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Tag: tiny home

CategoriesDevelopment,  Lifestyle,  Tiny Homes

The Stack: Looking at Tiny Home Communities as Whole Systems

by Big Calm

In computing, a tech stack is a collection of independent components that work together to support the execution of software. For example, to develop a web application, the architect defines the stack as the target operating system, web server, database, programming language, and so on. 

Stacks are also a central feature in permaculture. The practice of stacking functions recognizes that every element in a system has at least one function, but more often multiple. And by combining the functions of various elements in the system we are able to increase yields, increase the stability of the system, and thereby increase its resilience as a whole.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow identified this in 1943 when he published “A Theory of Human Motivation” in which he explored how human beings grow and develop according to a hierarchy of needs. 

This particular stack provides an especially useful framework to map to for charting future of tiny home/homestead communities. It reveals that, when it comes to the wave of innovation approaching this space, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. 

So let’s look at this opportunity as a system.

The core for everything is the house itself. Having a roof over one’s head satisfies our most essential physiological need. 

There is a surge of innovative, factory-built, modular, and efficient structures approaching the market – from cubes and containers to A-frames and domes; all shapes and sizes. These options need to be treated as a distinct housing class that is in many ways superior to traditional stick buildings and wasteful bespoke construction. This next generation of housing is designed to be “plug-and-play” – as exemplified by tiny houses on wheels.

Next is the physical edge (another important permaculture concept). All of those prefabricated houses need to be placed somewhere and plugged into hookups. Most of them would benefit by being surrounded by complementary attachments, like decks, storage, and even micro-grid energy systems. 

This edge space provides safety and security for one’s house, and offers a much-needed interface with nature, which is especially important for smaller dwellings.

Then, of course, there is the community aspect. Whether it’s suburbs, cohousing, co-ops, or ecovillages, a good home is surrounded by good neighbours – somewhere between Dunbar’s Numbers of 15 and 50, a natural scale of sociability among humans. Even better if they’re positioned in a “pocket neighborhood” configuration that, as Ross Chapin observed, balances community members’ privacy and proximity.

Not only does community provide a valuable sense of belonging, in rural areas especially, it’s a way to pool resources – like harvested food and energy – that build resilience.

Building resilience also builds esteem, which can fulfil us both practically and spiritually. This may be the most overlooked layer of the stack and is largely missing from modern, sterile real estate developments. In a world where remote work is now possible and work-life balance is sought after, the ability to cultivate and share skills, and to do so both hyper-locally in-person and bio-regionally online, creates a powerful micro-economy and valuable income.

Many people have side-hustles that they’re passionate about and would like to nurture. Natalie Brake at Tiny Home Listings Canada calls this vocational edge space “happy money” and it’s ideally close to home, not separated by a dismal commute to a separate work life.

Lastly, and most aspirationally, is the network state. Described as a reverse diaspora, or Society-as-a-Service, and even as the sequel to the nation state, this is where digital technologies like blockchain open new possibilities for membership, governance, and currency. Not yet, but it’s coming. For now, its essence is that of knowledge exchange – especially bioregionally – between champions of the resilient and regenerative villages movement.

So this is the stack! The main point here is that all of its layers need to be present and aligned to get optimal results. 

In this stack, one’s home isn’t simply a house. It is also an interface with nature, a community of neighbours, a micro-economy of skills, and a passport to a regenerative movement. 

That’s the opportunity we envision at Big Calm; to knit together each of these exciting parts into an undeniable whole.

Beautiful forest outside of a tiny house window
CategoriesTiny Homes

The Essential Combination of Set and Setting (How to Preserve the Resale Value of your Tiny House on Wheels)

by Big Calm

Tiny Houses on Wheels (THoWs) are odd creatures. They seldom move, yet are lumped into the recreational vehicle (RV) category. They are, increasingly, all-season residences yet they must connect to permanent houses or to basic campground pedestals for services. And they are often someone’s highly curated, minimalist nest yet they aren’t considered fixed property in the same way that traditional houses are.

Fact is, THoWs are depreciating assets. They are trailers, and like motor vehicles, they typically lose value as soon as they’re rolled off the lot.

