Several counties in Kentucky don’t have zoning codes, which means Kentucky is the place to be for tiny house living! Pulaski County has no zoning laws at all.
More and more people in Kentucky are opting to build tiny homes on land they either own or rent. Young adults and retired individuals find tiny houses living more affordable. They are more likely to accommodate themselves to having less space than families with children and pet owners.
The main reasons why tiny house living is attracting ardent fans are:
- Less expensive to purchase.
- Freedom of movement.
- A minimalist lifestyle. Shed unnecessary belongings. Think about sustainability
before you buy. The simpler lifestyle it requires makes for a calmer, more fulfilling approach to life. - Environmentally friendly.
- Viewing the outdoors as an extension of living space.
- Less maintenance because there’s less space, fewer appliances.
- Less energy for electricity, water, fuel, waste removal, heating and cooling.
Let’s have a look at some amazing tiny homes on sale in Kentucky right now.
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The Zion
This tiny house can be built for you by Utopian Villas.
It has a contemporary look, due largely to the mono slope pitch. A covered porch offers wind shelter. The 589 square feet include a deck and loft.
Hikari: Horse Cave, Kentucky
Winner of the Best Tiny House at the 2019 National Tiny House Festival in Nashville, TN, this tiny home on wheels can be built just for you by Custom Built Tiny Homes on Wheels. Skilled builders and craftsmen will build your tiny home to suit your particular needs.
All the tiny homes offered are built to code and inspected. The builders are located in Central Kentucky but can deliver all over the country.
The Kentucky Yurt: Alexandria, Kentucky
A 706 square foot, custom built yurt. High wind and snow-load resistance, superb insulation, and plenty of room. This particular model is designed to operate off grid with a wood stove, DC powered ceiling fan, and self-contained plumbing.
Tiny Cabin: Vanceburg, Kentucky
A beautiful tiny cabin, with one bedroom, one bathroom and a loft. Stainless steel appliances and a stackable washer and dryer add to its appeal. This tiny cabin can be moved to wherever you want it.
The Rustic Cabin: Verona, Kentucky
At 400 square feet this is a good deal. The interior walls need finishing but the wood to do so is included in the price. It will have to be moved onto another parcel, so transportation costs need to be taken into account.
Horse Trailer With Living Quarters: Shepherdsville, Kentucky
Here we have a 40′ steel horse trailer with 3 horse slant which has been converted to an art studio. It has customized living quarters with solid wood floors and cabinetry and granite counters. This tiny home is set up as an RV with water tanks and generator.
Fancy Farm Tiny Houses: Fancy Farm, Kentucky
This tiny home weighs 14,000lbs, has R-13 wall insulation, cedar exterior walls and yellow pine interior walls. It has a loft. There are rafters and 12-19 ceiling insulation.
There’s a full-size gas stove, on demand water heater, washer and dryer, walk in shower, standard toilet and bathroom exhaust, along with other amenities.
Tiny House: Mount Sterling, Kentucky
A cute 300 square foot tiny house, measuring 12 x 24. Trailer not provided.
A Cozy Cabin: Mayfield, Kentucky
This tiny house has to be relocated at the buyer’s cost; the sellers can provide information on relocation. It comes with stainless steel appliances that are only one year old: refrigerator, double oven, microwave, drawer.
There is also an LG combination washer/dryer, electric heating and air unit, two tankless electric hot water heaters, and front deck.
The Brown Betty THOW: Oneida
At 128 square feet this tiny RV house is made of wood. It has all the camper hook-ups, all new appliances and windows, with cool ideas like hideaway stools.
The Drake Ridge: Taylorsville
A 120 square foot cabin that comes with 1.2 acres. The cabin has been recently remodelled. It does not have water or electricity, so needs some upgrades.
California Dreaming, Kentucky Style: California, Kentucky
A 272 square foot cozy cabin. There’s enough room for a living area as well as an office. It comes with two 60-watt solar panels, and is outfitted for grid supply as well. There is no plumbing, but there is a composting toilet.
Ol’ Yeller: Magnolia, Kentucky
At 320 square feet this converted school bus has a fully functional kitchen, living areas and lots of storage, along with a gas engine to get you where you’re going.
The Taylor Mill Family Home: Taylor Mill, Kentucky
A 667 square foot conventionally built two-bedroom tiny home. It has a well-maintained interior and a large, backyard deck.
