Uncommon Tiny House Kits for Affordable Living
The American dream of owning a big house with a white picket fence is slowly fading away. In its place, a new trend has emerged – tiny houses. These compact living spaces have gained popularity in recent years as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional home building. Tiny house kits have made it easier than ever to build your own tiny house, with pre-cut, numbered, color-coded, and stacked materials for easy assembly. In this article, we will review the top tiny house kits available in the market today and help you find the perfect kit for your budget and needs.
What are Tiny House Kits?
Tiny house kits are flat-pack homes that can be assembled by homeowners on their property. They are designed to be compact and efficient, often measuring less than 500 square feet. Most tiny house kits come with pre-cut, numbered, color-coded, and stacked materials for easy assembly. They are popular for low-cost living, eco-friendliness, and easy customization options.
Benefits of Tiny House Kits
There are several benefits to choosing a tiny house kit over traditional home building:
- Cost-effective – Tiny house kits are significantly cheaper than traditional homes, with prices ranging from $7,275 to $475 per square foot.
- Easy to build and customize – With pre-cut, numbered, color-coded, and stacked materials, assembling a tiny house kit is easier than ever. Most kits come with customization options for flooring, roofing, and wall finishes.
- Eco-friendly – Tiny houses have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional homes, with a reduced need for heating, cooling, and maintenance.
In the next section, we will review the top seven tiny house kits for 2023 and assess their ease of assembly, amenities, and value.
Best Tiny House Kits of 2023
Tiny house kits come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and price points. To help you find the perfect kit for your needs, we have reviewed the top seven tiny house kits for 2023, with information sourced from The Spruce, Bob Vila, and TinyHouse.com. These kits were chosen based on their ease of assembly, amenities, and overall value.
1. The Allwood Amanda
The Allwood Amanda is a cozy 180 square foot cabin-style tiny house kit. It features a covered porch, large windows, and a loft space for sleeping. The kit comes with pre-cut, numbered, and color-coded Nordic spruce wood and includes all the necessary hardware for assembly. The Allwood Amanda is priced at $8,690.
2. The Arlanda XL
The Arlanda XL is a modern and spacious tiny house kit from Scandinavian Homes. It features a steel-framed structure with large windows and a loft space for sleeping. The kit comes with pre-cut materials and includes all the necessary hardware for assembly. The Arlanda XL is priced at $68,000.
3. The Avrame Trio 120
The Avrame Trio 120 is a sleek and stylish A-frame tiny house kit. It features a spacious interior with a loft space for sleeping and large windows for natural light. The kit comes with pre-cut, numbered, and color-coded materials and includes all the necessary hardware for assembly. The Avrame Trio 120 is priced at $36,000.
4. The Backcountry Hut Company
The Backcountry Hut Company offers a range of tiny house kits designed for off-the-grid living, with information sourced from TinyHouse.com. Their kits include the Frontier, which is a 191 square foot cabin-style tiny house, and the West Coast, which is a 312 square foot modern tiny house. The kits come with pre-cut materials and include all the necessary hardware for assembly. The Backcountry Hut Company kits are priced at $39,000 and $67,000, respectively.
5. The ESCAPE Traveler
The ESCAPE Traveler is a luxurious and spacious tiny house kit designed for travel, with information sourced from Bob Vila. It features a steel-framed structure with a full kitchen, bathroom, and living area. The kit comes with pre-cut materials and includes all the necessary hardware for assembly. The ESCAPE Traveler is priced at $78,500.
6. The Lillevilla Escape
The Lillevilla Escape is a charming and rustic tiny house kit. It features a covered porch, large windows, and a loft space for sleeping. The kit comes with pre-cut materials and includes all the necessary hardware for assembly. The Lillevilla Escape is priced at $5,350.
7. The Wee House
The Wee House is a minimalist and eco-friendly tiny house kit from Scotland, with information sourced from The Spruce. It features a steel-framed structure with large windows and a loft space for sleeping. The kit comes with pre-cut materials and includes all the necessary hardware for assembly. The Wee House is priced at $45,000.
All of these tiny house kits offer unique features, amenities, and value for money. Choose the one that suits your needs and budget best.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tiny House Kit
Choosing a tiny house kit can be overwhelming, with so many options available in the market. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of factors to consider when choosing a tiny house kit.
1. Size and Layout
Tiny house kits come in a wide range of sizes and layouts, from compact studio-style homes to spacious two-story homes. Consider how much space you need and how you want the interior layout to be. Some kits offer customization options, so you can tweak the floor plan to better suit your needs.
2. Building Materials
The building materials used in a tiny house kit can vary widely, from wood to steel to composite materials. Consider the durability, sustainability, and maintenance requirements of each material. Some kits offer eco-friendly options, with materials sourced from sustainable forests or recycled products.
3. Ease of Assembly
Most tiny house kits come with pre-cut materials and detailed instructions for easy assembly. However, some kits may require more time and effort to assemble than others. Consider your level of DIY skills and how much time you are willing to invest in the assembly process.
4. Amenities and Features
Tiny house kits can come with a wide range of amenities and features, from basic essentials like a bathroom and kitchen to more luxurious features like a fireplace or outdoor hot tub. Consider what amenities and features are important to you, and how they fit into your budget.
5. Budget
Tiny house kits can range in price from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000. Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on a tiny house kit. Keep in mind that while a lower-priced kit may save you money upfront, it may require more maintenance and repairs in the long run.
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect tiny house kit that meets your needs and budget.
Pros and Cons of Tiny House Kits
Tiny house kits offer an affordable and convenient way to build your own tiny house. However, they also come with some drawbacks. In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons of tiny house kits.