That’s not to say that THoWs aren’t valuable though. Most pro builds these days are very high quality. They are manufactured centrally, which reduces significant inefficiencies (more than 40% of landfill is construction waste!) and their smaller footprint makes them especially eco-friendly (20% the average water intake and 11% the average electricity use compared to standard houses). Because space is at a premium, THoW materials, finishings, and furnishings are carefully selected, resulting in owners’ above-average emotional connection to their THoW.

But because they are not permanently attached to a site, THoWs don’t generally offset depreciation with ascending land value. So, the purchase or sale of a THoW should be approached differently than regular real estate. Ironically, however, that requires an even greater emphasis on the most real estate maxim of all: location, location, location.

A great parking spot can preserve resale value, while a mediocre one can significantly decrease the perceived value of a THoW and even turn one off of tiny living altogether.

Let’s look at three different examples of different combinations of set (house) and setting (site). These are all based on real THoWs and actual THoW owner blind spots and costly decisions that we’ve encountered this year in our neck of the woods.

1. Mediocre Set + Mediocre Setting

A couple commissioned a non-pro to build a 30′ THoW that was functional, but featured odd construction quirks like uneven stairs, gapped finishings, and a hot plate directly adjacent to the kitchen sink – a mistake that unfortunately burned their newborn. 

DIY builds vary widely in quality. Some are extraordinary displays of craftsmanship while others end up looking like the weekend hobby that they were. Quality control for non-pro builds is a much larger variable and the real kicker when it comes to resale: none of them are certified. CSA and/or RVIA certification may seem superfluous and not worth the added upfront cost, but certification preserves THoWs’ resale value by assuring buyers of the home’s safety and the ability to secure THoW insurance.

They parked the home on a rented afterthought section of a hillside acreage for several hundred dollars a month. Although the site was nestled in a beautiful patch of countryside, it came with no hookups or internet, was very steeply sloped, and, as they discovered later, neighboured a noisy sawmill.

This couple didn’t get into tiny living thinking that they would abandon their investment within a year, but both the set and setting were lacking. Last we heard, the THoW remained unsold and is now parked in storage somewhere.

2. Great Set + Mediocre Setting

Another couple parked their magnificent 423 sq-ft high-end professionally built and certified THoW on an unserviced spot in the middle of a field. The beautiful $240,000+ house includes a slate of thoughtful add-ons – including a remarkable custom-built queen-size Murphy Bed, upgraded bathroom, and 2700W solar system. They clearly put a lot of effort into designing their abode and paying a reputable builder to construct it.

They soon realized that a muddy field was not the right spot to park their luxury THoW, and that they mistakenly threw all of their budget into the build while overlooking its siting. Now they can’t afford to rent a practical, year-round, THoW-friendly spot anywhere.

Many THoW buyers get caught up in the Youtube / Instagram vortex of tiny houses. It’s actually quite fun – so many space-saving innovations, layout personalizations, and interior design flourishes! But many of these folks don’t consider things like filters, pumps, tanks, controls, skirting, exterior storage, etc. And even fewer give much thought to proper siting beyond the general region.

This couple sacrificed setting for set and learned that an expensive, custom-designed THoW is more difficult to resell if it’s not in a good setting. Within months of moving into their dream THOW, they gave up on tiny living, listed their THoW on Marketplace, and have since dropped its price at least twice.

3. Great Set + Great Setting

Our last example is an owner that had the best of both worlds. Like the couple above, she had invested around a quarter-million dollars in a custom pro-built and certified 34′ THoW that included a dream bathroom, personally sized office desk, low-ceiling reading loft, eccentric finishings, a custom closet, and even a hidden room.

She wisely placed her dream house on a proper, fully-serviced pad in a serene and picturesque location surrounded by caring and helpful neighbours. The set and setting were perfect complements. However, after a couple major life changes, she chose to move elsewhere. Despite several buyers’ interest in acquiring the THoW in situ, she decided instead to park it in a scrapyard. Unfortunately, simply moving this beautiful home to an unflattering setting where few potential buyers would want to live probably cost her more than a fifth of her original purchase price. Now it sits empty by a highway, depreciating.

***

When it comes to resale value: buy certified, resist overdoing highly individualized layouts and non-essential upgrades, and recognize the important interplay between THoW set and setting to ensure that you can preserve your THoW’s value should you ever choose to sell.