The Park Hills Mini House
A 100 square foot micro home. Conventionally built without plumbing or electricity, this tiny house is ready to be moved to your land. It could be converted into a single-person dwelling with a few inexpensive upgrades.
The Equine RV: Louisville, Kentucky
A 150 square foot big rig with a gorgeous red and white trailer. The trailer can be bought separately from the truck. The living area of the trailer has been beautifully finished with granite countertops, walnut flooring, leather sofas and even a satellite TV.
The Birchwood THOW: Birchwood, Kentucky
This 160 square foot tiny house is designed to work off-grid and on the road. It has a stylish interior design with stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite countertops and many other features.
18’ Western Red Cedar
KY Tiny Homes can build you your own tiny home. This house has a tongue and groove Interior, 3″ closed cell spray insulation and Andersen Windows.
There’s a 50amp RV power supply, with an ‘On Demand’ Propane hot water heater, Propane tanks, a Dickinson Propane Stove, and side by side under the counter refrigerator / freezer. Hickory cabinets, a Butcher Block countertop, shower stall, Natures Head composting toilet, and 24″ Smart HDTV are included. Bamboo hardwood flooring.
Tiny House: Pirate’s Cove, Kentucky
This 12 x 28 tiny house is located close to the water at Pirate’s Cove. New Vinyl siding, new underpinning and new laminate floors done in 2020. Perfect for a weekend getaway, fishing cabin, or home for a single person or couple. It has a loft above the living/kitchen area that can have a ladder added for it to provide an additional sleeping area.
Mobile Home, Kentucky
This well cared for mobile home is in a quiet lake community on two beautiful, secluded lots. It has two bedrooms and one bathroom. Community path to Lake Cumberland swimming and fishing just a short walk down the hill. Cumberland Point Ramp & Recreation Area located only 3 miles away! Water and electric available at the road for vacant lots.
Buyer’s Guide
- Find out the rules and regulations in your area from the county Zoning Officer and any associated costs, such as permit costs.
- Proximity to utilities and amenities.
- Impact on family and lifestyle. Children or pets may not prosper in limited space. Older children will crave privacy. Young adults, couples and retirees may be more suited to tiny house living.
- Secure land for your tiny house.
- Take attitude to the outdoors into account. Tiny house living better suits those who commune with nature.
- Attitude to having close neighbors, especially if you are considering a tiny house community. Before investing in a tiny home, find out about the types of communities available in the state you want to live in. Being in the right community for you is very important.
- Utility Costs. Access to sewage disposal, a water supply, electricity, and Internet.
- Ensure you use a certified builder and sign off on blueprints, schedule and costs.
- Try living in a more confined space before you go ahead and buy a tiny house. Try rent a space for a night or two.
For beautiful home choices, check out the Tiny House Database.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Price Range Applies To Tiny Houses?
The cost will vary depending upon where you build it, the size of your home, and the materials you decide to build it with.
Where Can I Buy A Tiny House?
Check the Tiny House Map and select ‘Builders’ on the search bar.
Check Tiny House Listings for owner-built and professionally-built tiny homes.
How Do I Insure A Tiny House?
Check with your insurance agent, and call it a ‘custom travel trailer’, or cabin.
FAQs
What counties in Ky allow tiny houses? ›
- Pulaski County.
- Louisville Metro (per specific guidelines)
Ky Tiny Homes Nicholasville, Kentucky
Based in Wilmore, Kentucky, Ky Tiny Homes has two main prefabricated tiny house models available to buy and ship. Their Western red cedar tiny house is $35,000 while their 20' tiny home is $38,000. You can go out to the shop or call for more information.
The Kentucky family created their very own village of tiny houses, shares Insider. Here's how they did it. First, they purchased a 21-acre plot of land. Then, they bought several tiny houses—six, to be exact—each with 280-square feet of space or less.
What is the cheapest tiny house you can build? ›Hands-down, the cheapest tiny house is one you build yourself. By not hiring out for labor, a self-built tiny house can save 30-50% of the overall cost. Keep in mind; the final price varies considerably based on size and materials used. On the low-end, a DIY tiny house can range between $10,000-$30,000.