Pros
1. Affordability
Tiny house kits are often more affordable than building a traditional home. Kits can range in price from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000, depending on the size and amenities. This makes them a great option for those on a tight budget.
2. Convenience
Tiny house kits come with pre-cut materials and detailed instructions for easy assembly. This makes them a convenient option for those who want to build their own home without having to hire a contractor.
3. Customization
Many tiny house kits offer customization options, allowing you to tweak the floor plan or choose from a range of finishes and features. This makes it easy to create a home that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Cons
1. Limited Space
Tiny houses are, by definition, small. While this can be a pro for those who want to downsize, it can also be a con for those who need more space. Tiny house kits may not be suitable for larger families or those who need a lot of storage space.
2. Zoning Laws
Zoning laws can vary from state to state and even between cities. Some areas may not allow tiny houses, or they may have strict requirements for where and how they can be built. It’s important to research the zoning laws in your area before investing in a tiny house kit.
3. Maintenance and Repairs
Tiny houses, like any home, require maintenance and repairs over time. However, some materials used in tiny house kits may be more prone to wear and tear or may require specialized maintenance. It’s important to factor in the cost and effort of maintaining and repairing a tiny house over time.
By considering the pros and cons of tiny house kits, you can make an informed decision about whether they are the right choice for you.
Where to Buy Tiny House Kits
There are several ways to buy tiny house kits, from online retailers to local dealers. In this section, we will discuss some of the best places to buy tiny house kits.
1. The Home Depot
The Home Depot is a popular home improvement retailer that offers a wide range of tiny house kits. Their kits range in size from 64 to 1,200 square feet and come with pre-cut materials and detailed instructions for easy assembly. The Home Depot also offers financing options for those who need it.
2. Amazon
Amazon is another popular retailer that offers a range of tiny house kits. Their kits range in size from 113 to 540 square feet and come with everything you need for assembly, including pre-cut materials and hardware. Some kits even come with solar panels and other eco-friendly features.
3. Tiny House Listings
Tiny House Listings is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of tiny houses and tiny house kits. They offer a wide range of kits in various sizes and styles, from rustic cabins to modern tiny homes. You can browse their selection by size, price, and location.
4. Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company is a popular manufacturer of tiny house kits. They offer a range of kits in various sizes and styles, from basic shells to fully finished homes. Their kits come with pre-cut materials and detailed instructions, and they also offer customization options.
5. Shelter-Kit
Shelter-Kit is a company that specializes in building and selling DIY kit homes. They offer a range of tiny house kits, including the Cabana, which is a 117 square foot cabin-style tiny house. Their kits come with pre-cut materials and detailed instructions, and they also offer customization options.
By shopping at these retailers and manufacturers, you can find the perfect tiny house kit for your needs and budget.
DIY vs. Professional Assembly of Tiny House Kits
One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make when purchasing a tiny house kit is whether to assemble it yourself or hire a professional. In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons of each option.
DIY Assembly
Pros
- Cost-effective: DIY assembly can save you money on labor costs.
- Sense of accomplishment: Building your own home can be a rewarding experience.
- Customization: DIY assembly allows for more customization options.
Cons
- Time-consuming: DIY assembly can take longer than professional assembly.
- Requires DIY skills: DIY assembly requires a certain level of DIY skills and knowledge.
- Potential for mistakes: DIY assembly can lead to mistakes that can be costly to fix.
Professional Assembly
Pros
- Faster assembly: Professional assembly can be completed more quickly than DIY assembly.
- Expertise and experience: Professional assemblers have the expertise and experience to ensure that the home is built correctly.
- Guaranteed quality: Professional assembly comes with a guarantee of quality.
Cons
- More expensive: Professional assembly can be more expensive than DIY assembly.
- Limited customization: Professional assembly may not offer as many customization options as DIY assembly.
- Less hands-on involvement: Professional assembly means less hands-on involvement in the building process.
By considering the pros and cons of DIY and professional assembly, you can decide which option is best for you. If you have DIY skills and are looking to save money, DIY assembly may be the way to go. If you want a faster and more guaranteed assembly process, hiring a professional may be the better choice.
Ready to Build Your Tiny Dream Home?
Tiny house kits offer an affordable and convenient way to build your dream home. Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin or a modern tiny house, there is a kit out there to suit your needs and budget. In this article, we’ve discussed the benefits of tiny house kits, the top places to buy them, and the pros and cons of DIY and professional assembly.
We hope this article has been informative and helpful in your search for the perfect tiny house kit. If you’re interested in learning more about tiny homes, be sure to check out our other great content on OTinyHouse.com. From design tips to financing options, we have everything you need to make your tiny house dreams a reality.
So what are you waiting for? Start browsing our selection of tiny house kits today and get one step closer to living your dream life in a tiny home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can assemble a tiny house kit?
Anyone with DIY skills and knowledge can assemble a tiny house kit.
What is included in a tiny house kit?
A tiny house kit typically includes pre-cut materials and detailed instructions.
How much does a tiny house kit cost?
Tiny house kits can range in price from $7,275 to $475 per square foot.
Who sells tiny house kits?
Tiny house kits are sold by retailers such as The Home Depot and Amazon, as well as manufacturers like Tumbleweed Tiny House Company and Shelter-Kit.
What are the benefits of a tiny house kit?
Tiny house kits offer affordability, convenience, and the ability to customize your home.
How long does it take to assemble a tiny house kit?
The time it takes to assemble a tiny house kit varies, but DIY assembly can take longer than professional assembly.
What if I make a mistake during assembly?
Mistakes can be costly to fix, but some companies offer customer support and troubleshooting during the assembly process.
