The Pros And Cons: Tiny Homes Vs A Mobile Home

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Tiny houses and mobile homes are popular living choices for people who want to simplify their lives.

There is no standard definition of tiny houses. However, most people think of a tiny house as a structure built on a trailer (which often allows you to avoid building codes  - though always check with local rules) and thus they must fit on a trailer. This limits a tiny house to under 600 square feet. And cannot be longer than 40 feet, wider than 8 feet, and under 13 feet in height.

Mobile homes have been popular for almost sixty years. In society's minds, a mobile home is a trailer with wheels, but this hasn't been true for 50 years because of federal regulations.

Built and delivered as a single unit at a factory, manufactured homes are built to the federal manufactured home building code and are at least 320 feet in length. It is difficult to move a manufactured home. While you might still refer to a manufactured home as a mobile home, they are not intended to be moved.

If you are trying to decide between living in a tiny house or a mobile home, this article will provide information to help you with your decision.

1. Pros Of A Tiny Home

Lower Cost

I believe what drives people to consider tiny homes is cost.

While you could spend over $100,000 on your tiny home, this is uncommon.

You could spend as little as $8,000 as well. However, the only way you will get your costs down this low is if you are building the house yourself.

And thus you are exchanging your sweat equity for material cost.

The average price of a tiny home is around $45,000 and is still lower than the average manufactured home, much less a traditional home.

Mobility

One of the best parts about tiny houses is that they're portable. They can be moved from one place to another on a trailer, and it's actually quite easy!

Off-Grid

Because tiny houses are built on trailers, they are intended to be used off-grid. Without connecting to city water or grid power.

And with their small size, they can be parked almost anywhere.

By leveraging water, waste disposal, and generators from the RV industry, you can setup your tiny house almost anywhere.

2. Pros Of A Mobile Home

As we mentioned in the opening, modern mobile home is a manufactured house. And the benefits of a mobile home are similar to a tiny house.

Price

A manufactured home is a great way to save money because it costs significantly less than a traditional home.

The average price of a manufactured home is $49 per square foot compared to $107 for a traditionally built home.

Built To A Building Code

HUD defines a building code for mobile homes. This code specifies requirements around fire safety and energy efficiency.

Extensibility

The longer you live in a house, the more you will want to make changes and extend the house. For example, as your family grows, you will want more room.

Manufactured homes often provide ways to extend the house with additional modules that can be purchased.

3. Cons Of A Tiny Home

The price

While many people believe that a tiny home is going to be cheaper to build, this isn't always the case.

According to Business Insider, you are going to be spending $400 per square foot on your tiny house because of the work needed to be done to maximize usable space.

This is at least 3 times the cost of a traditional home.

You can save money by building it yourself, but that requires time and skills.

The rules keep changing

Many tiny homeowners wish to save money by avoiding having to pay the fees needed to meet building codes.

This is why they built their homes on trailers because then the house isn't classified as a traditional dwelling.

But the rules are changing. And either the local government or a homeowners association (I met someone who wanted to put a tiny house in their backyard for their mom to live in) can force you to have to do expensive additions or even move.

Lack of space

It's one thing to think you want to live a minimal lifestyle. And if you are living by yourself, the space of a tiny house is not much different than an apartment.

But if you are living with someone else or have a family, the tiny house might not be enough space.

4. Cons Of A Mobile Home

Stigma

One of the biggest drawbacks of a mobile or manufactured home is the lingering social stigma. There is a perception that only undesirable people live in mobile homes.

This perception can cause tension with friends and family as well as interactions with the local government.

Finding Space To Build

Most cities have laws on the books to discourage placing manufactured housing on designated lots.

Regardless of whether these rules are good for the local citizens are not, is irrelevant for this article. The reality is that you may struggle to find a place to build your home.

Getting A Loan

If you're considering a mobile or manufactured home, be prepared to apply for loans from banks that specialize in these types of homes. Some don't want them while others focus on this lending niche exclusively.

Some people might not know which kind of bank they should go with when it comes time to get financing for their new trailer house but with some research, you can find one.

5. Why You Should Buy One Or The Other, Depending On Your Situation And Needs

There is no "right" answer for tiny houses vs mobile homes because they serve different needs.

If you are one or two people who don't need to have a company visit nor do you have children, then a tiny home is an option.

A tiny home would also make a lot of sense as a lake or mountain retreat.

Meanwhile, if you have a family or want a more permanent structure then a mobile home is more likely to fit your needs.

For many people, this is a really tough decision. Should you live in your mobile home or make the jump to tiny homes?

There are some factors that can help with making your choice.

The first thing to consider is what type of lifestyle do you have planned for yourself and your family?

If you’re single without children then living in a tiny house could be ideal because they're cheaper than buying a new one-family unit.

But if you want more space (like most families), it makes sense to buy an already built mobile home.

Mobile homes may also be better for those who don't like building things themselves--they often come fully equipped! They'll also need fewer alterations as well as less cleanup after moving day too!

Regardless of whether you consider a tiny home or a mobile/manufactured one, always make sure to do thorough research.

It’s also advisable to hire an attorney before signing any contract if this is your first time getting your own house! And to make sure that you stay legal, in particular, with a tiny house where you are trying to avoid codes.