Save Money Building Your Tiny Home

One of the primary motivators for many potential tiny house owners is a minimal financial footprint. By owing less and having small monthly payments the tiny house owner may be achieving the dream of home-ownership where it wouldn’t otherwise be possible, or maybe engineering their lifestyle to allow them to dedicate their finances to more gratifying endeavors like travel, relaxation, volunteering or just making a career change. Regardless of the reason all of these potential tiny home owners are seeking a home they can be proud of and comfortable in while spending as little money as possible.

There are many ways to save money when building or buying a tiny home but ensuring your choices are smart buys versus cutting corners is important. Consider utilizing materials that are donated or available at low cost such as using palate wood for a non structural wall covering. Consider what you really “need” regarding big ticket items like appliances, windows and doors and what actually gets you living your tiny lifestyle. Perhaps plain windows vs more ornate models can save you enough money to pay for that small refrigerator for example. Overall doing your research and planning your build is the best way to optimize the money you invest.

Tampa Bay tiny homes can help you to achieve this minimal financial footprint in several different ways depending on your goals.

That may mean buying a shell built to proper building codes that you can finish yourself saving money on labor and potentially materials if you can salvage, reclaim or have materials donated. Another option may be getting a complete model with no frills using the most inexpensive materials you can that still insure your safety. You may also benefit from using our consulting services or attending one of our build workshops and doing much of the labor yourself with our oversight.

Buying a shell built by Tampa Bay Tiny Homes means that your new tiny house has a core built to NOAH standards ensuring that the house is safe and decreasing potential obstacles to financing and insuring your home. Once you have the shell you can make your own choices about how much you want to spend on windows, doors, siding, roofing, interior flooring, walls, appliances, etc.  Of course this will mean that you will need to do the work yourself or have someone willing to do the work for free and quality may vary. Take your time to find the best deals or ask around and see if any friends or family may have items to donate to your tiny cause!

When it comes to building a complete model at the lowest possible price we do everything we can to meet your goals while staying within your budget. That said it is incredibly important to us that the materials used to build your tiny home are safe and will provide you the long-lasting quality you should expect when purchasing a home. We will discuss what is a necessity, a nice to have and what you can do with out and put together a plan including as much of your needs and nice to haves as possible considering your budget. By choosing your own finishing touches you can save money up front, get into your tiny house sooner and learn more about tiny living before deciding on purchases like appliances.

Some potential tiny home owners are looking for more of a DIY experience and utilize our tiny house consulting services. Perhaps you would like us to procure and store all the proper materials as your complete your build onsite. Or maybe you fall somewhere in the middle and would benefit most from buying the shell built to the proper standards, choosing the materials that best suit your budget and then attending one of our workshops to complete construction. By saving money that would be allocated to labor you not only improve your financial footprint in the tiny house but you also build your construction skills which can really come in handy as a tiny home owner!

Just like every tiny home, each potential tiny home owner’s goals and skills are unique. Contact us today to talk more about achieving your goals within your budget and all the different options for achieving your tiny home lifestyle!

Tell us more now: Client Introduction Form

The Tiny Home Show coming to Hillsborough Community College – SouthShore, Saturday November 11th! Tour tiny houses and listen to presentations on sustainability, horticulture, minimalism and more!

Get your tickets here!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tiny-home-show-tickets-37986739360

Are You Tiny House Friendly?

You are likely familiar with the tiny house trend through shows like Tiny House Hunters and Tiny House, Big Living. Florida is one of the top 10 states in the U.S. for tiny house living resulting in high demand for places to temporarily and permanently park tiny houses on wheels. While demand is high supply is low and locating tiny home friendly campgrounds, parks and communities is still a challenge for tiny house owners.

Tiny houses on wheels are licensed as an RV and most use typical RV electric, water and sewer equipment. From your perspective there is no significant difference between a typical RV and a tiny house on wheels.

Tampa Bay Tiny Homes provides design, build and consulting services to tiny home buyers seeking tiny houses on wheels as well as tiny houses on foundations. Depending on your goals, budget, timeline and desired experience we can offer a variety of options and levels of service, helping you achieve your tiny home dreams!

We are currently partnering with select locations in Florida to improve communication to tiny house owners, increase your lot rentals as well as offering tiny houses for rent at your location. Would you be interested in learning more about the benefits of being tiny house friendly?

