I’m asked quite often if I’ve ever heard of a tiny house or a shipping container home or if I know what an auxiliary housing unit is. I usually just give a quick answer knowing that if they really wanted to know, they could simply Google it.
But after a couple of years, I’m still being asked about them. Maybe it’s because of the affordable housing crisis where even people with good incomes can’t afford to buy or rent traditional housing.
Here is my introduction to small houses:
TINY HOUSE ON WHEELS
A tiny house is a small, self-contained living space that is typically on wheels and can be moved from place to place though many are placed in a new type of tiny house community setting. They are typically not connected to the main house if used as a temporary dwelling.
Tiny houses are typically between 100 and 400 square feet.
Tiny houses typically have a small kitchen, bathroom, and living space and can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000.
They are not allowed to be a permanent part of the land it sets on in most areas of the country.
AUXILIARY DWELLING UNIT
An auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU), also known as a secondary suite, backyard cottage, or in-law suite, is a smaller, independent living space on the same property as the original home. ADUs require a foundation in most locations per zoning codes.
They typically have a full kitchen, bathroom, living space, and bedroom(s) because they can have more than one module and aren’t as size-restricted as the tiny house.
ADUs can be any size, up to the maximum allowed by local zoning regulations.
As its name implies, ADUs are built on the same property as a single-family home and can be connected to the main house by a shared driveway, walkway, or other means.
Public Utilities are shared with the main house using permanent hookups.
ADUs can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on the size and amenities.
SHIPPING CONTAINER HOME
These homes are made from steel shipping containers that you see carrying goods everywhere on trains, trucks, and ships. Container houses share the typical small kitchen, bathroom, and living space as tiny houses.
Shipping containers are generally available in 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft lengths by 8’6” wide.
These homes range in cost from $15,000 for the 10ft home up to $175,000 for an upscale single container.
These homes can be built where most ADUs are allowed and can also be joined together like Legos to form multi-unit housing, and commercial storefronts and often find their way into being perfect for other uses like business and medical offices as well as dormitories.
Like the ADUs, containers are almost always connected directly to public utilities.
Tiny houses, shipping container homes and ADUs can be great options for people who are looking for a smaller, more affordable living space. However, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when deciding which option is right for you.
Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach
