The REAL Cost to Build a 450SF Tiny Home: An In-Depth Breakdown
Building a tiny home may seem like an affordable way to downsize, but as the creator of the Cedar Hollow luxury 450 sq ft tiny home discovered, the costs can add up quickly. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses involved in building the Cedar Hollow, including the initial construction, the high-end features, and even the revenue potential as a short-term rental.
1. Site Preparation: The Driveway and Parking Pad
The first expense was creating the 600-foot-long driveway, which cost $4,195. This included tree removal, stump pulling, regrading, and laying 45 yards of gravel to ensure proper access to the home site.
2. Foundation: Post and Pier Setup
The post and pier foundation for both the home and the deck came to $3,866. This method involved deep piers and anchors to stabilize the structure, and it also covered the costs of excavation equipment rentals.
3. Framing the Structure
Framing the Cedar Hollow was a labor-intensive task, with materials costing $838. The frame includes three beams supporting the home’s floor joists and a ceiling pitch constructed from 2x10s.
4. Siding and Skirting
For siding, the builder spent $489 on Hardy Board panels, which were used for both the exterior walls and the skirting. This skirting was designed to insulate the crawl space and prevent freezing during harsh weather.
5. Plumbing: A Significant Investment
Plumbing costs amounted to $2,930, covering everything from faucets to water lines, hot water heaters, and washer-dryer hookups. This was one of the more expensive parts of the build, reflecting the extensive labor involved.
6. Electrical Work: A Professional Job
The electrical system was another high-cost area, totalling $1,722. This includes wiring for lights, outlets, and additional features like a Tesla charger and breakers for appliances like the hot tub and sauna.
7. Roofing: Durability Over Cost
The roofing, which cost $2,694, was another significant investment. The builder chose shingles over metal roofing to save costs, but also added extra protection with ice and water shields, ensuring long-term durability.
8. Luxury Finishes: Cedar Wood Ceilings and More
The builder opted for cedar wood ceilings, which added a cozy and luxurious feel to the home. This addition cost $3,539 and was a major design feature. In addition, the interior was painted with Sherwin Williams’ Alabaster white for a serene, light-filled space.
9. Outdoor Features: Expansive Deck and Spa Amenities
One of the standout features of the Cedar Hollow is its expansive 740 sq ft deck, which cost $16,417. The deck includes cedar decking, framing, and cable railings for unobstructed forest views. The Jacuzzi hot tub ($7,244), cold plunge ($516), and sauna ($797) further enhance the home’s appeal as a retreat.
10. Revenue Potential as a Short-Term Rental
Despite the hefty upfront costs, the Cedar Hollow is generating impressive returns as a short-term rental. In its first three months, the home made $751 in March, $864 in April, and a staggering $2,021 in May. With additional months of high rental income, this tiny home is proving to be a profitable investment.
11. Final Cost Breakdown
In total, the Cedar Hollow cost $161,300 to build, including all luxury amenities and structural elements. The cost per square foot comes to $184, making it an expensive but high-end tiny home.
If you're interested in building your own tiny home, the builder is now selling the Cedar Hollow’s construction plans at a discounted price. The plans, which cost over $8,000 to create, are available for just $500 for the first 100 buyers. The full set includes detailed plans for everything from structure to plumbing and electrical systems, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to build a similar tiny home.
For those looking to invest in a similar build or short-term rental property, the Cedar Hollow proves that with the right design and planning, a tiny home can be both a comfortable living space and a lucrative business venture.
Want to learn more about the Cedar Hollow or purchase the plans? Be sure to check out the builder's website and use the discount code "Cedar60" for 60% off!
Key Takeaways:
Building a high-end tiny home can be costly, but it offers a range of modern amenities and long-term rental income potential.
Key costs include site preparation, foundation work, luxury finishes, and specialized features like a hot tub, sauna, and deck.
The Cedar Hollow demonstrates how a tiny home can be both a cozy retreat and a profitable rental property.
