You have questions…
How big is a tiny home?
Typically under 400 sq. ft.
However the term tiny home is a general term that describes any type of tiny home whether movable or built on a foundation.
Here’s a quick rundown on the different types of tiny homes.
Tiny Home On Wheels or THOW. - This is a tiny home built on a chassis or trailer with wheels.
Movable Tiny Home - Similar to a THOW (chassis or trailer foundation) however we are seeing this term used in zoning language to differentiate between an RV and a tiny home constructed with stick build framing.
Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU - This term is usually used when a tiny home is built on a traditional foundation.
—
What’s the difference between a Travel Trailer & Park Model?
I know, it’s confusing!
A travel trailer is 8.5” wide and typically registered with the DMV as an RV. Although the name says travel… we don’t recommend moving our tiny homes multiple times a year (especially if they are over 24’).
A Park Model is commonly built over 8’6” wide or more and comes in lengths up to 45’ in some cases. They are built to ANSI 119.5 and typically require a travel permit when moving them.
We build our tiny homes to the NOAH+ Standard that meets and far exceeds the ANSI 119.5 code. We also incorporate the IRC Appendix Q codes in our build to insure our homes meet multiple building codes.
—
Why buy a tiny home instead of an RV?
Are you looking for long term living or travel?
RV’s are built with aerodynamics and weight in mind. This allows them more suitable for multiple trips on the road. However to make their weight targets, RV’s are not well weatherizes and have low insulation values making them not suitable for long-term or primary living. In Addition, RV’s aren’t well suited for winter or rainy weather either.
Movable tiny homes are built with traditional stick built framing allowing for higher insulation values and energy efficient windows. Motley Tiny Homes meet many traditional residential building codes making them suitable for primary and year around living. However our tiny homes are much heavier and not recommended to be moved multiple times.
Summary:
If you are looking to travel frequently and not live full time … then you should be looking at an RV.
If you are looking for a long-term living option that will not be moved routinely but you want the option to relocate if needed… then a tiny home is the more comfortable option for you.
Should you build your own tiny home?
It depends… here’s what you should consider first.
Skill.
Building a movable tiny home is 80% home building and 20% RV building. These homes have to withstand the wind/weather and jostling encountered from being transported on a freeway/highway while also achieving building code standards for longterm living.
Time.
What’s your timeline? Depending on size and floor plans, a tiny house can take substantial time to build. You must take into account your learning curve and whether you’re building just evenings and weekends.
Money.
Building yourself will save money on labor… no question. But if this is your first build, there is always overage due to you learning… it’s just apart of the process. Equipment that doesn’t work or fit… the many trips back and forth from the hardware store because you forgot or didn’t know you needed that one thing. So when calculating the cost, always add 25% minimum. We know this because we built one for the first time too ;)
Space.
These builds take up space… you will need more than an RV pad on the side of your house to build. You’ll have large sheets of plywood and tools that will need clearances. In addition you will need a place to store materials that is secure. Depending on where you live this can be the biggest challenge.
Skill+Time+Money+Space = DO IT!
If not, call us…
ACTUALLY, call us if you are going to self-build and we’ll give you some pointers. We love talking tiny!
—
Where can I place my tiny home?
This is dependent on the state you live in but here is some help.
Always start with contacting your city or county building codes department to check if…
1 - the lot where you want to place your tiny home is zoned for movable tiny homes.
2 - What building codes your movable tiny home needs to comply with.
Zoning and codes are changing monthly in favor of movable tiny homes across the US. The most tiny friendly states are California, Texas, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, and Washington State.
Remember:
Zoning Codes tell us what structures we can build. (residential/commercial, multi-family etc.)
Building Codes tell us how it needs to be built.
—
Not seeing your question?
Can you deliver my tiny home?
We can help get your tiny home delivered!
Although we don’t offer in house transport of our tiny homes, we do work with some of the best tiny home transporters in the industry. We can help set up your delivery or work with your desired transport company to make the move go without a hitch.