Contact us today at 727.286.0934 or info@tampabaytinyhomes.com

 

Is your tiny home prepared for a hurricane?

Having lived in Florida for decades we are painfully familiar with the build-up to conditions during an aftermath of hurricanes hitting the state. With a huge hurricane headed our way we have received lots of questions and concerns about how to best prepare a tiny home on wheels for extreme weather conditions.

The first and foremost advantage to a tiny homes on wheels is that they are mobile so get outta here!

Call a friend in another area and ask them if you can stop by for a week while the weather settles or hit a campground in an area outside the impact zone. If you should choose to stay in the path of the storm there are many things you can do to prepare your tiny house on wheels.

Tampa Bay Tiny Homes recommends using six ton heavy duty jacks and tie downs with anchors to best secure the home.

For a 20-foot tiny home we recommend 4 six ton jacks placing one in each corner of the home.

For a 24 ft tiny home we recommend 6 six ton Jacks placing one on each corner of the home and one on each side of the center.

For a tiny home on Wheels of 28 ft or more we recommend 8 6 ton jacks distributed equally over the length of the home.

Some tiny home trailers also come with built-in D rings for tying the home down. If you’re tiny home does not have built-in d-rings you can buy them and attach yourself or just need to tie to the frame directly. You can tie the frame of the house as well assuming you have attachment points.

You may also want to consider the type of Windows you have, supplies, your ability to catch and store water, generate electricity and an escape Route for emergencies. The best way to ensure your tiny house on wheels will be safe is to avoid the storm totally by simply moving to a safe location. If this is not a possibility using jacks and tie downs to stabilize your home will put you in the best possible position to weather the storm unharmed!

By Savanna Deluca of The Muddy Lotus

Mindfulness is a new buzzword that is popping up in a variety of contexts with myriad different meanings, but at its core mindfulness is about paying attention – without judgment.

A former professor shared a story with my class about a personal awakening she had in early adulthood:

She was strolling through the grocery store feeling proud of herself for being so mature. She was married with a baby and a new house; she was really doing this adult thing right! She didn’t need anyone to tell her what to do or how to live because she had it all figured out. Then, in the midst of her self-glorification it occurs to her that she may as well be looking at her mother’s shopping cart. The orange juice, paper towels, dish soap were all the same brands her mother purchased and were the same brands she had been using her entire life, without any consideration of what she actually liked.

This story is perfectly demonstrates the simplicity of Mindfulness. Many of us are moving through life without thoughtful consideration of why we do the things we do. “Just because” and “that’s the way things are” have never been sufficient answers for me but even I have fallen into bad habits and draining routines without much consideration. The easy way through life is to do what you think everyone else is doing or what you are supposed to do.

Doing things out of habit isn’t inherently bad, such as using your parents preferred brands of laundry soap, but it is much less gratifying than considering all the options and spending your money on the things that matter to you. You may find that another brand has a lower price, your favorite scent, is more eco-friendly, or any number of other concerns that may be important to you that weren’t to your mother. What other choices do you make on a daily basis that could add up to big changes in your lifestyle? Consider the food you eat, the clothes you wear, the car you drive, the shows you watch, and the hobbies you engage in. Are you making those choices because they are serving you and bringing you joy or because they are just old habits?

When practicing Mindfulness we take the time to first be present with what is by bringing our attention to the current moment with curiosity, not judgment. For my professor the Mindful moment of her story was the moment she realized she was going through the motions of shopping without any consideration. Her Mindfulness practice moving forward is to bring awareness to the items she buys and to make choices accordingly. She may still choose to purchase all the same products because she likes them and they work for her needs, but with Mindfulness she can feel confident knowing she made the decision for herself.

Now take a step back to look at the bigger picture. It is one thing to buy the same household items as our parents, but many of us are making much bigger decisions without worthy reasons. Do you know anyone that went to the university of their parents’ choice, got married too young because it was the ‘next step’, took a job they didn’t really want for the wrong reasons, etc.? It is not uncommon for people to live their lives to fulfill the expectations of others. However, you don’t have to!

A big problem is that many people DON’T KNOW what they want! They have never taken the time to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings; they don’t really know themselves.

