A tiny house is often seen as a good choice for people hoping to reduce their expenses, lead a simpler life or have more flexibility. And this trend is showing no signs of slowing down: A number of municipalities are beginning to relax their rules around allowing these compact homes. Here’s what you need to know about tiny houses and where they’re positioned in Quebec’s real estate landscape.
What is a tiny house?
A tiny house is a type of home that is small in size and designed to offer a minimalist and functional space. In Quebec, the interior living space of a tiny house typically ranges between 300 and 1,000 square feet.
These homes can be permanent (built on a concrete slab, piles or foundation) or mobile, equipped with wheels, making them transportable.
Multipurpose furniture maximizes the use of space, highlighting the importance of built-in storage solutions in small spaces.
The 3 different types of tiny houses
There are different structural styles of tiny houses, which are all considered green homes. They’re generally known for their energy efficiency and eco designs. Here’s an overview of the 3 most common types in Quebec.
1. Mobile tiny houses
Mobile tiny houses popularized the movement, especially after the 2008 financial crisis, when interest in accessible and minimalist homes exploded.
They’re built on a steel frame that can be towed, and because they comply with standard road transportation size limits, owners can move them from one place to another.
2. Permanent tiny houses
As the name implies, this type of tiny home is stationary and permanently anchored on a lot. They may be built on a concrete slab, piles, or in some cases, on a foundation. Since they don’t need to be transported, they can come in different shapes and sizes, and include a second level or even a basement.
3. Prefab tiny houses
Prefab tiny houses are assembled in a factory before being delivered in one piece. They can be put on wheels, a concrete slab or piles. Even when they’re permanent, they’re usually easier to move than other types of tiny homes, since they were designed to be transported when delivered. Current models feature:
Big windows to let in natural light
Energy-efficient design features
Tiny house features
Tiny house models vary from one to another in terms of aesthetics, layout and materials, but they share many common characteristics:
Multipurpose furnishings
Innovative storage solutions
Lots of windows
Centralized heating and air conditioning system
Mezzanine bedroom
Bathroom with shower
Rainwater harvesting system
Tiny houses in the countryside aren’t typically connected to municipal infrastructure, so they also have a compost toilet, a flexible water tank and solar panels. Despite space limitations, some even come with a dishwasher.
Good to know: Prefab tiny houses often offer customization options (for example, materials, windows, interior finishings and technology). These vary according to the manufacturer and the elements chosen by the buyers, so you can go all out if your budget allows.
Size and footprint
Tiny houses offer a living space of between 300 to 1,000 square feet; however, some people will say they shouldn’t exceed 800 square feet. Under 300 square feet, they’re considered a micro house, and over 1,000 square feet, they’re considered a small house.
The footprint of the house depends on its design. Most models are rectangular or square to optimize the space available. Some companies also offer round or unconventional designs. For example, there are tiny houses in the shape of tipis, which are really unique!
Construction costs
It can be difficult to put a single price on how much it costs to build a tiny house. Cost varies depending on the type of structure, materials used, size and amount of customization. Most models on the market are somewhere between $100,000 and $150,000,1 which is the most common range for clients in Quebec.
Remember that you also need to include the cost of buying land or renting. If the house is mobile, you also need a proper vehicle for transporting it. It can also be a good idea to get a shed for extra storage space.
Typical maintenance costs and expenses
In addition to the cost of the tiny house itself, there are other things you need to budget for as well. Some of the initial expenses can be quite costly, for example, having your tiny house permanently installed or hooked up to public utilities. You may also need to rent a crane to lift it off the delivery truck.
If your plot of land isn’t served by the local municipal infrastructure, you may need to think about an artesian well, septic tank and getting connected to the electrical grid (for example, Hydro-Québec).
Once the house is in place, annual maintenance fees should be relatively low. Renovations and repairs are generally rare, and when required, they aren’t nearly as extensive as in a conventional home. Since it’s a small space, you can also expect to reduce your energy consumption. That means cheaper hydro bills.
Pros and cons of tiny houses
It’s helpful to understand the pros and cons of a tiny house before jumping ahead with a purchase or construction project. Here are some of the key things you need to consider.
Pros
There are several factors that make living in a tiny house very attractive. Some of the most frequently mentioned benefits include:
Relatively affordable purchase price, depending on the model and finishings chosen
Reasonable construction and delivery times
Ability to assemble it yourself
Smaller environmental footprint, particularly due to its small size
Faster to clean and maintain than a conventional home
Ability to move it (for models on wheels) and depending on the regulations in effect
Cons
Though the compact size of a tiny house may be appealing to people seeking a simpler way of life, it can be an obstacle for others. Some of the main drawbacks include:
Limited living space, meaning fewer options for arranging furniture
Lack of privacy, especially when the home is shared
Complex building and installation bylaws
Fewer financing options
Lack of storage space, despite built-in solutions
Limited capacity for hosting and entertaining guests
Which municipalities in Quebec allow tiny houses?
The bylaws regarding tiny houses vary from one municipality to another. The easiest way to find out where they’re permitted is to consult the interactive map produced by the Mouvement Québécois des Mini-Maisons (in French only). This map shows dedicated tiny house neighbourhoods, cooperatives and parks for tiny houses on wheels across Quebec.
It also shows the regulations in effect in different municipalities for buildings under 700 square feet. This tool is updated on a regular basis.
Where can you set up a tiny house in Quebec?
