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Tiny House Under $10K – All-In-One Guide 2024

If you’re searching for a tiny house under 10k, this guide is for you.

For the past few decades or even years, there has been a steady increase in sales of tiny house kits in America.

The trend seems to be continuing and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.

With so many people deciding to move into a smaller living space and take on less debt, it’s no surprise that these miniature homes are becoming more popular by the day.

As data from Business Insider show, tiny house kits sales have grown exponentially over the last few years.

In fact, even though there was a dip in 2014 and 2015, overall growth has been on an upward trend since 2012.

This is auspicious news for those who are hoping to start their own tiny home business! The housing market appears to be going strong, so it’s safe to say that this positive trend should continue throughout 2019 and beyond.

Some of the most popular tiny house kits are those created by Tumbleweed Tiny House Company.

Some people use their tiny homes as a second home or vacation retreat, while others live in them full-time to save money on rent and mortgage payments.

The average price for one of these houses is between $25,000 and $35,000, depending on the size and options that come with it.

A typical small kit from Tumbleweed will include exterior panels (siding), roofing materials, windows & doors, wood floor joists, plus subfloor decking material where needed.

Besides this company, several other companies are currently selling tiny house kits for under $10,000.

Though, there’s a lot of information you must consider to win the best deal in the market.

One of the most critical factors is to understand that building your tiny house on a trailer will add up the cost, and also, it’s not recommended for some areas.

Lastly, you must be aware that if you’re planning to purchase such a kind of kit; they don’t include appliances like a refrigerator or stove.

They may require more modifications than an already built one because these are usually designed with wall studs instead of walls made out of natural wood panels or materials that can resist water damage properly too.

Also, it comes in handy when talking about windows & doors.

The ones included in this kit are smaller than normal-sized structures, which means additional expenses could be added depending on what type you want to be installed into (for example, energy-efficient glass).

What has contributed to the tiny house popularity in the United States?

Tiny houses have been an increasing trend in America, especially as a result of the economic crisis.

Many Americans are dissatisfied with their living situation and see living small as an attractive alternative.

Some people believe that it is simply a fad, but there are many reasons why this movement is likely here to stay.

For one thing, building up instead of out provides homeowners with more equity by allowing them to purchase fewer homes thanks to better space utilization.

Additionally, tiny house dwellers love the freedom and responsibility that comes with owning fewer possessions and caring for fewer square feet of land than conventional homes require.

Moreover, downsizing takes advantage of America’s natural resources: we have plenty of economic lands to build on, and the country has abundant sunshine (and wind) to power tiny homes.

Finally, becoming a more responsible environmental steward may be reason enough for many people to choose less space in which to live.

Increased need for tiny houses by millennial group

At first glance, it might seem that millennials have been primarily influenced by technology and media to desire minimalism and simple living.

However, a deeper analysis reveals a multitude of factors at play here, including changing demographics and a more profound call for change from within.

Cities are getting larger while housing prices remain high, encouraging many young adults who want to reach financial independence to think about downsizing or not buying at all.

Even if mortgage rates remain low, the combination of property taxes, student debt, and high prices will be hard to sustain for many millennials who wish to buy a detached home.

What also makes the tiny house movement attractive is that it encourages occupants living on their own to reject social norms revolving around over-consumption and the accumulation of material things.

Social trend

This social trend might be inspiring more young people to consider alternative lifestyles instead of following mainstream ideas promoted by the media.

Many people choose simple living because they cannot afford anything else.

However, this does not harm society as long as these individuals find their way into thriving communities that embrace them.

The idea of simplicity

The tiny house movement has been booming in popularity in the US, especially among young people.

The idea of ​​living simply with fewer belongings is attractive to many Americans because it encourages them to reject social norms revolving around over-consumption and the accumulation of material things.

Alternative Lifestyle

This trend might be inspiring more young people to consider alternative lifestyles instead of following mainstream ideas promoted by the media.

Many people choose simple living because they cannot afford anything else; however, this does not harm society as long as these individuals find their way into thriving communities that embrace them.

The popularity of the tiny house movement

Tiny houses are also contributing to a shift in how people perceive affordable housing options.

Tiny homes are being built for low-income families after all costs are accounted for.

The Tiny House Movement was first seen as a fad, but it is now considered a sustainable way to help the growing number of homeless families throughout the United States.

Many people consider tiny houses to be a part of the “tiny house movement“.

In 2010, Jay Shafer established Four Lights Tiny House Company, proving that micro-housing could be aesthetically pleasing and still under 500 square feet.

This sparked many other companies to join in on this innovative housing solution.

In addition, those interested in purchasing tiny houses can do so through organizations like Tumbleweed Tiny Homes, offering pre-fabricated homes with prices ranging from $23,000 to $82,500.

Publicity from the media

Finally, there has been an increased interest in tiny houses due to the popular television series “Tiny House Nation,” which airs on FYI Network.

The show highlights different people who have decided to downsize their living spaces, whether for financial reasons or simply by choice.

Buying Tiny House Kits

In the wake of a post-recession building boom in tiny houses, which saw an explosion in the number of people living in homes around 100 square feet, many cities have been updating their bylaws to restrict or ban small dwellings.

For instance, there are currently 115 infractions related to tiny homes on the books in Portland, Oregon.

However, a new law making its way through Victoria’s city council could make it easier for residents to build and live in tiny houses throughout the city.

And if it goes well, it could be adopted elsewhere.

The Background

In recent years, countries worldwide have been experimenting with ways to create more efficient housing by reducing the number of space people occupy at home.

In Japan, where about 30% of the population lives in very small spaces, there is even a word for living in homes that are only 150 square feet: kyusho zukuri.

The Japanese, specifically Tokyo, have been doing this sort of “compact home” thing for decades now, and they’ve got it down to a science.

These aren’t showpiece models but fully functional, comfortable homes, and they come complete with all the amenities we’ve come to expect like kitchens, full bathrooms, roomy seating/sleeping area, and everything you’d need to live comfortably on your own.

They’re just smaller than most people’s closets–”living spaces” that measure about 150 square feet or less! And they can easily be built on a modest budget.

Compact homes in Japan are often called “micro-houses,” but the Japanese have their own word for it: kyusho zukuri or simply kyusho, meaning “small house.” They’re small enough to fit on plots of land so small they’d be useless for any other purpose.

But with careful planning, you can build one without compromising comfort or convenience.

And you won’t need an army of carpenters to do it either.

Because they also force you to restrict your possessions to what can easily fit in your home, micro-houses are thus an exercise in self-restraint.

This is something sorely needed in our consumer culture, which demands that everything is bigger, better and more.

It’s not just the Japanese who are pioneering the tiny house movement.

Americans have also embraced it, starting with Jay Shafer of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company in California.

His company sold five houses in 2002 and has since shipped off more than 100.

They’re gradually gaining popularity here thanks to their low cost and the simplicity of their small size.

Let’s now discuss some of the cheapest tiny homes under 10k that you can buy right now.

Cheap Tiny Homes under 10k

The thing is, I always knew someone would design a house that would be cheap and very easy to build.

I just didn’t know when this phenomenon would occur…until now! I have been in need of a tiny house on wheels for quite a while, but not any tiny house on wheels will do.

It has to meet some specific criteria:

  • The home had to cost less than $10k (it does – somewhere around $8k)
  • The construction must take no longer than 20 hours (it does – 10 hours of labor or 5 if you hire it out)
  • The tiny house on wheels must be light enough to be pulled by an SUV (it can, but a heavy-duty” trailer might be a better choice)
  • The tiny house on wheels must be built on a trailer frame (it is)
  • The tiny house on wheels had to comply with all safety standards of the actual home (it does)

The list goes on, but I will save you the details and just say that the article speaks for itself, and it proves, beyond any reasonable doubt, that anyone can build their own home for $8k or less.

You just need to find the right plans and follow them.

And, if you choose to hire it out, then you can do it in as little as 10 hours!

Tiny House Kits for Sale 10k

Some call them micro, some call them tiny, but basically, they all mean small.

