Technical FAQ
Evidence-based answers to the most critical alternative housing questions.
General & Strategy
What are the '5 Levels' of habitation?
Habitation levels are categorized by technical complexity and mobility: Level 0 (Survival/Emergency), Level 1 (Fixed Shed Conversions), Level 2 (Stealth Mobile), Level 3 (Tiny Houses on Wheels), and Level 4 (Premium Prefab/Modular).
How does the 'Time to Freedom' calculation work?
This financial model divides the total setup cost of a unit by the monthly delta (your previous rent minus new maintenance costs) to determine the month you reach a zero-cost housing baseline.
Legal & Permits
Is it legal to live in an Amazon shed year-round?
Legal habitation depends on local adoption of IRC Appendix Q. Most jurisdictions classify sheds under 120 sq ft as accessory structures, but 'dwelling' status requires a wet core (plumbing) and proper thermal insulation.
Is living in a shed on your own land legal in my state?
It varies by county. Generally, if the shed is under 120sqft and mobile (on skids), it avoids most permanent structure taxes but may still face 'temporary occupancy' limits of 14-30 days without a permit.
What is IRC Appendix Q compliance?
Appendix Q is a technical standard for dwellings under 400 sq ft. It allows for relaxed stair dimensions, loft headroom (min 6 feet 2 inches), and specific egress window sizes that standard building codes would otherwise prohibit.
How to register a tiny house as an RV?
Registration typically requires proof of a VIN or a manufacturer certificate of origin (MSO). For DIY builds, you may need a safety inspection from a licensed RVIA professional to qualify for standard RV insurance.
Technical & Engineering
How to insulate a floor-less wooden shed?
The most effective method is using rigid foam boards (EPS or XPS) between the floor joists, sealed with spray foam, covered by a 6-mil poly vapor barrier before installing the subfloor.
Why is Mineral Wool better than Fiberglass for tiny homes?
Engineering data shows that Mineral Wool (Rockwool) is hydrophobic and maintains R-value when damp. Fiberglass acts as a sponge, which in small, tightly sealed structures leads to rapid mold growth and structural rot.
What are the best stealth solar panels for white cargo vans?
Flexible monocrystalline panels are the gold standard for stealth. They mount flat to the roof, eliminating the side-profile shadow that traditional rigid panels create.
How to fix condensation when sleeping in a car in winter?
Condensation is mitigated via passive 'chimney' effects. Use window rain guards to allow a 2-inch gap and a floor-level vent to ensure continuous air exchange without visible external fans.
Logistics & Physics
What is the correct weight distribution for a 20ft tiny house on wheels?
Standard safety requires 10-15% of the total trailer weight to be on the tongue (the hitch). Improper distribution is the primary cause of highway sway and towing accidents.
What are the hidden costs of Amazon prefab homes?
The 'Hidden Cost Factor' usually totals $15,000–$30,000. This includes site clearing, concrete pier foundations, utility trenching, septic installation, and crane rental for delivery day.
How much does it cost to crane a container home?
Mobile crane rental typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 per day for a 'standard pick'. Heavy units over 10,000 lbs or long-reach sets may require a larger 50-ton crane with higher day rates.
What is the electrical hookup for a 50 amp tiny house prefab?
Most prefabs use a standard NEMA 14-50R RV-style power inlet. This requires a 4-wire connection (two hots, a neutral, and a ground) to handle the 240V split-phase load for AC and appliances.
Dwell.ovh Core Technical Assets
We provide these unique tools to prevent financial and structural failure:
Pathfinder Quiz: Situational triage logic.
Land Prep Estimator: Site clearing & hookup modeling.
Permit Path Finder: Local ZIP lookup for ADU mandates.
Off-Grid Planner: Solar, Battery & BTU sizing.
Code Vault: Simplified IRC Appendix Q database.
Assembly Buddy: Standardized white-label manuals.