What are Tiny House Shells?
A tiny house shell is a partially-built, unfinished tiny house that comes with the essential components required to complete the project. It typically includes the trailer, exterior walls, siding, insulated floor, vaulted ceilings, roofing, and windows. Tiny house shells are the perfect solution for those who want to live in a tiny house but do not want to spend countless hours and energy on framing and exterior work.
Benefits of Using Tiny House Shells
There are several benefits of using tiny house shells:
- Cost-effective: Tiny house shells are often a cost-effective solution compared to building a tiny house from scratch.
- Time-saving: Tiny house shells save time since all the essential components are already in place.
- Customizable: Tiny house shells provide the option for DIYers to finish the interior according to their needs and preferences.
- Eco-friendly: Tiny house shells are environmentally friendly since they promote the use of fewer materials and less energy consumption.
In the next section, we will discuss the components of tiny house shells.
Components of Tiny House Shells
Tiny house shells come with several essential components that are required to complete the project.
Trailer
The trailer is the foundation of the tiny house shell. It provides a mobile and sturdy base for the house to sit on.
Exterior Walls
The exterior walls are pre-built and are typically made from wood or metal. They come with built-in insulation to keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Siding
Siding is the material that covers the exterior walls of the tiny house. It comes in various materials, including wood, vinyl, metal, and cement board.
Insulated Floor
The insulated floor is a crucial component of the tiny house shell. It helps to keep the house warm and provides a comfortable surface to walk on.
Vaulted Ceilings
Vaulted ceilings provide an open and spacious feel to the tiny house. They also allow for better air circulation and natural light.
Roofing
Roofing is an essential component of the tiny house shell. It protects the house from the elements and helps to keep it dry.
Windows
Windows are an important component of the tiny house shell. They allow natural light into the house and provide ventilation.
According to Tiny House Basics, their tiny house shells come with all the essential components, including the trailer, exterior walls, siding, insulated floor, vaulted ceilings, roofing, and windows. In the next section, we will discuss the top companies that offer tiny house shells.
Top Companies Offering Tiny House Shells
There are several top companies that offer tiny house shells. In this section, we will discuss each company briefly, including their unique offerings and customer reviews.
Tiny House Basics
Tiny House Basics is selling custom-built tiny house shells, starting at $19,699. The company provides a cost-effective solution for those who want to go tiny without the heavy labor part of framing. Their shells include the trailer, exterior walls, siding, insulated floor, vaulted ceilings, roofing, and windows. Customers can finish the interior according to their needs and desires. The company also offers a discount on shells and trailers with the purchase of their floor plans.
Maverick Tiny Homes
Maverick Tiny Homes provides fully-inclusive tiny house shells with a complete exterior, including a foundation, spray foam insulation, framing, doors, windows, siding, and metal roof. They offer an instruction manual for DIY frame packages and source custom THOW foundations from a local supplier. They are also an authorized distributor of Trailer Made Custom Trailers.
Hummingbird Tiny Housing
Hummingbird Tiny Housing in Danville, Georgia offers Tiny House Shells with custom-designed metal trailers, wood framing, eco-friendly insulation, pine wrapping, windows, subflooring, sheathing, roofing, plumbing, and wiring for DIYers to add their own signature to their tiny house. They specialize in unique custom homes and are tagged as Tiny Houses, Tiny House Shells, Tiny Homes, and Tiny House Builder in Georgia.
Liberation Tiny Homes
Liberation Tiny Homes](https://www.liberationtinyhomes.com/shell) provides tiny house shells with a basic design starting at $20,000. They offer financing options through [Lightstream and provide a 10-year warranty on the trailer. The company also offers customizations upon request.
Mustard Seed Tiny Homes
Mustard Seed Tiny Homes typically provides customizable shells for DIYers to finish at their own pace. However, due to high demand for modular tiny homes and park models, they are currently not offering tiny house shells.
According to customer reviews and ratings provided on Tiny House Society, all of the above companies have received positive feedback and high ratings from customers. In the next section, we will discuss how to customize your tiny house shell.
Customizing Your Tiny House Shell
One of the biggest advantages of tiny house shells is the ability to customize them to fit your personal needs and lifestyle. In this section, we will discuss the various ways in which you can customize your tiny house shell.
Layout
The layout of your tiny house shell is entirely up to you. You can choose to have an open floor plan or divide the space into separate rooms. You can also choose to have a loft for a bedroom or a Murphy bed that folds up into the wall.
Interior Design
The interior design of your tiny house shell is where you can really get creative. You can choose the color scheme, furniture, and decor that best suits your style and personality.
Appliances
Appliances are an essential part of any tiny home. You can choose to have a full-size refrigerator or a compact one. You can also choose to have a stove, oven, and dishwasher or opt for a smaller cooktop and hand wash dishes.
Off-Grid Options
If you plan on living off-grid, you can customize your tiny house shell to include solar panels, a composting toilet, and a rainwater collection system.
Storage
Storage is always a concern in tiny homes. You can customize your tiny house shell to include built-in storage solutions, such as shelves, cabinets, and drawers.
Outdoor Living Space
Even though tiny homes are small, you can still incorporate outdoor living space into your design. You can add a porch, deck, or patio to your tiny house shell to enjoy the great outdoors.
Budget
Customizing your tiny house shell can add up quickly. It is essential to set a budget for your project and stick to it. You can save money by doing some of the work yourself, such as painting or installing floors.
In the next section, we will discuss the benefits of owning a tiny house shell.