Cozy tiny house interior with small dog on a couch near a window
CategoriesTiny Homes

10 Tiny Home Interior Ideas to Help Complete Your Space

by Big Calm

We were recently invited by US real estate brokerage Redfin to offer our perspective for an article they just published about 10 Tiny Home Interior Ideas to Help Complete Your Space:

When going tiny, you will be opting for a smaller space, but there are endless possibilities for your tiny home interior. Tiny home interiors vary depending on the dweller’s lifestyle, whether you’re living in Austin, TX, Portland, OR, or anywhere in between. But three key elements – minimalism, sustainability, and multifunctionality – must be incorporated into the interior space for a better overall experience. And most importantly, your tiny home interior should be a space that suits your daily activities. To help you get started, we’ve reached out to tiny house experts across the country for their best advice.

Ironically, our contribution had more to do with the great outdoors than the amazing interiors. But it ultimately all works together – especially for tiny homesteaders.

Nature will become a part of your everyday life when living in a tiny home. There are many creative ways to mesh your outside and inside activities- especially if you are interested in an off-grid or rural tiny house location.

 

Some additions to your interior space to embrace nature are skylights, garage doors, large windows, and decorating with plants. Steve from Big Calm says, “One of the most important aspects of your tiny house to consider isn’t the house itself – it’s its location and the space around it. Having great, natural, enjoyable surroundings and amenities makes tiny living truly different and special. Pro-builders will find clever ways to use space – add eco elements to an already low-footprint dwelling.” Tiny homes are all about nature – reducing your ecological footprint, living sustainably, and spending more time outdoors. Additionally, an outdoor space will increase your square footage and is ideal for people who still want to entertain.

Lots of good tips from several others involved with tiny houses. Check out the full article here.

Wooded field with double rainbow
CategoriesLifestyle,  Tiny Homes

Home Isn’t Just a Place

by Big Calm

Most of our conversations these days are with people getting into tiny homes. Recently, however, we were contacted by Mike and Maia, a couple moving on from their lovingly self-built Tiny House on Wheels after living in it for four years. They wanted to let us know that they were looking for a passionate couple or individual to take on this beautiful house that they created and lived in.

Tiny House on Wheels

Not only were we impressed with the house itself, but Maia’s poetic description of it as a home really captured a wonderful essence that so many of us are seeking. With their permission, we’re glad to share it here…

Home isn’t just a place. It is an overwhelming feeling. It embraces you at the end of every day. Holds you. Comforts you. Protects you. Loves you. Warms you. Heals you.

 

Tiny home interior 1

This tiny house is all that and more. It was built with incredible intention. The joy and love that went into dreaming, planning, building, and creating this home makes it a very special place. If home is a feeling, when you walk through the doors and breathe it in you instantly feel peace. Whatever the day brought or whatever the world threw, you can leave it outside the door because home is there to take care of you.

 

We built this tiny home so we could have a place that we could call our own. We desire a simple life, because the world can be so complicated. We desire less, because the universe tries to drown you in more. We desire peace, because there is often so much chaos. We desire quiet, because we need to rest. We desire home, because there is no greater place on earth.

 

Tiny home interior 2

This home saved us. We found all these things and more in this beautiful house in the forest.

 

Life always brings change, and even though it is so hard to leave this home we know it will bless someone else and give them safety and comfort. Hold them in peace and protect them.

 

It is a home unlike any other and it is blessed.

Wonderful reflections. If you might be interested in buying this house, email us and we’ll gladly connect you with Mike for info, specs, and pricing.

A blue tiny house sits in a peaceful verdant meadow
CategoriesDevelopment,  Lifestyle,  Tiny Homes

The Bigger Picture on Tiny Homesteads

by Big Calm

When we first contemplated building a tiny home community in the Slocan Valley, we thought a lot about how it would impact, and ideally, benefit both the land and the larger community.

Environmental Impact

Earlier this year, I was working on a project to support the region’s licensed cannabis producers, and had the honour and privilege to participate in cultural sensitivity training by members of the Sinixt First Nation, on whose land we work and reside. I learned of Whuplak’n, a Sinixt law that guides us to take care of the land, water, air and all living things. If we take care of the land, it takes care of us: all decisions should be informed through this process of what is in the best interest of all living things. 

