Tiny homes are making waves in New Zealand as a viable alternative to conventional dwellings. One such example is the quaint Kereru Retreat, a movable tiny house that offers travelers a unique off-grid holiday experience in Mount Hutt.
In general, tiny homes in New Zealand fall under the Land Transport Act if they are transportable and building regulations (and Resource Management Act) if they’re permanent. Some may even require council consent.
What is a Tiny House?
A tiny house is a single-family dwelling that is 400 square feet or less in floor area excluding lofts. Tiny houses are often made from repurposed materials, including metal shipping containers and trailers, but may also be built on a permanent foundation.
The small home movement has gained popularity for its architectural innovation, but it has also become a social phenomenon due to its emphasis on minimalism and sustainability. Because they require few building materials and consume much less energy than traditional homes, they offer numerous environmental benefits.
However, living in a small space is not for everyone. If you’re claustrophobic or deeply attached to belongings that take up room, it might not be a good fit for your lifestyle. Plus, many people find it difficult to live with family in a tiny house, especially if there are children involved. Some have even had to give up beloved pets because they can’t accommodate them in their small homes.
Where can I build a Tiny House?
Tiny homes are versatile and can be built in a wide range of locations. Whether it’s in the woods on a lake, in an urban setting as part of a housing crisis solution, or parked on a private property as an ADU, the possibilities are endless.
However, before building your tiny house NZ, it is important to understand the rules and regulations that govern this type of alternate housing. The rules vary by location, and it is vital to find a professional who knows your local zoning laws.
Some tiny homeowners build their houses on a foundation and live off the grid, while others choose to build their homes on wheels and connect to the power grid for their electricity. You may also want to consider solar panels or wind turbines for backup energy. Another option is to purchase a home warranty for your tiny house, which can provide protection against unforeseen problems that arise in the future.
Do I need a Building Consent to Build a Tiny House?
Our team of builders can design and build your tiny house and have it certified to meet the building codes for where you intend to put it. This will ensure that your home can be legally parked on your land and connected to your water, power, sewer and gas.
Many of the tinies built by Shaye Boddington and her team are on wheels, which means that they don’t require a building consent. But if you’re planning to put yours on concrete foundations, or want to relocate it later, you’ll need to seek consent for that.
The Nortons’ tiny house was on their Auckland property when they built it. But when they moved it to Dunedin, they found that the council classified it as a dwelling, rather than a vehicle (“like if you lived in your car”), and required resource consent. They ended up in a three-year legal battle with the council and the government. They’re not the only ones to get tangled up in red tape.
Can I Tow a Tiny House?
Towing a tiny house is not an easy task. The size and weight of the house can cause problems if you don’t have the right towing vehicle or proper knowledge of the requirements. This article will help you understand how to safely and easily tow your THOW on the road.
The best towing vehicles for tiny houses are trucks with high torque and horsepower. These vehicles have the power and capacity to haul the heaviest of Tiny Houses. You should always check the towing capacity of your truck and trailer before traveling. It is also important to use lightweight materials when designing the tiny house. Heavier materials such as granite countertops will weigh the tiny house down.
You should also find out the dry weight of your tiny house and drain the water tanks before each trip. This will help you avoid damaging your towing vehicle. Lastly, you should also be sure to drive slowly when towing your tiny home. This will allow you to maintain control and prevent any accidents.