Where can I put a tiny home in Kentucky? ›Several counties in Kentucky don't have zoning codes, which means Kentucky is the place to be for tiny house living! Pulaski County has no zoning laws at all. More and more people in Kentucky are opting to build tiny homes on land they either own or rent.
Is it legal to live off grid in Kentucky? ›Off-grid living is not only legal in Kentucky, but it is common. There are approximately 13,5000 Amish residing in Kentucky, and many people choosing to live an off-grid lifestyle.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a tiny house? ›It's typically cheaper to build a tiny house than to buy one prebuilt, but don't get too caught up in the savings. You may underestimate the job you're taking on by choosing to build yourself, as one small mistake can end up costing extra time and money to fix.
Is 1000 square feet considered a tiny house? ›Tiny homes are generally designated as being under 600 square feet, but the average size of a tiny house for sale in the U.S. is actually just 225 square feet, or roughly eight times smaller than a typical home, according to a new survey by Porch.com, a home services platform.
What states can you live in a tiny house? ›Tiny homes are legal in all states in the US, however, this doesn't mean that it is recommended to build in just any state. Some US states feature extremely strict building regulations, especially when it comes to tiny structures.
How high should a tiny house be off the ground? ›The Height Of A Tiny House: 13.5 Feet Tall
Most bridges on your major highways and on many side roads are built to have a clearance of at least 13.5 feet. That means you'll want to consider building your tiny house just shy of that to be on the safe side.
What is considered a permanent foundation for a tiny house? ›
CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATIONS ARE PRACTICAL AND PERMANENT
The three main categories of permanent foundations for homes are wood pilings, concrete footings and concrete slabs.
Most states have adopted building and zoning codes from the International Residential Code (IRC). The IRC codes require that all homes must be built on a minimum of 320 square feet. The minimum square footage for a house is 120 square feet, and at least one room must be habitable.
How much does it cost to build a 500 sq ft tiny house? ›The cost of a 2-story tiny house is $60,000 to $125,000 for prefab construction. Custom builds range from $75,000 to $200,000. This assumes a house size of between 300 and 500 sq. ft.
What is the largest tiny home available? ›The Denali XL is the largest tiny house from the Timbercraft Tiny Homes brand. The 400-square foot house feels like a mansion amidst other tiny homes attributing to its design and space efficiency. This large tiny home on wheels has tall ceilings and powered skylights inside the 399-foot living space.
How much does a tiny house kit cost? ›A basic cabin kit can cost as low as $6,000 to $8,000, while a custom tiny house with all the bells and whistles can easily cost upwards of $100,000 or more. But HomeAdvisor estimates the average tiny home cost is about $45,000.
What is the best state to build a tiny house in? ›#1 – Georgia. Northern Georgia's Blue Ridge mountains offer some of the most picturesque landscapes for tiny home living, so it might not come as a surprise that the state is No. 1 on the list for best places for tiny homes.
How much does it cost to build a house in Kentucky? ›...
Cost to Build a House by State.
| State | Cost to Build a House |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | $281,000 |
| Louisiana | $270,000 |
| Maine | $282,000 |
| Maryland | $294,000 |
Tiny homes can be a lot less expensive than a traditional home; but if you add a lot of upgrades and specialty design the cost can skyrocket. In most cases, the price will range between $30,000-$60,000 (not including land or any other fees), but more stylish homes can run thousands more.
Are solar panels legal in Kentucky? ›It is legal to install solar panels on your house in Kentucky.
How many acres do you need to live off the grid? ›You Will Need a Backyard That is at Least 89, 050 sq. ft. This is about 2 Acres. If a family of four is willing to buy flour instead of growing their own wheat, they'd only need about 1.5 acres to have a mixed diet of veggies, eggs, meat, and milk.
Does Kentucky allow solar panels? ›
Renters can't usually install solar panels on their roofs, but in some states they still have the option to use and invest in solar power and other renewable energy sources. Unfortunately, Kentucky is not one of those states that allows renters to choose their electricity supplier.
Do tiny houses keep their value? ›If your tiny home is built to sit on wheels, it'll depreciate in value just like the truck you pull it with. But even if your tiny house is built on a foundation, it still won't increase much in value, because the value is determined by the demand in the marketplace.