Big Calm is aligned with this law. We want to take care of the land so it takes care of us.

Minimal Development, Modest Community

We purchased the property we call Big Calm because it was already ideal for a pocket neighbourhood, with no clearing or major earthworks required. The only development work needed involves smoothing the driveway, drilling a groundwater well, servicing each (gravel) tiny home pad, and installing a septic system. Despite the significant cost, we opted for a Type 2 septic system, which has half the footprint of a Type 1 system and generates much cleaner effluent. In this case, as in many others, eco-minded choices come at a higher cost, but to us, it’s worth it. 

The community will be situated on roughly three of our 30+ acres. Guidelines for RV park developments recommend 10 units per acre, which translates to 30 units for our community space. We decided on only 10. Water is our most precious resource, and after consulting with a civil engineer, we determined that 10 tiny homes is both conservative as well as sustainable. Of course, the other benefit of having only 10 pads is that we can truly offer tiny homesteads, with plenty of space and privacy, with the comfort of a community not too far away.

Tiny Home Living

It’s intuitive that tiny homes take up a smaller footprint than conventional homes and generally use less electricity and water, of which the average Canadian uses 330 litres per day. Tiny house dweller and blogger Joshua Engberg determined that his daily water use was just over 66 litres, about 20% of the average Canadian’s use. In terms of electricity, the average Canadian uses 13,891 kWh per year, while a tiny home uses only 1,515 kWh per year, or about 11% the national per capita average. Based on these statistics, 10 tiny homes would use roughly the same amount of water as two conventional homes and about the same amount of electricity as one conventional home.

And, that doesn’t take into account the electricity- and water-saving measures we, and future tiny homesteaders, plan to employ. Not surprisingly, the majority of individuals interested in living at Big Calm also plan to install solar panels on their tiny homes, which will complement the large solar array we plan to install in the mid-term. Even though tiny homes have a small water catchment area, prospective tiny homesteaders still want to harvest as much water as they can. We’ve also heard from folks planning to have compost toilets in their tiny home, which can save more than 25,000 litres of water per person per year!

Maria Saxton, a doctor of environmental design and planning, conducted a study to measure how downsizing to a tiny home influences downstream environmental impacts. She found that the average ecological footprint required to support a tiny home dweller for one year was about 9.5 acres, compared with 17.3 acres for an individual living in a conventional home, a decrease of 45%. She adds that the impacts are even further-reaching:

“On average, every major component of downsizers’ lifestyles, including food, transportation, and consumption of goods and services, was positively influenced.

 

As a whole, I found that after downsizing, people were more likely to eat less energy-intensive food products and adopt more environmentally conscious eating habits, such as eating more locally and growing more of their own food. Participants traveled less by car, motorcycle, bus, train, and airplane, and drove more fuel-efficient cars than they did before downsizing.

 

They also purchased substantially fewer items, recycled more plastic and paper, and generated less trash. In sum, I found that downsizing was an important step toward reducing ecological footprints and encouraging pro-environmental behaviors.”

Permaculture-Guided

Climate change is an overwhelming issue for everybody. What I love about permaculture is that it is a way for individuals to do their part to care for the earth. Permaculture doesn’t aim to be merely sustainable, it aims to be regenerative. It builds soil, captures carbon, promotes biodiversity and produces food in a way that isn’t destructive. 

We have grand permaculture-related plans for Big Calm. We envision pollinator gardens, a food forest and a greenhouse to extend the growing season. Permaculture is a means by which we can give back to the land, become more self reliant and create community bonds. We are thrilled that everyone we’ve spoken to can’t wait to get their hands dirty!

Community Impact

When we first conceived the concept of Big Calm, we wanted to ensure that it would have a positive impact on the larger community. Affordable housing in this part of BC is a complex issue that will require institutional support and substantial funding to address, and is not an affordable undertaking by us regular folks, unfortunately. 

In an article on the investment needed for dedicated affordable housing Marc Lee, Senior Economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, says:

“A housing commitment to build 11,400 units a year for a decade translates into an annual public investment of about $3 billion ($250,000 per unit construction and related cost), assuming public land owned by local governments or the provincial government is contributed.”

