If you’re considering building or buying a tiny house, one of the most important questions you’ll need to ask yourself is: how much does it cost? The answer, as with most things, is that it depends. There are a lot of factors that go into the cost of building or buying a tiny house, and the final price tag can vary widely depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the factors that can influence the cost of a tiny house, based on the experiences of someone who has built their own.

First, a bit of background: my husband and I built our tiny house on wheels in 2015, and we’ve been living in it full-time ever since. We did all the work ourselves, with the exception of the electrical and plumbing, and we spent around $25,000 in total. Of course, our experience is just one data point, and your own experience will vary based on your location, the materials you use, and your own level of DIY expertise.

Factor #1: Size

The first factor that will influence the cost of your tiny house is, of course, its size. The smaller your tiny house, the less it will cost to build or buy. Our tiny house is 24 feet long and 8 feet wide, which is on the larger end of the tiny house spectrum. If you’re willing to go smaller, you can save a significant amount of money on both materials and labor.

Factor #2: Materials

The materials you choose to build your tiny house with will also play a big role in the final cost. For example, if you opt for high-end finishes like granite countertops and hardwood floors, you can expect to pay more than if you choose more affordable options. Similarly, if you choose to build with new, premium materials, you’ll pay more than if you use reclaimed or salvaged materials.

Factor #3: Location

Where you build or buy your tiny house will also influence the cost. For example, if you build your tiny house in a major city, you may pay more for materials and labor than if you build in a more rural area. Similarly, if you’re buying a pre-built tiny house, you may pay more if you live in an area with a high cost of living.

Factor #4: Labor

If you’re building your tiny house yourself, labor costs will be minimal. However, if you’re hiring professionals to build or finish your tiny house, labor costs can quickly add up. For example, we hired an electrician and a plumber to do the electrical and plumbing work in our tiny house, which cost us a few thousand dollars.

Factor #5: Permits and Fees

Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain permits and pay fees to build or park your tiny house. These costs can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

Factor #6: Appliances and Systems

Finally, the cost of appliances and systems in your tiny house can also add up quickly. For example, a solar power system can cost several thousand dollars, while a composting toilet can cost several hundred dollars.

In conclusion, the cost of building or buying a tiny house will vary widely depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. By considering factors like size, materials, location, labor, permits and fees, and appliances and systems, you can get a better idea of how much your own tiny house will cost. Of course, the best way to get an accurate estimate is to do your research, talk to other tiny house owners, and consult with professionals in your area.