Classic Tiny Houses
We’ve mentioned many types of tiny houses, or alternative houses, on this website. This page is devoted to classic tiny houses of the current tiny house excitement. I did not say “tiny house fad” because it is far from that.
Classic tiny houses are becoming an important part of solution to the current housing crisis, and could play a vital role in the pending homelessness disaster.
Tell them Tiny Life Consulting sent you.
A Classic Tiny House Defined
The classic tiny house is frequently defined as a structure of 400 sq./ft. or less, usually constructed with common building materials on a trailer.
Though there are many styles of classic tiny houses, they look similar because of the constraints of the trailer and Federal Highway Size Regulations. In the early days of classic tiny houses, the width limit was strictly 8.5′ because tiny house builders were intent on getting around building laws and codes. As acceptance has grown, it’s more common to see wider tiny homes being towed down the road with the proper signage.
Classic tiny houses offer sustainable living and a path to homeownership for many Americans.
There are three basic types of structures
Below we’ll take a look at some unique characteristics of each.
(THOW) Tiny House On Wheels
- Location flexibility.
- Built on wheels to avoid zoning and building codes but RVIA Building Codes may be applied. Local zoning officers are getting wise to the legalities of THOWs.
- May require a DOT license registration fee, but not property taxes.
- Needs a hefty towing vehicle.
- Trailer weight and balance constraints require serious consideration and planning.
- Water and sewer lines need freeze protection.
- You’ll probably be renting a space in an RV trailer park.
- May depreciate in value like a vehicle.
(THOF) Tiny House On Foundation
Will need to comply with IRC building codes.- You may need a building permit.
- You’ll probably need to buy land and pay for utilities to be brought in unless its an ADU.
- No worry about weight or balance of trailer.
- Safer than THOWs in high wind and earthquakes.
- Subject to planning and zoning oversight.
- Property taxes.
- Lack of mobility.
- Avoids water and sewer line freezing.
- May appreciate in value like a house.
- More non-traditional construction options open to you like strawbale, earthbag, even earthships.
(THOS) Tiny House On Skids
- Must comply with local building codes
- All safety issues of a THOF.
- Could be moved, but requires a professional hauler.
- Can be mass produced off-site, lowering cost.
- Requires a pad and pier foundation.
Shown here is the Bunkhouse built by The Jamaica Cottage Shop. The four-foot porch comes standard and provides for a cozy interior loft area with ladder access. The loft has a small opening window that adds ambiance and is ideal for that little investigator in your family. The Bunkhouse, living up to its name, comes standard as fully insulated with four-season door and windows and built-in bunk beds.
Available as a 4-season, 3-season, pre-cut kit or just the plans. Click on image to see details.
Trailers for Classic Tiny Houses On Wheels
The trailer for a THOW is the most important part of the build. Believe me, you want a professionally built trailer specifically made for the tiny home you plan to build on it. This foundational piece must be built exactly for the THOW to be safe and be able to move safely.
I have heard many DIY tiny house builders say they use reclaimed travel trailers for a tiny home build. Never buy one like that. Tiny houses and travel trailers are not the same animal, and their trailers are not the same. You wouldn’t weld a Greyhound Bus onto a VW Bug chassis and expect it to operate properly, would you? See more about using a DIY trailer here.
The trailer you select will determine the size and weight constraints that will affect the design of your tiny home. In all cases, the maximum height allowed is 13.5′. Professionally made trailers are designed to use the trailer deck as the subfloor. There is no need to build a sturdy deck base on top of the trailer. Not only does this save weight, time, and money, it provides several more inches of head space in the loft.
Choose the trailer type for your THOW
Bumper pull trailers can be straight or drop-axle.
A goose-neck trailer attaches ahead of the towing vehicles rear axle providing extra stability and maneuverability. The head height of the goose neck is higher than a loft.
“Deckover” trailers can be wider than 8′ but you’ll need a wide-load permit to move it. This one has three seven thousand pound axles, and is is 10′ wide.
Design Considerations for Classic Tiny Houses
Many design considerations are the same for tiny homes built on trailers. Ryan Mitchell from The Tiny Life has created an awesome E-Book to help you design your classic tiny home easier.
“Living in only 150 square feet for years, Ryan Mitchell has learned a thing or two about living simply. From downsizing to 
life simplification, and designing a life that’s right for you, Ryan brings a lot of experience and practical knowledge to the table. He built his own tiny house in 2012, learning as he went along, which inspired him to help others in their journey to live small. Today he still lives in his tiny house full-time and off-grid with solar, teaching others how to live simply.”
Design your perfect tiny house with this in-depth guide:
- How to determine your design’s needs
- Develop beautiful tiny house design
- Refine your design to perfection
- Avoid common/costly design mistakes
- Use the nifty placement tool to place the typical features of a tiny house like appliances and cabinets.
- 35 pages plus our floor plan kit $19.00*
More Tiny Life Consulting Pages to Explore:
Pulling The Trigger On Tiny House Living
Tiny House E-Courses and Workshops
WeeCasa Tiny House Resort in Lyons, Colorado
WeeCasa is a tiny house resort that showcases almost two dozen tiny homes from various builders. Builders and private tiny house owners share them with WeeCasa to provide the incredible diversity of architectural styles on the property.
The owners of WeeCasa are tiny home advocates. You can book a stay thru AIRBNB
Staying in and touring tiny homes is a great way to help you design your tiny, and make certain you could handle the lifestyle. Attending a tiny house festival is also a great way to gain real life information.
WeeCasa is just a few miles from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Another neat tiny house resort is Tiny Timbers, located in South Fork, Colorado.
Here is WeeCasa’s intro video from YouTube®. The picture at the top of this page is from their website
See Tiny Life Consulting’s choice for Best Tiny Home Of 2021