How much does it cost to turn a shed into a tiny house? ›How Much Does It Cost To Convert A Shed Into A Tiny House? Converting a shed will cost around $75 per square foot including the cost of the shed. Depending on the shed size, utility connections and fixtures/appliances. This assumes you're buying a pre-built shed.
What is a little bigger than a tiny house? ›Micro homes are the “next step up” from tiny houses; they range from 400 to approximately 800 sq. ft.
Can a tiny home be 500 square feet? ›There's no hard-and-fast rule for what qualifies as a "tiny" home, but they are usually under 500 square feet.
How big is too big for a tiny house? ›That said, if you really do want a rule of thumb, it would seem that tiny houses usually range between around 60 and 400 square feet. You could possibly extend this range up to around 1000 square feet, but you're venturing into “small house” territory here.
What three states have the most tiny homes? ›Some of the best US states for tiny living include California, Florida, and Texas.
What is the most popular tiny house community? ›Las Vegas, Nevada. Downtown Las Vegas has possibly the most famous tiny house community in the U.S. Created by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, the community is the permanent home to Airstream trailers, tiny houses and a few alpacas.
Where is the largest tiny home community? ›America's largest tiny home community is now in Highland Park, California, and the new neighborhood will be housing people in need.
What is the longest trailer for a tiny house? ›Legally, your trailer can only be 8'6″ wide. The majority of states will also only allow a tiny house that is 13'6 inches off the ground, though some Western states permit 14'. No trailer can exceed 53', unless you have a special permit. That being said, most tiny houses don't need trailers any larger than 28'.
How do you keep weight down in a tiny house? ›
Start by using lighter materials. Use SIPs or steel framing instead of wood. Skipping the subfloor and building it straight to your trailer is another way of saving weight.
What size is a normal kitchen in a tiny house? ›What size is a normal kitchen in a tiny house? Most of the tiny homes have a kitchen that's 70 to 80 square feet in size. It may be small, but it will be enough for you to enjoy cooking and making delicious meals.
How many years do tiny homes last? ›Compared to regular-sized homes, tiny houses can feel like they're one strong wind away from getting knocked over. This begs the question: how long does a tiny house last? Are tiny houses actually durable? A tiny house built with the right materials can last several years, even decades with regular maintenance.
Are cinder blocks considered a permanent foundation? ›Are concrete blocks or piers considered a permanent foundation? Permanent foundations consist of many components. Moreover, concrete blocks are considered a permanent foundation when using them in conjunction with seismic E.R.B.S. (Earthquake Resistant Bracing Systems).
What is the biggest tiny house you can build on a foundation? ›First, many cities do not permit tiny houses unless they comply with standard building codes and size requirements. This means that tiny houses in larger urban areas must be built on a foundation; be more than 500 square feet in size; and have all systems inspected by a city inspector or codes enforcement officer.
Do you own the land your house is on? ›The freeholder of a property owns it outright, including the land it's built on. If you buy a freehold, you're responsible for maintaining your property and land, so you'll need to budget for these costs. Most houses are freehold but some might be leasehold – usually through shared-ownership schemes.
How does plumbing work in a tiny house? ›Tiny House Plumbing Isn't as Hard as You Think
In truth, tiny home plumbing is not much different from regular plumbing. It's as easy as marking a space on your wall and fitting it there. And of course, there's much less needed! Most tiny houses only have one sink, one shower, and one toilet.
It typically takes 500 hours to build a tiny house.
This of course can vary depending on size, skill level, and complexity, but 500 hours to build a tiny house is often a good rule of thumb for the average DIYer. Professional builders who have a dedicated facility will be able to reduce this down to about 300 hours.
According to Home Depot's website, the lowest cost of a tiny home kit that includes hardware is about $20,000. More expensive options can be about $65,000.
How much does it cost to install plumbing in a tiny house? ›Plumbing in a tiny house is expected to cost $3,000-$7,000. This, however, does not include the cost of labor. This only includes the cost of plumbing supplies such as toilets, sinks, and other fixtures. Tiny houses do not need a lot of pipes.
Is 700 sq ft a tiny house? ›
A 700 square foot tiny home is larger than most tiny homes, but you're still on a tight budget in terms of amenities. You have to be conservative and efficient with what little space you have. Your tiny home might not even have a living room.
