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Looking for tiny house resources specifically for Ontario then you have come to to the right place.
The growth of tiny home communities are beneficial to society as a whole because they provide affordable housing options for people, regardless of their needs or income levels.
For that reason, tiny house enthusiasts are in the lookout for a tiny house in Ontario which is the reason why we’re here to help you.
Tiny homes enable people to build a community around shared interests and passions.
Those on trailers can be moved easily if desired.
This enables micro home communities to be set up in a wide-range of locations.
They can also be completely self-sufficient since they have their own water and electricity setups that do not rely on being hooked up to public infrastructure.
This means that these growing tiny house community does not need to worry about other utilities such as sewage or garbage disposal.
Unless you have your own composting toilet for your tiny house.
Tiny houses can be built off the grid, and they do not require a designated parking spot at all times.
For example, a tiny home can be moved around to different locations as desired.
However, you need to always know where to park tiny house in Ontario especially if you are considering moving to a busy town.
A micro house community may consist of a group of friends who have come together from various parts of their lives to share resources and skills and to create a new community together.
Why Ontarians are going tiny?
With housing prices soaring together with the unstable times ahead, there has been a breath of fresh air from the tiny house movement for providing a stable, yet self-sufficient way of living without astronomical costs.
But is it all that its cracked up to for Ontarians to make the switch, the short answer is yes.
Many people who have taken the plunge have become less worried about the many aspects that the future holds financial, political and etc.
With minimal costs and the savings potential for the future and, the ability to move to another providence or another country like the USA has never been this easy and cheap.
Whether you find yourself moving because of a job, family, vacation or for other personal reasons then this lifestyle may be for you.
Freedom of movement
The greatest advantage of this type of housing solution is that it allows the owner to travel wherever they want to go.
If you get tired of where you live, are moving to another city or are traveling on vacation, you won’t have any issues relocating your tiny house.
It’s light enough for two people to easily move it, and it can be towed behind a car or get it professionally towed at a low cost.
If you decide to move your tiny house all the way across the country, you won’t need to depend on anyone else for help – just pack up your stuff and hit the road.
Tiny houses are also great for those who go camping or enjoy spending time outdoors.
You don’t have to leave your home behind when you go on a vacation – simply take it with you!
Conventional real estate market
The housing market is currently experiencing one of the worst recessions in recorded history, and this is especially true for the real estate sector.
Currently, traditional homes are depreciating at an alarming rate.
People who invested their life savings in property are now stuck with their properties which no one wants to buy, simply because the market is saturated with too many similar homes.
Tiny houses on wheels can help you find an alternative solution for this problem – why invest in big real estate when you can purchase a home that will fit into your car?
Tiny houses offer great potential for investment compared to conventional real estate, because the size of the structure is much smaller – this means that you could purchase several tiny houses for the price of a large plot of land.
Freedom to expand whenever you want
When your home is stationary, it’s difficult to make proper expansions if necessary.
Tiny home owners no longer have to worry about this issue.
Once you set your tiny house up in a place, it’s impossible to make any changes without getting a building permit.
This can take months and sometimes even years since many areas in the US don’t allow these types of homes in residential neighbourhoods.
On the other hand, when your tiny home is on wheels, thousands of miles from where you set it up, you can add a few extra rooms and expand the area of your home if needed.
Also, many tiny houses come with convertible additions such as lofts – simply convert them to bedrooms or living spaces whenever you need an extra room.
Divorce and moving out of the family house
As real estate prices continue to surge, people often find themselves sharing their properties with spouses or children.
Some parents often find it difficult to cope when one of them decides to leave the family home and pursue their own life.
This is actually a big reason why tiny houses on wheels are becoming so popular in the US.
If you want to move out, rather than packing up your belongings and renting an apartment, you can simply take your house with you.
Read more about Tiny House Divorce
Tax benefits of a tiny house
Another great benefit of owning a tiny house is the tax breaks that come with it.
Once your home comes under a certain recommended space, its value dramatically decreases, which means that you will have to pay less property tax every year.
It’s also beneficial from an energy standpoint – smaller homes usually require less energy to heat and cool because you can utilise affordable tiny house solar options.
This makes a tiny house a more attractive option for those who are concerned about the environment, increasing its desirability in the real estate market.
One of the big downsides of tiny homes, however, is that they are not exactly mobile.
