The Model E is our newest addition to the line-up of small modular homes we offer here at Wolf Industries Inc. In the early stages of building small modular, we had started with what we thought the market would like. This worked well for the certain scope of people that wanted them in their back or skinny side yards. Repeatedly, potential clients would ask if we had something that offered a two-bedroom option and we didn’t. From this customer perspective, we developed a two-bedroom model that has literally changed the game of tiny homes. We’re pushing the boundary on all fronts.

The previous Models to date have historically been for an ageing single parent, maybe an older couple, or just used for Airbnb. Now that we have an additional bedroom, this opens a ton more opportunity including but not limited to, a small family, mother n daughter, single mother with an older child that needs their own room, and many other options. This is quickly becoming our more popular option with it being able to be financed like a regular home on a regular piece of land.

Financing

Technically, our tiny homes can be borrowed against just like any conventional site-built home. The regulations all allow it. There’s no minimum size per Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The challenge is trying to find a comparable to support the appraisal. If the (rare) average small 400 sq ft home is selling for x amount and then we install a Model C @ 413 sq ft asking for a premium, it becomes a tougher sell for the appraiser to the bank, justifying the higher cost. This has driven us to offer the 616 sq ft Model E which has opened up a lot more comparables in the market place. The bottom line is that we’ve had good luck getting financing for the Model E as it is much closer to a normal home that banks are used to.

Size

The average tiny modular we’ve built has been 300 & 413 square feet. When we added another bedroom, we went 14’ wide by 44’ long making it a whopping 616 sq ft, maxing out our facility production capacity in terms of. This added width makes for a very comfortable and spacious feel. We also took the height up a notch over the other Model B&C’s by adding 6” more inches making a notable difference as you take it all in.

Framing and structure

The framing and bones of this house also had to be upgraded to support the extra width. The typical 2×8 floor joist was upgraded to a 2×10 to make for a stiffer floor and less squeaks. Nobody likes to wake the sleeping baby with a squeaky nail in the floorboards. Another feature we added to the base model is the offering luxury vinyl plank flooring. This is waterproof, scratch resistant and basically ready for whatever life throws its way.

Roof line

This house has two rooflines that are offered. They both have different pros and cons. The standard shed roof which is a single slope allows us to have more wall height on the one side. With the added height, we’ve thrown in some transom lights that line up with the window directly below it. If the shed roof doesn’t work like what happened to a project we did in Long Beach, WA where the city code required a minimum of a 6:12 roof pitch, we offer a conventional gable roof. This roof style doesn’t allow for the transom windows but offers a unique feel inside with the vaulted trusses. Both are great options; it just depends on the look and feel a person might be going after.

Windows

Windows are abundant on this model with every room offering at least 1 large window. Total, this home has 10 expansive windows for a small space making this Model E super open and bright. Having all the windows double pane makes for comfortable living without the greenhouse effect. These windows are also properly flashed around with Hardie Trim which is the most weather resistant product on the market aside from brick or other masonry products. Our guys are trained on the installation process and the deferred maintenance, well can just be deferred a little bit longer.

HVAC

HVAC system is the same as previous models using a Diaken indoor/outdoor mini split heat/AC system. These have worked so well that we continue to use them. They keep the place chilly cool in the summer and toasty warm in the winter. It also helps that these tiny modular homes are over insulated to keep up with the current energy code.

Plumbing

Tankless water heater is the highlight of the plumbing system. This keeps a constant supply of hot water (if you have propane or natural gas hooked up) for those long showers. One bathroom and one kitchen along with a hose bib make for a well thought out plumbing system. The shower valve and head are located inside interior walls, so the cold won’t penetrate and freeze the pipes solid. All the other pipes are well within the insulated envelope keeping things well laid out.

Siding & Roofing

As with our other models, we offer a metal roof on this Model E as well. Standing seam is the preferred choice as it offers no fasteners through the panel face. All fasteners are through a clip system preventing the number one issue of the fasteners losing their seal. Hardie Plank siding with Hardie Trim compliments the exterior of all our homes nicely as it performs as well as it looks. Accent corners or niches are often complimented with a touch of natural wood; yes, the real wood is higher maintenance, but the looks are amazing and worth it.

Transportation to the site

This large of a home takes a dedicated team and special equipment. Here at Wolf Industries Inc., we take care of it all. From foundation, delivery & connection to utilities, we have the equipment, expertise and experience to make it happen. There are jobs where we have to take down fences, trees, gates, bushes, you name it, we do what it takes as the “house must get through”. This Model E takes two pilot cars in transit to the site. We have in-house pilot car trained drivers who help guide and navigate for the CDL (Commercial Drivers License) driver pulling the house.

At the end of the day, the Model E has been a popular option for keeping up with market trends and demands. Schedule a tour to get your own perspective on what a Model E could mean for your future. You never know how “big” a tiny home is until you’ve seen one first hand.