If this sounds like you, do not fear! Mindfulness is a practice that can begin anywhere at anytime. It begins by taking time to pay attention to yourself through your physical, mental, and emotional experiences.

Mindfulness practice can be done through formal meditation by sitting for a period of time and focusing attention on the breath, physical sensations, and noticing thoughts as they come and go.

Or a Mindfulness practice can be woven into your daily routine by spending a few extra moments to savor your coffee each morning, take a new route to work, and/or notice when you feel emotional and what caused that emotion. As you pay attention to your daily experience you will learn more about what brings you satisfaction and what doesn’t so you can develop a fulfilling lifestyle.

It isn’t easy at first and you will find your mind wandering often and you’ll fall into old habits. That’s okay! If you notice your mind wandering off, great job because you are NOTICING! This is a lifetime practice to develop a fulfilling lifestyle. Be patient and kind with yourself through this process. It won’t be fast or easy but you can start today and the more you incorporate Mindfulness practices into your life the greater the benefits of cultivating your practice.

Please share your thoughts on and experiences of your Mindfulness journey in the comment section.

Savanna DeLuca, mind-body coach and founder of Muddy Lotus, is a Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) and is currently earning her MA in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Integrative Health Services. She believes that a Mindfulness-Based lifestyle is the best way to find peace and satisfaction through daily living. She brings enthusiasm and an open mind to her classes, lectures and workshops and encourages clients to do the same.

Here are the most common fruit trees you can grow in Florida!

Growing your own fruit can be an extremely rewarding experience. While many trees require years of growth from seed before producing there are many options for getting fruit much sooner. Consider buying a grafted tree that will produce fruit in the first year or buying mature trees that are already producing. Take into considering the schedule for mature fruit and plan a garden that will produce nearly year round! If you are not familiar with permaculture techniques it might be a good subject to read up on before making decisions about what and where to grow your fruit.

Grapefruit

• The grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi) is a subtropical citrus tree known for its sour to semi-sweet somewhat bitter fruit. Grapefruit is a hybrid originating in Barbados as an accidental cross between two introduced species, sweet orange (C. sinensis) and pomelo or shaddock (C. maxima), both of which were introduced from Asia in the seventeenth century. When found, it was named the “forbidden fruit”and it has also been misidentified with the pomelo. The grapefruit’s name alludes to clusters of the fruit on the tree, which often appear similar to grapes. The evergreen grapefruit trees usually grow to around 5–6 meters (16–20 ft) tall, although they can reach 13–15 m (43–49 ft). The leaves are glossy dark green, long (up to 15 centimeters (5.9 in)) and thin. It produces 5 cm (2 in) white four-petaled flowers. The fruit is yellow-orange skinned and generally an oblate spheroid in shape; it ranges in diameter from 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in). Wikipedia

Fig

• The common fig tree has been cultivated since ancient times and grows wild in dry and sunny areas, with deep and fresh soil; also in rocky areas, from sea level to 1,700 meters. It prefers relatively light free-draining soils, and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Unlike other fig species, Ficus carica does not always require pollination by a wasp or from another tree, but can be pollinated by the fig wasp, Blastophaga psenes to produce seeds. Fig wasps are not present to pollinate in colder countries like the United Kingdom. The plant can tolerate seasonal drought, and the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean climate is especially suitable for the plant. Situated in a favorable habitat, old specimens when mature can reach a considerable size and form a large dense shade tree. Its aggressive root system precludes its use in many urban areas of cities, but in nature helps the plant to take root in the most inhospitable areas. The common fig tree is mostly a phreatophyte that lives in areas with standing or running water. It grows well in the valleys of the rivers and ravines saving no water, having strong need of water that is extracted from the ground. The deep-rooted plant searches groundwater, in aquifers, ravines, or cracks in the rocks. The fig tree, with the water, cools the environment in hot places, creating a fresh and pleasant habitat for many animals that take shelter in its shade in the times of intense heat. Wikipedia

