Walmart is now offering something unexpected on its website: a tiny house. For just under $16,000, customers can purchase a 19-by-20-foot “expandable prefab house,” designed and manufactured by Chery Industrial, a New York-based company specializing in storage solutions. The house, delivered by flatbed truck, is marketed as an affordable and practical option for those looking to downsize or escape rising housing costs in the U.S.
The tiny home, priced at $15,900, features a steel frame that unfolds from the size of a shipping container. Once expanded, it offers enough space for a bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining area, and bathroom. The prefab structure comes with built-in windows, insulated walls, and an insulated roof, making it a functional and compact living space. However, it’s important to note that the home comes unfurnished and without appliances, so buyers will need to factor in those additional costs.
The tiny home trend has been growing in popularity, especially as Americans face skyrocketing housing prices due to a housing shortage. With high costs pushing people to explore alternatives, tiny homes present an attractive option for many. While the price tag may seem like a bargain compared to traditional housing, it’s not the full story. Potential buyers need to be aware of several hidden costs and challenges in owning one of these homes.
Firstly, buyers will need land to place their tiny homes. This is perhaps the biggest expense, as land prices vary widely depending on the location. On top of that, building a foundation is a necessary step to ensure stability, and this can significantly increase the overall cost. The online description also recommends pouring concrete to reinforce the legs of the house, which adds another layer of expense.
In addition to land and foundation costs, the logistics of unloading the house also come into play. Since the house arrives via a flatbed truck, buyers will need to hire a forklift or crane to remove it from the truck and set it in place. For those new to the world of tiny homes, this is an important factor to consider, as renting the necessary equipment can be costly.
There’s also the matter of utilities and local regulations. Connecting the home to utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage may involve significant fees, and this process will likely require licensed contractors. Moreover, depending on local zoning laws, placing a tiny home on a piece of land might not be as simple as it seems. Some municipalities have strict rules regarding minimum square footage for homes, and tiny homes may not meet these requirements. Buyers should check local zoning regulations to ensure their tiny house is permitted.
Despite these challenges, tiny homes have become an attractive alternative for those seeking more affordable housing. Walmart isn’t the only major retailer offering tiny homes online. Amazon and Home Depot have also listed similar prefab homes in recent years, although availability can vary. In fact, Chery Industrial’s tiny home was briefly available on Amazon earlier this year but has since been removed from the platform.
For those looking for something more luxurious, Chery Industrial offers a higher-end model called the “Apple Cabin.” This model, with its sleek, white exterior reminiscent of an Apple product, is currently available on eBay for $20,000. It offers more space and modern design but still requires significant setup and customization to make it livable.
Other companies also provide tiny homes at relatively affordable prices. For instance, Great Lakes Tiny Homes offers a basic log cabin for $27,950, which includes wiring, plumbing, and even kitchen cabinets. This price point is higher than Walmart’s offering but includes more of the essentials that a tiny homebuyer would need.
Tiny homes may not be a perfect solution for everyone, and long-term living in such a small space comes with its own set of challenges. However, as housing prices continue to rise and the demand for affordable alternatives grows, options like these tiny homes present a viable path to homeownership for many Americans. Whether used as a primary residence or an accessory dwelling unit, tiny homes are an increasingly popular way to live more simply and affordably.
Though it’s not quite like ordering a full-size craftsman home from Sears in the 1920s—when such homes could be bought for the equivalent of around $32,000 today—these modern tiny homes do offer a cost-effective option for those willing to make some compromises. As more people explore downsizing and minimalist living, Walmart’s foray into tiny house sales may signal a broader trend toward affordable and sustainable housing.
In the end, while the initial price tag of $15,900 may catch the eye, prospective buyers should be prepared for the additional costs that come with setting up and maintaining a tiny home. Nonetheless, having more options for affordable housing is a positive development in a market where the dream of homeownership has become increasingly out of reach for many.
