With house prices continuing to rise at a fast pace, it comes as no surprise that the tiny house movement, first seen in the USA, is now rising in popularity in the UK too. With younger people struggling to get onto the property ladder when wanting to own their own home, many are finding that minimalist living is the answer.
What Is the Tiny House Movement?
The tiny house movement isn’t just about living in a small home, even though it is a large part of it. The movement sees like-minded people who have chosen a simpler way of living; with less material items and greater freedom.
Tom Lear from Bristol joined the Tiny House movement building his own tiny house from scratch, using recycled materials and a donated trailer. Lear’s tiny home measures just 2.4m wide, 5m long and 4.5m tall, making it more like a stripped back version of a regular house. Being a carpenter, Lear managed to do a lot of the work himself, the result costing him just £6000. Even without carpentry skills, those wanting to build their own tiny house can buy ready-made kits which have been popping up online.
Research like this shows that tiny homes are rising in popularity, especially as it appeals to ‘generation rent’.
Tips for Your Own Tiny Home
If you want to join the tiny house movement, here are some tips to get you started.
Budget and Plan
Firstly, you need to work out how much you are willing to spend on your tiny house, factoring in the size of the house, the materials, the labour and the level of customisation. Once you know your finances, create a plan of what the tiny house will look like.
Source the materials
Once you know what your tiny home is going to look like, make a list of the items that you will need for construction and then look to source them. Here is a brief overview of materials,
- A trailer
- Wood or steel frame
- Flooring and insulation
- Siding and Trim
- Roofing
- Windows
- Sheathing and House Wrap
- Hardware and appliances
The build
The main question is, are you doing the work yourself or hiring labour? If you’re not skilled in carpentry it’s worth seeking professional help. It’s worth doing it right, it will be your home after all. That said there are many areas that you can do yourself, such as insulation, flooring and of course, the finishing touches.
The finishing touches
Just because the space is small it doesn’t mean you can’t add personality. Try adding creative tiles as a splashback in the kitchen and using a clear sealant as not to take your eye away from the pattern. Adding mirrors too will provide the illusion of more space and encourage natural light. Opting for functionality helps too. Using furniture that has more than one purpose, as well as clever storage will help maximise the space. Finally, adding colour through cushions and throws will bring a cosy element.