Banana

• The banana is an edible fruit – botanically a berry – produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus Musa. In some countries, bananas used for cooking may be called plantains, in contrast to dessert bananas. The fruit is variable in size, color and firmness, but is usually elongated and curved, with soft flesh rich in starch covered with a rind which may be green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when ripe. The fruits grow in clusters hanging from the top of the plant. The banana plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant. All the above-ground parts of a banana plant grow from a structure usually called a “corm”. Plants are normally tall and fairly sturdy, and are often mistaken for trees, but what appears to be a trunk is actually a “false stem” or pseudostem. Bananas grow in a wide variety of soils, as long as the soil is at least 60 cm deep, has good drainage and is not compacted. The leaves of banana plants are composed of a “stalk” (petiole) and a blade (lamina). The base of the petiole widens to form a sheath; the tightly packed sheaths make up the pseudostem, which is all that supports the plant. The edges of the sheath meet when it is first produced, making it tubular. As new growth occurs in the centre of the pseudostem the edges are forced apart. Cultivated banana plants vary in height depending on the variety and growing conditions. Most are around 5 m (16 ft) tall, with a range from ‘Dwarf Cavendish’ plants at around 3 m (10 ft) to ‘Gros Michel’ at 7 m (23 ft) or more. Leaves are spirally arranged and may grow 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) long and 60 cm (2.0 ft) wide. They are easily torn by the wind, resulting in the familiar frond look. Wikipedia

Pomegranate

• The pomegranate, botanical name Punica granatum, is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree in the family Lythraceae that grows between 5 and 8 m (16 and 26 ft) tall. The fruit is typically in season in the Northern Hemisphere from September to February, and in the Southern Hemisphere from March to May. As intact arils or juice, pomegranates are used in baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails and wine. The pomegranate originated in the region of modern-day Iran, and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region and northern India. It was introduced into Spanish America in the late 16th century and into California by Spanish settlers in 1769 Today, it is widely cultivated throughout the Middle East and Caucasus region, north and tropical Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, the drier parts of southeast Asia, and parts of the Mediterranean Basin. It is also cultivated in parts of Arizona and California. In the 20th and 21st centuries, it became more common in the commercial markets of Europe and the Western Hemisphere. Wikipedia

Lemon

• The lemon, Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, is a species of small evergreen tree in the flowering plant family Rutaceae, native to Asia. The tree’s ellipsoidal yellow fruit is used for culinary and non-culinary purposes throughout the world, primarily for its juice, which has both culinary and cleaning uses. The pulp and rind (zest) are also used in cooking and baking. The juice of the lemon is about 5% to 6% citric acid, with a pH of around 2.2, giving it a sour taste. The distinctive sour taste of lemon juice makes it a key ingredient in drinks and foods such as lemonade and lemon meringue pie. Lemon juice, rind, and zest are used in a wide variety of foods and drinks. Lemon juice is used to make lemonade, soft drinks, and cocktails. It is used in marinades for fish, where its acid neutralizes amines in fish by converting them into nonvolatile ammonium salts, and meat, where the acid partially hydrolyzes tough collagen fibers, tenderizing the meat, but the low pH denatures the proteins, causing them to dry out when cooked. Lemon juice is frequently used in the United Kingdom to add to pancakes, especially on Shrove Tuesday. Lemon juice is also used as a short-term preservative on certain foods that tend to oxidize and turn brown after being sliced (enzymatic browning), such as apples, bananas, and avocados, where its acid denatures the enzymes. Lemon juice and rind are used to make marmalade, lemon curd and lemon liqueur. Lemon slices and lemon rind are used as a garnish for food and drinks. Lemon zest, the grated outer rind of the fruit, is used to add flavor to baked goods, puddings, rice, and other dishes. The leaves of the lemon tree are used to make a tea and for preparing cooked meats and seafoods. Wikipedia

