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LIFE in NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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Tiny Homes Virginia

Monday, November 07, 2022

What To Expect When Building A Tiny House In Virginia

BUY A TINY HOUSE in Virginia What will it take to be able to move into anew Tiny Home in Virginia? "Pay less than a regular house, save money, live a simple life close to things, enjoy the outdoors more and just be able to own a home without all the hassle and requirements that come with a large single family home, mcmansion or expensive dwelling that will take you 30-40 years or Never ...to pay off.

Like most things on the internet, there is more information than you can comprehend, but rarely does someone actually give you the path to get from Point A to Point B and cut through all the bullshit. I have done the work for you...so here it is. The goal of this post is to give you all the information you need so that you can make the first step to #tinyhomeownership.

Step 1: Decide Yes or No to do it

Tiny Home Friendly counties in Virginia: Arlington County
Ashland
Berryville
Norfolk
Richmond
Virginia Beach

This doesn't mean you can't own in other counties it means you have to find a lot, call the county zoning and ask "can I put a tiny home here?"

3 Types of Tiny Home Categories:
1. Tiny Houses on Wheels (THOW's)
2. RVs, Camper Vans, Backyard Cottages, Accessory dwelling Units (ADU's)
3. Standalone Homes constructed on own plot of land

****Virginia IRC Law Appendix Q*****
☑️The International Residential Code is a comprehensive, stand-alone residential code that creates minimum regulations for one-and two-family dwellings of three stories or less.
☑️Appendix Q Tiny House was adopted into the 2018 International Residential Code ( IRC ) building code to provide regulations and standards for tiny homes on a foundation that is 400 square feet or less. Typically 120-400SF is the requirement.

Tiny House Requirements
🔑 Built on 320SF land or more
🔑120-400SF living space structure
🔑Ceiling of 6'4" or more
🔑Containat least one room with window & closet
🔑Standard Emergency Escape per IRC 🔑Permanent Fixture, not on wheels

Own A Tiny Home Checklist
Step 1: Identify a piece of land or in a community
Step 2: Contact zoning and ask "tiny home acceptible?"
Step 3: buy or find builder or buy already built
Step 4: Inspect
Step 5: Finance or buy in Cash
Step 6: move in FAQ
❓Do you need homeowners Insurance for Tiny Homes? Not by law, it's optional
❓What about a loft Style bed? Yes but needs emergency exit plan
❓Can you install solor on Tiny Homes? Recommend Ground Mounted Panels, not enough space on roof for energy needs
❓Should you get a tiny home inspected? YES, but the inspection is different you will be checking : Safety, Power, Water, Insulation
❓How is a tiny house secured? Permanent structure is built on a concrete slab
❓What is considered a permanent structure: Any tiny with a foundation that is wood pilings, concrete footings and concrete slabs. Have more questions? comment below and we will get them all answered.

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Cheryl Spangler profile image

Hi, I'm Cheryl 

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Weekly real estate lifestyle blog and podcast focused on people, places, events and hidden treasures within Northern Virginia. Find our things you never knew existed about the community you live and work. Engage with people that could change your life. Save money, invest in yourself and find opportunities in our content. No topic off limits!

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