Adding a Tiny Home in Bonner, Montana

With its beautiful landscapes, including the Clark Fork River and scenic mountain views, Bonner, Montana, is an appealing choice for homeowners interested in adding a tiny home, prefabricated ADU, or guest cottage to their property.

Installing a tiny home on your land can feel like a significant undertaking. Each location, including Bonner, has its own set of requirements regarding permits, construction, setup, and delivery of a modular accessory dwelling unit. The challenges you may encounter can vary from straightforward to quite complex, necessitating careful planning and consideration.

 

Fortunately, we’re here to help. Check out our guide below on how to make adding a tiny home or modular ADU to your property easy.

Table of Contents

Evaluating Whether a Tiny Home Suits Your Needs

Determining if a tiny home is the right fit requires a thoughtful evaluation of your individual needs, property circumstances, and future goals. For homeowners with existing properties, adding a modular tiny home can provide essential extra space for family members, guests, or even as a home office. If you’re considering purchasing new land, a tiny home offers an affordable and sustainable option that maximizes your investment while minimizing maintenance. Additionally, tiny homes can be an ideal solution for accommodating aging parents or adult children, promoting independence while keeping family close.

For those interested in generating income, tiny homes can serve as lucrative investment properties. Many homeowners choose to use tiny homes as rental units, whether for long-term leases or short-term vacation rentals, enhancing their property’s earning potential. To help assess whether a tiny home aligns with your lifestyle and financial aspirations, consider the following factors:

  • Property Ownership: Do you have land suitable for a tiny home, or are you looking to purchase new property?
  • Zoning Regulations: Are local zoning laws supportive of tiny homes or accessory dwelling units (ADUs)?
  • Family Dynamics: Are you planning to use the tiny home for a relative, guest, or as a rental space?
  • Income Opportunities: Are you interested in generating rental income from the tiny home?
  • Lifestyle Preferences: Do you seek a simpler, more manageable living space with lower expenses?

What is the Permitting Process Like for Residents of Bonner?

The permitting process typically starts by identifying the appropriate authority to which you must submit your application. Depending on the location, you may need to apply for permits either through the city or its governing jurisdiction, which is usually the county where the property is situated. Most authorities provide information on zoning and building regulations on their websites.

After determining where to submit your permits, the next step is to clarify which types of structures are permissible. This can vary based on whether the structure will serve as the primary residence or a secondary unit. Additional homes are often classified as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), secondary residences, guest cottages, or under specific hardship provisions. ADUs can also be either standalone (detached) or attached to the main dwelling.

Consulting with a tiny home permitting expert or building planner early in the process can help save both time and money, significantly simplifying the steps required to obtain the necessary permits.

Getting the paperwork started

Here’s a step-by-step list for obtaining building permits in Bonner, Montana, for adding a tiny home or modular ADU:

  1. Research Local Zoning Regulations
    Begin by reviewing the zoning rules for your property through Missoula County’s planning department or by contacting local officials. Ensure that the location permits the addition of a tiny home or modular ADU.
  2. Review Building Codes
    Understand the building codes specific to Missoula County. These codes will govern the construction, safety, and structural integrity of your tiny home or ADU.
  3. Consult with County Officials
    Reach out to Missoula County’s planning and building departments. Schedule a consultation to discuss your project and gather details on the specific permit requirements for your area.
  4. Prepare Utility Plans
    Plan for utility connections (water, sewer, electricity) that meet county requirements. Ensure you have a strategy for site preparation, including grading and foundation placement.
  5. Submit Permit Applications
    File the necessary building permit applications with Missoula County. This may include site plans, utility connection plans, and other project details.
  6. Complete Safety Inspections
    As construction progresses, schedule safety inspections with local authorities. These inspections ensure your project meets all structural, electrical, and plumbing safety standards.
  7. Obtain Final Approval
    After successful inspections, finalize the permit process by obtaining a certificate of occupancy or equivalent approval from the county, allowing you to legally use the tiny home or ADU.