There are limited options available for setting up a tiny house. Municipalities have their own bylaws regarding building properties in their region. Some allow tiny houses in specific areas or dedicated neighbourhoods, while others have rules about minimum square footage requirements. Some of the places that allow tiny houses include:
Adstock
Chertsey
Dixville
Farnham
Ham-Sud
Gore
Granby
Knowlton
Lac-Brome
Lantier
Mont-Saint-Hilaire
Papineauville
Saint-Côme
Saint-Donat
Saint-Étienne-de-Bolton
Saint-Nicéphore
Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval
Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie
Shawinigan
Sherbrooke
Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac
Venise-en-Québec
That said, approvals may vary from one area to another within the same city. Check with your city’s urban planning department to find out if your project will be allowed.
A number of municipalities are starting to approve tiny houses as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which means they’re built on a lot already occupied by a principal residence. This trend is to likely become more popular in the years ahead, especially in cities looking to contain urban sprawl, increase their density and offer more affordable residential options.
Preparing to buy a tiny house
Can’t stop thinking about buying a tiny house? Before you make any moves, it’s a good idea to do a bit of research into things like costs, zoning, connections, financing options, insurability and location. Take the time to determine if your plan is realistic.
Why buy a tiny house?
Everyone’s situation is different, but there are a number of common reasons for wanting to buy a tiny house, including:
Desire to live in a more compact and eco-friendly home
Ability to purchase a home that’s more affordable than what’s available on the traditional residential market, depending on the size and type of model and level of finishings
That said, these potential benefits can change according to your needs, location selected and additional expenses related to the plot of land or connections.
How much does a tiny house cost?
The price of a tiny house varies depending primarily on its size and features (options included). Certain compact models sell for around $83,500,2 while more spacious units can be up to $250,000.1
To find out about exact prices, you should reach out to a tiny house builder directly. When planning your budget, think about factoring in the costs of buying or renting a plot of land, connections, delivery and installation.
Financing for a tiny house
Generally speaking, you can get a mortgage to finance the purchase of a tiny house, provided that:
The buyer owns the land it’s on
The lender views the tiny house as immovable property
The value of the building is deemed sufficient to act as collateral (the lot could be seized if payments aren’t made)
However, the chances of getting a mortgage for models on wheels are low: They’re seen more as movable property than immovable property. In that case, you’d need to opt for a personal loan, or a leisure vehicle loan.
Note: Financial institutions are generally more open to approving a loan when the tiny house is permanently installed on a private piece of land. However, every lender has its own minimum square footage, foundation and resale value criteria, which can have an impact on obtaining financing.
What’s involved in setting up a tiny house?
Setting up a tiny house on a plot of land involves multiple steps, which can vary depending on the type of building, the nature of the plot and municipal requirements. The major stages include:
Planning and design: You need to determine your needs, choose a model and make sure it’s compliant with Quebec’s construction code standards. This step includes deciding on the interior layout, materials and energy options.
Choosing a site: Finding an appropriate piece of land is absolutely crucial. Check your local regulations regarding urban planning and installing tiny houses.
Preparing the plot: This step may include clearing and levelling the land, and building the foundation. Depending on the model, you may also need concrete slabs, piles or a platform.
Moving the tiny house: If it’s a prefab home, it will be delivered to the site. Make sure you plan the transportation piece properly.
Setting it up: Once the tiny house has arrived, it is positioned on the site, properly levelled and prepared for connections to public utilities (water, electricity, sewer).
Interior and exterior finishings: Make sure all the finishings are completed, including wall treatments and landscaping.
Inspection and compliance: Ensure that the installation meets all local building and safety standards.
Moving in: Once all of the above is in order, you can start to move in your furniture and personalize your new space.
Life in a tiny house
Living in a tiny house is a lifestyle choice. This choice often means you’ll have to part with a lot of your belongings and scale back to a fraction of what you’d have in a traditional home. Some people may find this freeing, while others may find it a huge adjustment that takes a lot of planning.
A tiny house generally requires less maintenance, energy and resources, which can save you money on expenses and free up more time for enjoying life. However, living in a compact space also has its own challenges, especially when several people are sharing the space. This presents one of the biggest obstacles, in particular due to lack of privacy and storage space.
To make life more comfortable, some families choose to add a second structure, such as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), to expand the living space and create separate areas. This may be a very effective solution, but you need to run it by your municipality first.
Now that you’re more informed, could a tiny house be right for you?
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FAQ
What is the average cost of a tiny house?
The cost of a tiny house in Quebec varies depending on the size and type of structure, the materials and equipment required. You also need to consider additional costs, like the plot of land, transportation and connections. Certain compact models sell for around $83,500,2 while more spacious units can be up to $250,000.1
Which municipalities in Quebec accept tiny houses?
The bylaws regarding tiny houses vary from one municipality to another in Quebec. Requirements may also vary according to different areas and building standards. Before you start any project, it’s highly recommended that you check with your local authorities. You can also look at the interactive map produced by the Mouvement Québécois des Mini-Maisons.
Who makes tiny houses in Quebec?
There are several companies in Quebec that design or build tiny houses, including CABANE, Minimaliste, Bâtiment Préfab and CAMM. Each company offers various models that are eco-friendly and customizable. Visit their websites to explore the different options available.
The prices mentioned in this article are provided for information purposes only and may vary depending on the builder, options chosen, region and market conditions.
1. According to Drummond House Plans’ small house and small cabin collection, as of November, 30 2023.
2. Price of CABANE’s standard 20 foot model, as of November 30, 2023.
