Tiny Houses are one of the most popular housing forms today. Their simplicity and freedom of movement strike a chord in many of us, overwhelmed by cleaning, maintaining and funding a traditional home. But of course, these homes are not for everyone, and do require a disciplined life style of purging belongs and managed expectations.
So what is TINY?
Tiny homes by definition are very small, usually under 200 square feet, and constructed on a trailer frame. This portability offers the obvious advantage of easy relocation, but also legally allows for an exemption from residential building codes. Every municipality seems to have a different take on what is allowed so it is imperative to check this out before starting your tiny house project. Even though these structures are portable, they are heavier than a typical RV, and usually planned to be a semi-permanent home.
How do Tiny Houses connect to utilities?
While many Tiny House owners elect to go “off the grid” that is not always possible. Electrical can be either partly or wholly supplied by photovoltaic panels, or simply plugged into a close by outlet. Water line connections can be as simple as connecting to a garden hose, or a municipal water supply. Similarly sewer hook-ups can sometimes be made directly to an underground septic tank or sewer line. Other options for toilet systems include incinerating toilets or composting toilets. Propane tanks for space heating, cooking and water heating equipment are another possibility for fuel supply.
Where do you put everything in a Tiny House?
Managing your most basic and loved possessions is key when considering the move to a tiny house. Even though storage is maximized, you do not want to arrive home with 24 rolls of paper towel in hand. Accepting the lifestyle choice of minimalism goes hand in hand with accepting the tiny house lifestyle. Look for designs that have furniture and built-ins that do double duty for storage and comfort. Furniture that is light visually and physically works best for small spaces.
Does the bed have to be in a loft?
Typically most designs you will see offer a sleeping loft overhead to maximize floor space on the main floor. Because of height restrictions, spaces under this loft will be lower than you are used to and the loft will be a crawl-in / crawl out space. If you are designing your own home, priorize what needs to be on the main floor, and perhaps the loft space will be storage, or guest space if you can accommodate sleeping space on the main floor. Many designs incorporate creative solutions for stairs and ladders with storage capabilities.
What if I want to go larger?
In order to be owner movable, Tiny Homes on a trailer frame must meet maximum width and height dimensions. If you want to look at a larger space you can make the unit longer but you will need to consider a larger vehicle or hiring someone else to move it for you. It is also important to consider the weight of your home when selecting the trailer.
What about Tiny House Style?
Just like planning a conventional home, there are many styles that you can draw from for inspiration in the exterior look of your tiny home. This can be a traditional tiny house with a nod to the Victorian style, or a simple wood cube. Contemporary Tiny Homes work well with the use of solar equipment as it can be “hidden” into the design. Many tiny homes are very artistic and unique, reflecting the personality and style of their owners. We had fun creating our ideal design for a tiny home https://robinsonplans.com/home-plans/contemporary-dragonfly-159/. Thanks to http://liquidlight3d.com/ for providing us with an animated version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srAJKoXebd0
I like the vibe of a small house, its cozy. I have also read on other articles that it has plenty of benefits, like saving plenty of money due to its low cost on amenities.
Hello,
love the Dragonfly design!
We are planning to build and are considering these plans.
looks like you have a price estimate list for self-builders, can you send that to me?
Thanks!
Good morning Kyle,
Thank you for your kind comments. We compiled a estimated price list when the plans were created in 2016. We have estimates for SIPS construction and for stick framed construction. Would you like the information for the 20′, 24′ or 28′ plan? It may also be a good idea to take the list we provide to your local material suppliers as prices can differ greatly from one location to another and packaged pricing may affect costs. Please feel free to email us your responses to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
I would like to see your 24′ Dragon Fly model layout. I need a Washer and Dryer
Space, so the 20 ft is lovely but 4 more feet would give me the laundry space I presume.
Hi Sherry,
The layout of the 24′ can be viewed here: https://robinsonplans.com/home-plans/contemporary/contemporary-dragonfly-24/ The rendering is still of the 20′, but you can see the elevations of the 24′ at this link as well. The washer/dryer unit is located next to the shower. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
How much do the Dragonfly units weigh about? Trying to figure out trailer weight & sizes
The Dragonfly-20 which is 8′ x 20′ is 11,000 lbs, with approx. 2,000 of that being the trailer itself.
Hello and thanks for the information you provide on your website but like many others, I would really like a pricelist for the tiny models you have. I’m very interested in the eventual build of this kind of home but there are a few questions that need be answered. In the advent that one would own a piece of land and set up the tiny house permanently, would you see any setbacks in doing so? That having been said, if it weren’t on wheels, could the design be adapted in terms of width and height for pilers or slab? I realize that you do Craftsmen-type guest homes but I much prefer the more contemporary designs… How much of an increase in the square footage could be done? Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing from you!!