Lime

• A lime (from French lime, from Arabic līma, from Persian līmū, “lemon”) is a hybrid citrus fruit, which is typically round, lime green, 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in) in diameter, and containing acidic juice vesicles.  There are several species of citrus trees whose fruits are called limes, including the Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia), Persian lime, kaffir lime, and desert lime. Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, and are often used to accent the flavours of foods and beverages. They are grown year-round. Plants with fruit called “limes” have diverse genetic origins; limes do not form a monophyletic group. Limes have higher contents of sugars and acids than do lemons.^[2] Lime juice may be squeezed from fresh limes, or purchased in bottles in both unsweetened and sweetened varieties. Lime juice is used to make limeade, and as an ingredient (typically as sour mix) in many cocktails. Lime pickles are an integral part of Indian cuisine. South Indian cuisine is heavily based on lime; having either lemon pickle or lime pickle is considered an essential of Onam Sadhya. In cooking, lime is valued both for the acidity of its juice and the floral aroma of its zest. It is a common ingredient in authentic Mexican, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Lime soup is a traditional dish from the Mexican state of Yucatan. It is also used for its pickling properties in ceviche. Some guacamole recipes call for lime juice. The use of dried limes (called black lime or loomi) as a flavouring is typical of Persian cuisine and Iraqi cuisine, as well as in Persian Gulf-style baharat (a spice mixture that is also called kabsa or kebsa). Lime is an ingredient of many cuisines from India, and many varieties of pickles are made, e.g. sweetened lime pickle, salted pickle, and lime chutney. Key lime gives the character flavoring to the American dessert known as Key lime pie. In Australia, desert lime is used for making marmalade. Lime is an ingredient in several highball cocktails, often based on gin, such as gin and tonic, the gimlet and the Rickey. Freshly squeezed lime juice is also considered a key ingredient in margaritas, although sometimes lemon juice is substituted. Lime extracts and lime essential oils are frequently used in perfumes, cleaning products, and aromatherapy. Wikipedia

Avacado

• The subtropical species needs a climate without frost and with little wind. High winds reduce the humidity, dehydrate the flowers, and affect pollination. When even a mild frost occurs, premature fruit drop may occur, although the ‘Hass’ cultivar can tolerate temperatures down to −1 °C. The trees also need well-aerated soils, ideally more than 1 m deep. Yield is reduced when the irrigation water is highly saline. Like the banana, the avocado is a climacteric fruit, which matures on the tree, but ripens off the tree. Avocados used in commerce are picked hard and green and kept in coolers at 3.3 to 5.6 °C (37.9 to 42.1 °F) until they reach their final destination. Avocados must be mature to ripen properly. Avocados that fall off the tree ripen on the ground. Generally, the fruit is picked once it reaches maturity; Avocados can be propagated by seed, taking roughly four to six years to bear fruit, although in some cases seedlings can take 10 years to come into bearing. The offspring is unlikely to be identical to the parent cultivar in fruit quality. Prime quality varieties are therefore propagated by grafting to rootstocks that are propagated by seed (seedling rootstocks) or by layering(clonal rootstocks). Wikipedia

Lychee

• A tall evergreen tree, the lychee bears small fleshy fruits. The outside of the fruit is pink-red, roughly textured and inedible, covering sweet flesh eaten in many different dessert dishes. Since the perfume-like flavor is lost in the process of canning, the fruit is usually eaten fresh. They require a tropical climate that frost-free not below −4 °C (25 °F), and with high summer heat, rainfall, and humidity. Growth is best on well-drained, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter and mulch. A wide range of cultivars are available, with early and late maturing forms suited to warmer and cooler climates respectively. They are also grown as an ornamental tree as well as for their fruit. Wikipedia

Papaya

• The papaya is a small, sparsely branched tree, usually with a single stem growing from 5 to 10 m (16 to 33 ft) tall, with spirally arranged leaves confined to the top of the trunk. The lower trunk is conspicuously scarred where leaves and fruit were borne. The flowers are sweet-scented, open at night and are moth-pollinated. The fruit is a large berry about 15–45 cm (5.9–17.7 in) long and 10–30 cm (3.9–11.8 in) in diameter. It is ripe when it feels soft (as soft as a ripe avocado or a bit softer) and its skin has attained an amber to orange hue. Wikipedia

Mango

• Mangoes are juicy stone fruit (drupe) from numerous species of tropical treesbelonging to the flowering plant genus Mangifera, cultivated mostly for their edible fruit. The majority of these species are found in nature as wild mangoes. The genus belongs to the cashew family Anacardiaceae. Mangoes are native to South Asia,^[2][3]from where the “common mango” or “Indian mango”, Mangifera indica, has been distributed worldwide to become one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the tropics. Mango trees grow to 35–40 m (115–131 ft) tall, with a crown radius of 10 m (33 ft). The trees are long-lived, as some specimens still fruit after 300 years.^[5] In deep soil, the taproot descends to a depth of 6 m (20 ft), with profuse, wide-spreading feeder roots; the tree also sends down many anchor roots, which penetrate several feet of soil. Wikipedia

