I’m often asked, “what’s the difference between small homes and tiny homes. At The Enclave, we chose to use the term small for a reason. Not because we have anything against tiny homes. We don’t. But that’s not what our community is. I’ll admit though when we started about a year ago, I contemplated jumping on the tiny home bandwagon. In the end, though, it didn’t make economic sense.
In my view, moving to a smaller home is downsizing. Moving to a tiny home is another thing altogether. I’m not suggesting small homes are the newest and most popular trend, but for many, it’s exactly the right thing to do. If you dabble among the various online groups supporting tiny homes, you’ll find as many debates about what qualifies as a tiny home as you will about which economic model is best for our country. Generally speaking though, there seems to be a consensus among tiny home aficionados, that tiny homes are usually 600 square feet or less with the average being between 300 and 400 square feet.
There is a substantial difference between our small homes and tiny homes. We’re constantly having to explain this to people. Once they see them, they have an aha moment. This is why we use the word “small” rather than “tiny.” I have a rule that helps me differentiate tiny from small homes:
“If you have to turn sideways to get from one place to another or if you have to step over someone else to do the same, it’s a tiny home.”
Below is a list of things I’ve found that help differentiate them further, some of which are unique to our community:
- Nearly all tiny homes are either square or rectangle in shape.
- Our small homes are built on standard foundations.
- Our small homes are stick built framing and natural stone exteriors.
- Our homes include large decks.
- Our homes are subject to standard county code enforcement.
- Tiny homes do not appreciate, they depreciate. Ours enjoy standard appraisals that will yield appreciation like any other home.
- Our homes are complete homes, with full size everything. Heat pumps, minimum 2 full sized bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, separate living and kitchen areas, standard plumbing including full size toilets, showers and tubs.
- Our homes have fully functional standard sized fireplaces.
- Our homes average lot sizes of 1.5 acres.
- We have a homeowners association. The HOA rules do not permit tiny homes in our community.
- Our community includes a secure, gated entrance.
- Most tiny homes are between 200 and 400 square feet. Ours average 1,000.
- Tiny homes usually are portable (on wheels) or if not, are typically built using manufactured home products and processes.
There is literally no difference between our homes in the Enclave and any other homes, other than the lower square footage. We’ve designed ours to maximize space, leaving them with a much larger feel. Of the ones built in our community now, they range from 850 square feet to 1,100 square feet.
What we’re doing here really is different and the feedback we’re getting is quite remarkable. Everyone is surprised at how we pulled it off. They allow people to downsize with new construction homes at lower prices. When we first began, we were told we were crazy and that it would never work. That’s what happens when people begin to innovate. In our case, it wasn’t just a matter of size. Home design was critical. Not only for aesthetics but for functionality as well. In 1950, when the average American home was less than 1,000 square feet, they were inevitably cut up into tiny, separate rooms, creating an atmosphere of claustrophobia and an open invitation to clutter. We decided to exploit the open concept in tiny homes and that made all the difference. Along with some important interior design components of course. Check out some of the beautiful decorating and interior design from the homes of our first two full-time residents.
Breathe, chill, and relax.