Benefits of Using an Architect for Your Dream Tiny Home
Tiny homes are generally considered a do it yourself project. You purchase the plans and then begin gathering the materials to build the home on your own. There are even some tiny home enthusiasts that strive to build the tiny home of their dream with only recycled materials or as a full-time living option that is as off-grid as possible. You may find that some of the available plans don't fit the ideas you have. With that in mind, you may want some help to create the ideal tiny home, and that help can come from an architect. If you have not considered this option, consider the benefits an architect can provide:
Maximize the Space
Most tiny home designs tend to have the same space use options. This means you may find built-in bookshelves and cabinets, sliding ladders to reach the loft area, and hidden areas for washer and dryers. Though this does give you a lot of organization and space saving options, it may not be maximizing the space as much as you would like. An architect can look at your space and plans to develop methods to give you more out of the area. For example, an architect can develop a rising bed option that allows the bed to move out of the way during the day giving you more space. They can also come up with corner space options that house small water tanks, hidden storage areas, and floor options that allow for more storage if necessary.
Seasonal Options
If you will be living in your tiny home year round, then you may already know there are aspects to that lifestyle that are very seasonal. For example, you may find that you are facing a heavy rain season. You can use this to your advantage by having an architect design your roofline to drain off as much of that rainwater as possible into a water barrel, grey water system, or to simply provide a suitable run off that won't pool and cause issues along the roofline. They can also work with you if you want retractable awnings, shutters, and other designs to fit various weather conditions without getting in the way when they are not in use during off seasons.
Alternative Design Options
You may find that you like a lot of the design options in the original tiny home plans you purchased, but a few will not work for your lifestyle. For example, you may not like the traditional ladder option to reach the loft. An architect can design hideaway stairs or functional stairs that work as storage and a stairway. You may also find that you want to create a larger loft for more than a bed, and to create a functional sitting area or two bedroom areas. This is where an architect can help.
Overall, the largest benefit to using an architect for your tiny home plans and project is stability. An architect can come up with alternative design, seasonal, and maximization of space options but those options mean nothing if you lose the integrity and stability of the home. The architect can ensure that the alternatives you want will be safe and will work in your space.