Tiny House Design

MetroCabin is not really intended to be a house but instead a studio, extra room, cabana, or retreat cabin, although they have developed a variation with a basic bathroom and kitchen. The structure is designed and engineered to a high level of quality and all materials seem to be top quality. Two sizes are offered 12′ by 16′ and 16′ by 20′ and cost in the $20,000 to $40,000 price range depending on options and delivery. Their cabins come in two trim levels, standard and deluxe, with the main differences being upgraded windows, paneling, lighting package and 10′ by 7′ desk. Assembly can be done by the buyer or by the MetroCabin team for an additional fee. Photo credit to MetroCabin.

Another tiny house kit on the market comes from Home Front Homes. The houses range in size from about 700 square feet and 1400 square feet. Home Front Homes also provides solutions for multi-family homes and commercial buildings. The tiny homes are panelized kits that include complete plans, wind frame components, sill plates, wall panels, roof panels, and all necessary fasteners. Not included in the kit are windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, appliances, roofing material, interior walls, drywall, interior trim or the foundation. The kit is a sturdy, green, well-insulated shell that goes up quick. Their website also recommends hiring professional contractors to assemble the kit.

I could see how this kind of solution would help a lot of people get started quickly. It’s a bit bigger and more commercial than most of the tiny homes I’ll cover in this blog but it seemed so practical I thought I’d share what I found today. Photo credit Home Front Homes.

Marianne Cusato’s Katrina Cottage began as a dignified alternative to a FEMA trailer. The concept has evolved into a series of very cute small house plans available through Lowe’s home improvement stores. In fact Lowe’s can sell you the plan, materials and even assist with financing. You’ll still need to work to get the necessary permits and build the house. Essentially it’s a tiny house kit.

Marianne Cusato is a nationally known architectural expert,has a degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame, and has written two books, Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid, and The Value of Design.

The houses currently range in size from 544 square feet to 1807 square feet but they are adding some small designs from 308 square feet to 1175 square feet. The houses are really cute and with financing they might make a really viable solution for many people looking to build a tiny home. Photo credit Cusato Cottages.