The Tiny House lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. It's an innovative solution for independent living in a small, energy-efficient space. Tiny House enthusiasts are often motivated by the ecological and eco-responsible approach of this new form of living. While for some it's a matter of course, for others the change raises many questions. Today, we're here to help you take the plunge by answering the 5 questions we're most frequently asked!
In general, Tiny House dimensions are standardized so as not to exceed a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 3.5 tonnes. The maximum authorized width is 2.55 m. A BE permit is required to tow your house on wheels. It's important to note that if the last license you obtained was more than 5 years ago, you'll need to retake the theory tests for the Highway Code. Training lasts 28 hours on average, and can be completed in 1 week.
The BE license is valid for 15 years, and must be renewed at your local prefecture or sub-prefecture before the expiry date.
Would you like to own a house on a trailer with a width of over 2.55m but less than 3m? You'll need to apply to your local Préfecture for a "Convoi Exceptionnel" authorization.
Before embarking on a project, it's very important to consult the Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU ) of the commune where you want to install the Tiny House. Each commune has its own PLU, and therefore its own rules. To consult the list of communes in France, click here.
A serviced plot of building land will enable you to easily connect your mobile home to the electricity and water networks.
You've received permission to install your trailer home on a plot of land that isn't suitable for building, but you don't have the means to connect it to the grid? Quadrapol offers a wide range of self-sufficiency options, including a photovoltaic kit, gas options and a water treatment kit. These options will enable you to live in total autonomy.
A Tiny House on a trailer is considered a mobile home. With a floor area rarely exceeding 20m², you don't need planning permission to install your Tiny House on wheels on your plot of land. In fact, a simple declaration of works is all that's required for any installation lasting more than 3 months a year! To apply for a prior declaration of works, you need to fill in and submit the CERFA13404 form to the Town Hall.
If the surface area exceeds 20m²? You'll need to apply for planning permission.
The Tiny House is a real house on a trailer. As a mobile home, it must guarantee safety, comfort and durability. It must therefore be built with quality materials. At Quadrapol, we take great care in selecting the materials we use for construction.
The woods mainly used for the cladding of our wheelhouses are larch, thermo-heated ash and red cedar. These are excellent natural thermal and acoustic insulators, which are also durable over time and resistant to external attack (notably by certain insects). What's more, these woods are rot-proof. We select them only from sustainably managed forests. Our wood is therefore FSC and PEFC certified.
To enhance insulation, we use wood wool, an excellent ecological insulator. So, whatever the season, you'll feel right at home in your home on wheels!
We're often asked if it's possible to create a fully personalized, custom-built tiny house on wheels. Although we have a range of standardized Tiny House catalogs, thanks to a design office staffed by woodworking professionals and to our experience and know-how, we can design your custom project from A to Z!
From dream to reality, imagine your Tiny House and we'll build it for you!
Do you have any further questions? Contact us, we'll be happy to answer them!