—
Can I use a movable tiny home as a rental?
Quite possibly.
Tiny home rentals are growing in demand due to the shortage of available rentals. Cities and counties recognize this and are allowing rentals where tiny homes are accepted. However, we have seen in many ordinances that state short-term rentals are not permitted. Mid and Long term renting is almost always permitted and that is why we focus most of our investing strategy on this rental market.
I’m developing a tiny home community or resort… Do you work with investors?
YES!
Reach out and let us know your vision, timeline and financial goals. We love collaborating!
Where can I get insurance for my tiny home?
Great question!
First and foremost, most insurance companies require your tiny home be certified by a third party inspector. Motley tiny homes has you covered! NOAH certification is an industry leader in certifying tiny homes and is widely accepted by insurance leaders alike.
We recommend starting your search with MAC Insurance located in Lake Oswego Oregon. They provide tiny home insurance for 40 states. You can find them HERE .
—
Can I finance my tiny home?
Yes, and you have options.
Financing a tiny home doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few ways our clients have financed their tiny home purchase.
Consumer or Personal bank loan- Talk with your local bank or credit union for the requirements.
HELOC or Refi of primary home - If you have equity in your primary or investment properties, you can utilize those funds for the purchase of your tiny home.
Tiny Home Loan - The tiny home is the collateral for this type of loan. We are working behind the scenes to be able to offer this type of funding to our clients. Stay tuned!
*Most tiny home loans require a credit score of over 680 and 20%+ downpayment.
Are Motley tiny homes built for all types of weather?
Yes!
Motley Tiny Homes pay special attention to water intrusion and crafting a comfortable living space. We use the LUNOS e2 HRV System to circulate healthy air and prevent mold, install above standard insulation values and place energy efficient windows in all our homes.
So if you’re braving the Colorado cold or living in the rainy northwest… you’ll be nice and cozy.
—
Can you build a tiny home wider than 8' 6” wide?
Yes!
In fact majority of our builds classify as a Park Model RV. Because our clients are permanently placing their tiny homes, the industry has migrated away from the traditional RV model widths. This allows just a bit more space for larger living areas, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
How much does a tiny home cost?
It all depends on the quality.
Because there is yet to be a nationally recognized industry build standard outside of the RV ANSI standard, employee laws that differ from state to state, and material costs that change on the daily… it all comes down to the quality of home, size, and amenities you want.
Movable Tiny homes range 30K to 200K+.
We’ll be the first to tell you…. we will not be the cheapest option for tiny homes. We utilize quality equipment and experienced labor. We operate with a Oregon Contractors license and the state required Insurance and bonds. We take building standards from current residential build practices and the NOAH+ ANSI certification requirement to construct our homes in anticipation of future regulation.
How long does a Motley tiny home take to build?
As little as 12 weeks…
Think the bigger or more tricked out tiny home… the longer build time. Typically the wait time is in the build schedule due to the high demand we are seeing. We highly advise you secure your build spot sooner than later to ensure you can get your tiny delivered this year.
—
What is Motley’s process to order a tiny home?
Our process is approachable and fun!
It starts with a no pressure conversation where we listen to your vision and goals for your tiny home.
If we’re a good match… you will decide on a build schedule and secure your build date with a deposit.
The work begins with deciding on features and finishes of your tiny home and signing your build contract.
Once your build is active, you will receive weekly update calls so you know exactly how your build is going and answer any questions you may have. We can even do video walk-throughs!
Completion of your tiny home concludes when all Third party inspections have been passed and you have completed your personal inspection. This can be an in-person inspection or a virtual inspection.
—
What’s needed to set up my tiny home?
Great question... We’ll point you in the right direction.
To answer specifics of this question we would need to know where you’re placing your movable tiny home but we cover the four main areas that get during our ordering process.
Things you’ll need to consider:
Plumbing (Septic, city, or off grid)
Electrical (Connect to utilities or solar)
Pad (Concrete or compacted gravel)
Getting your tiny in place (Will you need a crane to place?)