ADU on Wheels

Can you imagine living in a house where you can drive across the land like a car? An ADU constructed on wheels is a movable tiny home that gives an unique possibility to travel in the comfort of your own home. No wonder nowadays their popularity is growing in almost every city of California. More and more homeowners choose those inexpensive, flexible, and sustainable motor vehicles.

We can surely say that the tiny house movement has a bright perspective – there will be more features, style variants, and uses of such accessory dwelling units in the future. In case you’re searching for an unusual and portable housing option, an accessory dwelling unit on wheels can be ideal for you.

In our article, we’ll answer the most common questions about movable housing. We’ll tell you about the main benefits of these motor vehicles, the necessity of legal permits for such tiny houses, how to maximize space in a movable ADU, which site you can use for parking, and many other important things.

Tiny Houses on Wheels: the Largest Benefits

Low supply and expensiveness have always been the main characteristics of the California real estate market, especially in a city. A tiny house on wheels, on the other hand, is a budget-friendly and easy-to-create option for property owners.

In addition to that, these tiny homes (also known as recreational vehicles) have plenty of other advantages:

• Flexible zoning. Thanks to the latest ADU regulations in many regions, building such an ADU on a property lot has become way simpler;
• Cost-effectiveness. Accessory dwelling units on wheels are usually more affordable than classic attached or detached ADUs. Because of this, they’re a great solution for homeowners who want to downsize or rent out their primary home;
• Possibility to travel. A significant benefit of these ADUs is that they’re movable. You can easily change your location and explore new places without even leaving your home. A great option for those who want to move out of the city!
• Sustainability. A tiny home on wheels is a more sustainable housing type than a traditional ADU, especially if it consists of ecological materials and has electricity-saving features.

Movable Tiny Houses: the Main Purposes

Accessory dwelling units on wheels are very versatile.

Let’s name their most common purposes:

1. Guest houses. Such a house can be a great place for your friends or family members to stay in;
2. Mini-offices. A movable ADU is an amazing option for an online job – you can calmly work there, and nobody will distract you;
3. Houses for rent. Just like classic backyard cottages, a tiny home on wheels can also bring you significant passive income;
4. Places for hobbies. You can turn your tiny house on wheels into a personal art studio, a workshop, or a sound recording room;
5. Granny flats. You can give this ADU to your elderly parents or other relatives. It’s very convenient when they live close to you (especially in case they need care) but still have their own private space;
6. Downsizing. If you decide to move to a smaller house outside a city, an accessory dwelling unit on wheels would be an amazing idea;
7. Also, a tiny house can significantly increase the value of your property.

An accessory dwelling unit on wheels is a perfect example of cost-effective, flexible and sustainable housing. Such ADUs are cheaper than classic ones, often consist of environment-friendly materials, and are easy to move to another place. In addition to that, they can give your property a truly unique look!

Recreational Vehicle: What to Consider Before Planning?

Before you start planning your movable ADU, you’ll need to consider several things.

They are the following:

1. City/county requirements. You’ll have to read them very attentively since they determine lots of important aspects. Of course, nowadays, the ADU laws in California have softened, but there are still some limitations that are essential to know;
2. Your financial possibilities. Thoroughly plan all the expenses that will make up your ADU budget. It’ll help you save money and avoid unexpected costs;
3. The purpose of your tiny home. What will you use your dwelling unit for? You’ll need to plan it according to your needs and desires.

Tiny Homes on Wheels: Legality

Some people wonder whether California laws allow the construction of tiny homes on wheels. The answer is mainly yes. The newest alterations have greatly simplified buildings, such as a house on a property lot. The main thing is to adhere to the building codes of your city, safety rules, and standards for utilities. However, some areas still don’t permit ADUs on wheels, so it’s vital to find out whether they’re legal in your community.

Movable Tiny Houses: Parking

You can park your accessory dwelling unit on wheels in several places. First — in the same property as your main house. Secondly, you may park it on the property lot of your family member or friend. Also, it’s possible to do this in a tiny house community or a recreational vehicle park. To know exactly where you’ll be able to park your ADU, read the zoning regulations of your county and city.

Permits: Are They Necessary

Yes. To construct a tiny home on wheels, homeowners need to get legal permits, just like for any other ADU or a traditional home. Requirements for these permits differ in various jurisdictions, which is one more reason to research the building codes and zoning laws of your area. Some cities and counties have special restrictions regarding an ADU size, its parking location, utility systems, or even floor plan. So, you’ll need to learn as much as possible about it.

Movable Tiny Houses: Maximizing Comfort

There are several ways to optimize space in your house on wheels and make it more comfortable without too much effort. Use furniture with multiple functions, store things efficiently, and make non-standard layouts. This will help you turn your movable tiny house into a spacious, cozy, and comfy place that is super pleasant for living.

The popularity of tiny homes on wheels is increasing rapidly. With the constant development of building requirements and design solutions, these affordable tiny homes are surely going to redefine the ADU sphere of California. 

So, if you are considering downsizing, making a comfy place for guests, or traveling to different places in your own home, an accessory dwelling unit on wheels can be an amazing option for your life!

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

What is the difference between a mobile tiny home and an ADU?

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is an additional house situated on the same property as the main residence. Usually, these structures have everything necessary for comfortable living: a bathroom, a kitchen, a bedroom, and complete access to all the main utilities. There are different types of ADUs: attached, detached, converted, and so on. One of the ADU types is a tiny house on wheels. Basically, it’s a motor vehicle that’s suitable for living.

Can I put a tiny house on my property in California?

Yes! Most cities and counties in California allow tiny houses, including movable ones. However, before planning a tiny home on your property, thoroughly research all the local housing regulations of your community. There are lots of requirements regarding size, floor planning, utilities, and so on, that vary significantly from one location to another.

What is the price of tiny homes?

Typically, this type of housing is rather affordable for most clients. However, the price of a movable tiny home depends on several various factors — for example, its materials, design, size dimensions, presence of a loft, city/county, and so on. In California, it typically varies from $45000 to $170000. However, there can be either cheaper or more expensive variants.