All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@Colin Smith - I'm taken back on your statement of tiny homes being harder to move. That's entirely false. Unlike mobile homes, tiny homes retain their mobility. The wheels and axles stay on.

When you say a "few" people like tiny homes, how do you explain the tens of thousands of people who show up to the various tiny home festivals/events that we have just here in Colorado? I do agree with you on personal preference. Tiny homes are not for everyone but they can be for a lot of us. I built my own tiny home and have been in the industry for over 3 years now. The market research firm, Technavio, has put out a study claiming the tiny home industry is projected to be a $5.8B industry over the next 4 years.

In my opinion, my 320 sq ft tiny home is going to be an upgrade from my 480 sq ft condo. But that's my opinion.

@Colin Smith - Thank you for the comment. Tiny homes are certainly a niche market. Largely due to the regulatory "gray zone" they fall in. The aftermarket for them has yet to be fully realized, because of the fact that the regular market currently has its issues. Luckily there are many of us out there trying to help normalize these structures so we stop being the red headed step child.

The reason people are reluctant to buy them is because we cant just put them anywhere we want. You are correct in the resale aspects, because they're considered chattel, vs. real property. My argument to that is; how does one assign a value to something that dramatically improves the quality of life of the individual/family? In my own personal example, if I had a place to live in my tiny home, I'd sell my condo. In this market, the proceeds from the sale of my condo would eliminate nearly all of my personal debt, provide a little cash in the bank and dramatically reduce my monthly expenses. Including the loan I took out to build my tiny home.

In effect, I'd own my home and really only be responsible for my "lot lease" to place it. If the lot lease becomes too much over time, I can hook up my home and drive to a different place.

That's my $0.02 and the reason why I'm trying to create options for tiny homeowners, current and aspiring.

Good morning everyone!

Tiny homes have become a huge interest for a lot of my people. It seems like this trend will continue to grow so long as the residential market stays course. Would you invest in a crowdfunding campaign for a community development project? What would you look for in regards to terms?

@Jennifer Nesovic - Be sure to check out WeeCasa in Lyons, CO. Plus if you're ever in the area, stay a night or two! They're pretty sweet! You might even reach out to them to see how they went through the approval process.

@David Frandsen - Yep. But like any emerging industry, there's always wrinkles to iron out. My team and I are working on a community development and the hope is to get a couple of these completed that we can then create a template for national expansion.

People have used the phrase "standing up an industry" in some conversations I've had. It's certainly been an adventure and a challenge.

@David Frandsen - You're right about the builders not helping with that. They build the homes and it's up to the owner to sort out how/where they can live in it.

The tiny home industry is evolving quickly. In fact, we've already engaged ASTM in an effort to help create a much needed framework on not only how the homes need to be built but also bleeding out into community development.

I can say that a majority of the tiny home builders out there understand the importance of their craft and do take pride in their work. Building to the highest level of standards that already exist. Even if they have to cobble a few of those standards together. (I.e IRC, ANSI 119.2, etc.) But alas... there are some out there who just aim to make a buck and to hell with the client after they take delivery.

@Jennifer Nesovic - As someone who's been in the industry for the last 3 years, launching our company and laying the ground work for our first community, I'd say YAY! Do it!

As you mentioned, the challenge is the regulations. You' need to inquire about the rules on short term rentals at whatever jurisdiction you're looking to be in. WeeCasa in Lyons, CO got their approvals because they're operating a tiny home hotel. Which then lead to the town to pass the tiny home on wheels ADU ordinance.

Tiny homes are a thing. We've become an industry to be reckoned with and are working to address the primary issues that prevent the widespread adoption of them.

Good luck!

@Carlo C. - You'll need to verify with the authority having jurisdiction for the property in mind. Even "unrestricted" have restrictions. Village Farm Tiny home community is based in Austin. They could be something to check out.

@Chris Muller - It certainly is a thing. Especially in the tiny home world. If you've not already, go take a peek at WeeCasa in Lyons, CO. They've got a great short-term, tiny home hotel going on. Plus, they're at the doorstep of the Rocky Mountain National Forest.

I've been in the tiny home space now for little over 3 years, having built my own tiny. Our primary issues are zoning. Getting in with your zoning/planning and elected officials of where you want to be is key.

@Josiah Tombley - I've been in the tiny home world for the last 3 years. Zoning is usually always the big hang up. However, there have been some successes. Both in the short-term rental space and permanent living. Check out WeeCasa in Lyons, CO as a good example for short-term rentals.