And when you think of living in a small space there are really only two things that come to mind: cottages and kits.

Now if you’re anything like me you prefer to build your own house from the inside out so I was not the least bit interested in taking a peek at tiny homes for sale until recently.

And that’s because I discovered the number one reason why building my own house wasn’t going to fly.

The price tag! That is exactly what we need for these $10,000 tiny house kits.

This $10, 000 tiny house kit is perfect for those who are DIY enthusiasts or simply don’t want to go through the hassle of applying for building permits.

Now the price might be steep for some, but if you want something already put together, this is your next step!

If you don’t mind splurging a little extra money, you can even choose from three different types of siding.

Not bad, right?

The houses come with all the essentials except gas and water hook-ups.

If this sounds likes your kind of thing, take a peek at these Tiny House Kits for Sale.

A simple Google search will yield endless amounts of results for tiny house kits under $10K, but we are here today, to sum up, some of the best prefab tiny homes under 10K.

Allwood Palma 3 Tiny House Kit

Price: $9,180

Size: 176 square feet

This prefab tiny house under 10k is for everyone that is out here looking for a minimalist design.

You will definitely love the dreamy Allwood Palma 3 tiny house shell kit.

There are several reasons for this.

However, the main feature of this tiny house is the floor-to-ceiling windows which creates a channel for a lot of natural light.

This is also to create the illusion of space.

The living space contains 2 main rooms.

The manufacturer leaves the decision of how the space should be divided and how big each of the rooms should be to you.

You can adjust the wall position to your liking.

Moving on, it’s also very easy to assemble this small home kit for under 1000.

The users can equally create a bathroom on their own.

But you can as wellspring for the extra 12-foot alcove to prevent the headaches as you figure out some of the add-ones.

But the additional cost for this will be $795.

But if you still don’t have that money, the manufacturer, Allwood will offer you financing through Lightstream.

Features

  • Total Floor area: 176 square feet
  • Front overhand 4”
  • Tempered glass
  • Sliding doors
  • Floor to ceiling windows
  • Roof pitching-1.9 degrees
  • Dual T&G Wind block pattern on the walls.

Two rooms are enough for a single millennial that wants to escape the cost of paying for an apartment.

It’s also perfect for singles that seek to move to a larger home after getting children.

Florida Room

Size: 80 square feet

This is actually the most underrated tiny house that you will come across right now.

You don’t like mosquitos and being bitten with them when you enjoy some time in your backyard.

For that reason, this tiny house can work as a perfect addition to your backyard for a child’s playhouse, an artist’s studio, a roadside farm stand, or just a place to enjoy your hot bath.

It’s praised for its ability to withstand the snow and the guests in your backyard.

It comes with foam board insulation and shiplap pine sheathing and exposed post and beam framing that preserves its beauty.

During the cold seasons, you can consider adding a heat source such as a wood stove.

FLORIDA ROOM (LIVING)

Features

  • Size: 80 square feet
  • Crushed Gravel foundation recommendation
  • Weight estimate: 7,100 lbs
  • Pine Tongue and Groove decking
  • 2”X6” Kiln Dried Spruce Joists 24” On Center
  • Under deck sheathing: 3/8” plywood
  • Wall Vapour Barrier
  • Shiplap pine interior sheathing
  • Foil Backed Rigid insulation
  • Gable roof style
  • Large windows for natural light
  • Foam Board Insulation

This house is for everyone that wants to have the best ways of enjoying the backyard.

It’s for homeowners that are looking for a guest room or any other addition to their backyard.

It’s also perfect for singles and young couples that don’t mind staying in a single-roomed tiny house.

It also works as a vacation home for peaceful weekends or an intimate space for couples.

Smithhaven Tiny House Kit

Size: 160 square feet

When you think about cheap tiny homes under 10k, you must factor in Smithhaven tiny house kit to the equation.

It is one of the most charming cabins that you will ever come across.

With this cabin, you have to say goodbye to dull boxy shapes.

This tiny house kit under 10k is saltbox-style, asymmetrical, and combines the dormer shape to maximize the space inside.

