When you’re exploring compact living options, terms like small home, cabin, and tiny home can seem interchangeable. But in reality, these labels often refer to very different structures. Whether you’re considering a cozy retreat, a permanent small home, or a trendy tiny house on wheels, understanding these distinctions can help you choose the right fit for your needs.
Tiny Homes: Portable, Trendy, and Compact
Typically built on trailers, they are designed to be removeable and often feature clever multi-level layouts, such as loft bedrooms and compact living areas. These homes are ideal for those who prioritize flexibility and want to take their home wherever life leads them.
However, tiny homes have limitations:
- Non-permanent: As they’re built on trailers, tiny homes are considered vehicles rather than permanent dwellings. This can make it challenging to obtain building consent or meet residential housing standards in New Zealand.
- Build Quality: Because they must remain lightweight for towing, materials and insulation are often compromised compared to permanent structures.
- Longevity: While they offer a trendy lifestyle, tiny homes typically require higher maintenance and may not provide the same durability as a properly built, stationary home.
- Accessibility Issues: The multi-level design, with steep stairs or ladders leading to loft bedrooms, can be impractical or unsafe for children, older adults, or those with limited mobility. This can make tiny homes unsuitable for many people.
Cabins: A Quick and Affordable Solution
Cabins are compact buildings designed for versatility. They’re often used as sleepouts, offices, or hobby spaces, and are typically built under New Zealand’s 30m² exemption rule, which doesn’t require building consent.
Cabins offer:
- Quick Setup: They’re often prefabricated and delivered ready to use, making them a convenient choice for temporary or semi-permanent needs.
- Affordability: Their lightweight construction keeps costs down.
- Flexibility: Ideal for short-term use or as secondary structures on a property.
However, they’re not designed to function as long-term residences. Cabins are generally not built to last decades. Their lightweight construction can mean higher susceptibility to wear and tear, especially in harsh weather conditions.
While cabins can be insulated, they often fall short of the standards required for permanent living. Without compliance to full Building Code requirements, they may not provide the comfort, durability, or value of a small home.
Small Homes: Built to Last
Small homes are purpose-built, permanent residences designed to meet New Zealand’s Building Code standards. These homes prioritize quality, comfort, and longevity, making them a fantastic option for downsizers, families, or those looking to add a secondary dwelling to their property.
Key features include:
- Durability: Constructed with high-quality materials, small homes are built to last for 50+ years, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Insulation: Full compliance with insulation standards ensures year-round comfort and energy efficiency.
- Building Consent Compliant: Modspace small homes are consented and compliant, providing peace of mind and adding value to your property.
- Value for Money: Unlike cabins or tiny homes, a small home is a permanent asset that can significantly enhance your property’s worth.
Choosing the Right Option
When deciding between a small home, cabin, or tiny home, it’s essential to think about your needs:
- If you want mobility and a minimalist lifestyle, a tiny home might be for you.
- If you need a simple, cost-effective space for short-term use, a cabin could work well.
- But if you’re looking for a permanent, comfortable, and durable home, a small home is the clear winner.
At Modspace, we specialize in creating fully compliant, high-quality small homes designed to last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking a compact residence or a granny flat, our homes combine practicality with lasting value.
Get in touch to find out more – we’d love to help you make the right choice for your future.