How to Build a Tiny Portable House: With Plans and Instructions

Chapter One: Introduction to Tiny Houses

The Tiny House Movement

The tiny house movement is gaining momentum and popularity for it cost effectiveness and simplicity. People who support this movement are happy to live in a downsized home -- their tiny house is a lifestyle that they adopt/adapt and are happy in doing so. While one might argue the disadvantages of living in a tiny space, the financial freedom that it brings along cannot be disregarded.

The average size of a house in the United States of America was 1,500 square feet in the 1950's; now, when the family sizes are shrinking, the average house size is 2,400 square feet. The lavish spaces in a 2,400 square feet house lies dormant for most part of the year. One such classic example is the living room, which serves it purpose for a couple of hours during the Christmas season... rest of the time its existence is hardly noticed or acknowledged; ditto for the multiple bathrooms, the huge dining room, bedrooms, and garage parking. The cost one pays for a huge home that is hardly used is hefty -- a mortgage that stretches almost until the end of one's retirement. Add to this the maintenance cost and the carbon footprint of a huge house!

Chapter Two: Building Codes and Zoning Requirements

Building Codes

Before proceeding with the purchase of a trailer and constructing your tiny house -- THOW (Tiny House On Wheels), it is important to understand the building and zoning codes set forth by your jurisdiction. Trailer houses are built on platform foundations as it helps in mobility; these homes are built according to codes -- the only exemption being that one doesn't need a building permit to build a house on a trailer platform.

The local city hall has a planning department, which helps people understand the coding and zoning restrictions in your locality. Before paying them a visit prepare a set of questions and clear all your doubts. Remember -- when it comes to rules and regulations, any doubt (however trivial it might be) is worth getting cleared. Since you are planning to build a THOW, be prepared to expect the unexpected! People working in the planning department