Benefits of Owning a Tiny House Shell
Owning a tiny house shell has several benefits, including financial, environmental, and lifestyle advantages. In this section, we will discuss the top benefits of owning a tiny house shell.
Financial Benefits
Tiny house shells are a cost-effective and affordable housing option. They are much cheaper than traditional homes and require less maintenance and upkeep. They also provide the option of mobility, which can save money on property taxes and mortgage payments.
Environmental Benefits
Tiny house shells are an environmentally friendly housing option. They use fewer resources and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional homes. They also provide the option of living off-grid, which can reduce dependence on public utilities.
Lifestyle Benefits
Tiny house shells provide a minimalist and clutter-free lifestyle. They encourage a simpler way of living, which can reduce stress and anxiety. They also provide the option of mobility, which can allow for more travel and adventure.
Customization
Tiny house shells offer the ability to customize the space to fit your personal needs and lifestyle. You can choose the layout, design, and appliances that best suit your preferences. This customization can lead to a more comfortable and functional living space.
Mobility
Tiny house shells offer the option of mobility. You can choose to park your tiny house shell on a permanent foundation or move it from place to place. This mobility can allow you to live in different locations and experience new environments.
Lower Maintenance
Tiny house shells require less maintenance and upkeep than traditional homes. They are usually smaller in size, which means less cleaning and fewer repairs. This lower maintenance can save time and money in the long run.
Minimalist Living
Tiny house shells encourage a minimalist way of living. They require you to downsize your possessions and focus on what is essential. This minimalist living can lead to a more intentional and fulfilling lifestyle.
In the next section, we will discuss the potential drawbacks of owning a tiny house shell.
Potential Drawbacks of Owning a Tiny House Shell
While owning a tiny house shell has many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. In this section, we will discuss the top potential drawbacks of owning a tiny house shell.
Limited Space
The biggest drawback of owning a tiny house shell is limited space. Tiny house shells are usually less than 400 square feet, which can make it challenging to fit all your possessions and furniture. You may need to downsize significantly to fit comfortably in a tiny house shell.
Zoning and Legal Issues
Zoning and legal issues can be a problem when it comes to owning a tiny house shell. Many cities and towns have minimum square footage requirements for homes, which may make it difficult to park your tiny house shell. You may also need to obtain permits and comply with local building codes, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Difficulty Reselling
Tiny house shells can be challenging to resell. They are still a relatively new concept and may not have a large market. Additionally, some people may not be interested in owning a tiny house shell due to the limited space and mobility.
Lack of Privacy
Tiny house shells offer limited privacy, especially if you choose to have an open floor plan or a loft bedroom. You may need to get creative with storage solutions to create privacy and personal space.
Limited Storage
Tiny house shells offer limited storage space. You may need to downsize significantly to fit all your possessions comfortably. You may also need to get creative with storage solutions to make the most of the limited space.
Climate Control
Tiny house shells can be challenging to keep warm or cool, depending on the climate. They are usually small in size, which can make it difficult to regulate the temperature. You may need to invest in a high-quality HVAC system to keep your tiny house shell comfortable.
In conclusion, owning a tiny house shell has many benefits, but it also has potential drawbacks to consider. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if a tiny house shell is right for you.
Is a Tiny House Shell Right for You?
After reading about the benefits and potential drawbacks of owning a tiny house shell, you may be wondering if it is the right choice for you. In this section, we will discuss some factors to consider when deciding if a tiny house shell is right for you.
Your Needs
The first factor to consider when deciding if a tiny house shell is right for you is your needs. Do you need a lot of space or are you comfortable with a smaller living area? Are you comfortable with downsizing your possessions significantly? Do you have any specific needs, such as mobility or off-grid living?
Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle is another factor to consider when deciding if a tiny house shell is right for you. Do you enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling? Do you value simplicity and minimalism? Are you comfortable with a more hands-on approach to living, such as doing repairs and maintenance yourself?
Your Budget
Your budget is also an essential factor to consider when deciding if a tiny house shell is right for you. While tiny house shells are more affordable than traditional homes, they still require a significant investment. You will need to consider the cost of the shell, customization, and ongoing maintenance and repairs.
Your Future Plans
Your future plans are another factor to consider when deciding if a tiny house shell is right for you. Do you plan on starting a family or living with a partner in the future? Will your needs change over time, such as requiring more space or accessibility modifications?
Conclusion
In conclusion, owning a tiny house shell is a unique and rewarding experience. It offers financial, environmental, and lifestyle benefits that traditional homes cannot provide. However, it also has potential drawbacks to consider, such as limited space and zoning issues. It is essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider your needs, lifestyle, budget, and future plans when deciding if a tiny house shell is right for you.
If you are interested in learning more about tiny house shells, check out our other great content on OTinyHouse.com.
Questions and Answers
Who can benefit from owning a tiny house shell?
Anyone looking for an affordable, customizable, and minimalist living space can benefit from owning a tiny house shell.
What is included in a tiny house shell?
A tiny house shell typically includes the trailer, exterior walls, siding, insulated floor, vaulted ceilings, roofing, and windows.
How much does a tiny house shell cost?
The cost of a tiny house shell varies depending on the company and level of customization, but they can start at around $20,000.
Who can I contact for financing a tiny house shell?
Lightstream is a recommended financing option for tiny house shells. You can find more information on their website.
What are some common objections to owning a tiny house shell?
Common objections include limited space, zoning and legal issues, and difficulty reselling.
How can I make the most of the limited space in a tiny house shell?
You can make the most of the limited space by getting creative with storage solutions, choosing multi-functional furniture, and minimizing possessions.