In order to move from one place to another, home owners have to rent U-Hauls or other large commercial vehicles and pack up their entire domicile for transport – a huge step in itself which is often more of a headache than it’s worth.
A tiny home on wheels can be a great alternative when it comes to living in Canada today.
If you’re tired of paying rent for huge spaces that you don’t need, it might be time to consider making the switch – after all, they say that those who live in smaller homes tend to live happier and healthier lives.
Luckily, there are many tiny house in Ontario for sale and other cities in Canada.
Tiny house vs. Normal House price comparison
A tiny house is nothing more than a small-sized home.
It may be stripped down to bare essentials, or it can simply be smaller than the average size of homes today.
A micro home does not have an upstairs or downstairs and most of them are mobile.
Despite their size, they are comfortable even for big families because they have basic amenities like a kitchen and a bathroom.
Other tiny houses have additional features such as a work area, extra storage space, closets, and sleeping areas.
Tiny houses give homeowners the chance to own a home that is very affordable despite their small size.
In some cases though, they can be expensive because of its upscale look or luxurious amenities.
Here are some of the known tiny houses in the market today and how they compare with normal houses.
Tiny houses on trailers provide affordable housing options because:
They cost significantly less than a regular sized house, and they can be built at a much lower cost as well.
Ongoing fixed costs (e.g., property taxes, utilities) are much lower than for regular houses because the land and tiny home can be purchased or rented very cheaply.
This also ensures that you will not face unaffordable monthly utility bills; we go into more depth about the costs of living in a tiny house.
Tiny houses are slowly but surely catching on in the United States.
More and more people are taking the plunge, defying tradition to live in smaller homes with less property.
The reasons behind these downsized domiciles is no mystery.
First, it’s good for the environment, second, it’s cheaper than traditional housing, and finally, it’s a lifestyle step towards minimalist living.
Here are major benefits of tiny houses on wheels
Tiny Houses vs Normal Houses Cost Comparison
The most inexpensive tiny house costs from $5000 to less than $20,000 while the average-sized house in the US costs more than $300,000.
The above price comparison shows that a tiny house is cheaper compared to an average-sized new home.
However, not all tiny houses are less expensive.
There are some upscale models with luxurious amenities and upgraded designs that can be more expensive than an average-sized home.
Price Comparison
We understand you want to know the cost of tiny house in Ontario and factors that can increase or lower the prices.
Generally, a tiny house is cheaper than an average house because it is smaller in size.
Although there are also variations in prices depending on design, amenities, additional features, and location of the house.
Generally, the price of a tiny house starts at $20,000 to $40,000 while an average-sized new home costs between $300,000 to more than half a million dollars.
Note: Prices mentioned above are subject to change depending on the location and amenities of the house.
Maintenance Costs
Generally, maintaining a tiny cabin is the same as taking care of an average-sized one.
Plus, it may be more enjoyable to take care of a tiny home because there are fewer things to worry about.
Generally, a tiny house can cost less to maintain because it has fewer amenities and features compared to an average-sized home.
Initial Cost
A tiny house starts around the price of $20,000 while an average-sized home costs more than triple that amount.
The price comparison for the tiny home and the average size home shows that a tiny house is around 1/3 of the price of an average sized new home.
A normal-sized house has everything you need, but it can be difficult to maintain.
A tiny cabin may have fewer amenities, but it is easier to take care of because there are no nooks and crannies.
Depending on the model and design, a tiny home can be just as comfortable if not more as an average-sized home.
Design & Style Comparison
A tiny cabin is cheaper compared to an average-sized home because it has simpler designs and features.
It only covers 200 to 400 square feet while an average size new house is more than 1,700 square feet.
The above price comparison for the tiny cabin and the average size new home shows that there are significant differences in design and styles between the two.
A normal sized home has around 4 bedrooms while a tiny home only has one or two rooms at most with limited storage space.
Legal Requirements of A Tiny House in Ontario:
There are several legal and law requirements that you should adhere to every time you think about building a tiny home in Ontario.
First, you should know that Ontario building code does not regulate tiny house construction.
That means you must comply with all federal, provincial and tiny house Ontario laws (not only the building code) or face potential fines.
It is particularly true if you do not plan to live in it full time.
It is mandatory to connect your dwelling unit to all municipal services.
If you plan to permanently live in the tiny house, then you have to live with all Ontario Building Code requirements that regulate building construction within the province.