Can a tiny home be 900 square feet? ›Tiny House Plans
People love the flexibility of a tiny home that comes at a smaller cost and requires less upkeep. Our collection of tiny home plans can do it all. These blueprints promise affordability, minimal maintenance, and feature-full designs that all clock in under 1,000 square feet.
Tiny homes come in different shapes and sizes that can be uniquely designed to meet your lifestyle needs. Generally speaking, we like to classify tiny homes into three groups: Tiny House on Wheels (THOW), Park Models (PMRV) and Tiny House on Foundation (THOF).
What is the largest size tiny house on wheels? ›Max Size for Tiny House Trailer Without Permit
To skip acquiring a building permit, the maximum size of a tiny home on wheels is 8 feet by 20 inches with 120 square feet of living space.
It's typically cheaper to build a tiny house than to buy one prebuilt, but don't get too caught up in the savings. You may underestimate the job you're taking on by choosing to build yourself, as one small mistake can end up costing extra time and money to fix.
What is included in a tiny house kit? ›Inside a $10,000 Tiny House | Best Tiny House Kits - YouTube
What does a tiny home kit include? ›Tiny house kits generally include most of the materials you'll need for building your home, including windows, doors, walls, and hardware. You'll be expected to provide your own tools to build the kit, but they're generally items you likely already have in your toolbox, like a drill, screwdriver, and hammer.
What states can you live in a tiny house? ›Tiny homes are legal in all states in the US, however, this doesn't mean that it is recommended to build in just any state. Some US states feature extremely strict building regulations, especially when it comes to tiny structures.
What's the frost line in Kentucky? ›...
Frost Lines by State 2022.
| State | Frost Lines (Inches) |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | 18 |
| Oregon | 18 |
| Virginia | 18 |
| Kentucky | 15 |
Tiny homes are generally designated as being under 600 square feet, but the average size of a tiny house for sale in the U.S. is actually just 225 square feet, or roughly eight times smaller than a typical home, according to a new survey by Porch.com, a home services platform.
Is Kentucky a good place to Homestead? ›
Kentucky also offers ample opportunities to purchase and raise livestock. If you are looking for a place to start homesteading with a rich rural culture, the Bluegrass State may be a good choice for your farm or homestead.
What three states have the most tiny homes? ›Some of the best US states for tiny living include California, Florida, and Texas.
What is the most popular tiny house community? ›Las Vegas, Nevada. Downtown Las Vegas has possibly the most famous tiny house community in the U.S. Created by Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, the community is the permanent home to Airstream trailers, tiny houses and a few alpacas.
How deep do footers need to be in Kentucky? ›The minimum depth shall be measured from the proposed finished grade to the bottom of the footing. The minimum frost protection depth can be obtained by back-filling with non-compacted soil above the base of the footing to a depth equal or greater than 24-inches plus an additional 4-inches.
How far down in the ground is the freeze line? ›You may wonder how deep the frost line is. It can vary wildly. In the coldest climates in the USA, the frost depth can be deeper than eight feet. In warmer parts of the country, the frost depth may be less than one foot.
How deep in the ground is the frost line? ›5PFRI FROST DEPTH - YouTube
Is it cheaper to build or buy a tiny house? ›It's typically cheaper to build a tiny house than to buy one prebuilt, but don't get too caught up in the savings. You may underestimate the job you're taking on by choosing to build yourself, as one small mistake can end up costing extra time and money to fix.
What is the largest square foot tiny house? ›In 2008, Ben and Sabrina built a Tumbleweed Enesti. They purchased the building plans and worked with a local architect to modify it to fit their needs. Checking in at 746 square feet, this is the largest Tumbleweed built to date.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Kentucky? ›- Middlesboro.
- Ashland.
- Glasgow.
- Somerset.
- Shively.
- Henderson.
- Madisonville.
- Owensboro.
You may have heard Murray, Kentucky is considered the Friendliest Small Town in America. Even if you agreed, you may not know how that title was given to the town.
Where is the nicest place to live in Kentucky? ›
- Berea.
- Louisville. ...
- Bellevue. ...
- Elizabethtown. Snawder / Flickr. ...
- Georgetown. Joe / Flickr. ...
- Richmond. PEO ACWA / Flickr. ...
- Owensboro. © Dreamstime. ...
- Henderson. A very peaceful and picturesque place, Henderson lies along the winding Ohio River, just a stone's throw from Evansville in Indiana. ...