Hi Christine, The rules and regulations for Tiny Houses vary with each municipality, so it is a good idea to meet with them prior to the purchase of your land. The only obvious drawback in setting it up permanently is that it is not as easy to move, but if you have no intention of moving it, then a permanent foundation is a good choice and one that a number of people make. The design is easily adaptable for piles or slab. We can also increase the width and height. There are no restrictions to the amount of square footage that we could increase to. That would be a customization of the plan and once you have determined what changes you want, we can give you an estimate as to how long it would take to make them. We seem to have developed a reputation for our Craftsman plans…..but we do everything, including Contemporary, so we would be happy to work with you in whatever design style you prefer. We do have a Park Model based on our Dragonfly. It is 400 sq. ft. and will be going on our website in the next couple of days. I will send the pricing information for the Tiny House Kits by email. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
Hello and thanks for the speedy reply. I would really appreciate any other information in terms of prices and of course, the 400sq foot Dragonfly as well! I’m looking forward to receiving the information kit by email!
Hi Christine,
I sent the information by email on Friday afternoon. I’m wondering if it went to your junk mail? Let me know if you don’t receive it, and I will try again. thanks!
Absolutely love the Dragonfly! Style, colors, yes!
I am interested in cost, thank you very much.
I saw this at the Moose Jaw trade show and have been telling all my friends!
Hi Yvonne,
Thanks for your compliments and interest in our dragonfly. The built model that was at the MJ show is for sale for $75,000 which includes all the furnishings, appliances, etc. We will be selling kits with the materials and manual for people to build their own. These kits will range in price from $25,000 to $50,000 depending on the model. They won’t include furnishings, appliances or toilet as those are more personal items that people might prefer to select themselves. They also will not include things that would be better installed and warrantied by a supplier, such as roofing membrane, electrical and mechanical. We do have a couple of Saskatchewan suppliers who are gearing up to provide built models, so if that is your preference, please contact us for further details. Thanks!
Hi, Just joined your group but must complete after this letter. I have been looking at tiny houses for years but nothing yet . I have back & knee issues and a loft setup would be a negative issue for myself. A while ago I was watching a Tv series about beautiful Driven RV’s where money was not a issue, one seeming to out do the previous and then I seen the Grand Daddy of them all owned by Simon Cal I believe. It was unbelievable with a extra issue that was totally amazing . The height regulation is the same for all but when parked this unit became a full 2 story unit !! Not sure the actual height but double normal. The 2nd floor was collapsible . I know money is a factor but with trailer slide extensions being more common , with the idea being vertical and not horizontal maybe a idea down the road. Myself being a welder / millwright but no carpenter,,, I thought I run this by .. Ps – The Horizontal slide is also a vivid idea / possibility .. Thanks Allister Hickey .
I will send one by email. Thanks
I am also planning on building one later this year. Can you please send me your price list. Thanks
ANY OTHER TINY HOUSE STYLES ?
So far we just have the 3 designs (Dragonfly, Firefly and Centipede), however we have more on the drawing board. We will keep you posted when they are finalized.
I love this Dragonfly. Well done! I’m saving this one… it would be on the short list, and I’ve shared it with several people.
PD
Thanks so much for your interest and support!
I am interested in pruchasing a tiny home around 220 sq. feet later this year. Can you send me kit prices. Location : Guelph Ontario.
Hi Tim, Thanks for your interest. I will send our pricing list by email.
I would love a Priceless as well something I’m looking forward to is purchasing tiny House for a 65 years old retirement 63 next week and this would give me a great place hopefully to start my biggest problem is trying to find someplace to park it and I seem to fall in love with every tiny house but I know I’m going to have to have myself on a budget to make my dreams come true can’t wait thank you
I will send a price list by email. Thanks!
Really like the little home maybe different colors and stuff like that but I really like this little home on wheels trying to find out some financing I would really like to own one of these I am homeless in the next 2 months and I just don’t want to be living out there anymore I have a small dog and a bird
Thanks for your interest. I hope everything works out for you and you can soon be living in a tiny house!
can you get the plans for just the ladder
Hi Melissa,
No, the plans for the ladder are not available separately. There are part of the whole design package.
Love your Dragonfly. How much are the plans and where are you located? Also, can you tell me approximately how much it cost to build as shown in the pictures?
Thank you…Carol
Hi Carol,
We are located in Regina, SK Canada. The plans are $1000. The price to build can vary depending on the finishing you want to. I will send you our pricing guide as the price to build can vary depending on what whether you choose SIPS or stick frame and what your finishing details are.
Question: I love the design of the Firefly 28. What is the insulation like in this tiny house?
