Tiny houses have changed people’s lives in ways one could never imagine. Who would’ve thought a small-spaced portable structure could become the comfort and dream of so many? With the tiny house movement, people started realizing their worth and their effectiveness.
However, if you are new to this trend, you need to be aware that tiny houses mean small spaces. It is a house not more than 400 sq. feet big and built mostly on trailers with wheels.
After learning that you must be wondering whether tiny houses have basements, the answer is very simple.
Can a tiny house have a basement?
Tiny houses do have basements, but that is very uncommon.
So, why are basements in tiny houses not common?
Let us discuss below to know the answer.
Basements in tiny houses
Tiny houses are small structures with space to accumulate only a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping, and central room. So, when it comes to extra storage rooms and basements, it is not very commonly seen.
Another reason that also adds up as to why basements are not common in tiny houses is that they are usually built on trailers with wheels. Most of them are built on wheels to provide flexibility, so it is, in fact, impossible to have a basement under such circumstances.
However, building a basement in a tiny house is not impossible. Many tiny houses do have basements structured in them. But when there is a basement, a tiny house has to be built on a foundation. This means basements in a tiny house are only possible when it is built on a permanent foundation like a conventional house.
But why do people want basements in their tiny houses? The answer mainly revolves around storage. With tiny houses, you only get to keep what you need and not what you desire. There is always a shortage of space, and the owners have to be very careful with what they want to keep. Therefore, with a basement, they get some extra space to store things making it easier to choose.
So, we see basements are indeed required. But they have their own pros and cons.
Permanent foundation
A tiny houses need to have a foundation to have a basement. Which means they lose the ability to move around. With zero location flexibility, tiny house owners do not get the opportunity to explore places, unlike other tiny houses on wheels.
Cost
People opt for tiny houses because they are cheap and cost-effective. So, it is an irony to have a basement. Because no matter the size, the basement will cost a lot in order to be built in a proper manner. And, in fact, basements can sometimes cost more than the tiny house itself because they need a lot of engineering. Above that, builders have to be careful with the tiny house zoning codes.
How much does it cost to build a tiny home with a basement?
The cost of building a tiny house with a basement depends on the size of the house, the location, and the building materials that are used.
On average, it will cost $75-125 per square foot to build a tiny home with a basement. This means that if you want to build an 800 sq. ft. house with a basement, you can expect to pay between $60,000-$100,000 for materials and labour costs.
If you are on a tight budget or don’t have any experience in construction projects like this one is good idea to start by looking at prefabricated homes which can be bought for about $20-30 per square foot (about $150-240 per sq. meter).
Can a tiny house be put on a foundation?
A tiny house can be placed onto a foundation. It is essential that a foundation be constructed before the house is placed on top of it. A tiny house cannot be constructed without a foundation.
It is challenging to build a tiny house without a foundation, as many builders are lining up to do. The foundation is the first step in the construction process. It provides structural stability, prevents water damage, and helps with insulation. There are many options for foundations on the market including foam, pre-cast concrete blocks, and poured concrete.
How much does it cost to build a foundation for a tiny house?
The cost of building a foundation for a tiny house depends on the type of foundation you choose. Some foundations are more expensive than others, while some offer more flexibility and can be used with different types of houses.
A tiny house can cost anywhere between $5,000 and $50,000 depending on what you choose to invest in.
While it is more expensive to build a brick or stone foundation for your tiny house, you will have the option of adding on living space if you need it. If you are not sure about the cost of building your foundation, there are many calculators available online that will help provide estimates.
If you are looking for an inexpensive solution, the cheapest option is installing a cement slab for your foundation.
Final Words
So tiny houses do have basements. But it is very rarely seen because of the disadvantages and expenses.