This is also to maximize the head, and the floor space is hence creating visual interest.

SMITHAVEN

You can opt for the basic or essential kit if you want to save more money.

But if you need more comfort and other benefits, you definitely have to go with the 4-season kit.

This is the complete option with the full insulation package for the floor, roof, walls, the structural kit, an insulated steel door, and energy-efficient windows.

Additionally, you have a double pane for the windows.

Features

  • Double pane
  • Energy-efficient windows
  • Insulated steel door
  • Complete insulation kit which includes the floor, walls, and roof
  • Complete structural kit

This is not the biggest tiny house that you will come across in the market.

It’s just the best for singles and retirees that want to save enough money for other reasons.

It’s also for environmentalists that want to live a more sustainable kind of life.

Earthbag Dome

Price: $4,657

Size: 92 square feet

The Earthbag is the cheapest house that you will come across today.

It was designed and created in 2007 by Owen Geiger.

The designer is the adviser and the director of the Geiger Research Institute of Sustainable Building.

He knows exactly what people need in terms of affordability and effectiveness.

The house has a couple of advantages.

The first benefit is that you can build it without nails, shingles, nails and plywood.

This means that you will build this house using cheap materials.

Most people that live in domes usually never return to living in boxes because of the magical feeling and the effectiveness of living here.

In this house, you will keep cool in summer and escape the chilling mornings of winter.

It is also one of the straightforward to construct houses out there.

Features

  • Built with minimal materials
  • One bedroom house
  • Large windows to let in natural air
  • Insulated walls

This house is for people that want an addition to their living space.

It can be a great house in one corner of your compound.

It’s also a great space for your farm.

Arched Cabins

Price: $3,450

Size: 120 square feet

This tiny house has an arched teardrop design.

This gives it a cool boohoo vibe.

It’s also one of the most affordable tiny houses that you can come across right now.

It has a 120 square foot size, and it only retails at $3,450.

The roof is also taller to give the house enough headspace.

It can as well accommodate a loft for sleeping or storage in its space.

There are other upgrades you can take, such as insulation and a fireplace.

Features

  • Size: 120 square feet
  • An added loft
  • Teardrop design
  • Taller roofs
  • Insulation
  • Fireplace thimble

If you are a young couple with just one kid or a retiring couple that just needs space for two, then this is the best match for you.

Unihobby DIY Miniature Dollhouse Kit

Price: $4,605

Size: 11.41X9.44X8.46

Here is one of the best holiday gifts you can buy a couple or just individuals who want a tiny house in their backyard.

It’s a meaningful Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas gift that you can give someone.

The kit includes all the LED lights that you will need, the plans, the ornament, the furniture and plants.

It’s the best kit for your kids, especially if you have been looking for a perfect place for their playhouse.

They can play with their little friends there.

However, I must admit that the space is small and it’s not a liveable space for adults.

The manufacturer has also included the step-by-step guide and the images, which can help you assemble with ease.

Features

  • Excellent decoration
  • Perfect gifts for boys, adults and etc. that want a play area
  • Great for DIY lovers
  • Recommended for children above 14 years
  • It takes up to 28 hours to assemble

This kit is for everyone, but it’s not the best living area for all people.

The size is small and it might work for people that only need a small area to play.

Bunk House

Size: 128 square feet

This tiny house kit packs all the space-saving features in a single space.

So, if you are looking for lodging or a new home, then the Bunkhouse from Jamaica Cottage Shop is there to help you stop beating around.

It’s also the best for a hunting cottage, a Lake House or even a charming tiny house.

bunkhouse

It comes with a comfy interior loft area.

You will use a wooden ladder to access the loft.

The ladder space also doubles as a storage area.

The loft also has a small opening that is perfect for the investigator in the house.

The space also adds a little ambiance.

This kit is standard with the insulated space with four-season doors, built-in bunk beds, and insulated windows.

You just have to consider adding a heat source if you want to beat the colder months.

This house can be customized into what you want with some of the add-ons such as flower boxes, weathervanes, local artisan handcrafted glass roundels, several siding and roof options.

