Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much do your tiny homes cost?
How much of a Modern Tiny Living home can be customized?
Either personalize your model or go with a completely custom home! Take a look at our build process to see which is best for you.
How much do tiny homes weigh?
While weight will clearly vary depending upon size, appliances, and design, here is a good rule of thumb for the approximate weight of a Modern Tiny Living tiny house on wheels.
20 ft. x 8.5 ft. ~ 10-12k lbs.
24 ft. x 8.5 ft. ~ 12-14k lbs.
28 ft. x 8.5 ft. ~ 15-20k lbs.
While weight will clearly vary depending upon size, appliances, and design, here is a good rule of thumb for the approximate weight of a Modern Tiny Living tiny house on wheels.
20 ft. x 8.5 ft. ~ 10-12k lbs.
24 ft. x 8.5 ft. ~ 12-14k lbs.
28 ft. x 8.5 ft. ~ 15-20k lbs.
What kind of truck do I need to pull a tiny house?
You do not want to have too little truck when towing a tiny house, especially if you plan to travel frequently. It is extremely dangerous - to yourself and other motorists - to use a truck that cannot handle the weight. We have seen major accidents with people attempting to tow their tiny houses with standard SUVs. We're sorry, but no, your Chevy Tahoe, Tesla Model X, Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Cherokee or Ford Explorer will not safely tow a tiny house.
What can tow a tiny house safely?
• 20 ft. tiny houses can be comfortably towed with a 3/4 ton diesel truck.
• Anything larger you'd need a 1 ton diesel truck, preferably a dually. Diesel is critical for tow strength.
If you do not plan to move your home frequently, we highly suggest renting a work truck or paying someone (try U-Ship) to move your home. You don't need to invest in an expensive truck if you are moving infrequently. However, if your dream is to roam the countryside with your tiny house, you will definitely need to get in the market for a diesel truck to make your travel smooth, safe, and risk-free.
You do not want to have too little truck when towing a tiny house, especially if you plan to travel frequently. It is extremely dangerous - to yourself and other motorists - to use a truck that cannot handle the weight. We have seen major accidents with people attempting to tow their tiny houses with standard SUVs. We're sorry, but no, your Chevy Tahoe, Tesla Model X, Cadillac Escalade, Jeep Cherokee or Ford Explorer will not safely tow a tiny house.
What can tow a tiny house safely?
• 20 ft. tiny houses can be comfortably towed with a 3/4 ton diesel truck.
• Anything larger you'd need a 1 ton diesel truck, preferably a dually. Diesel is critical for tow strength.
If you do not plan to move your home frequently, we highly suggest renting a work truck or paying someone (try U-Ship) to move your home. You don't need to invest in an expensive truck if you are moving infrequently. However, if your dream is to roam the countryside with your tiny house, you will definitely need to get in the market for a diesel truck to make your travel smooth, safe, and risk-free.
Do your tiny homes have a warranty?
We offer a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on all craftsmanship in the home. That means if anything goes wrong in the first year of owning your Modern Tiny Living house as a direct result of our workmanship we will have it repaired or replaced. All of your appliances and fixtures are warranted by their respective manufacturers as well, including the roof, siding and trailer. All of our tiny houses are built using quality materials to provide you with a tiny home that will last for many years to come.
All homes require maintenance. Traditional homes should be repainted every 10 years, although we know that doesn’t happen. Windows should be re-caulked every 5 years and replaced every 20 years or so. However, it isn’t a one-size fits all plan. A home on the ocean needs different attention than one in the desert, so just pay attention to your home and if looks like the stain is wearing off, it probably is. All homes need tender loving care, and tiny homes are no exception to that rule.
All homes require maintenance. Traditional homes should be repainted every 10 years, although we know that doesn’t happen. Windows should be re-caulked every 5 years and replaced every 20 years or so. However, it isn’t a one-size fits all plan. A home on the ocean needs different attention than one in the desert, so just pay attention to your home and if looks like the stain is wearing off, it probably is. All homes need tender loving care, and tiny homes are no exception to that rule.