Carambola (Starfruit)

• Carambola or starfruit, is the fruit of Averrhoa carambola, a species of tree native to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Seychelles. The fruit is popular throughout Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Micronesia, and parts of East Asia. The tree is also cultivated throughout non-indigenous tropical areas. The fruit has distinctive ridges running down its sides (usually five but can sometimes vary); when cut in cross-section, it resembles a star, hence its name. The entire fruit is edible and is usually eaten out of hand. They may also be used in cooking and can be made into relishes, preserves, and juice drinks. Wikipedia

Other Notable Options:

• Dragon Fruit
• Soursop
• Pineapple
• Goji Berry
• Apples
• Any many more!

We could not have been happier when we heard from Cyndi Edwards Host of Daytime on Channel 8 in Tampa. Her team came out for a tour of two completed tiny homes and a 24 foot tiny home shell, check out this great segment they put together!

Tell us about your tiny house dreams!: Client Introduction Form

 

What do you look for in a tiny home community?

What is a tiny home community anyway? Is it a dreamy Utopian location where all your dreams come true, a trailer park, a campground, an RV park or an open field? Well a tiny home community can for better or worse be all of these things. The motivations and goals of tiny home enthusiast vary like the styles and designs of tiny homes. While some people are simply looking for permanent housing they can afford, others are ready to live out their ideal lifestyle focused on experiences and participating in a like minded community . Some tiny house owners are very passionate about permaculture, sustainability and our impact on our ecosystem. Some tiny house owners are seeking a community where they can enjoy independence, peace, quiet and a more isolated existence within their community. From my experience this list could go on for days listing the reasons, passions, goals and quirks that make every tiny house owner different.

Here is what we’ve heard so far

• Location, Location, Location! While everyone may have a different vision for their perfect location we find that goals, motivations and passions align very directly with the proper location of your tiny home. An urban location is lost on someone seeking a view of a serene lake, and the lake view is lost on someone seeking a walk-able lifestyle while still having all the amenities a big city offers.
• Like minded neighbors and community guidelines. While everyone is certainly unique the members of tiny house movement can start to be broadly categorized as related to their targeted permanent living experience. Perhaps that comes in the form of strongly promoting sustainable living practices through permaculture, recycling, minimalism, renewable energy and water catchment. Conversely for others it may come in the form of having all the comforts of home with full kitchen, bathroom, WiFi, TV, private lots and a retail location onsite. Regardless of your particular perspective on what a tiny home community should be I would be willing to wager that you are hoping your neighbors have a similar perspective.
• Nature. Personally I am a big fan of being as deep in the woods as I can get, waking up to bird songs and the smell of the forest in my nostrils. Watching the sunset over the ocean, river or lake can be the perfect end to any day. Gardening, edible landscaping and just appreciating the beauty of plant life in general is quite a joy for many tiny home owners.
• Amenities. Tiny home communities can range from totally sustainable off grid no frills (but all thrills!) lifestyle to providing all the amenities you become accustomed to in a typical suburban neighborhood. Top of the list is usually water, sewer and electric hookups followed by free WiFi, gardens and community activities. Here in Florida a pool might be pretty high up on that list as well!

What would a Tampa Bay Tiny Homes Community would look like?

If we were designing our own tiny house community here in the greater Tampa Bay area we would focus on taking advantage of the climate, natural beauty, bohemian culture and creativity of locals. We would offer a variety of permanent spaces, 30 day minimum spaces and tiny houses for short term rental. In addition we envision retail space onsite that can help community members diversify their income stream with activities they already enjoy. Here are some of the things that would be important to us based on our personalities, goals and motivations.

