Tiny Homes Are The Future

by Martin Miron

Cornerstone Tiny Homes builds the only small footprint foundation homes that are also Florida building code compliant. Marketing director Jerry Eisinger says, “This status allows our homes to be categorized as traditional singlefamily residences. Also, regarding tiny homes on wheels, there are very few tiny home builders who are certified with the RVIA [Recreation Vehicle Industry Association].” The homes are able to withstand wind loads up to 180 mph.

They completely customize each unit, so clients have the luxury of creating a layout that is unique to their lifestyle. Some place these homes on vacant land, while others use them as backyard villas. Cornerstone also helps new homeowners make the tiny transition, including designing the home, finding land and securing financing. The company also provide tours through its facility for potential homeowners to get a feel for a tiny home before purchasing. Several open houses are scheduled each year at their facility to walk through the homes, but due to COVID-19, there are no open houses scheduled at this time.

Cornerstone is also undertaking the big step of creating full neighborhood developments consisting of tiny homes on foundations. They think this type of development could change the landscape for homeowners in the state for single professionals, small families and empty-nesters that want to own a home with property for less than the cost of rent.

Owners Kim and Brett Hiltbrand, with decades of experience in home building and interior design, originally built a tiny home in their driveway, and officially started the company in 2015. There are currently 13 full-time employees and several subcontractors.

“Several areas throughout Florida have a minimum square footage requirement in order for a structure to be legally called a home. Although great progress has already been made with elected officials in the past couple of years, Cornerstone hopes to continue seeing county and city commissioners make the necessary changes to allow small homes on foundations into their areas of Florida, says Eisinger.

Cornerstone was featured on an episode of Tiny House Nation, built a foundation home for a combat-wounded veteran in the city of Oviedo and led the way in supporting an ordinance in the city of Longwood to allow a tiny home neighborhood.

Cornerstone Tiny Homes is located at 1687 Timocuan Way, Ste. 101, in Longwood. For more information, call 407-413-9660 or visit CornerstoneTinyHomes.com.