Do you ship? How much does it cost?
We can ship anywhere in the 48 contiguous states and Canada. Maritime shipping is possible but must be arranged by the buyer. Shipping typically runs around $2.50/loaded mile from Columbus, Ohio. (For example, if you live in Atlanta, it's about 500 miles Columbus. That would make shipping about $1250, give or take.). For larger, heavier homes, we get only about 5 miles per gallon of gas, so it could be $3-3.50/loaded mile
Where can I legally park my tiny house on wheels?
Most people park their tiny homes on their own property, or on a friend/relative's land. Some folks travel and move around from place to place, where campgrounds and RV parks are great options (Modern Tiny Living is an RVIA-certified builder). There are also tiny house villages sprouting up all over the nation.
• Check out a list of Tiny House Communities across the U.S. Here
• Here's a great blog post by Tiny House Expedition - How To Find Tiny House Parking: Available Options & Tips
Watch these wonderful videos called Living Tiny Legally to learn more about your options:
• Check out a list of Tiny House Communities across the U.S. Here
• Here's a great blog post by Tiny House Expedition - How To Find Tiny House Parking: Available Options & Tips
Watch these wonderful videos called Living Tiny Legally to learn more about your options:
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How do I insure my Tiny Home?
Go check out our friends over at Tiny House Insurance to learn more about insuring your tiny home. They provide a wonderful service exclusively designed to protect your tiny house.
How do I heat and cool a tiny home?
For heating, most people use the unit which also happens to provide A/C - the ductless mini split. Alternative heat options for those who plan to be tied to the electric grid would be an electric, in-wall heater with thermostat. For those who want to plan for off-grid uses, we suggest the marine propane heaters as they are RV-certified. We love the tiny little wood-burning stoves but have not yet found one certified for RV-use.
For cooling, the ductless mini-split described above is the way to go. If you’re going off-grid, be prepared to spend a lot of money on solar panels and batteries… or just crack the window and settle for fresh air.
For cooling, the ductless mini-split described above is the way to go. If you’re going off-grid, be prepared to spend a lot of money on solar panels and batteries… or just crack the window and settle for fresh air.
How do I deal with waste water from the sink and shower (grey water)?
Our homes come with an RV-connection valve and a 3” hose. Although this can easily be hooked up to a sewer or septic system, most people setup their homes with either an external grey-water holding tank or just let it run into a garden or French drain! This option would require you to use eco-friendly soaps and also find out if this is permitted where you intend to park. Some units also have grey water holding tanks inside the tiny house, like an RV, but this isn’t the most popular option because:
- Added cost of the tank
- Space lost due to the tank
- The grey-water still needs emptied somewhere
What kind of toilets are typically in tiny homes?
The most popular options in tiny homes are either composting toilets or incinerating toilets. The main advantage of commercial composting toilets is that they break down the waste faster by adding air, movement, and heat. All of this extra help composts the material faster requiring less storage. Of course, we are happy to install a standard flush toilet in your tiny home if you understand that you’ll always need hooked up to water and a sewage/septic system in order to use your toilet
Can I live off-grid? What are the limitations?
Living off-grid means different things to different people. For example, a traditional home that touts net zero usage is still grid-tied for those cloudy months in which solar wouldn’t be able to power the entire home. It just sells back to the electric company more than it uses throughout the year… hence, net zero. If you plan to be completely free of the electric grid, your solar setup will likely cost around $20,000 and will still require careful consideration of which appliances are chosen. Giving up things like microwaves, electric heaters, blow dryers, and electric clothes dryers will allow you to greatly reduce your electricity needs. Even then, depending on where you live, you may want to have an emergency generator lined up. A general rule of thumb is to use propane for any heat-generating appliance (water heater, oven/stove, etc). Lastly, decide whether you will need water tanks. If you’ll always have access to a pressurized water source (hose) then you can forego water holding tanks. If not, plan to incorporate those tanks into your design. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and here at Modern Tiny Living our architect is a LEED-accredited professional.
Have more questions? Feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected].