• Location, Location, Location! With all the beautiful locations in the area we would certainly pick a property with accessibility to transportation, retail and outdoor activities. That could mean near the beach, within a bike ride of downtown St. Pete or a more rural area with just the right surroundings.
• Residential and Retail Together Picture driving up to the community and being greeted by a retail location offering products and services provided by community members. This could be a farmers market, home made products, yoga and mediation classes, horticulture classes, sustainability seminars, the list goes on! The community would be behind the retail location and accessible only to community members and their guests.
• Self Sustaining Economy Imagine if you were able to live in a community you were proud of while doing something you love for work. Now imagine that you could pay your mortgage or community fees by working for the community. Teach yoga twice a week and offset your community fees for water, sewer and leasing your lot! Sell your famous hot pepper jelly in the community store and use the funds to pay your tiny mortgage.
• A Cohesive Community We are firm believers that a community can accomplish goals that are simply not achievable for an individual or an unified group of people. Providing the basic structure for discussing community projects and goals, making decisions, coordinating group activities and communicating to the group will allow the community to achieve and celebrate great things! This may be volunteering outside the community, events inside the community, projects for community improvement or helping other similar communities come to fruition!

Tell us more!

 

Tiny House Parking Options in Florida

Some tiny house owners are looking for a nomadic, off-grid or remote experience while others are seeking a community of like minded individuals. For the time being permanent and long term parking for tiny homes is still a area that could improve drastically! While there are options for owning and parking on your own land, we will focus on established parks, campgrounds and communities. At Tampa Bay Tiny Homes we are excited to be working with tiny home community organizers, owners and service providers to ensure we see more communities like Circle Pond Tiny Home Community!

Here are a few tiny houses friendly establishments in Florida

Circle Pond Tiny Home Community
Ruskin, FL
(813) 786-7300
http://clarconaresort.com/

The Outpost RV Resort Park and Community
2250 US Highway 92, Winter Haven, FL 33881
(863) 289-0104
https://theoutpostresort.com/

Clarcona Resort Condominium RV park
3000 Clarcona Road, Apopka, FL
(407) 889-5491
http://clarconaresort.com/

Magnolia Trace RV Park
5824 23rd street, Zephyrhills, FL, 33542
813.779.3184
Magnolia Trace Rv Park

Lost Lake RV Park
3400 Clarcona Road, Apopka, FL.
407-886-1996
lostlakervpark@earthlink.net
www.lostlakervpark.com

Parramore’s Fantastic Fish Camp & Family Resort
1675 Camp South Moon Rd, Astor, FL 32102
(386) 749-2721
http://www.parramores.com/

Tropic Isle Park
15175 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia, FL 33922
(877) 677-1568
http://pineislandpark.com/

Manatee Springs Mobile Home & RV Community
12570 NW 82nd Ct.
Chiefland, FL 32626
727-422-2739

Christmas RV Park
25525 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL.
Must be RVIA certified.
www.christmasrvpark.com

Lake Rousseau RV and Fishing Resort
10811 N. Coveview Terrace
Crystal River, FL 34428
(352) 795-6336
lakerousseau@aol.com
http://www.lakerousseaurvpark.com/

World RV Resort
2727 Frontage Rd, Davenport, FL
www.themeworldrv.com

Highbanks Marina
488 W. Highbanks Rd, DeBary, FL 32713
jerry@campresort.com
(386) 668-4491

Bayview RV Campground
749 Beach Drive, Destin, FL
(850) 460-6862
http://bayviewrvcampgrounddestin.blogspot.com/

Southern Palms RV Resort
One Avocado Lane
Eustis FL 32726
352-357-8882
southernpalmsrv_mgr@equitylifestyle.com

Riverfront RV Park
8365 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL
www.riverfrontrvpark.com

Flamingo Campground
Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL
www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/flamcamp.htm

Paradise Lakes Nudist Resort
2001 Brinson Road (aka Paradise Lakes Blvd), Lutz, FL
www.paradiselakes.com

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone National Park
1051 SW Old St. Augustine Rd., Madison, FL
www.jellystonefla.com

Rustic Sands Resort Campground
800 N. 15th Street, Mexico Beach, FL 32410
(877) 240-7213
http://www.rusticsands.com/

Woods-N-Water Trails
1325 Bay Road
Mt. Dora, FL 32757
352-735-1009
office.wnwt@gmail.com
www.woods-n-watertrails.com

Gracious Park
6500 Highway 441 SE, Okeechobee, FL
www.graciouspark.com

Journey’s End
480 Highway 441 SE
Okeechobee FL 34974
561-866-2227

Orlando Lakefront: A Tiny Home & RV Community
3405 North Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 936-4094
http://www.orlandolakefrontth.com/