Despite not having the substantial capital required to take on the issue of affordable housing, Big Calm can still have a positive impact. In an article in The Tyee, Guy Dauncey, author of Journey to the Future: A Better World is Possible, posed eight solutions to Canada’s housing crisis. One of them was the development of new villages. He says:

“Many younger people want more than an affordable home. They also want to live sustainably with a strong sense of community. They want to build a sharing economy, with a lighter footprint on the Earth. They want to build their own eco-villages and tiny home villages.

 

An eco-village places more emphasis on sociable, pedestrian-friendly designs, habitat protection and solar energy and passive homes than a conventional development. We should train people how to become their own developers, forming eco-village development co-operatives, raising the money needed and navigating the complex world of zoning and development approval.”

My only gripe with this is that it’s not just younger people, it’s people of all ages, including families, independents, and a large proportion of individuals who are retired or planning to retire soon and want to live a more sustainable lifestyle.

Because Big Calm is attracting remote workers–who will bring their jobs with them–to new residential units, we will not exacerbate the issue of lack of affordable housing. We believe we can have a positive economic impact on the community: we hope our modest project–which is being developed by local contractors; tradespeople; and civil, structural and geotechnical engineers–will potentially relieve some pressure on the middle-market. Not to mention that the Big Calm community will volunteer at local events and support businesses by shopping locally.

“More people are now wanting to relocate to the valley, recognizing it for the gem that it is.” 
– Slocan Valley Economic Development coordinator (Valley Voice, October 8, 2020)

We are thrilled with the calibre and diversity of individuals interested in Big Calm, as well as their desire to contribute not just to the Big Calm community, but to the larger community as well. We’ve heard from individuals who want to share their knowledge of / expertise in laughter yoga, leadership, mindfulness, movement, art, group building, positive therapy, meditation/guided visualization, permaculture, gardening, photography/videography, presentation development, detoxing, raw vegan cuisine, mental wellness, and close community living. We’ve had the pleasure to meet a semi-retired midwife, financial analyst, insurance underwriter, soil scientist, leadership coach and yoga instructor, among others. A desire to live sustainably, care for the land and be part of a supportive community is the common thread that unites them.  

Do you have any other ideas that would help us positively impact the environment, the community and the larger Slocan Valley Community? Please share them with us at hello@bigcalm.ca.

Photo by Arwin Basdew on Unsplash

woman facing a pedestrian bridge into a forest
CategoriesLifestyle,  Tiny Homes

Little Women

by Big Calm

On our social media channels – particularly Twitter – we keep tabs on some of the biggest trends nudging people towards what we’re building at Big Calm.

Of course, the biggest one is the COVID-19 pandemic and how it forced both a shift towards remote work and a reckoning with our mental well-beings.

Climate change is another macro force that has things like gardening, prepping, and regional food security coming up more often in casual conversation.

But another significant movement that’s largely gone under the radar is just how popular tiny house living is amongst women. According to Classic Building Sales, more than 64% of tiny house owners are women. Web forums indicate, and many builders confirm, that women are the ones driving the surging sales of premium tiny houses on wheels (THoWs).

We’re seeing three main reasons for this: lifestyle (design), life event (affordability), and life stage (communal independence).

Life Style

Some of the best designers and builders have gravitated towards tiny houses. The remarkable quality and ingenuity of today’s premium THoWs is being profiled and celebrated on Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube – especially amongst younger women and couples embracing a minimalist yet stylish aesthetic. Related bonus: According to iPropertyManagement, moving to a tiny home can decrease a household’s ecological footprint by 45%.

Life Event

Tiny houses are regularly associated with affordable housing – and there is a massive opportunity for cities to go tiny in meaningful ways. But even at the premium end of tinies, units are significantly less expensive – on average, less than one-fifth! – than getting a mortgage for traditional house or condo. And this is resonating for women on the flipside of a major life event – such as a divorce, the death of spouse, or the last child leaving the nest. Tiny homes offer a simpler, independent, and more affordable mid-life option.

Life Stage

While many people think of tiny homes as something only 20-somethings want, the market says otherwise and is showing significant engagement from those who are older. According to Restoring Simple (pre-pandemic), 23% of 35-54-year-olds and 15% of those over 55-years-old would seriously consider moving into a tiny home. There is a coming wave of retirees interested in leaving the nest themselves and finding a community that provides friendship, activity, safety, snow shovelling, and dog-sitting.

