How Tiny Homes Became Big Business—Evolving From DIY Off-Grid Shacks to the Design Darling of Social Media

Tiny homes have become as much a part of the real estate landscape as megamansions and townhomes—offering an affordable alternative to buyers who were seeking to secure their own space, without spending the money required to purchase a more traditional abode. But before they were so commonplace in day-to-day life, tiny homes began as just the opposite: a rebellious rejection of the American dream, designed by many as a means of living off the grid and enjoying as a cheap a lifestyle as possible.Today, they are still viewed as a budget-friendly option for homebuyers, albeit with a more commercialized sheen. Some flat-pack options are even available for order on Amazon, while other, far more luxurious tiny homes can be commissioned for hundreds of thousands of dollars from specialized construction companies.The spectrum of properties that fall under the tiny-home umbrella has also expanded significantly, growing from a handful of DIY off-grid shacks to include all manner of designs—from mobile dwellings that can be hitched to the back of a vehicle to modern mini mansions that are highlighted on HGTV.Tiny houses have also rocketed in popularity on social media, where owners, builders,...