The Tiny House Movement and Home Insurance

Tiny homes have grown in popularity in recent years, and many people are interested in downsizing. We have Ontario home insurance tips to help ensure your tiny house is protected.

The pandemic has greatly influenced peoples’ desire to purchase a tiny house. According to a Narcity report, searches for ‘tiny homes for sale,’ have increased by 55% during the start of the pandemic. A tiny house often costs less than a regular full-sized home however, there is a great deal to consider before purchasing one.

Ontario's Tiny House Movement and Home Insurance

What is a Tiny Home?

A tiny home is a small, private, and self-contained dwelling unit that can feature living and dining areas, a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area and is intended for year-round use. It’s important to note that campers, cottages, recreational vehicles, and any other structure used seasonally are not considered tiny homes. The great news is you can insure your tiny home.

What to Know Before Building a Tiny House

Depending on standards set in zoning by-laws, the size of a tiny home varies depending on the municipality in which you reside. Regardless of where you live, a tiny home cannot be smaller than the minimum required size set out in Ontario’s Building Code, which is 17.5m squared.

Consult with your local municipal planning and building departments prior to adding a tiny home to your property.

Things to be aware of when building a tiny home:

Size requirements for a tiny home.
Getting necessary building permits.
Designing your home to comply with the Building Code.
Municipal zoning requirements that apply to your property.
Required building inspections during construction.

Home Insurance for Tiny Houses

Similar to any home, tiny homes can be exposed to potential risks. That’s why it’s imperative you speak with your insurance broker before building to ensure it is eligible for insurance. Some ways to ensure your tiny house qualifies for home insurance includes:

Parked permanently on a fixed foundation.
Skirted and conformed to local standards or certifications.
Deformation-resistant having passed the Canadian Standards Association standard.

Before you invest in a tiny home, ensure you have done the appropriate research. You should consult your insurance broker to ensure your tiny house qualifies for home insurance and will be adequately covered.

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