This is a great question! Thank you to Angela for reaching out as it looks like there are a few misconceptions here, so let’s talk about it.
Site connection and Tiny House setup costs will depend on your own personal home setup, and what’s already available onsite. But here are some of the things you should be planning for and considering.
>> This post is written based on the understanding that you are renting a parking spot for your Tiny House, and that your Tiny is on wheels.
PARKING SPOT PREPARATION
Crushed Rock
Some land rentals will come with a prepared crushed rock or road base surface which is a bonus, or concrete pad (which is more rare).
Some hosts will wait to secure a tenant before preparing the parking spot, so you have input into the exact location and orientation, but also occasionally so you can share the costs. Where the latter is the case, often there will be a clause in your lease that this cost is reimbursed when you leave or when a new tenant is installed, though this is negotiable between yourself and your host when applying for a site on their property.
Concrete Slab
Concrete pads or slabs are a little different, as they can be a significant investment and a lot more “permanent”. For disclosure, a few builders will void your Tiny House warranty if you park long term on a site other than a concrete pad. Some people (myself included) choose not to worry too much about this. In my opinion, if a house is sited on really level, compacted ground, a truly well- built home should not experience noticeable structural issues beyond minor movement of sealant in corners. This has been the case with both my first two Tiny Houses, which are sited on compacted gravel that's only roughly levelled by eye.
If you are someone who wants the peace of mind of a concrete slab anyway, you can expect to pay for this from your own pocket. Your host MAY see the value in reimbursing you for this cost when you leave so they can lease the site to someone else, but make sure this is a conversation you have during negotiations- and detail this in your lease.
POWER & WATER CONNECTIONS
Power
If your parking spot comes with a power connection, in most cases all you'll need is a 15amp extension lead. In some cases, your host may have installed a separate meter to your parking spot. It’s rare for them to ask you share this cost, however we have seen it happen very occasionally.
Off-grid Solar
If you're bringing your own solar power, obviously the cost of that needs to be factored in. Ask your builder or solar installer around this, and whether the setup you’re purchasing includes a backup generator (which, based on my own experience, I highly recommend particularly if you’re in high cloud coverage areas of Vic or Tas!)
Water
If your parking spot offers a water connection, all you'll need is a standard garden hose or drinking water hose. If there's no water available, then you will need to install an onsite water tank. Generally this will involve pouring a small concrete slab or a perfectly level and expertly compacted crushed rock/base foundation, then buying a 5-10,000 litre poly water tank, plus pump and connections. The costs of this can vary but could be up to $4-5,000 retail. You can fill the tank by setting up gutters on your house (check with your builder as this is often not included), or paying a water cartage company (around $200 for 10,000 litres but get an estimate from a local company before committing to this option as it may be more in remote areas).
Generally you would take your tank setup with you when you leave, unless your host agrees to buy it from you. Either way, ensure this is specified in your lease.
Grey Water
In all our years of connecting hosts with Tiny House tenants, I've only come across two cases where the host required the tenant to install a grey water treatment or storage option (and one of those was a requirement for approval under the Surf Coast shire's pilot program). If your host does require this, the solution is generally custom and can cost many thousands to install- you can of course dig it up and take it with you when you leave though.
Ninety nine percent of hosts will be ok with you using a greywater "absorption trench"- which is a fancy way of saying you run your minimal greywater through a pipe and out onto fruit trees or garden beds. You may just need a length of standard PVC plumbing pipe and an elbow for this, which are less than $50 from Bunnings or any plumbing store.
All of the above reinforces why it is SO important to have a comprehensive lease in place.
Our brand new, legally binding Lease Agreement covers all these contingencies and more. It's available free to ParkMyTinyHouse members with an Apply for Listings or Platinum subscription, or for purchase separately.
TRANSPORT
Transport is the other site cost many people forget to factor in. We strongly recommend using an experienced and trusted Tiny House towing company over a regular transport company, as the weight distribution is greatly different to even towing things like caravans (which are often half the weight). The starting price for even a short distance move is over $1,000 and this will increase by distance. We recommend getting a price guide from your preferred transport company before purchasing the Tiny House so you can ensure this is fully budgeted for.
There's nothing worse than surprises like finding out you'll need $5,000 for towing the week of delivery, as we certainly don't all have the capacity to pull that out of nowhere last minute.
It is wise to have a few thousand dollars (minimum) set aside for contingencies like this just in case you do need it. The last thing you want is to have to pass up your DREAM parking spot because you can't afford to set it up once onsite.
I always recommend having a "safety net" set aside anyway, so that if for any reason your site doesn't work out, you can cover the transport and relocation costs and not be stuck in a less than ideal situation longer than need be (the same goes for marriage, ladies, IYKYK).
Plan ahead, know what you're in for and your transition to Tiny living will be smooth sailing, and everything you've dreamed of.
Briony
And what about waste water? How do you manage that?
Great article. Very informative!
Thank you for sharing this! I had NO idea about the hidden costs of setting up a tiny home when I did mine, and ended up with $20K in hidden costs. Thank you for writing this article to help future tiny home owners!