Backyard tiny house concept rules at TinyFest events. We have been to one before and wrote about it then in our post on Tiny House ADU. The number of vendors who come to showcase their models is amazing, and it is always inspiring to see the design solutions the manufacturers come up with for small home living.
The appeal of small spaces is undeniable. Tiny structures offer a smaller footprint, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable living. Beyond that, backyard tiny homes address a variety of needs:
* Extra Income: Generate rental income by creating an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Many property owners are discovering the financial benefits of renting out a backyard tiny house on their property.
* Family Life: A backyard cottage (often called granny flats) is ideal for accommodating aging family members, providing them with independence while keeping them close. A backyard tiny house can also serve as an in-law suite, allowing for multi-generational living.
* Guest House: Provide comfortable accommodations for your best friend or visiting relatives. A backyard tiny house offers privacy and convenience.
* Home Offices: With the rise of remote work, office spaces are in high demand. A tiny backyard home can be the perfect dedicated workspace, free from the distractions of the main house.
Less Space, More Freedom! The tiny home lifestyle emphasizes minimalism. Less space means less cleaning and fewer possessions, allowing for a more simplified and focused life. Building or buying a tiny house means using fewer materials, creating a smaller space, and having a smaller home, which can positively affect one’s financial situation and housing costs.
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU), also known as an ancillary dwelling in some places, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The terminology (backyard cottage, granny flat, in-law suite) can vary. Still, the concept is the same: a self-contained living space separate from the primary residence.
ADUs are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility and the solutions they offer to housing challenges. However, local laws and building codes regarding ADUs vary significantly, so thorough research is crucial.
ADU is a tiny backyard house. But ADU is not the same as Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW). There is a huge difference.
This studio has a sliding door to make the space fee bigger. Room for kitchenette and bathroom. Laundry and water heater are placed outside of the living space.
This studio can be built with a flat roof or with a more traditional pitch roof depending on the wind and snow load in your location. With the porch or without the porch.
Minimal size of an accessory dwelling unit in California by law is 150 sf ft. This smallest ADU from our collection has a tiny bathroom and a kitchenette open to the living area.
This is not a studio! This is a one bedroom one bathroom ADU – with a small kitchen and living room.
Understanding building permits and local building codes is paramount before embarking on your own tiny house journey. This is where many potential tiny homeowners encounter their first hurdle.
* Zoning Regulations: Local laws dictate what can be built on your property. Some areas are more ADU-friendly than others. Some areas are more tiny-homes-on-wheels-friendly than others. The two are not the same! Check your local zoning ordinances to determine if permanent structures like tiny houses are permitted.
* Building Codes: The applicable building code ensures safety and structural integrity. Tiny homes, even prefab ones, must meet these standards, which often include foundation, insulation, electrical wiring, and plumbing requirements.
* Size Restrictions: Many jurisdictions have minimum and maximum size limits for ADUs. Your dream tiny house might need to be adjusted to fit within these square feet limitations.
* Recreational Vehicles (RVs) vs. Permanent Structures: It’s important to distinguish between recreational vehicles and permanent structures. RVs may be subject to different regulations and not be allowed as permanent residences in all areas.
You may search for the word “backyard tiny house” on your city or county website, and find nothing. Do not despair : your local town hall may be calling this option a completely different name. We are seeing them called a Backyard Cottage in Fresno, a Movable Tiny House in L.A., San Diego, South Lake Tahoe and S.L.O. They are tiny homes in Ojai and Fort Bragg, and Tiny Homes on Wheels in San Jose and Oakland. Go figure.
Are you ready for this one? In Mendocino County, California, your tiny home may officially become a single family home on a vacant lot.
Prefab tiny homes offer a faster and often more efficient route to backyard tiny house ownership. These homes are built off-site in a factory and transported to your property.
* Faster Construction: The construction timeline for a prefab backyard tiny house is significantly shorter than a traditionally built small house.
* Cost-Effectiveness: Prefab construction can often be more cost-effective due to bulk purchasing of materials and streamlined labor.
* High Quality: Many prefab manufacturers prioritize high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Look for companies that use durable materials like steel frames.
* Custom Tiny Homes: While “prefab” might suggest limited options, many companies offer custom tiny homes, allowing you to tailor the design to your needs.
* Innovative Design: Prefab tiny homes often feature innovative design elements to maximize small spaces and create functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces.
When planning your tiny backyard home, consider these design elements:
* Living Room: A well-designed living room is essential even in a compact space. Consider multi-functional furniture, like a sofa bed.
* Kitchen: A functional kitchen is crucial. Think about compact appliances and clever storage solutions.
* Bathroom: Space-saving fixtures and efficient layouts are key.
* Bedroom: Loft bedrooms are popular in tiny houses, maximizing vertical space.
* Dining Table: A fold-down or extendable dining table can save space when not in use.
* Storage: Creative storage is vital. Utilize wall space, under-bed storage, and built-in shelves.
* Solar Panels: Consider incorporating solar panels for sustainable energy and reduced utility costs.
Look at these smart solutions and use them in your own spaces!
Financial Considerations: Budget carefully for all costs, including land preparation, permits, construction or purchase, utilities, and landscaping.
Property Value: Be sure building additional structures will not reduce the property value of your bigger house.
Utility Connections: Power, water, sewer. You need all three for comfort.
The tiny home lifestyle isn’t just about a small house; it’s a shift in mindset. It’s about prioritizing experiences over possessions, embracing simplicity, and living more sustainably.
Your scenario is yours and yours alone. If you are an empty nester, a smaller home in the adult kids’ backyard can perfectly match the new phase of your family life. If you prefer to stay where you are, consider adding a tiny backyard house or converting some existing space in the main house into a basement apartment, junior ADU, or an above-garage unit. For a ready-made solution, Rent the Backyard has a lot of options to browse.
Before filling up your shopping cart and building your tiny backyard home, ensure it meets your expectations.
By carefully considering your needs, researching local laws, and exploring the many options available, you can determine if a backyard tiny house is the right choice. Whether it’s for extra income, accommodating loved ones, or embracing a minimalist lifestyle, the possibilities are as exciting as the tiny structures themselves.
From the comfort of your sofa.
Without talking to anyone.