The Housing Revolution: Movable Tiny Homes vs. Small Homes on Foundations

In recent years, there has been a housing revolution brewing, and it's changing the way we think about homeownership and sustainable living. Two key players in this movement are Movable Tiny Homes and Small Homes on Foundation, both of which are being built off-site in factories. Factory built homes are nothing new as this was invented in the 17th century and has evolved over time.

The Factory Built Housing Revolution of current day is fueled by both Movable Tiny Homes and Small Homes on Foundation built specifically through factory-built construction. While  revolutionary approach to housing offers several key advantages:

1. Quality Control: Factory-built homes are constructed with precision and quality control, ensuring that every aspect of your home is meticulously crafted.
2. Speed and Efficiency: Building homes in a factory is faster and more efficient than traditional on-site construction, saving time and reducing environmental impact.
3. Customization: Homebuyers have the option to customize their factory-built homes, allowing them to personalize their living space to their unique needs and preferences.
4. Cost Savings: Some builders and factories are dedicated to building quality and keeping the per square foot cost down.

In this blog, we'll explore the differences between these two housing options and why they are shaping the future of housing.

Movable Tiny Homes (MTH): The Flexible Portable Housing Solution! Movable Tiny Homes, often referred to as  "Tiny Houses on Wheels" or THOWs, have taken the housing world by storm. These adorable abodes are compact, mobile, and have captured the imagination of those seeking a minimalist and/or nomadic lifestyle. 

What sets them apart from Small Homes on Foundations?

1. Mobility: Movable Tiny Homes are designed to be mobile, making them the perfect solution for people who crave housing that can be moved often or seldom. Whether you want to travel the country or simply enjoy a change of scenery, your movable home on wheels can go wherever the pavement can take you.
2. Size and Minimalism: Tiny homes are typically built to an RV standard (NFPA or ANSI) and can go up to 400 square feet. This size of space often demands a resource reduction, especially if you are going from a much larger home. The good news is this helps you prioritize what truly matters.
3. Personal Property: Because Movable Tiny Homes are built to RV standards they are considered personal property and as such will not trigger an increase in property taxes. However, if you don't pay property taxes for the additional home on your property means  they will not likely increase your property value.
4. Cost-Efficiency: Tiny homes are often more cost-efficient compared to traditional 2500-3000 sq ft homes and possibly small homes on foundation just because of their size. A smaller space plus energy-efficient appliances will lead to substantial energy savings over time.

Small Homes on Foundations (SHOF): While still compact and efficient, Small Homes on Foundation offer a different approach to sustainable living. These homes are built to stay in one place, providing a more conventional housing option and will appreciate the property value.

What sets them apart from Movable Tiny Homes? 

1. Stability and Space: Small homes on foundations are stable, sturdy, and offer more space compared to  Movable Tiny Homes. They often range from 300 to 1,000 square feet, providing 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom options for families or homeowners who desire more space.
2. Built to State Building Code: While these homes are built in a factory they are engineer stamped and inspected at the factory as if they were built onsite. 
3. Compresses Completion Time: Because Small Homes on Foundation are inspected at the factory, site work on land clearing, utility installation, and foundation installation can take place while the home is being built off-site, thus overlapping and compressing the total time to build.
4. Foundation and Connection: While Small Homes on Foundation are brought to the site on wheels they are removed from the wheels and place on foundations approved by the local jurisdiction.
5. Appreciate Property Value: Because Small Homes on Foundation are built to a state building code and are on a foundation they will appreciate your property value.
6. Long-Term Living: Small Homes on Foundations are often chosen by people looking for a sustainable yet stationary lifestyle. They are great for individuals or families who want to put down roots in a community, and wish to expand the living space for families who want to be near each other but also have their own privacy.​

The housing revolution is giving us more options than ever before, and factory-built homes are at the forefront of this movement. Whether you choose a Movable Tiny Home for a flexible or nomadic lifestyle or a Small Home on Foundation for a more stable existence, both options are giving us more affordable options to tackle the housing and climate crisis.

The key is finding the perfect balance between mobility and stability, minimalism and space, and the freedom to choose a sustainable lifestyle that suits your individual needs. The future of housing is looking brighter, more diverse, and factory-built!

Share in the comments which would you choose for your dream home?