Tiny House, Big Choice: A Guide to Comparing Tiny Homes

So many tiny house companies have popped up in the last few years, it really has become a buyers market! But with all these options, it’s easy to suffer from choice overwhelm…

How can you possibly choose which tiny house builder to go with, let alone which design?

If you are in the market for a tiny home and looking at several builds and designs then you need to look at more than just the price.

You need to look at what you’re getting for your money.

Here are 10 things to consider to help you find your way through the maze of decision making…

1. What are the tiny house dimensions?

It’s a great idea to actually compare the dimensions of the tiny home. If you have the dimensions, you can divide the total price of the house by the m2 to work out the price per m2. If there’s a loft included, don’t forget to add that to the floor space. It the price per m2 is way higher on one tiny house vs another, there is usually a good reason for that. Let’s explore them below…

2. What kind of trailer has it been built on?

The quality of trailers varies dramatically. At Uber Tiny Homes we use the highest quality engineered aluminium trailers that are multi-functional to help accommodate planning laws. We use state of the art low profile tyres capable of bearing high loads while minimising lift off the ground - therefore maximising roof heights. When considering a tiny house, find out what the trailer has been made out as this will affect its longevity, particularly in seaside locations.

3. What framing has been used?

Tiny homes will differ slightly in price whether they are timber frame, steel frame or built from SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels). Steel frames have become very popular in the tiny house industry because they are so strong and lightweight. However, at Uber Tiny Homes we avoid them because according to our in-depth building science research, they cause moisture build up which can cause problems with mould in many climates.

4. How many windows and doors does it have?

If you find a tiny home that is a very reasonable price, chances are it’s not going to have many windows or doors. But these are really the most vital feature to help ensure a healthy experience in your tiny - both physically and mentally. You need views, you need light and you need cross ventilation to make tiny house living comfortable. Ideally you want an opening window or door on all four sides of the house and at least 2 windows in the bedroom. The price of glass has tripled in the last couple of years so expect to pay more for tiny homes with more windows and doors. You also need to make sure the glass used is ‘toughened’ as this is a legal requirement for being towed as a caravan and for parking in bushfire-prone areas. And, particularly in Australia, you want to ensure all of the windows and doors have flyscreens.

5. What level of insulation does it have?

When comparing tiny homes it’s also a great idea to find out what type of insulation has been used and it’s R value. R values range from 1.5-7 and the higher the R value, the better the insulation and the less money you’ll have to spend on heating and cooling your home. You particularly want to know how much insulation there is in the floor and the roof, not just the walls, as this will affect your comfort levels living in the tiny home significantly.

6. What external cladding has been used?

There are so many options when it comes to external cladding – from colourbond to sexy cedar panels. Essentially, corrugated iron or colourbond is going to be the cheapest option while any kind of architectural wooden panelling is more expensive. It’s worth asking what cladding has been used so you can research it. At Uber Tiny Homes we regularly use Weathertex because it has great vertical architectural profiles, is environmentally friendly (made from recycled hardwood), relatively lightweight, requires zero maintenance, is termite and fire resistant and doesn’t cost the earth. We then tend to use cedar for highlights.

7. How much storage does it have?

Some tiny homes are packed from the floor to the rafters with storage while others have very little. When comparing tiny homes it’s vital to consider storage and how much you think you’ll need, particularly in the kitchen. Cabinetry is one of the more expensive elements in a build but it’s the only furniture you’ll have and it has so many functions… not just storage. It provides form, function and beauty! When considering storage, get details about the quality of the materials used. Cabinetry gets a real work out in a tiny home – much more so than a normal home so it needs to be very robust. The same is actually true for all materials used in the house - flooring, plaster, paint and tiling. It needs to be robust.

8. How much seating does it have?

Many less expensive tiny homes have no built-in seating at all. Built-in couches provide an incredible opportunity for additional storage so at Uber Tiny Homes, we always include generous couches. If possible, we love L-shaped couches because they are so cosy and communal. So don’t forget to consider the seating area.

9. Does it accommodate all the appliances you need?

Another thing to consider when comparing tiny homes is if they include or at least allow room for all of the appliances you use in your life. For example you may or may not need the following:

- a full size fridge
- a full sized cooktop and oven
- a dishwasher
- a washing machine/dryer combo
- a coffee machine
- a kettle and toaster
- an airconditioner or two
- ceiling fans

10. Is there room to work from home?

Since COVID, so many people WFH that it’s becoming more and more common for tiny house designs to include an office space or other functional innovation that will allow you to easily work from home. If this is a requirement for you, don’t forget to consider it when comparing designs.

So there we have it… 10 things to research and consider when comparing tiny house designs and costs. We hope this helps you!!!

For example, if one house you’re looking at costs $80,000 while one of a similar size costs $130,000 then it’s possible that the trailer and tyres are of a better quality, there are more windows and doors, it has more insulation, the cladding is a little sexier, there is more cabinetry, more appliances and more room for lounging and working from home. In short, it’s probably going to provide a completely different living experience.

A final thing to consider is how long the Tiny House builders you’re comparing have been in business. If they’ve been building tiny homes for a while (e.g. longer than 5 years), they’ve likely worked out their supply chains, appropriately costed their materials and labour, manage their wastage, have had time to train their staff, have some design and tiny house building experience and, most importantly, have a proven track record in business.

At Uber Tiny Homes we’ve been in business since 2014 and have built many, many homes. Our lead builder and founder, Samuel Commerford, has taught many other tiny house builders in Australia and around the world through his online tiny house building courses! We know what it takes to build a very high quality home that looks great, functions better and feels like a forever home…. in a price range you can afford.

For more information, check out the Australian Tiny House Association Resources.