California Tiny Homes

Gluttony is out and simplicity is in. The mini-mansion of the past has been replaced with a house a fraction of its size.  The tiny house is making a splash in the world of real estate as more and more people abandon large scale homes for a smaller, more livable abode. Measuring less than 500 square feet, today’s tiny house in California offers less space than a two-car garage. Still, its popularity continues to soar.

Why Are Tiny Homes Popular in California?

There are a lot of reasons why the tiny house movement is taking off in California.  In a state where rents and housing prices are extremely high, many young professionals and older adults like the idea of the savings a smaller house offers.

Since tiny houses are usually registered as either RV’s or mobile homes, they are exempt from many of the taxes and regulations of standard homes.  Plus, there is the versatility of these small abodes.  Often built on wheels, tiny homes are meant to move. This gives homeowners the flexibility of moving to a fresh location.

Whether it is the savings a small home offers or the flexibility they provide, tiny house dwellers are enjoying life unencumbered – and that is a benefit many are enjoying.

Benefits of Tiny House Living in California

No one gives up the luxury of a full size house without experiencing some benefits.  As the tiny house craze sweeps through California, many are realizing the benefits of scaling back their lifestyles – and their homes.

  • They are environmentally friendly: many tiny homes sport solar panels, rain water systems and other environmentally conscience amenities. This can lower a homeowners impact on the world considerably, making it a great option for the environmentally conscience homeowner.
  • They use less energy:  the smaller the home, the less energy it is going to use
  • They are easier to clean:  who wouldn’t love to clean their entire house in less than an hour? Many tiny houses take even less time
  • They take little maintenance: one of the biggest stresses on a homeowner is the ongoing maintenance a large home requires.  Tiny houses make upkeep simple and easy.

 Deciding Where to Plant Your Tiny House in California

There is a lot of freedom to owning a tiny house in California; but there are also some rules and regulations that homeowners need to be aware of. First, many cities do not permit tiny houses unless they comply with standard building codes and size requirements. This means that tiny houses in larger urban areas must be built on a foundation; be more than 500 square feet in size; and have all systems inspected by a city inspector or codes enforcement officer. In some areas, tiny homes can be placed in the backyard of an existing home if it will be used primarily as a home office, mother-in-law suite or guest house.

More rural areas of California tend to a bit more tiny house friendly than urban areas, but may still have restrictions.  It is always best to check with your local zoning office before planning to place a tiny house on an existing lot or property.

Consider asking local zoning offices about installing tiny homes in cities across California such as:

  • Los Angeles
  • San Francisco
  • San Diego
  • Oakland
  • Sacramento
  • San Jose

What Does a Tiny House Look Like?

Tiny houses may be smaller in scale, but that does not mean they lack any of the upgrades, amenities or luxuries that you may crave. Utopian Villas is a leading tiny house builder specializes in custom dwellings that are built to satisfy the high end buyer.  By offering the kind of luxury design and style of a standard home, Utopian Villas aims to bring the joys of tiny house living to people who might not otherwise consider this unique way of living.

How Much Does a Tiny House Cost in California?

Although much less expensive than a traditional home, prices for tiny houses in California can fluctuate from the low $30,000-$60,000 (only the cost to build) or more depending on the layout you design and the type of amenities you add.

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How Can I Get Started Planning my Tiny Home?

If tiny house living is something you dream of, then check out  Utopian Villas to discover what this new housing trend is all about and to begin designing your new custom home.