The housing crisis in Denver is severe, with the city facing one of the worst shortages in the United States. The Denver metro area alone is lacking 70,000 housing units, and Colorado’s homelessness rate ranks 13th among 50 states. This scarcity of housing has created significant challenges for residents, especially those seeking affordable options.
To address these issues, Colorado has implemented policies to increase and preserve affordable and multifamily housing. One solution gaining popularity is the use of tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
There’s so much to learn about Tiny Homes in Denver. Whether you’re considering renting, buying, or building, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of tiny homes in Denver.
In this article, we will cover the following topics:
- History of tiny homes in Denver
- Types of tiny homes in Denver
- Tiny home communities in Denver
- Denver tiny home shows
- Tiny home construction in Denver
- Tiny home builders in Denver
- Tiny home rentals in Denver
- Tiny homes for sales in Denver
History of Tiny Homes in Denver
The history of tiny homes and ADUs in Denver dates back to the city’s early days when they were known as “carriage houses” and provided independent living spaces. Some of these structures can be traced back to the 1880s.
In 1925, Denver introduced its initial zoning code, which included residential, hotel, and office districts. Interestingly, the residential district did not impose any limitations on the number of units allowed on a property.
In 1954, a new zoning code was implemented, establishing Single-Unit (SU) only districts. This code restricted properties in these districts to have only one dwelling unit and specified that only “a family” could live in a single dwelling.
With Denver’s current population boom and housing crisis, efforts have been made to address land use issues. In 2002, Denver introduced Blueprint Denver to tackle these issues, and the plan was revised in 2019 to facilitate the approval of ADUs. Today, there are various options available for those seeking alternative housing solutions in Denver.
Types of Tiny Homes in Denver
With the increasing popularity of tiny homes, it’s essential to understand the different types available when considering building, buying, or renting one. In Denver, you have the option to build a secondary home (or ADU) on your own property or find one in a tiny home community. Typically a tiny house and ADU are not one and the same.
An ADU is a permanent dwelling that exists besides, near, or in conjunction with a larger, pre-existing home. Tiny homes, on the other hand, tend to have wheels like RVs.
Building a Tiny Home on Your Property
If you own a property with a primary residence, you may have the opportunity (subject to local zoning ordinances) to construct a tiny home, or ADU, on that property. Here are some different types to consider:
- Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): Attached ADUs are small living spaces connected to an existing house or structure. Examples of an attached ADU include converted living space in attics, basements and above the garage, as well as new additions to the home. To qualify as an ADU, the unit must have a separate entrance and permanent cooking appliance. They can be used as extra living quarters for family members, guests, or as a rental unit. ADUs are popular among homeowners looking to maximize their property’s potential.
- Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): Similar to attached ADUs, detached ADUs are separate living units built on the same property as the main house. They are also known as granny flats, backyard cottages, or garden cottages. Detached ADUs provide privacy and independence for residents while remaining close to the main dwelling.
- Garage Conversion: This involves transforming an existing attached or detached garage into a livable space or new construction of a garage with an apartment space. With some modifications like insulation, windows, plumbing, and electrical work, garages can be converted into cozy tiny homes. Garage conversions offer an affordable and convenient way to create additional living space.
Building a Tiny Home for a Tiny Home Community
If you don’t own a residence and are solely interested in owning a tiny home, a tiny home community might be the perfect fit for you. Residential zoning ordinances often require a minimum square footage for homes, which can make it challenging to buy a spot in a neighborhood and place a tiny home there. That’s where tiny home communities come in.
- Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW): These portable homes are built on a trailer chassis, making them easy to tow and relocate. THOWs provide flexibility and the freedom to travel while still enjoying the comforts of home.
- Permanent Tiny Home: Similar to THOWs but without wheels, these tiny homes are built on small lots and do not move. You would typically pay a monthly fee for the lot, similar to a mobile home park, and sell the tiny home when you’re ready to move on.
Tiny Home Community Denver
If you don’t own a home and are interested in living in a tiny home community instead of building an ADU on your property, Denver offers various options to explore. The city has several tiny home communities that provide unique housing opportunities. Here are a few examples:
- Hermosa Orchards Village: This is a new tiny home community in Hermosa, Colorado, near Denver. It offers lots for tiny homes and provides a beautiful living environment.
- Overland Micro Community: Denver just broke ground on a micro community for people experiencing homelessness which will house 1,000 unhoused individuals at 11 locations by the end of the year.
- Beloved Community Village: Denver’s first tiny home community, located at 4001 Monroe St. It started with 24 homes and recently expanded to 44 homes, along with the addition of a community center. The village aims to provide affordable housing for people experiencing homelessness.
Denver Tiny Home Show
Deciding if an ADU or tiny home is the right choice for you and your family can be challenging by just looking at pictures. If you want to get a better feel for the community and experience what it’s like living in a small space, you can attend any of these tiny home and ADU shows in the Denver area:
- Colorado Tiny House Festival: Each year, the Colorado Tiny House Festival takes place in Brighton, CO. It’s an excellent opportunity to delve into the world of tiny living and recreation.
- People’s Tiny House Festival: Held annually on July 1st-2nd at the Ranch Events Complex in Loveland, CO, the People’s Tiny House Festival showcases the talents of DIYers and offers an interactive experience.