Ross Chapin wrote the book on Pocket Neighborhoods, describing them as “…settings where nearby neighbors can easily know one another, where empty nesters and single householders with far-flung families can find friendship or a helping hand nearby, and where children can have shirttail aunties and uncles just beyond their front gate.” That’s our goal at Big Calm.

For more on this, take inspiration from some of these great stories:

Photo by Jake Melara on Unsplash

open tin of colourful gummy fish
CategoriesLifestyle,  Tiny Homes

Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Box

by Big Calm

Was Radiohead referring to tiny houses? Ok, it’s not that bad, but I’d be lying if I said adjusting to tiny home living was easy. We’ve been tiny home dwellers for a couple months now and we’re still getting the hang of it, but I thought it’d be a good time to share what we’ve learned so far.

Insight #1: Cleaning takes much less time, but you’ll need to do it more often.

Pretty intuitive: two adults and one cat generate the same amount of dust and dirt no matter the size of the home. So, while it takes half the time to clean a 500 square foot space as a 1,000 square foot space, you have to do it about twice as often.

Insight #2: You’ll likely need to rearrange your “stuff” several times until you get it “right.”

If you’re like me, you’ll notice that where you initially put some “stuff” isn’t the ideal place for it. I’ve been making small rearrangements and changes based on how often we use or need to access certain items. The good news is that every time rearrangements are made, the living space becomes more comfortable.

Insight #3: Fridge space is important.

We’re staying at a temporary rental until some of the early build-out on site is done, so we didn’t get to choose our kitchen and its half-size bar fridge. We will be going with a full-size fridge in our permanent tiny home: more fridge space means more fresh/whole foods, without having to rely as much on packaged/processed foods.

Insight #4: Schedules are important.

Two remote workers in a shared space means one of you is taking a Zoom call in the bathroom if you don’t plan ahead. Every morning we discuss what our schedules are for the day and we check with each other before we book any Zoom meetings.

Insight #5: Include white noise.

Speaking of bathrooms, it’s good to have a noisy bathroom fan. The white noise from the whirring of a fan provides an aural barrier for sounds that need not carry throughout the whole space.

Insight #6: There are ways to get “alone time” even when you can’t be alone.

You know when you see a coworker wearing headphones and it means “don’t bug me?” Well, I’ve learned that works well in a tiny household too. When it’s harder to get “alone time” (especially in winter when working outdoors is less comfortable), you can create alone time by putting on some headphones and listening to ambient sounds or your favourite tunes, which also subtly lets your partner know you’re “busy.”

Another “alone time” trick: if you can’t see your partner, it’s almost like s/he isn’t there (don’t judge until you go tiny). We have three “workspaces,” one of which is around a corner, out of sight. It works.

Also, earplugs and an eye mask are critical for the later sleeper. That’s an obvious one, but worth mentioning.

Insight #7: Once you get past the initial challenges of tiny house living, it’s really quite nice.

I like knowing that all the “stuff” we have is “stuff” we need, or, that that is an achievable end goal. Tiny home living is simpler living. You know how the late Steve Jobs always wore the same outfit so he didn’t have to think about it? It’s kind of like that, but it extends beyond one’s wardrobe. And, perhaps the best thing about tiny-house living – particularly when it’s out in the wilderness – is that nature’s beauty is just outside your door, reminding us that there’s a big world outside our cozy abode.

Photo by Roseanna Smith on Unsplash

interior of ZeroSquared tiny house on wheels with pullout
CategoriesTiny Homes

The Big Directory of Tiny House Builders

by Big Calm

Update: For a more current list of Canadian Tiny House on Wheels builders, please visit our Salon page.

Tiny living can be pretty luxurious these days, thanks to a growing field of home-builders dedicated to the lifestyle. Not only do many modern models have all the conveniences we expect in full-size homes, they go over and above in terms of energy efficiency, self-sustainability, space-saving, exterior profiles, and interior finishings.

