Dos And Don’ts To Remember When Buying A Tiny Home

Tiny Homes on Maui

Many people are buying into the notion of downsizing their home life because they realize they could get away with having less than they thought. Those who follow a minimalistic lifestyle would agree that with smaller homes, there’s less clutter and stress. Regardless of your reason for buying a tiny home, it is clear from the market research that the sales of these little houses are on the increase, according to Business Wire.

Building a tiny home is often more cost-effective. However, you may consider buying a tiny house instead if you don’t know how to go about it. Furthermore, there are some dos and don’ts that homeowners should look at before making the final move:  

Remembering the Dos of Buying a Tiny Home

Inside of a Tiny Home

Although tiny homes are quickly becoming a favorite among many, there are certain things these new tiny homeowners should remember. Below are some of the dos to incorporate into the decision:

  1. Carefully plan before buying and moving

Moving into a smaller house doesn’t necessarily mean fewer moving costs. That said, it’s crucial to plan your finances for the whole process properly. You can research the various types of tiny homes, like the ones on foundations while others are on wheels. You can also decide whether you’ll have a shipping container, motorhome, yurt, tiny cabin, or shed. Likewise, it’s best to consider the floor plan to know whether the space is enough for you and your family’s lifestyle.

  1. Have the tiny home inspected

Once you’ve found your dream house, the next thing to consider is inspecting the house. By doing so, you can get what you paid for. That said, you can ask the seller questions such as:

  • Are the electrical wires properly installed?

  • Is there running water?

  • Are there any leaks?

  • Is the tiny house properly insulated?

  • Are there smoke detectors?

Furthermore, you can consult a professional tiny house inspector to make sure everything runs smoothly once you’ve purchased your new tiny home.

  1. Conduct a home inventory check

Homeowners should ask the seller or estate agent about the inclusions in the deal, such as certain appliances or furniture. Some homes come fully furnished, while others may need additional purchases to complete the interior look. The goal is to list the most essential appliances, furniture, and fixtures that don’t take up much space. Hence, if you're buying a tiny house with a bulky sofa or a huge refrigerator, it's best to replace it with the perfect size.

  1. Expect flexible options for living

Because a tiny home has limited space, tiny homeowners should expect to apply some flexibility to their daily activities. It would be best if you were comfortable with options like folding beds, foldaway tables or chairs, and modular storage when purchasing a tiny home. This may seem tasking at first, but the benefits of living in a tiny house outweigh these.  

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$4,900,000

Napili/Kahana/Honokowai

Honoapiilani Hwy, Napili/Kahana/Honokowai

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 409153

Days on Market: 173

Coldwell Banker Island Prop-KP Cell: 808-870-7060

Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 1 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 2 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 3 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 4 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 5 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 6 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 7 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 8 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 9 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 10 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 11 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 12 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 13 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 14 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 15 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 16 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 17 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 18 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 19 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 20 of 21 Listing Image for 125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55 21 of 21

$640,000

Wailuku

125 Hopoi Pl Lot 55, Wailuku

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 409061

Days on Market: 186

Real Broker Cell: 808-250-2596

Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 1 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 2 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 3 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 4 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 5 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 6 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 7 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 8 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 9 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 10 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 11 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 12 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 13 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 14 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 15 of 16 Listing Image for 184 S Laikeha Pl 16 of 16

$790,000

↓ $40,000

Wailuku

184 S Laikeha Pl, Wailuku

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 409055

Days on Market: 187

Compass Cell: 808-357-9774

Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 1 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 2 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 3 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 4 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 5 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 6 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 7 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 8 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 9 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 10 of 11 Listing Image for 141 S Laikeha Pl 11 of 11

$799,000

Wailuku

141 S Laikeha Pl, Wailuku

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 409047

Days on Market: 188

Compass-W

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Listing Image for 50 Pauwela Rd Unit A 1 of 8 Listing Image for 50 Pauwela Rd Unit A 2 of 8 Listing Image for 50 Pauwela Rd Unit A 3 of 8 Listing Image for 50 Pauwela Rd Unit A 4 of 8 Listing Image for 50 Pauwela Rd Unit A 5 of 8 Listing Image for 50 Pauwela Rd Unit A 6 of 8 Listing Image for 50 Pauwela Rd Unit A 7 of 8 Listing Image for 50 Pauwela Rd Unit A 8 of 8

$444,000

Haiku

50 Pauwela Rd Unit A, Haiku

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 409036

Days on Market: 192

Coldwell Banker Island Prop-Ku Cell: 808-280-8711

Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 1 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 2 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 3 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 4 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 5 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 6 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 7 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 8 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 9 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 10 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 11 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 12 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 13 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 14 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 15 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 16 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 17 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 18 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 19 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 20 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 21 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 22 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 23 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 24 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 25 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 26 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 27 of 28 Listing Image for Mauka Of Honolua Ditch 28 of 28

$6,500,000

Napili/Kahana/Honokowai

Mauka Of Honolua Ditch, Napili/Kahana/Honokowai

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 409025

Days on Market: 192

Compass Cell: 808-276-6881

Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 1 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 2 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 3 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 4 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 5 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 6 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 7 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 8 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 9 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 10 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 11 of 12 Listing Image for 563 Kauna Lipo Dr 12 of 12

