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Is a tiny house right for you?
Do you love the minimalist lifestyle, is less is more your mantra? A tiny house could be the perfect choice for a first home, or if you’re looking to downsize. Read on for all you need to know about these unconventional homes. We’ve rounded up all you need to know about prices, financing, municipal regulations, and more!
Tiny house, big change
Tiny houses, also known as tiny homes, generally have from 300 to 600 square feet of living space.[1] In Québec, several types are available, at a range of prices,[2] with various advantages and disadvantages:
- Tiny house on wheels, usually built on a trailer;
- Container home, made with a shipping container;
- Tall tiny house, usually in the form of a cube or rectangle;
- Mobile home, usually located in a trailer park;
- Converted van or bus.
Tiny houses can be fixed (built on a foundation), portable (moveable), or mobile (on wheels). As you may have guessed, different features affect project costs.
Prefabricated tiny house or tiny house on wheels: Prices
A fixed tiny house costs, on average, between $60,000 and $150,000, including labour. However, you can build a tiny house on wheels yourself from about $35,000, or if you hire professionals, between $60,000 and $75,000.[3]
In addition to materials and labour, depending on the type of tiny house, other costs can include:
- Acquiring a trailer;
- Buying land;
- Adding a septic tank;
- Building a foundation;
- Connecting plumbing and electricity;
- Landscaping.
Financing
One of the main advantages of a tiny house is that it’s inexpensive, which is also why many financial institutions may hesitate to grant a mortgage.[4] The best solution is to use your own savings to finance your tiny house. If this is not an option, you might consider opening a line of credit or applying for a personal loan. However, it is important to keep in mind that interest rates remain fairly high.
Municipal regulations for tiny houses in Québec
Not all cities and municipalities allow tiny houses. There are also various laws and regulations that prevent owners from making a home wherever they wish,[5] for the following reasons:
- The Quebec Construction Code doesn’t cover dwellings smaller than 700 square feet;
- Building a single-family house with a bedroom smaller than 320 square feet, or a studio of less than 275 feet, is prohibited;
- The construction or installation of a tiny house for use as a residential annex on the land of a property is prohibited.
However, many cities and municipalities in Québec are amending regulations to include this type of housing on their territory.
Are you looking for a tiny house for sale? Call a real estate broker to facilitate the process and make your dream a reality. Until then, why not rent one for a few nights for a true tiny house experience?
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See also:
Tiny houses: a good or bad investment?
12 factors to consider when buying land to build a house
