Timber iQ August - September 2020 // Issue: 50 August - September 2020 | Page 13

FEATURES
WHAT IS A TINY HOME IN THE SOUTH
AFRICAN CONTEXT?
A tiny home could cater to an affluent market and also for the poor.
As with any construction, the level of finance allows you access to
more, or less, impressive finishings. As a case study for the local
market, we look at some of the factors related to tiny homes.
How could municipal approval be considered?
• Units are easily self-sufficient for power requirements.
• Possibility of on-board water and sewerage management systems.
• Addressing ‘densification’ of certain areas in the cities.
• Cater as a workable solution for emergency housing.
• Lower cost units can provide quick solutions to re-house
homeless families.
• Units can alleviate many issues faced by government in getting
new developments off the ground.
• Certain units can be mobile to ‘bypass’ certain regulations.
BUSINESS INSIDER
A tiny home trailered unit.
How could banks look at tiny homes?
• Tiny Homes could be deemed to be permanent enough for
mortgages to be granted, or they could be treated as a vehicle,
or something in between.
• In some ways, the banks would be at an advantage as they
would be able to re-possess the home and move it to a place of
safety and an area where it could be easier to re-sell.
Insurance
• Insurance should be no different to standard homeowner’s
policies, provided the home complies with the building
regulations.
• Separate insurances can apply for when on the road or moving
the unit’s location.
TIMBERCRAFT
Tiny homes can be simple or have modern and appealing finishes.
www.timberiq.co.za // AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2020 11