So, you’re dreaming of your very own tiny home, but you’re stuck on a crucial decision, should it have wheels, skids, or a fixed foundation?
Let’s break it down in a fun and informative way so you can figure out which option suits your lifestyle best!
Tiny Houses on Wheels: The Road Warriors
Tiny houses on wheels (THOW) are the rockstars of the tiny home world. They’re like the tour buses of the tiny house community – always ready for the next adventure.
Pros:
Mobility: Love to travel? A tiny house on wheels lets you take your home wherever the road leads. Whether it’s a new job, a new town, or just a change of scenery, your home moves with you.
Easier Council Approval: In some places, having your home on wheels might mean it’s considered a vehicle rather than a building, potentially dodging the need for building consent. Less red tape, more road trips!
No Need for Foundations: Skip the hassle and cost of laying a foundation. Perfect for DIY builders who want to keep things simple.
Cons:
Size Constraints: Your home must fit the dimensions of a trailer, which can limit how wide, long, heavy, and tall you can go.
Stability Issues: Trailers can be less stable than fixed foundations. If you’re parked in a windy area or somewhere prone to earthquakes, you’ll need to secure your tiny home well.
Maintenance: Trailers require regular upkeep to stay roadworthy. A small price to pay for the freedom to roam!
Tiny Houses on Skids: The Middle Grounders
If you’re not quite ready to hit the open road but still want some flexibility, skids might be your answer. Think of them as the nomadic sloths of the tiny house world – slow to move but still capable of a change of scenery.
Pros:
Cost-Effective: Skids can be cheaper than trailers or fixed foundations, making them a budget-friendly option.
Portability: While not as mobile as a THOW, a tiny house on skids can still be moved by lifting it onto a truck. It’s like having a snail shell that you can hitch a ride for!
No Trailer Constraints: You’re free from the size and weight limits of a trailer, giving you more design freedom.
Cons:
Legal Grey Area: Convincing your local council that a house on skids isn’t a building can be tricky. You might still need building and resource consent, which could complicate things.
Financing Hurdles: Getting a loan for a tiny house on skids can be tough since they aren’t typically seen as sound investments by lenders.
Insurance Issues: Insuring a tiny house on skids can be challenging. Many insurers are hesitant to cover non-traditional homes, especially those without a fixed foundation, and it can't be insured as a caravan if it's not on wheels.
Tiny Houses on Fixed Foundations: The Settlers
For those who have found their perfect piece of land and have no intention of moving, a fixed foundation offers a stable and permanent home base. These are the settlers of the tiny house tribe, ready to plant roots.
Pros:
Stability and Durability: Fixed foundations provide a rock-solid base, making your home more resistant to wind and earthquakes. It’s the fort knox of tiny living!
More Design Flexibility: Without trailer limitations, you can get creative with your floor plan and build a larger, more comfortable tiny home.
Increased Property Value: A consented tiny house on a foundation can increase your property’s value, making it a better investment long-term.
Cons:
Building Consent Required: You’ll need council consent, which can be a headache and limit some design choices.
Less Mobility: Once it’s built, moving a house on a fixed foundation is a major undertaking. Think of it as an anchor – great for stability but not for mobility.
So, Which One is Right for You?
Your choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. If you’re a free spirit yearning for the open road, wheels are your best bet. If you want a bit of both worlds, skids offer a flexible, cost-effective option. And if you’re ready to settle down and invest in your future, a fixed foundation provides stability and permanence.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s all about finding what works best for you and your tiny house dreams!
