How to Make Your Tiny House on Wheels

Ever dreamt of having a tiny house on wheels? A house that is compact, efficient, and looks as if you are about to go for an adventure? This tiny house on wheels looks like a mini home that goes wherever life takes you.

One example of a tiny house is the cabin-style unit on wheels designed by the French company Baluchon, known as Mr. Mogote.

Alright, let’s talk about how much these Tiny Houses on Wheels cost, what cool features they can have (just like any regular house), where you’re allowed to park these little homes, and the issues that might come up with them.

How Much is a Tiny House on Wheels Worth?

Getting permission to build one usually costs around $1,350, but if you want a bigger or fancier design, it can cost more. The foundation alone can add $5,000 to $8,000 to the total cost.

The whole deal including the trailer for a tiny house on wheels can be between $30,000 to $70,000 or more. The cool thing is, that you can take your tiny house on an adventure with you.

If your tiny home is on wheels, it loses value like a car. Even if it’s on a foundation, it won’t go up much in value because it depends on how much people want it.

The beauty of these homes is that they’re on wheels, allowing you to take your home wherever you go.

But, before you decide to invest in one, it’s crucial to think about how you’ll tow it and find suitable parking spaces for it.

Features of Tiny House on Wheels

Tiny house on wheels can include the following features, which are;

1. Air Conditioning / Heating Unit: You can keep this inside your tiny house comfortable by making it cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.

2. Standard Entry Doors, French Doors, or Sliding Glass Doors: The doors you use to get in and out. They can be regular, decorated with two doors that swing open, or sliding glass doors.

3. Sleeping Loft with Stairs: A comfortable space for sleeping that’s a bit above the ground, reached by a small staircase.

4. Refrigerator and Microwave: Appliances for keeping your food cold and heating it quickly.

5. Kitchen Cabinetry with Sink: Cupboards and drawers for storing kitchen stuff, along with a sink for washing dishes.

6. Cooktop Stove / Oven: A cooking area with burners on top and an oven for baking.

7. On-Demand Tankless Water Heater: This can heat water as you need it, so you never run out when you want a hot shower.

8. Exterior Stairs: There may be steps used outside the house for going up and down.

9. Recessed Lighting: Lights that are set into the ceiling, give a neat and streamlined look.

10. Full Bathroom with Toilet and Shower: A complete bathroom with a toilet for doing your business and a shower for getting clean.

Which Countries in California Allow Tiny Homes?

A lot of people are already permanently living in California doing it, but it’s to ensure that your tiny home follows the rules laid out by California’s building codes.

In some parts of California, small houses, known as tiny houses, are popular. But not all areas are cool with them. Let’s take a look at a few countries and what they say about tiny living:

1. Los Angeles

Tiny houses are okay here if they’re like assistant houses (called accessory dwelling units or ADUs). But these tiny assistant houses have to follow certain rules.

2. San Diego

Here, tiny houses are allowed if they’re associate houses (ADUs). Even houses on wheels are fine in any neighborhood. But no matter the type, they must follow California’s building rules.

3. Fresno County

Tiny homes can be assistant houses (ADUs) here, but they have to be a certain size as per local laws.

4. California City

Here, tiny houses are okay as long as they fit into a specific size limit. They also have to be assistant houses (ADUs).

5. San Luis Obispo County

Tiny houses are allowed if they’re assistant houses (ADUs) here. And they need to be a certain size.

6. Santa Cruz

Tiny houses on wheels are fine in any neighborhood here. But just like the others, they have to follow California’s building rules.

7. Santa Barbara County

Tiny houses on wheels are good to go in any neighborhood here. But they just have to stick to California’s building rules.

Problems with Building Tiny Houses

A lot of people are into simplicity these days. They like having only what they need and living in small spaces, like tiny houses that can be less than 500 square feet.

It’s serene because it’s easier to move, is better for the environment, and you don’t have to worry about a big mortgage.

But, there are some issues about tiny houses that people don’t talk about much, which are;

1. Toilet Problems

In tiny houses, dealing with bathroom matter can be complicated.

Some toilets turn the solid waste into compost, while others kind of wrap it up like a diaper. Some even burn it, and it’s that extreme.

2. Zoning Issues

You might think you can just park your tiny house anywhere, but zoning laws in cities and towns can be a real headache.

They have rules about how big a house should be, and your tiny house might not fit the bill.

3. It’s Not Always Cheap

Tiny houses might seem like a budget-friendly choice, but they can cost a lot. In some places, they’re double the cost per square foot compared to regular houses.

Even if you build it yourself, materials can add up, and you might need to buy or lease land to put it on.

4. Insurance Trouble

Getting insurance for a tiny house can be tough.

Insurance companies like things to be standard, but tiny houses on wheels or without a fixed foundation can be a challenge for them.

5. Storage Issues

The idea of getting rid of some mess sounds great.

But in reality, many people end up renting storage units for the things they can’t fit in their tiny houses.

6. Tiny House Theft

Believe it or not, tiny houses can get stolen. Someone in St. Louis had their whole tiny house taken from a parking lot.

It was found later, but it’s something to worry about.

Tiny houses on wheels are like compact adventure homes. They’re popular because you can take your little house wherever you want.

It’s like having your comfortable space on the move. Though, it’s not all that easy.

You might face challenges with where to park it and getting insurance. But you will have a taste of freedom.