Permits vary depending on the structure and site

    Attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU), Detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU), Hardship, Guest house, Accessory structure, Water adequacy verification (WAVE), Mechanical, Deck / covered porch, Septic, Electrical, Plumbing, Propane tank, Critical areas, Demolition, Solar panel system, Agricultural, Water tank and pump, Revision, Land use/planning clearance, Legal lot determination, Engineered stormwater plan, Road approach, Forest practice review, Wetland/habitat determination, Fire sprinkler system, Pre-application, Development engineering

Choosing the Right Builder for Your Tiny Home

Choosing the perfect home builder necessitates comprehensive research and a clear understanding of your project’s requirements. Begin by assessing the builder’s experience, especially in constructing homes comparable in size, style, and complexity to the one you envision.

An experienced builder will possess a portfolio of completed projects that showcase their expertise and craftsmanship. Reviewing feedback, testimonials, and conversing with previous clients can provide valuable insights into their reliability, quality of work, and ability to meet deadlines. Ensure the builder is well-versed in local building codes and regulations, as this is essential for facilitating a smooth permitting process and project execution.

In addition to technical skills, consider how effectively the builder communicates and how open they are regarding costs and timelines. A reputable builder will present a detailed estimate and be forthcoming about possible overruns or delays. Inquire about the types of materials they use and whether they provide any warranties or post-construction services. These aspects are crucial for ensuring that your home is constructed with high-quality, durable materials and that you receive support after the project is finished.

Ultimately, the ideal home builder should blend experience, openness, and strong communication to help realize your vision within your budget and schedule.

Modular versus on-site home builders

A modular home builder creates residences in a factory environment where the various sections, or modules, of the house are prefabricated in a controlled setting. These modules are then transported to the construction site and assembled on a foundation.

Modular construction enables quicker completion times, as progress is not hindered by weather or site conditions, and materials are stored indoors, safeguarding them from damage caused by the elements. The factory setting also facilitates stricter quality control measures and uniform building standards. Modular homes can be designed to comply with or exceed local building codes, making them a dependable and economical choice for those seeking a faster and more efficient construction process. In contrast, an on-site home builder constructs residences directly at the location where they will be situated. This traditional method, often known as stick-built construction, provides more flexibility during the build, with modifications and changes easily made as the project advances. However, on-site constructions are more vulnerable to weather-related delays and require careful coordination among trades such as framers, plumbers, and electricians, which can prolong the project timeline.

While on-site construction may require more time and involve additional complexities, it allows for greater customization and local expertise, making it ideal for projects that demand a unique design or adaptation to specific environmental factors at the home site. Both approaches have their benefits, but modular builders emphasize speed and efficiency, while on-site builders provide flexibility and hands-on management.

Turn-Key ADUs and Guest Homes Offer Big Savings

Modular home builders offer significant savings when it comes to off-site built ADUs. Here’s an example of how combining the permitting, production and installation of a tiny home adds up:

Item Cost
Model B (Base price) $67,500
Upgrades (Optional additions & Appliances) $12,000
Site work, Foundation, Delivery & Setup $34,000
Sub Total w/ Tax (WA) $125,172
Permits (Wolf Service Fee & Jurisdiction Fee) $7,500
Total $

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Excited to begin creating the tiny home you've always envisioned?

Ready to transform your living area with a tiny home? Our skilled team is here to assist you through every phase of the process, from navigating the permitting requirements to personalizing your ideal home. With our commitment to quality and sustainability, you can enjoy the advantages of a modern, efficient living space tailored to meet your needs. Whether you’re looking to add a cozy retreat in your backyard, establish a rental income opportunity, or adopt a simpler lifestyle, we have the perfect solution for you.

Don’t delay any longer in making your tiny home aspirations a reality! Reach out to us today to discover more about our turn-key tiny homes and how we can support you throughout the journey. Let’s embark on this thrilling adventure together and create a space that reflects your unique lifestyle and vision. Your dream tiny home is waiting!

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