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.  

Maui Land For Sale

Sort by:
Listing Image for 15 E Kapueone Pl 1 of 8 Listing Image for 15 E Kapueone Pl 2 of 8 Listing Image for 15 E Kapueone Pl 3 of 8 Listing Image for 15 E Kapueone Pl 4 of 8 Listing Image for 15 E Kapueone Pl 5 of 8 Listing Image for 15 E Kapueone Pl 6 of 8 Listing Image for 15 E Kapueone Pl 7 of 8 Listing Image for 15 E Kapueone Pl 8 of 8

$545,000

Wailuku

15 E Kapueone Pl, Wailuku

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 405035

Days on Market: 577

Yoshida Realty Group

In Escrow
Listing Image for Middle Rd 1 of 2 Listing Image for Middle Rd 2 of 2

$445,000

Kula/Ulupalakua/Kanaio

Middle Rd, Kula/Ulupalakua/Kanaio

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 404939

Days on Market: 587

Equity One Real Estate Inc (W) Cell: 808-344-5224

Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 1 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 2 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 3 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 4 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 5 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 6 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 7 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 8 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 9 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 10 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 11 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 12 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 13 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 14 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 15 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 16 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 17 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 18 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 19 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 20 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 21 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 22 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 23 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 24 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 25 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 26 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 27 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 28 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 29 of 30 Listing Image for 772 Nahiku Rd 30 of 30

$325,000

↓ $50,000

Hana

772 Nahiku Rd, Hana

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 404294

Days on Market: 649

Maui Lifestyle Realty LLC Cell: 808-280-8167

Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 1 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 2 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 3 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 4 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 5 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 6 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 7 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 8 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 9 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 10 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 11 of 12 Listing Image for 125 Ahiu Rd 12 of 12

$419,500

Molokai

125 Ahiu Rd, Molokai

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 404275

Days on Market: 651

Molokai Real Estate

Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 1 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 2 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 3 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 4 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 5 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 6 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 7 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 8 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 9 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 10 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 11 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 12 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 13 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 14 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 15 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 16 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 17 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 18 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 19 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 20 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 21 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 22 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 23 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 24 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 25 of 26 Listing Image for 220 Hauoli St 26 of 26

$4,900,000

↓ $490,000

Maalaea

220 Hauoli St, Maalaea

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 404126

Days on Market: 665

Keller Williams Realty Maui-Ka Cell: 952-484-2126

Listing Image for 490 Kaiola Pl 1 of 3 Listing Image for 490 Kaiola Pl 2 of 3 Listing Image for 490 Kaiola Pl 3 of 3

$2,399,000

↑ $400,000

Kihei

490 Kaiola Pl, Kihei

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 403794

Days on Market: 700

Hale Anuenue Realty LLC

Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 1 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 2 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 3 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 4 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 5 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 6 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 7 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 8 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 9 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 10 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 11 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 12 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 13 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 14 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 15 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 16 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 17 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 18 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 19 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 20 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 21 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 22 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 23 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 24 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 25 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 26 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 27 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 28 of 29 Listing Image for 21 Ualei Pl 1 29 of 29

$4,000,000

↓ $400,000

Wailea/Makena

21 Ualei Pl 1, Wailea/Makena

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 403676

Days on Market: 712

The Maui Real Estate Team Inc Cell: 808-283-6377

Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 1 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 2 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 3 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 4 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 5 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 6 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 7 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 8 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 9 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 10 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 11 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 12 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 13 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 14 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 15 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 16 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 17 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 18 of 19 Listing Image for 0 Omaopio Rd 19 of 19

$1,353,000

↓ $100,000

Kula/Ulupalakua/Kanaio

0 Omaopio Rd, Kula/Ulupalakua/Kanaio

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 402559

Days on Market: 831

Carol Ball & Assocs Cell: 808-283-9043

Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 1 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 2 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 3 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 4 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 5 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 6 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 7 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 8 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 9 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 10 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 11 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 12 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 13 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 14 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 15 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 16 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 17 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 18 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 19 of 20 Listing Image for Hao Keehi Pl 20 of 20

$299,000

Molokai

Hao Keehi Pl, Molokai

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 402032

Days on Market: 872

Molokai Realty LLC Cell: 808-646-0837

Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 1 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 2 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 3 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 4 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 5 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 6 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 7 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 8 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 9 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 10 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 11 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 12 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 13 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 14 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 15 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 16 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 17 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 18 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 19 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 20 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 21 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 22 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 23 of 24 Listing Image for 0 Haumana Rd Unit A 24 of 24

$1,700,000

Haiku

0 Haumana Rd Unit A, Haiku

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 401931

Days on Market: 881

Hugh Starr & Co LLC

Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 1 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 2 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 3 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 4 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 5 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 6 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 7 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 8 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 9 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 10 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 11 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 12 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 13 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 14 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 15 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 16 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 17 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 18 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 19 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 20 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 21 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 22 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 23 of 24 Listing Image for 4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337 24 of 24

$1,150,000

↓ $100,000

Molokai

4300 Pohakuloa Rd 337, Molokai

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 401916

Days on Market: 882

Molokai Realty LLC Cell: 808-646-0837

Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 1 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 2 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 3 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 4 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 5 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 6 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 7 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 8 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 9 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 10 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 11 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 12 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 13 of 14 Listing Image for 4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336 14 of 14

$995,000

↓ $105,000

Molokai

4322 Pohakuloa Rd 336, Molokai

0 Beds 0 Baths 0 SqFt Land MLS® # 401915

Days on Market: 882

Molokai Realty LLC Cell: 808-646-0837

View 12 More Listings

 

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.

Get In Touch With Evan!

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.

Provide a valid email address.
Newsletter consent

Posted by Evan Harlow R(S) on

Enjoy this blog post? Click here to subscribe for updates

Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.