Dreaming of building a tiny house on wheels but not sure where to start? This article is for you. We'll cover all the information you need to know about building your own tiny house, regulations, inspiration, and the best places to shop for it.
Why build a tiny house on wheels?
A tiny house on wheels is the perfect in-between a trailer and a house. Why? Because it provides the comfort and build quality of a house, with the flexibility to move it wherever you want. This type of tiny house promotes homeownership for many and fits the new reality of our society. Indeed, with several companies now offering remote work options, more and more employees are taking advantage of the opportunity to work full-time while traveling around the world.
Here are some benefits of tiny house living:ย
- Lower mortgage payments
- Reduce your electricity bill
- Avoid paying multiple taxes (welcome, school, municipal, improvements)
- Facilitates access to property
- Possibility to go on vacation with your house
- Reduce your ecological footprint
- Enjoy a more minimalist lifestyle
- Reduce the time and money spent on home maintenance
How much does a tiny house on wheels cost?
The cost structure of a tiny house on wheels is very similar to that of a traditional house. Of course, there are some nuances. Here's how much a tiny house on wheels costs and a breakdown of the costs.
The cost of a tiny house on wheels is between 50,000 and 100,000
Here is the cost structure of a tiny house on wheels construction project:
| Stage | Inclusion | % costs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundation (trailer) | 10% (5k to 10k) |
| 2 | Framework: electricity, plumbing, insulation and exterior finishing | 50% (25k to 50k) |
| 3 | Close the interior walls and ceiling with gypsum board | 10% (5k to 10k) |
| 4 | Finishing: Kitchen, staircase, floor, painting and sanitary equipment | 30% (15k to 30k) |
Regulations for tiny houses on wheels
Dimensions:ย Since tiny houses on wheels are built to go on the road, certain requirements must be met in order to be able to move them at will without a permit. The maximum legal size is therefore 13'6" high by 8'6" wide by 41' long.
Registration: Currently in Quebec, a tiny house on wheels is subject to the same regulations as a trailer. Therefore, you will be required to equip your home with a license plate. Unlike housing taxes, this tax is only payable once and is valid for the entire lifespan of the home.
Ground : Not all municipalities allow tiny homes on wheels. So, make sure you have land that allows them or have a plan for where you want to put your house. To quickly see if your municipality or your next destination allows this type of housing, visit the big map of the mini-house. Information in this regard is updated regularly.
Construction standard: Note that tiny houses on wheels are not required to comply with building codes, and therefore do not have to meet energy efficiency requirements.
How to build a tiny house on wheels?
Building a tiny house on wheels involves much the same steps as a standard build.
Foundation (the trailer)
Materials: The most common base for a tiny house on wheels is a galvanized steel trailer. They are sturdy, weather-resistant, and can carry heavy loads. You can purchase a standard trailer or have one custom-made for your tiny house. However, we strongly recommend investing in a new trailer. This will ensure you start building your house on a solid foundation. The trailer should also be equipped with a leveling jack or a support to secure it to the ground. Finally, to secure your floor to the trailer, you will need to use U-bolts or a similar fastening method, as it is prohibited to weld the tiny house to the trailer.
Price : The price range for a trailer suitable for building a tiny house costs between $5,000 and $10,000. A trailer designed specifically for such a construction will be on the higher end of the price range but will facilitate construction at the floor and wall stages and improve the quality of your build.
Watch the construction video of a floor on a tiny house trailer.
Framework
The frame of a tiny house is built with 2x4s. Here are the main steps in building a frame:
- Choose the openings (window locations)
- Make the plan of the walls
- Cut and assemble the walls
- Build the walls on the floor
- Install the rafters for the
- Install the membrane and insulation
Interior and finishing division
Use 2x3s or 2x4s to frame the walls in the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. Then, run the electrical wiring, lights, and fixtures. Finally, insulate the walls with spray foam or wool insulation and cover them with your choice of interior finish.
Exterior cladding and window installation
There are several options available to you when choosing the exterior cladding for your home.
Here are the 5 best exterior cladding options:
- Fiber cement: Fiber cement is mainly available in 12โฒ lengths or in panels and is available in several models such as smooth or imitation wood.
- Wood fiber siding: Commonly called Canexel in Quebec, it offers the best value for money.
- Steel siding: Steel siding is probably the most durable type of siding on the market. Aside from the fact that it dented more easily than other types, it has only advantages.
- Wood siding: It is unanimously considered the most beautiful exterior siding, but the annual maintenance it requires often means that it is not the first choice of Quebecers.
- Vinyl siding: The most popular type of siding in Quebec in the 90s to 2000s, vinyl siding is the cheapest option and requires the least maintenance.
Considering building a tiny house on wheels is more than just a real estate decision; it's the adoption of a free and eco-friendly lifestyle. This article explores the essentials you need to know, from local regulations to construction specifics, including the economic and ecological benefits of this type of housing.
Whether it's to reduce your ecological footprint, make it easier to access property, or simply to enjoy the freedom of transporting your home wherever you want, the tiny house on wheels offers an attractive and accessible alternative.
We hope this information will be helpful as you begin your project with confidence and enthusiasm. Embark on the adventure of a tiny house on wheelsโa choice that could change the way you live and see the world.
