First things first. What are tiny houses? Tiny houses are houses that measure around 37 square meters. It is all reduced to the essentials. There is now law determining how big a tiny house should be, nor how it should look, that is why they come in a lot of options: tiny homes on wheels, on foundations, vans, prefabricated tiny houses, to name a few. Actually they look like people imagine them.
Because it is a rather new movement there are little or no regulations regarding tiny houses. In Europe every country has its own rules about how you can carry on with such a house.
Where can I find such tiny houses for sale? Where to put such tiny houses?
Well, it depends on what kind of a tiny house that is. If it is a prefabricated tiny house or a house on a foundation, one will need to find a piece of land to put it on. This can be either bought or rented. Regarding other kinds of small houses that are on wheels there is no actual law for it, it all depends on where you are allowed to park it and where not. Of course you have to take into consideration the fact that you will need electricity and water to be able to properly use it.
One can build, buy: a new or a second-hand tiny house, or even rent it. If you build it yourself things are pretty clear. You have a piece of land, an idea and a philosophy. When you want to buy one…things are a bit more complicated, it involves a bunch of other people and their way to see things. To make things easier we really need to put everything down on paper. It will be way easier to follow up the events and the things you agreed on.
Begin with planning. You have a concept, a philosophy that guided you to the idea of buying, or building such a house. At the first meeting with the builder, try to put everything down on paper for you to have your ideas, the builder will tell you how it can be done. It will be available also for later to follow up the line of construction.
Finance and warranty. If this is a custom made house, but also if not, it is very important to put the costs down in writing. Every little detail is important so you can see through the amount of money you will need at the end. It would also be important to see what are the things that charge extra, what is covered by the constructor and what are your parts of the deal. It is also important to know what will be in the warranty coverage of the tiny house. This is often overlooked but is important to understand.
What are the benefits of choosing to buy, rent or build a tiny house in Europe?
There are a lot of options for how the trend spreads, but there are very few regulations. Practically it all comes down to you and your conception of life. If you choose to live a minimalist life, to cut down expenses, and your needs regarding stuff around you and decide to live your life outside the box you are already a real winner!