Features

  • Base Area: 128 square feet
  • Loft area: 32 square feet
  • It comes with a porch: 32 square feet
  • Estimated weight: 7,400 lbs
  • Ladder access to the loft-The ladder doubles as a storage area
  • Under Decking sheathing
  • 51/2 Fiberglass insulation
  • Floor Vapour Insulation

This tiny house kit is for people looking for a hunting cottage, lake house, and a livable tiny house that you can share with your teenage son or daughter.

Pond House Cabin

Size: 160 square feet/120 square feet interior

This tiny house adds debonair and charm to every setting.

The best way to do it is to tuck it between some trees near the garden, and you will enjoy the space as a garden shed, a pleasant kid’s playhouse, or a liveable space for singles.

The house was originally designed as a Pond House, but it can now be used for different uses.

It can be a potting shed for the garden or a great space for the guests in your backyard.

One good thing is that the space complements any setting, whether you just need an excellent place for nature, a meditation room or a yoga studio, or even a sturdy or working space.

pond house

Features

  • Build time: 30 hours
  • Weight: 3200lbs
  • Material: Hemlock and Pine
  • Offered as frame only kits
  • Complete pre-cut kits
  • 3-and 4-season kits
  • Outdoor Post and beam cottage

This tiny house is for people that want a corner garden office, orderly storage, a place to keep the lawn furniture, kids toys and bicycles, or a great place to enjoy your seasons.

Econodome House Kit

Price: $8,800

Size: 808 square feet

If you have been looking for relatively bigger tiny houses, then this round structure is for you.

It can work for you whether you have ever experienced a roundhouse or not.

This feeling is related to ancient human shelters such as round huts, tipis, and caves.

It’s currently retailing at a cost lower than $10,000.

Besides this shape, this house has triangular roof panels.

But then, this is one of the most challenging houses that you can take.

Each room, in this case, is like a slice of a pie.

The company will combine the layout into a feature that withstands the wind and snow and a liveable design.

The structure is energy-efficient and durable.

It is engineered to withstand the wind and other extreme weather conditions.

Features

  • Functional Bathroom
  • Back Porch
  • Space for queen size bed
  • Functional shelves
  • Functional kitchen with all the appliances
  • Sliding windows
  • Sliding doors
  • Pantry

This tiny house has enough space for two beds and a loft.

This means that it can work well with young parents that want to start from the bottom.

This is definitely the main reason why the house is suitable for everyone.

Sonoma Tiny House Kit

Price: $9,795

Size: 144 square feet

Lastly, we have to review one of the best and the most functional tiny house that you can purchase for less than 10k bucks.

The Sonoma house has a subtly hip roof design.

The gently sloped roof leaves enough space that appeals visually.

It also spares enough space without making the design too complicated.

It’s the most straightforward gabled roof tiny house to build.

This tiny house is manufactured by Summerwood.

The company provides a floor plan with the ideas and everything you need to make the house functional.

It’s also easier for you to create a custom interior design with the DIY tools provided by the manufacturer.

Features

  • Tiny house with more than two sleeping areas for under $10,000
  • Detailed assembly instructions
  • One loft
  • Plenty of Headroom
  • Roof extension
  • Arched windows
  • Storm shutters
  • Extra overhang
  • Large master bedroom
  • Two functional bathrooms
  • Gable roof

This tiny house kit matches the 15k tiny house kits out there but it’s available at a cheaper price.

It’s for every person that wants enough living area for a small family of two.

May it be retiring folks, students, young couples, etc?

Buying a Tiny House: Important things to consider

One of the biggest dilemmas we grappled with while we were dreaming up and planning our tiny home was whether or not to buy a prefabricated shell (i.e., a house trailer), or build one from scratch using reclaimed materials like old windows, doors, and barn siding.

We eventually decided to go with the second option because it allowed us more flexibility over design choices by building from scratch.

We could create a unique space that reflected our personalities and personal style.

Building your own little house can be a gratifying experience in terms of creativity, cost savings, and environmental benefits when compared to buying a manufactured design.