We’ve started this “big directory” of tiny house builders to showcase the range of quality options  currently in western Canada. If you’re interested, reach out to them directly for additional info. (And if you’re a builder missing from this list, or one on this list with newer specs and pics, reach us at hello@www.bigcalm.ca.)

 

Canadian Tiny Homes

Nelson, BC

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Canadian Tiny Homes offers base models that are ready to live in, or can be upgraded; or, can build a shell, allowing the customer to finish the interior. Shells include a trailer, exterior finishing, roof, windows, initial interior framing, insulating and roughed-in mechanical.

Size range

  • 26 ft. long (new designs upcoming)

Unique offerings

  • Interior design

 

Hummingbird Micro Homes

Fernie, BC

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Hummingbird Micro Homes custom designs and builds Tiny Homes on wheels.

Size range

  • 14 – 34 ft long

Unique offerings

  • Off-grid system upgrade available

 

Mint Tiny House Company

Vancouver, BC

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Mint Tiny House Company has completed more than 100 Tiny House RVs and Park model builds.

Size range

  • 22 – 42 ft. long
  • 237 – 392 sq. ft.

Price range

  • CAD $79,550 – $128,695

Unique offerings

  • Gooseneck design (Canada Goose model)
  • Off-grid ready (Extended Napa and Aero models)
  • RVIA, CSA and Intertek certification
  • One-year warranty on structural, electrical, plumbing defects; one-year trailer manufacturer’s warranty, 40-year roof manufacturer’s warranty
  • Online estimate generator

 

Nelson Tiny Houses

Nelson, BC

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Nelson Tiny Houses offers two feature models that can be fully customized: The Acorn House, with a gable roof; and the V House, with a single pitched roof. Nelson Tiny Homes is a small, family run company that builds only 4 – 5 homes a year with a team including fine woodworkers, metal workers and artisans.

Size range

  • 16 – 46 ft. long

Price range

  • CAD $55,000 – $182,000

Unique offerings

  • CSA certification
  • Five-year structural warranty

 

Rewild Homes

Vancouver Island

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Rewild Homes builds custom Tiny Homes ranging from off-grid cabins to luxury Tiny Homes.

Size range

  • 16 – 33 ft. long
  • 100 – 250+ sq. ft.

Price range

  • Shells and Tiny Homes from CAD $25,000 – $150,000+
  • Off-grid packages for CAD $10,000 – $20,000
  • Unique offerings
  • CSA certification
  • Gooseneck design (Starling model)

 

Summit Tiny Homes

Vernon, BC

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Summit Tiny Homes offers pre-designed Tiny Homes, DIY Tiny Home plans and custom builds.

Size range

  • 22 – 28 ft. long (Heritage and Cabana models); 20 – 34 ft. long custom build
  • 215 – 250 sq. ft. (Heritage and Cabana models)

Price range

  • CAD $74,999 – $109,999

Unique offerings

  • Gooseneck designs (custom builds)
  • CSA certification
  • Detailed Tiny House plans available for purchase
  • Online estimate generator

 

Teacup Tiny Homes

Lethbridge, AB

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Teacup builds Tiny Homes for cold weather climates, offering customizable Tiny Home design starting with one of 13 floor plans.

Size range

  • 22 – 40 ft. long
  • 227 – 498 sq. ft.

Price range

  • CAD $85,000 – $180,000

Unique offerings

  • Gooseneck designs (Serendipity model)
  • Exterior storage area (Shangri La and Innisfree Anarres models)
  • RVIA, CSA and Intertek certification
  • One-year workmanship warranty, manufacturer’s warranty on materials and appliances
  • Online estimate generator

 

Zero Squared

Calgary, AB

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Zero Squared designs and builds both Tiny Homes on wheels and accessory dwelling units on foundation (backyard suites, laneway houses, garden flats). Zero Squared has developed modular slides that can be added onto any length of trailer to expand square footage.

Size range

  • 26 – 37 ft. long
  • Main floor from 221 – 434 sq. ft.

Price range

  • CAD $63,000 – $131,000

Unique offerings

  • Optional automated elevator loft (Willow model)
  • Integrated modular expanding spaces (all other models)
  • Offers a mortgage product for Tiny Home financing
  • RVIA and CSA certification
  • One-year material defect warranty on plumbing, electrical, roofing, windows and doors; and on trailer material and workmanship