Contact us and let our experienced team help guide you through the process of researching, selecting, and building your tiny modular home.