Frequently Asked Tiny House Questions

This is the billion dollar question, and the answer will be unique for everyone. The key distinction is: Is this a home for you to live in? Or, is it an additional space to Air bnb? Or do you just need some extra living space for guests or family members.

Either way, getting a tiny house can be a great choice. With property costs going through the roof in NZ, a tiny home is a compelling cost-effective option to meet any of the above needs.

Have a look through our recent projects here, to get an idea of the design, specs and costs of the homes we’ve built for kiwi families.

If you’re planning on building a tiny home to live in, it’s important to carefully consider your lifestyle, individual/family needs during the design process. Give us a call to talk through what you have in mind.

If you’re thinking of AirBnb, some of our previous clients are making around $46,000 NZD, per year generating an additional income stream. 

At Fox Cabins, we build full-customised builds, meaning you get to call the shots on how you want your house built. Our previous tiny homes, can serve as templates, but everything is customisable. You dream it, we build it.

Deciding whether to build your tiny house yourself or hire a professional building team is a crucial consideration. It ultimately depends on your skills, time, and resources. 

A DIY approach can be rewarding but may require a significant time commitment, construction expertise, and access to tools. 

Working with a professional team, like Fox Cabins, ensures a well-executed project and can save you time and effort. We offer the expertise and experience to bring your vision to life while ensuring the project meets safety standards and local regulations. Contact us to discuss your options and decide which path aligns with your goals and capabilities.

Selecting the right tiny house company is an important decision that can greatly impact your tiny living experience. To make an informed choice, consider the following factors:
Reputation: Research the company’s reputation by reading reviews, checking references, and asking for recommendations. A well-established and reputable company should have a track record of satisfied customers. See our testimonials here.

• Customization: Assess how much flexibility the company offers in terms of design and customization. Your tiny house should reflect your unique lifestyle and needs, so a company that allows you to personalize your design is often a great choice. This is what we specialise in! Most of our homes are designed unique to each clients’ needs.
• Experience: Look into the company’s experience and expertise in building tiny houses. An experienced team, like the one at Fox Cabins, is more likely to handle challenges effectively and provide a high-quality product. Our team consists of qualified and professional builders and we work meticulously to been NZ building codes and exceed them. Learn more about us here.
• Budget: Compare pricing from different companies and ensure it aligns with your budget. Be cautious of extremely low-cost options, as they might compromise on quality.
• Sustainability: If environmental consciousness is a priority for you, inquire about the company’s commitment to sustainability. Many companies, including Fox Cabins, offer eco-friendly options and practices.
• Communication: Assess the company’s communication and customer service. Effective communication is essential to ensure your tiny house project runs smoothly from design to completion.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about which tiny house company best aligns with your vision and values. Don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss how we can meet your unique needs and preferences.

The price of a tiny house can vary widely depending on factors such as size, materials, design complexity, and location. On average, you might expect to invest between NZ$40,000 to NZ$120,000 for a self-built tiny house, while professionally built options can range from NZ$80,000 to NZ$300,000+.

 
Our tiny houses range from $93,407 (Snowdon) to $142,581 (Everest). Have a Look at our recent projects here. As the cost of materials constantly changes here in New Zealand, prices also fluctuate accordingly.

 
Some ancillary costs need to be considered, such as power (mains vs solar), water tanks, groundworks (if needed), and greywater & wastewater systems (if required). These can vary based on each project, so it’s a good idea to do some further research to get more accurate info on all the costs involved.

It’s important to consider your financial situation, long-term plans, and comfort level with monthly payments to determine which method is the best fit for you. Read our comprehensive article on Tiny House Financing here to see what options are currently available in NZ. Or, reach out to our team to discuss financing possibilities that align with your goals.

The timeline for building a custom tiny house can vary depending on the complexity of the design and our current workload. Typically, it takes between 3 to 6 months to complete a custom project. However, we’ll provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific requirements during the initial consultation. Give us a call today to find out when we can deliver your home!

Our tiny houses are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs and preferences. Our standard range typically includes homes ranging from approximately 19 square meters to 30 square meters.

 
We understand that some individuals or families require more space, and to meet those needs, we’ve recently started building extra-large (XL) tiny houses. These XL houses can offer even more room and comfort for those looking for a little extra space without sacrificing the charm and efficiency of tiny house

Although most of our tiny houses are ‘legally classed as vehicles’, placement regulations for tiny houses can vary by location and tiny house size, so it’s essential to research your local zoning laws and building codes.

However, at Fox Cabins, we design our tiny houses to meet or exceed these requirements. We can also guide you through the process of obtaining any necessary permits to ensure your tiny house complies with local regulations. Our team has ample experience and expertise in helping you navigate these questions. Talk to us today to find out more.

Yes, we’re committed to sustainability! Our tiny houses are designed with energy-efficient features and sustainable building materials where possible. We offer options for solar power, composting toilets, and greywater systems to minimize your environmental impact. You can discuss your eco-friendly preferences with our team during the design process to create a tiny house that aligns with your sustainability goals.