In Ontario, a dwelling unit is considered a single-family unit which has sleeping accommodation for six people and cooking facilities
A Tiny House on Wheels (THOW) requires a permit from your local municipality if you plan to connect it to any electrical, water and sewage system.
If you plan to live in the house full time and keep it stationary, then you must comply with Ontario Building Code requirements.
You also have to apply for a building permit and be sure that your tiny home complies with all fire safety measures.
If you are planning to assemble your unit on-site, then the entire process of obtaining a permit will be very similar to any standard construction.
There are some exceptions, for example, if you plan to keep the unit on wheels while you build it.
In that case the entire process has to be completely different.
You will need an engineer or architect who can design your tiny house based on Canadian standards (such as CSA Z-240).
This engineer or architect will have to issue an occupancy permit.
Tiny houses are often built with the help of building plans that are in compliance with CSA Z240.
These plans include everything from electrical wiring diagrams to storage solutions, even blueprints for tiny house on wheels, materials lists and assembly instructions.
A set of these plans costs between $300 and $1,500 and is sufficient for a small house that can be built with the help of two people in just a couple of weekends.
Plans for DIY tiny houses in Ontario
Owning your first tiny house is one of the best things that can happen in your life.
These five plans for DIY tiny houses in Ontario can make owning a tiny cabin a reality for less than $60,000.
Premier Bunkie
This is a gorgeous building for every tiny cabin enthusiast in Ontario.
It comes with a floor to ceiling wall of windows that lets sunshine in.
It also comes with a ton of built-in storage and an optional wall bed to maximize the space.
Price From: $36,900
Location: Meaford, ON
Tiny Paradise
If you have been looking for a perfect tiny house Ontario rental options for Airbnb, then this plan is for you.
It includes jaw-dropping low price furniture, beddings and dishes.
Other including things are queen sized mattress, utensils and more.
Price From: $36,000
Location: Jordan, ON
Bunkie with a loft
If you are a tiny house enthusiast, you will directly fall in love with this plan.
It comes with an upstairs loft and plenty of windows.
The price is also relatively lower than most people would think.
Price From: $11,995
Location: Ontario
The Homesteader Cabin
This cabin comes with a very chic and modern design which you will obsess about.
It is a compact tiny house that includes a full kitchen and laundry facilities.
It also comes with two lofts for more storage.
Price From: $40,000
Location: Ontario
Tiny Market House
This tiny house comes fully equipped with everything you need.
It also has three lofts which you can use for storage.
The price is very low and it is perfect for those that want to live in a small space.
Price From: $25,000
Location: Ontario
The Tiny House Solar House
This tiny house is one of the most beautiful in this list.
It has an attractive design and comes with solar panels for energy efficiency.
The price tag is also very low when compared to other structures.
This plan includes windows, garden, dining area and more.
Price From: $32,950
Location: Ontario
Prefab Builders Known in Toronto
The movement has been pushed by the Tiny House Builders Association of Canada, who are building tiny homes to be sold across the country.
The group describes itself as “a family that is dedicated to living simply in small spaces” with a shared enthusiasm for alternative housing.
They have built two tiny houses and hope to build another six.
The small house community in the group is very active and provides a great place for anyone interested in the Tiny home movement to connect with like-minded people both in person and online.
This group also has several events planned, such as building workshops and film screenings, plus it organizes camping trips in the summer.
There are several companies in Ontario making prefab Tiny Homes and marketing them out here.
Here are the five most popular prefab tiny house builders in Ontario.
Xcalibercontainer.com
The first one you will run into is tinyhouseontario.com, they are based out of the Niagara Region which is just outside of Toronto and offer a website with all the tiny home related products under one roof.
They are currently the number 1 website for tiny houses in Ontario although they do not build their own Tiny Houses, they provide a platform to purchase them from other companies who ship directly to you.
Ontario Ca
The second most popular website and a manufacturer of tiny houses in Ontario is Ontario Ca.
They are based out of St Catherine’s which is a city just outside of Toronto.
Ontario Ca ships fully assembled tiny houses to you.
Modern Tiny Houses on wheels
The third company is Modern Tiny Houses on Wheels based out of Toronto.
They are currently the most popular tiny house building company in Ontario, they build their own tiny houses and provide delivery service to your property for free anywhere in Ontario.
Dwell.com
The fourth company is dwell.com this company offers a wide range of tiny houses on wheels, from simple wood frame to high end luxurious homes.
