Problems with "tiny" homes - Page 2

Ms X · ‎09-13-2012

Don't forget the problem of tiny homes on wheels being stolen while their owners are out! I've read of that happening a couple of times.

They should have to be up to code, and the dumping sewage in the woods is outrageous. However, I believe the tiny homes thing is here to stay. After all, they are similar to trailers, which have been a housing staple for a long time. I believe that in the years to come zoning rules will be changed to accommodate them, and perhaps even tiny home parks (like trailer parks) will proliferate. Time will tell, but I think as the boomers retire and the job market remains bad, tiny homes will fill a crucial need. I could never live in the really tiny homes, and would never have one on wheels, but one about 500 square feet would be just fine with me.

YorkieonmyPillow · ‎01-13-2013

Just another TV gimmick!

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

@151949 wrote:
A discussion on the other thread got me interested so I googled Problems with tiny homes. Wow. A lot or websites about this. The main #1 issue seems to be that most municipalities have ordinances against dwellings under a certain size, or against living in a temporary dwelling full time or a litany of other issues making finding a place to put a tiny home quite difficult.Even campgrounds don't want them as they are too high and don't meet local codes.
Also, local health departments have figured out that many owners of tiny homes just place them in a rural field and use solar panels for electric and catchman water (catch the rain water and store it in a barrel) but they do not properly dispose of their sewage. If they have a composting toilet they must peridically empty it and it has been found most people just are dumping it in the woods, on the ground -- of course that is a huge no no. Beside this - they are just draining their soapy wash water onto the ground as well, where it gets absorbed into the ground water - another huge no no. These things are even more of an issue once it gets cold outside and all this disposed of waste freezes and stays there.
Then there are issues like the homes not being up to code for electrical and fire. Invasions by insects - particularly termites - since most of them are made entirely of wood. Also people think they will like living away from everything but find the isolation to be horrible, esp. as winter sets in and they are out in the middle of nowhere and no way to get outta there.
So it was interesting reading. Not the glorified situations they show you on HGTV. As a matter of fact one couple had a tiny house built for them and filmed for a show on HGTV and it was so badly done and such a horror they eventually had to abandon it.

The pollution of the ground water issue made me think of a big argument in a nearby town concerning a CAFO that is being developed on an old farm. The farmers are bringing in 3000 hogs, housing them inside and of course, they have to dispose of the waste which is a major issue. So they applied for a permit to do this and neighbors are fighting them in court. Honestly, there really is nothing the neighborhood folks can do as the farm was there first before the surrounding land was sold off to developers for housing. So these folks, many of whom have their most expensive investment in their homes, have no recourse, they must accept this. Their property values are falling and it's hard for them to sell because no one wants to move into a neighborhood that has the stench of pig manure for several days several times a year.

It's hard to imagine folks who live in these tiny homes and dump dish liquid and composted waste could ever have as much impact on the environment as a CAFO. But, local laws can't touch a factory farm if it was originally zoned for farming.

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

@sweetee2 wrote:
I'm just surprised how expensive they are. Some over hundred thousand dollars. You could buy condo for that and have real toilet.

The price per sq ft is very high for what you get. I have yet to see one that has heat. Up here you'd freeze to death in the winter.

For some, maybe they are an alternative to a travel trailer?

There are many cottages/cabins near the water or forrest here where 500 sq ft is the norm as long as they are stick built and permanent structures.

CelticCrafter · ‎03-09-2010

@faeriemoon wrote:
I would think the novelty of living in one of those things would wear off pretty quickly. Imagine the wear and tear on a house the size of a garden shed?

No way.

For me the novelty would wear off just after I stuck my head in the door to take a look around.

I wish they would do a where are they now just to see how many actually lasted.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

As I have said here many times - in my opinion anyone would be infinately better off to buy a camping trailer, the design is professionally done - these companies know how to use each and every inch of space - beautiful built ins. A stove with 3 or 4 burners and an oven, Built in wiring for cable tv and satellite radio, furniture custom built to fit the space , max storage and things like fresh water tanks and appropriate sewage disposal systems, and fire safety codes met. and heating & AC systems.Really just so much better than those tiny houses I see on TV. And much less expensive. I cringe when I see the prices of those tiny homes on tv.

novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

<<As I have said here many times - in my opinion anyone would be infinately better off to buy a camping trailer,>>

Really? "Anyone" would be better off? And infinately.......or infinitely?

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

@novamc1 wrote:
<<As I have said here many times - in my opinion anyone would be infinately better off to buy a camping trailer,>>

Really? "Anyone" would be better off? And infinately.......or infinitely?

So sorry I'm not perfect like you - but at least I'm also not as rude.

YorkieonmyPillow · ‎01-13-2013

@151949 They might be pushing them on TV, doubt many people are actually buying those things.

proudlyfromNJ · ‎05-01-2010

@151949 I agree. When I first watched the tiny house show,I thought I would have purchased a camper/trailer/rv, whatever they are called. So much nicer and practical.