- Great American Tiny House Show: The Great American Tiny House Show is a traveling trade show and expo that occasionally comes to Denver. Keep an eye on their calendar for upcoming events, and also consider checking out their virtual event, which features various structures like tiny homes, container homes, and modular homes.
Tiny Homes Construction Denver
If you’re thinking about building a tiny home in Denver, Colorado, it’s important to find a specialist who can cater to your specific needs and preferences.
Tiny Home Construction for Tiny Home Communities
If you’re looking to live in a tiny home community, there are numerous fantastic companies that specialize in tiny homes on wheels.
Tiny Home Construction on Your Property
If you’re considering building a tiny home or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your main residence, you’ll need to choose between a prefab or stick-built ADU.
At Little Home Builder, we specialize in and highly recommend stick-built construction. Stick-built ADUs are constructed using the same methods as your main house, ensuring craftsmanship and compliance with current building codes. Building in the traditional way provides transparency and clarity throughout the process. Lenders are familiar with stick-built construction and should have no issues with financing. Appraisers will also have no problems evaluating the structure when it comes time to sell or refinance. Additionally, once the plan is permitted, you can be confident that it meets Colorado’s efficiency standards and is built to withstand local weather conditions.
On the other hand, modular and prefab ADUs are manufactured off-site and delivered as complete units or panels. However, financing and appraisals for fully modular units can often pose challenges, as they may not be considered real estate in general.
While prefab units offer an efficient solution, it’s important to consider additional costs beyond the unit price. These costs include sales tax, shipping, site work, foundation, permitting, and connections for sewer, water, electrical, and gas, as well as crane installation. When comparing the overall investment, a side-by-side cost comparison typically shows a similar total investment for stick-built and prefab ADUs.
If you’re interested in stick-built construction, we invite you to contact Little Home Builder now for a free consultation.
Tiny Home Builders Denver
Looking to start your tiny home build? Look no further than the Colorado ADU experts. We specialize in designing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that comply with zoning requirements and feature layouts that are highly sought after. Whether you’re looking to create a home for elderly parents or generate rental income, our aim is to turn your property into a valuable investment with beautifully functional additional living space.
Building an ADU in Colorado involves navigating various complexities, including zoning ordinances and permitting. At Little Home Builder, we focus exclusively on ADUs and handle the entire process, saving homeowners both time and money. From property and site assessment to design and permitting, all the way through construction and warranty, we take care of it all.
Tiny Homes for Sale Denver
If you’re interested in finding pre-built tiny homes that are ready to be taken to a tiny home community in Denver, here are some sources where you can find listings. Alternatively, for information on building new tiny homes, refer to our article on time home builders.
- Tiny House Listings: Tiny House Listings is a website dedicated to providing the largest number of tiny houses for sale on the internet. They have a specific section for tiny homes for sale in Denver. You can browse their listings and connect with sellers.
- ZeroDown: ZeroDown is a real estate website that allows you to search for tiny homes for sale in Denver. You can filter your search by county, city, neighborhood, beds, baths, price, and more.
- Tiny Home Builders: The Tiny House Marketplace on Tiny Home Builders allows you to search and find tiny houses for sale and rent in Colorado, including Denver. You can browse their listings for free.
Tiny Home Rentals Denver Colorado
Long Term Tiny Home Rentals in Denver
If you’re looking to rent a space but still want to experience the pleasures of living small, renting an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) can be a great option. Many homeowners rent out their ADUs to the public as a way to supplement their rent. Here are some of the best places to find people renting ADUs:
- Zillow: A popular real estate website where you can find a wide range of rental listings, including ADUs. It is one of the top platforms used by people when looking to rent or buy a home.
- Craigslist: Another online platform where you can find rental listings, including ADUs. It is known for its extensive classified ads section, which includes housing rentals.
- Hotpads.com: A clean and user-friendly website for finding ADUs for rent. Input the city you’re looking to rent in, click on the “filter” tab, and type ADU under “keywords”.
- Apartments.com: A great resource for finding ADUs for rent. Add ADU as a keyword to the filter to narrow down the rental options that include ADUs.
- Facebook Marketplace: While it can be a useful tool to find an ADU for rent, it may also have other listings. When searching for ADU rentals on Facebook Marketplace, be aware of builders offering to construct ADUs and people selling tiny houses.
Short Term Tiny Home Rentals in Denver
If you’re planning a short stay in Denver or if you want to try out living in a tiny home before committing to a long-term rental or purchase, these resources for short-term tiny rentals are worth checking out.
- Glamping Hub: Glamping Hub offers a selection of tiny house rentals near Denver. You can browse their website to find the best tiny house for your next Colorado vacation.
- WeeCasa Tiny House Resorts: WeeCasa is a tiny house resort located in Lyons, Colorado, which is a short distance from Denver. They offer tiny house rentals for those seeking a unique and sustainable accommodation experience.
- Airbnb: Airbnb is a popular platform where you can find unique accommodations, including tiny homes. By searching for “Denver” in the location filter and selecting the “Tiny house” property type, you can explore a variety of tiny house rentals in and around Denver.
More Tiny Home Information
Stay in the loop with the latest news on ADUs and tiny homes in Colorado. Stay up to date on all the trends and developments in the world of tiny homes in the state.