$640,000

↓ $20,000

Wailuku

563 Kauna Lipo Dr, Wailuku

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 409011

Days on Market: 192

Real Broker Cell: 808-250-2596

Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 1 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 2 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 3 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 4 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 5 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 6 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 7 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 8 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 9 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 10 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 11 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 12 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 13 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 14 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 15 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 16 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 17 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 18 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 19 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 20 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 21 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 22 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 23 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 24 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 25 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 26 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 27 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 28 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 29 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 30 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 31 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 32 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 33 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 34 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 35 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 36 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 37 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 38 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 39 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 40 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 41 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 42 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 43 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 44 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 45 of 46 Listing Image for 622 Kauna Lipo Dr 46 of 46

$718,800

↓ $31,200

Wailuku

622 Kauna Lipo Dr, Wailuku

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 408989

Days on Market: 194

Emerald Club Realty Inc

Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 1 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 2 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 3 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 4 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 5 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 6 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 7 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 8 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 9 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 10 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 11 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 12 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 13 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 14 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 15 of 16 Listing Image for 1270 Piihana Rd 16 of 16

$1,197,000

↓ $100,000

Wailuku

1270 Piihana Rd, Wailuku

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 408967

Days on Market: 197

The Agency Maui Cell: 808-280-7890

Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit C 1 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit C 2 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit C 3 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit C 4 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit C 5 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit C 6 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit C 7 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit C 8 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit C 9 of 9

$595,000

↓ $30,000

Maui Meadows

700 Kupulau Dr Unit C, Maui Meadows

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 408961

Days on Market: 198

Island Sotheby's International Realty(W) Cell: 808-264-1695

Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit B 1 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit B 2 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit B 3 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit B 4 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit B 5 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit B 6 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit B 7 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit B 8 of 9 Listing Image for 700 Kupulau Dr Unit B 9 of 9

$625,000

↓ $60,000

Maui Meadows

700 Kupulau Dr Unit B, Maui Meadows

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 408960

Days on Market: 198

Island Sotheby's International Realty(W) Cell: 808-264-1695

Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 1 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 2 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 3 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 4 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 5 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 6 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 7 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 8 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 9 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 10 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 11 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 12 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 13 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 14 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 15 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 16 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 17 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 18 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 19 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 20 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 21 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 22 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 23 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 24 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 25 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 26 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 27 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 28 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 29 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 30 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 31 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 32 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 33 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 34 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 35 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 36 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 37 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 38 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 39 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 40 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 41 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 42 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 43 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 44 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 45 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 46 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 47 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 48 of 49 Listing Image for 66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43 49 of 49

$950,000

Kaanapali

66 Kaulele Pl Lot 43, Kaanapali

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 408956

Days on Market: 198

Coldwell Banker Island Prop-KP Cell: 808-283-3067

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Not Forgetting the Don’ts of Buying a Tiny Home

A Row of Tiny Homes

Thinking of a new home could be exciting, but new homeowners shouldn’t get ahead of themselves too quickly. Moreover, they could spend too much time and effort that they could apply elsewhere during the process. Therefore, homeowners should be aware of the following don’ts when buying a tiny home:

  1. Be Afraid of Decluttering

Buying a tiny home means living only with the essentials. To achieve this, an excellent way to start is to let go of unnecessary things. However, decluttering can be a challenge for some, especially when transitioning to a tiny house. Some of the reasons for struggling to declutter are the following:

  • Thinking you might need it someday

  • Feeling guilty for wasting money or getting rid of a perfectly good item

  • The object is sentimental or something that you’ve used in the past

  • The task of decluttering is overwhelming

  • Thinking that your house will be boring without them

Determining your reason for struggling is important so you’ll know how to overcome them.  Likewise, you can donate or sell useful, perfectly good, or sentimental items that you have like old clothes, bulky furniture, and other decor. Otherwise, throw out broken or useless things such as broken appliances and a pile of scratch papers. Remember, your goal is to fix the clutter issue and prevent it as you move into your tiny home.

  1. Work By Yourself

Starting a new project, such as building parts of your tiny home, may sound like something you can accomplish by yourself. Unfortunately, too many things could cause the project to fail, especially if you don’t know the basics of building something. 

The structural and functional aspects are best left to the experts. Consulting a tiny home builder and researching building options could clarify whether to proceed with the project or purchase a complete home instead.

  1. Ignore local residential laws

Not everyone will buy a tiny home to live in as a permanent residence; using it as a vacation home or rental could also be an option. For this reason, the new tiny homeowner should familiarize themselves with the local rules, regulations, and laws whether they want their tiny home on the mainland or on some vacant land in Maui

Wrapping Things Up

Tiny home living is becoming a trend, but the question remains: will it be suitable for every person or family? It’s not a question everyone will answer straight away. Some will do more research, while others must experience tiny home living for themselves. One thing is for sure: considering the dos and don’ts will help narrow down the options.

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Evan Harlow Maui

Evan Harlow ranks among the best real estate agents on Maui annually and is in the top 1% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide in production. Evan has the expertise, experience, and work ethic to help you achieve your real estate buying and selling goals. We promise exceptional service and support from the beginning of the process through closing and beyond. See what Evan's clients are saying on Google.

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