So you've been skimming listings at midnight again. Yes, me too, back when I was looking. A tiny house for sale colorado sounds awesome, mountain views, low utility bills and a little cabin to haul you wherever you need to go but I've seen people jump in and out of these things too. What would I say to my friend over coffee, not holding back, and lots of what you see aren't captured in pretty pictures? I'm writing this down because I'm going to give you a list of tips and questions to ask yourself when looking to purchase a tiny home. Colorado has some wonderful zoning rules and beautiful weather, but let's talk more about why we're here, the tiny home itself.
Figure Out Why You Want One
Before you do anything, take a moment and think about why you want a tiny home. Is it for financial reasons or freedom? Maybe you just want a little something to haul with you to escape a large mortgage. Each reason leads down a different set of paths as far as what to buy: someone who wants to go everywhere possible may want to go for something that's easy to tow and set up while someone who wants a permanent home can splurge on a nicer unit that has more comforts. Many people jump right into their heart's desire without taking the time to think about why they want it because months down the road, the thing just isn't practical for their everyday lives. Write down your thoughts on the matter and keep that list somewhere safe.
Colorado Zoning Will Determine Your Experience
Your county (or even city) will have requirements for where a tiny home can live and if they can be lived in full-time. Some love them; others can kick you out after a few weeks. Call your local planning and building department to get a good idea of what can and cannot be done before making a commitment. I'm not joking when I say nothing breaks my heart more than seeing a beautiful, tiny home with no place to put it.
Altitude and Weather Conditions
Colorado is no place for anyone who's used to the tropics. Your construction will have to be built with insulating qualities in mind and proper windows and heating in order to combat our windier, colder winters and our hot, dry summers. At higher altitudes, some propane appliances just won't perform as well as they would at sea level. While a cheap, flimsy exterior may get you by in the summer, a sturdier build will make sure you can truly enjoy the home year round. Ask questions about how a particular home would handle snow and pressure changes.
Tiny House Experts Should Be Consulted
I'm going to say this part again and again because it's so important. Speak to people who have built, towed and lived in a tiny home before. Tiny house experts can help you out with issues that you might not even know you're going to run into. There are forums and facebook groups for that, but it's always a good idea to go over important concerns with someone who can physically see the unit with you. An hour with a professional can save you thousands of dollars and tons of headaches. No question is a silly question, especially if you're new to all of this.
Wheels or Foundation?
This is a choice every owner has to make depending on their situation, the terrain and conditions of their chosen land, and the laws of the area. A tiny home built onto a chassis or foundation can be a little easier to finance and is seen by many as a permanent structure, but they tend to be heavier and you have fewer legal places to set them up. If a foundation build isn't right for a person, a wheeled structure should be looked into. Many people have happy experiences with tiny wheeled homes, but remember that as they weigh less, they also can carry less and have to abide by stricter federal laws as they're seen as recreational vehicles. It all boils down to what you expect out of your purchase.
Budgeting for Extra Expenses
The cost of the unit itself is nice, but remember that there are other expenses: delivery, land preparation, utility connections, permits, and insurance, among other things, can add up fast. Set aside about fifteen or twenty percent of your initial budget for unforeseen circumstances. It's a shame to feel ripped off, but I know more people than I can count who've had to deal with that exact feeling because they didn't set money aside. Insurance can be an issue because many lenders don't see tiny homes as legitimate structures and won't approve mortgages. Look into financing options like RV or personal loans ahead of time.
Quality Check the Unit
Pictures lie, so if the opportunity presents itself, view the unit in person with a flashlight and bring your nose along for the tour. Open up cabinets and check underneath the counters for any problems and look at the frame of the trailer to ensure that all welds are up to standard and there's no rust. Ask the builder about the materials of the walls and where they were purchased. Honest builders will give you straight answers and be happy to explain in excruciating detail, while shady ones may avoid your prying eyes. A beautiful unit can conceal hundreds of flaws, so double check everything and inspect the trailer frame if possible.
Think About the Layout
Small spaces can be wonderful or torture-inducing, depending on how they're set up. While a great layout won't solve all problems, a poor one can leave you wanting to crawl out of your home within days of moving in, whereas a good one can make you feel like you've stumbled onto the floor of a palace. Think about where your kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom are going to be and how many steps it'll be each time you need to relieve yourself at 3 a.m. Lofts may seem like a great idea, but climbing up and down a ladder everyday is going to grow very tiresome as you age. Try out the unit if you have a chance and see how it feels while sleeping or sitting in it.
Power, Water and Waste
There are three big utilities to worry about: power, water, and waste. You can tap into the local grid, set up solar panels, haul in water, and use a composting toilet, but each comes with its own set of headaches and expenses. Think about how you're going to manage these things and ask about the unit's compatibility if you're going to be off-the-grid. Pay special attention to the kinds of hookups available where you're planning to set up or camp your home.
Resale Value and Future Plans
Your life has a funny way of changing. You may get married, have children, or even decide to move out of the area. Whatever the reason, think about the resale value of the home you're considering. Well-kept properties from established builders tend to hold their value better, while unique, custom builds may have trouble recouping their costs if you ever decide to sell. Keep all of your records and documents on file in order to better document any improvements or upgrades you make to the home. Future you will thank you for it.
Final Thoughts
Buying a tiny home is exciting but there are also a lot of things to consider. Do some of the boring research, set a fair budget, and speak to the right people, and you too can have the tiny home of your dreams without breaking the bank. If you're interested in learning more about the process or the options available to you, be sure to check out the team at Trailer Made Custom Trailers. See what they can do for you.
FAQs
How much does a tiny home generally cost?
Prices really vary depending on the square footage and quality of the unit, but most fall somewhere between $40,000 and $150,000. Customization and high-end materials tend to push costs up, so be sure to take into account the full cost of the unit including delivery and utility hookups.
Can I live in a tiny home year round in Colorado?
Yes, as long as it's outfitted for the conditions and is allowed in the area. It's important to have a good heating source and plenty of insulation, especially if you plan on living above 7,000 feet.
Do I need a building permit?
Most of the time, yes. Requirements vary between counties, so be sure to call your local planning office and building department to get a good idea of what your needs are before investing.
Is a tiny home on wheels easy to move?
Yes and no, depending on the weight and your experience. Be sure to get a good truck that can handle the load and research the roads you'll be traveling on.
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