Steel Shed Houses vs. Tiny Homes: Bigger Space, Lower Costs, and Greater Freedom
When comparing steel shed houses to tiny homes, several key factors show why steel shed houses are a superior option for many people seeking affordable and customizable living solutions. Here’s a look at the advantages of steel shed houses over tiny homes, including cost, size, freedom, and durability.
Cost-Effectiveness and Size
Steel shed houses often come out on top regarding cost per square meter. According to estimates, the cost of building a steel shed can range from $1,000 to $2,500 per square meter, depending on the materials, location, and fit-out involved.
In comparison, a tiny home typically costs around $2,000 to $5,000 per square meter. This price difference can be significant, especially when considering the larger size of a steel shed house.
For instance, our 100 square metre Cambridge Shed House cost $274,000 for a complete full external build and site works. A tiny home of the same size starts from $342,990, which doesn’t include many factors into the price such as site works and council consents.
Larger Living Space
Steel shed houses offer substantially larger living spaces than typical tiny homes. While tiny homes are usually under 50 square meters, a steel shed can comfortably range from 100 to 150 square meters or more, depending on the budget and needs. For example, a common steel shed house might measure 12 meters in length and 9 meters in depth, giving you more room for living, storage, or even a home office or workshop.
This larger footprint provides families or individuals with the option to spread out and enjoy more space for daily activities, without feeling cramped. As well as have a more versatile space for the future.
Freedom in Design and Customization
Steel shed houses allow for far more customisation and flexibility compared to tiny homes. These sheds are often built with basic steel frames and can be transformed into highly personalised living spaces. Whether you prefer an open plan, additional rooms, or a specific aesthetic, the versatility of steel framing and a clearspan shed means you can achieve your vision with fewer limitations than in tiny homes, where space restrictions make it difficult to add unique features and internal walls are typically structural.
Moreover, you can adjust the interior layout to fit specific needs, whether that means installing more windows for natural light or adding partitions to create bedrooms, offices, or larger living areas. On the other hand, tiny homes often come with a set layout, limiting creative alterations without extensive redesigns.
Durability and Maintenance
Steel is a highly durable material that outperforms many other materials in terms of longevity, maintenance, and resilience. Steel shed houses can withstand extreme weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and even earthquakes, thanks to their strong structural integrity. Steel does not warp, rot, or become infested with pests like wood-frame houses or tiny homes
This long-term durability translates into lower maintenance costs over time, which is a huge financial advantage. Tiny homes, in comparison, can face issues such as rotting timber, pest infestations, and water damage if not properly maintained, leading to higher repair costs
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Steel shed houses are also highly sustainable. Steel is recyclable and can be repurposed without losing quality, contributing to reduced environmental waste. This is especially significant when compared to tiny homes, which, depending on the materials used, may not have the same level of recyclability.
Additionally, steel sheds can be equipped with all the same sustainable features you can find on a tinyhome like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
Conclusion
While both steel shed houses and tiny homes are great housing options, steel shed houses stand out due to their larger size, cost efficiency, design flexibility, and durability. They provide a more spacious and customizable living experience for those who require extra space or want to future-proof their home without paying a premium for a tiny home. Steel shed houses are also a more practical choice for those who value freedom from regulatory restrictions and the ability to build in diverse locations.