However, going this route isn’t without its drawbacks: construction is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and there’s a learning curve.

Considering the legality of living in your tiny house full-time is also essential, as many codes and regulations surrounding tiny dwellings haven’t been written yet.

Tiny House Codes

Purchasing land for your little house can be just as challenging as finding a suitable floor plan or design for yourself because it depends on where you live.

Most people face the main issue of having enough space to accommodate their new home and not run afoul of local building codes.

In fact, this is often perceived as one of the biggest obstacles to living in tiny houses full-time.

Most zoning laws stipulate that homes must exceed a certain minimum size they allow permanent habitation, and being in violation of these codes could have severe consequences.

The good news is that the size requirements vary, depending on where you live and what type of residence you desire.

For example, if you lived in a rural area with few building restrictions, then constructing your own tiny house would be relatively simple.

However, even for those who are not bound by local building codes, it’s important to check your state-level legislation prior to moving forward.

If you plan to live in your home full-time, then setting up an official residency will also require legal compliance with all rules and regulations surrounding registration; this varies significantly between states and municipalities.

You can read about registration policies here.

There are some other guidelines that homeowners must follow in certain states, including a few restrictions on the size of homes and/or how much property surrounding the house can be developed.

You can learn more about these limitations.

Quality standards

If you obviously intend to live in your tiny home long-term, you will also need to ensure that it meets all quality standards and building code requirements for habitation.

The International Residential Code (IRC) is an example of a standard that defines guidelines for residential construction.

While some localities use this as their official set of guidelines, others prefer to create their own rules and regulations, which must still be followed.

If your tiny house doesn’t meet these standards and code enforcement officials find out about it, then you could face the consequences such as fines or eviction.

International Residential Code

If your tiny home is located in a recreational vehicle park, then meeting building code requirements for habitation may not be an issue.

But you need to know what they are before you buy one.

The International Residential Code has separate sections that apply to permanent structures (which include tiny homes) and recreational vehicles.

Still, it also addresses some habits that could cause problems when both types of residents live together in the same RV Park.

For example, if there are no electrical circuits in your home already, you cannot add them later.

This would violate the requirement that every habitable room must have at least one outlet (unless you want to risk having your home vandalized by other residents).

You also can’t make changes or additions to your RV that would make it unsafe, such as adding “outriggers,” which are metal supports under the home.

They might damage the park’s roads.

What to keep in mind when buying a tiny house

What’s the biggest thing you should keep in mind when buying a tiny house?

Remember that if the seller isn’t asking for help selling, don’t offer it.

Some sellers are so embarrassed about their living situation they will become offended if you try to help them sell it.

If they need help, all they have to do is ask, and even if it’s something as simple as “I’d like to get rid of my mobile home but I don’t know how,” throw your assistance out there!

There may be times where you’re going to want to give up but never let yourself walk away from a sale until you’ve done everything possible to make it happen because nothing ever goes 100% perfect when trying to buy a tiny house on wheels.

Be prepared

When you offer a mobile home, unless the seller is highly desperate to sell it right away, they will probably take some time to think about your offer.

You best be prepared if they say yes! If you’re not ready, then back out of the deal immediately.

The longer you wait without making any progress toward buying it, the more likely the seller will receive another offer and accept it instead.

I’ve witnessed this occur more times than I can count, so don’t let it happen to you! You do NOT really want to get stuck paying rent for an entire month or longer because you weren’t prepared!!

Three things need to be done before buying a tiny house from someone else.

  1. Make sure that the house is habitable, safe, and liveable without any immediate repairs needed.
  2. Make sure you have a place to put it where zoning laws permit full-time living on wheels (for your tiny home.)
  3. Make sure you can afford it with cash or financing before signing anything and committing yourself to buy it!

Until these 3 things are taken care of, there’s no point in continuing your pursuit of buying someone else’s tiny house unless you plan on putting some major work into it once you get possession of it.

If they’re surely willing to let go of their tiny home for such a low price, then chances are they’ve had plenty of time to fix up anything that needs fixing.

It should be up to you if that’s worth your time or not.