Hi Mary,
There are two options for insulation. If you choose SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels) then the insulation is 4″ of stryrofoam between the sheeting panels. This provides for significant insulation as well as an excellent air vapor barrier, resulting in an air-tight house. SIPS are also a quick building option as the panels are prebuilt and just need to be set into place. The other option is traditional stick frame, in which the case the insulation could be batt insulation or spray foam, whichever you prefer.
What do your tiny house plans include? Do they include plumbing and electrical? What are the height measurements for the loft? Can the 28′ plan be altered to get rid of the flex room for a larger great room?
Our plans include four exterior elevations, trailer framing plan, main floor plan, loft plan, loft framing plan, roof plan, wall framing elevations, electrical plans for main floor and loft, building sections, interior elevations, misc details and millwork details. We offer our plans for both standard wood frame construction and SIPS. (Structural Insulated Panel System). This is 12 drawings in total.
We show the plumbing fixtures and dimension the drain locations on the trailer. We have shown where the plumbing lines run, but you have a choice of copper or Pex depending on your preferences. We have just completed building a 20 model and have learned a lot regarding wiring chases and gas line locations. All this information is on the drawings now.
The loft of the 28′ model is 27″ high clear at the front and 32″ at the back wall. The skylight is located above the ladder to offer more headroom when getting into the loft.
The bonus room can be left open if you like. The walls separating it from the sitting area are not loadbearing.
I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have any more questions.
Thanks
John Robinson
I have purchased the drawings for Andrew and Gabrriella Morissons hOMe design. I have looked at every single tiny home construction ever built, I have looked at hundreds and hundreds of designs and year after year, considered their design, the best for me. Your design is better. I want a 28 foot design. You have said repeatedly in this blog, in October, that prices are coming. When will your 24 foot / 28 foot designs and pricing become available??? I am ready to build. Thank you. Clarke
Thanks for your patience. We have just this week completed the building of our first Dragonfly-20, which we needed to do before we could quote a final price for the kits and the complete model. We should have a final price for that by the middle of next week, and prices for the other models by the beginning of the following week. I have sent a direct email to you with some specific questions.
The grey coloured “corrugated” areas of wall – could they possibly be solar collectors for hot water and electricity. I realised they are usually on the roof, but with 4 of them, perhaps even angled somehow, you have a large area to create solar energy?
Do you have any tiny home plan that is not of the trailer type? If any, how big is it? Do you offer a small lot and home package?
Right now all of our plans for Tiny homes are on wheels. We will be over the next few months posting new plans designed as accessory dwelling units in a combination of sizes, types and styles. In the meantime our guest house series has been used for those structures.
Hi Virginia:
The main floor of the Dragonfly is 159 square feet. There
The roof slope is very slght and could accommodate solar panels.
They would not look out of place on this design either as it has a contemporary edge.
The toilet can be what ever type you like. It is easy to run a water line to it so a flush toilet can work it you want to connect it to a septic tank or sewer system.
We are presently setting up a dealer network for built models and kits. If you can email me (under the contact us tab at the top) with your location we can get you costs and delivery times.
Thanks
How much is this model?
We are just finalizing that now. Please register for updates on our website and we will forward the pricing as soon as it is complete.
Thanks
Very nice modern tiny home, well done. The two drop down decks are a great idea, not just for morning and evening sun but as security when stored in the closed position. Many of our local beach huts have this security feature with a fold up deck. Could I ask where the stairs at the end of the deck are stored?
The decks that fold down are meant to make the moving of the unit possible. When it is being towed and the decks are up, the steps lift off and would likely go in the box of the truck that is pulling it.
The decks are a bit heavy for regular lifting and security, but you could put them on an electric winch if you really wanted that feature. You would need to have at least one of them down if you were in the unit to maintain an egress exit.
hello, can you tell me a export price of your TINY HOUSE.
best regards
HI Laurent:
We are still finalizing the details of this. You can register for more information on the website to receive updates. You will be asked for your location so we know more about shipping costs and delivery times.
You left out one important piece of information. I love the design, how much are the plans for it?
Hi Carolyn:
Yes we are still working hard to finalize our pricing. We are looking at offering built models thru several dealers, and also kit packages on the trailer ready to take home and construct. These kits will be in a complete kit and a exterior cladding and framing kit. We will be adding this info on the website shortly.
Thanks
John
Like your Dragonfly.
Thank you. Stay tuned for two more sizes, 24′ and 28′ coming soon.
I love your tiny house version. Please advise on pricing when available.
Hi Barbara:
Thanks for contacting us. We are presently wrapping up our pricing for our plan packages and kits. Keep an eye out on the website for this info. If you need any other info in the meantime just let us know.
Thanks