Sunshine Holiday Daytona
1701 North US Highway 1, Ormond Beach, FL
www.rvonthego.com/florida/sunshine-holiday-daytona/

Cypress Point RV Retreat
650 Osteen-Maytown Rd, Osteen, FL 32764
(407) 323-0760
http://www.cypresspointgolfrvpark.com/rv-park.html

Nautical Point RV Park & Rentals
317 Blackshear Dr, Panama City, FL 32404
(850) 871-5545
http://panamacityrvpark.com/

Nova Campground
1190 Herbert Street, Port Orange, FL 32129
(386) 767-0095
http://www.novacamp.com/

Circle Pond Tiny Home Community
302 24th St SE
Ruskin, FL 33570
813-786-7300
www.circlepondtinycommunity.com

Twelve Oaks RV Resort
6300 FL-46
Sanford, FL 32771
407-323-0880
www.twelveoaksrvresort.com

Southern Aire RV Resort
10511 Florence Ave, Thonotosassa Fl 33592
(813) 986-1596
http://www.southernaire.rvresorts.com/

Cody’s RV Park
8588 Ostrom Way
Weeki Wachee, FL 34613
(352) 596-6010
codysrvpark@yahoo.com
codysrvpark.com

Tropic Isles Co-op – 1503 28th Ave. West, Palmetto, FL,
Seniors community (55+)
http://tropicisles.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tiny House Financing

When clients contact us for the first time there are three conversations that are extremely common. How can I pay for my tiny house, where can I put my tiny house on wheels and millions of design related questions. Tampa Bay Tiny Homes can certainly help you with design questions and developments like Circle Pond Tiny Home Community are helping to address long term living options. However, financing remains a significant challenge even for highly qualified potential tiny home owners who would easily qualify for a typical home mortgage or car loan.

If only there were better options to make the dream of tiny home ownership an easier process to navigate by having long term mortgages specifically designed for tiny houses on wheels!

So you are probably asking, “Why is it so difficult to get financing?” This is a complex question but from our perspective it is primarily a lack of programs that are designed for tiny houses, which results in trying to finance a tiny house with a loan not meant for a tiny house. The lending programs just do not exist at this time and lenders typically take a long time to adapt to changing market conditions.  Common lending related questions involve the structural capacity of the collateral structure itself,  the amount of industry subject matter expertise as well as understanding of local policy, regulations, zoning, codes, Etc.  

• Tiny homes are built to codes soon to be included in the international building code used for residential building codes. Florida builds include hurricane bolts to the trailer and hurricane ties throughout the structure. NOAH conducts inspections throughout the build process and certifies the build at completion assuring the structure is insurable, licensable, etc.
• GPS tracking locators, which are a federal offense to remove, are easily integrated into the structure.
• Policies are being positively impacted by local zoning and code changes currently taking place in cities and counties across our nation.
• Current financing options are primarily based on RV loans, or unsecured loans for short terms.
  • The unsecured loans for short terms have high interest rates and down payments, and typically are not particularly suited for a tiny home purchase they are just a potential option.
  • RV loans are also a potential option but require a builder to become certified in RVIA and use that code for building their tiny homes which goes against future state of the market which will be based on International building codes.

In our experience working with clients we have found that the majority of our potential clients are the type of potential customer lenders historically prefer as customers. Many of our clients have credit scores in the 700-800s, long standing careers and significant savings and while they can get a no-collateral personal loan that type of loan does not truly fulfill their needs or desired experience. We have many clients who have no problem qualifying for a 40k car loan for 7 years but cannot find a lender to give them a 40k tiny house mortgage for 10 or 15 years. In addition we have a large group of clients who are seeking a rent-to-own option for acquiring their tiny house and without priviate builders like Tampa Bay Tiny Homes, doing the design, build and financing, this option is rarely available to clients.

What can we do about it?

Here at Tampa Bay Tiny Homes we are working with our network to create financing opportunities for our clients by working with small private and public lending institutions to understand the low risk and high reward opportunity that long term tiny house mortgages represents. We would like to know more about how having a 15 year tiny house mortgage would impact your ability to achieve your tiny house dreams.

Tell us more below and we will keep you in the loop as new financing options become available!