  1.  You can then begin making any changes you’d like before taking possession of it. This way, the new home is all yours, with no awkward surprises when you have to move in!
  2. You can also sell your old house to close up some debt of purchasing the tiny house with cash before starting this exciting new chapter in your life!

My Tiny House is Being Vandalized, and I Can’t Stop It!

Today we’re going to talk about a common problem that happens in communities with tiny homes: vandalism.

Before we get into what you can do to prevent it from happening, let’s take a minute and talk about why this issue occurs in the first place.

Some of your neighbors or other community members may not like how different your living situation is from theirs (even though they opted not to live differently).

Because of this, they may vandalize your home in some way to express their displeasure about it.

Some ways that a tiny house can be vandalized include eggs being thrown at the side of them, ketchup packets being squirted on the outside of their homes, stickers with offensive words, and images being placed somewhere noticeable on their homes, or window screens being cut.

Due to the nature of a tiny house, these crimes are tough to solve, especially if they happen in a campground or somewhere with no surveillance cameras.

When you live in a tiny house, I wouldn’t recommend letting this issue bother you too much since it is not much you can do about it and because that is the cost of living in a tiny house in your own place.

Is it safe to live in a tiny house? Top tips to protect yourself

Protecting yourself is easy but will probably take some time, depending on how often it happens or how severely it’s affecting you.

Here are some notable ways to protect yourself when your tiny house is being vandalized:

  1. Keep your windows closed when you’re not using them.
  2. It might be good to invest in more expensive locks for your doors (and more door chains), especially if they are not normal for that type of lock or material. You may also want to install some sort of bar lock on the outside of the door like this one here.
  3. It’s also good to invest in more expensive locks for your windows.
  4. Keep your valuables locked up where they can’t be seen (in a toolbox, locked chest, etc).
  5. If you have any security cameras make sure to keep them visible but hidden (i.e. don’t let people know about them).
  6. If your Tiny House is in a highly visible location, try to park it closer to other houses or structures so that you’re not alone and exposed.
  7. Keep your windows clean on the outside so that if someone does break in, they can’t see inside.
  8. If you live in the country, make sure to close your curtains at night so that people can’t see inside.
  9. If you have a dog, keep them on a leash or inside with you at all times – otherwise, it can be used as bait for intruders or get stolen.
  10. If you have expensive tools or equipment, keep them locked up indoors rather than outside.
  11. If you must keep your items outside, make sure they are locked up securely wherever possible and/or kept out of sight from the road with a cover over it.
  12. If you absolutely MUST leave your items out in the yard, for whatever reason, make sure you cover them up and tether them down so that they can’t be dragged away.
  13. If you have a shed, never leave it unlocked or unsecured – either lock it up when not using it or pin it with wooden dowels to stop someone from being able to open the doors.
  14. If you don’t have a lockable shed – construct your own wooden doweling and bolt that into place!
  15. Keep your garden looking neat and tidy if possible, as this will make it harder for thieves to hide their nefarious activities in there.
  16. When guests are staying, temporarily move some of your prized possessions into the locked shed for safekeeping.
  17. Never let strangers see where you keep your spare key, make up an “alternate” hiding place instead.
  18. Make sure that you install good-quality locks on all doors and windows.
  19. Upgrade your locks in a timely fashion in order to protect against break-ins.
  20. Regularly check all windows and doors for signs of tampering.
  21. Keep the lights on when you’re out – it will deter potential thieves from entering your property because there’s a light that may be left on inside!

FAQs

Is it really cheaper to build a tiny house or buy a shed?

It’s cheaper to go for a shed instead of building a tiny house.

This is mainly because you can find some sheds as cheap as $10,000.

This is way cheaper than getting all the materials and labor to build your tiny house from scratch.

Can I put a tiny house somewhere in my backyard?

The short answer to this is yes.

Most states allow people to put a shed in their home backyard.

However, you have to check with your local authority to see if it’s possible in your area.

Why are tiny houses illegal in some states?

The main reason why tiny houses are illegal in some states is that it’s very difficult to regulate them for safety and effectiveness.