They also offer self-build plans and a resource centre where you can find anything you need in order to build your own tiny house.
Tiny House communities in Ontario
After all the information shared above, are you curious about some of these houses and where you can find people with similar preferences?
Here are the three most Popular Tiny Home communities in Ontario.
Toronto’s tiny Town
Here is another small house community that you can check right now.
There are seven tiny houses in this village plus a common house, built to the tiny house Ontario building code.
So far, there are about 30 members of different vocations who come together to enjoy life in small houses.
The group shares experiences and knowledge related to building and living in mini homes, as well as events such as picnics and movie nights.
Tiny House Community of Hamilton
This house community is less developed than the other two on this list, but there are already four tiny houses built on the site, which currently serves as a living laboratory for anyone interested in building or living in small micro homes.
The site includes ecological elements that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient, such as passive solar energy heating, a green roof and solar panels.
The group is very active online and organizes regular events to encourage communication between people who share a passion for living in small houses.
These events also provide support for everyone who wants to build their own house by providing workshops where you can learn about building materials, tools and techniques that are being used to design and build these micro homes.
Lake of the woods Tiny Home Village
This tiny home community is located in Keewatin, Ontario.
Although it is in the initial stages, there are already three homes built here that serve as accommodation for visitors.
The community also has a common house where members can find basic resources such as cookware, dishes, books and games.
The group was created in 2015 with the intention of building sustainable small homes using accessible plans so more people could afford to buy one for themselves.
This site provides the latest information on the development of these homes and helps everyone who wants to try it by providing tips, tutorials and consulting services.
The group also plans to build a community center where members can share their experiences in building or living in small houses.
Bluewater Village
This other tiny house movement is based in Goderich, Ontario.
It is more developed than the previous sites and already has its first set of members who are working to build sustainable small houses using simple, cheap materials.
The group also provides consulting services for anyone interested in building their own miniature house or who wants to know more about this type of alternative living.
This site is very active online where people come together to share their knowledge and experience.
One of the most interesting features of this house community is that it includes a tiny house network that connects all the movements in North America to help anyone who wants to learn more about this concept or start their own small home village.
So far, there are almost 40 people from different parts of Canada who have joined this site.
How to start your own Tiny House community in Ontario
There is no formal process on how one can start a tiny home community, but there are some steps that you can take if you decide to start one:
- First, decide on the location where you want to know how to build your tiny house community. This could be out of town, in the countryside, or in the city.
- Next, you will need to find a piece of land that is big enough for all your tiny houses (and future small house additions). This could be someone’s backyard, farmland, unused public land, etc.
- Once you have found an appropriate location for your community, you should contact both the local government and the neighbours around you to inform them about your intention to build a tiny house community. This way, they can support you in your endeavour, or at least give you enough space for your community.
- Once these steps are complete, it is time to start building! You will need to find micro house plans that are suitable for your community and start building.
You can also plan out things like:
- The size of your tiny house community (how many tiny houses will there be and how much space between them?)
- Whether communal facilities such as a kitchen, showers, etc. should be shared by everyone in the community or whether they should be private.
- Where you will source your building materials from (will everyone share resources, or will there be a designated builder?)
- If you plan to build all the tiny houses by yourself and then look for people to take them over, or whether you want to create a group of builders who can collaborate together.
- How much time and effort this project will take (and how much money as well).
- How you can fund your tiny house community. This could be through donations, selling items that you no longer use, or fundraising events.
FAQs
Are tiny homes on wheels legal in Ontario?
Yes, you can buy or build your tiny house on wheels today.
However, you have to make sure you have followed all the existing laws and legal requirements.
Can I put a tiny house on wheels on my Property?
Yes, you can do this with ease.
However, the rules can vary from one municipality to the other.
Take time to ask around and consult with your local authority.
How much does a modern tiny house cost in Ontario?
The price can vary depending on the size, location, land for tiny house in Ontario and its rates, appliances, furniture and permits.
But it should range from $10,000-$40,000.
Conclusion
Normal sized houses can accommodate a family comfortably because it has enough space for all members to sleep and relax.
A tiny cabin is the opposite of that, but only to a certain degree.
Despite its small size, it is very comfortable and can still accommodate everyone in the family.
It may even be easier to clean and maintain than regular homes because there are no nooks and crannies.
