Learning how to build a tiny house requires extensive planning and research. This guide explains the steps for building your tiny home, from the planning and design stages to the construction and installation phase.
Written by Angela Bunt Updated 07/22/2024
Angela Bunt is an accomplished writer and editor with more than a decade of experience producing consumer-facing content. She has previously written and edited in the lifestyle, music, and health categories, but has specialized in home improvement content since becoming a homeowner. Her work has…
Tiny homes have increased in popularity for several reasons, including affordability, environmental friendliness, and housing freedom. They also allow you to live a minimalist lifestyle and are more energy-efficient than larger homes while being less costly to build and maintain than traditional houses.
In this guide, we’ll explain the process of building a tiny house as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, including the planning, design, and construction stages, and provide tips on how to save throughout the build.
Key planning considerations such as setting a realistic budget, deciding between a tiny house on wheels (THOW) and a foundation house, and checking local zoning laws and building codes are important to finalize before starting construction. Consider creating or purchasing a detailed blueprint to help build your tiny house.
The cost of a tiny house ranges from $30,000–$60,000, but the total cost will depend on the materials you use, the house design, and where you want to live. Here are some factors that will affect the cost of your tiny house:
When estimating the cost of building a house, include a cushion of at least 10%–20% of your budget for unexpected expenses. For example, if you estimate the build to cost $40,000, set aside an additional $4,000–$8,000 for price increases or construction delays. By preparing for these costs, you’ll stay within budget and avoid dealing with an unfinished project.
*Cost data in this section via Angi and HomeGuide.
There are two main types of tiny houses: a THOW and a permanent foundation house. Your choice will affect the design, materials, building process, permits, and long-term living arrangements.
If you decide to sell your tiny house, a THOW appeals to a broader market due to its portability.
Most areas have fewer regulations for a THOW than for permanent structures, which must follow strict building codes.
A THOW offers you the flexibility to move as needed.
Without the need to conform to road regulations, you can design a more spacious and personalized home.
Building on a foundation allows for the use of heavier, more durable materials.
A permanent foundation provides a stable living environment, which is beneficial in regions prone to extreme weather.
Before making a decision on the type of tiny house you want to build, consider your long-term lifestyle goals. If you want to travel and want a more sustainable home, consider a THOW. However, if you value space and want to create a more stable environment for you and your family, a tiny house on a permanent foundation may be a better option.
Designing a tiny home requires a considerable attention to detail, as the space constraints differ from a standard home. You should prioritize housing needs, such as certain appliances and effective storage solutions before thinking about design wants. Consider learning from existing tiny house floor plans and designs to maximize your space.
Maximizing limited square footage in a tiny house requires leaning on innovative design strategies. Here are a few ways to save space in your tiny home:
Here are a few other ways to leverage space-saving features:
When thinking about space in your tiny home, the layout should reflect your priorities and lifestyle. For example, prioritize a well-equipped kitchen with ample counter space if you love cooking. If you work from home, create a workspace with high functionality.
Creating a safe and code-compliant utility system is one of the toughest parts of building your tiny house, and you may have to make several decisions regarding off-grid and grid-tied connections if you want to use solar energy.
Off-grid electrical systems offer complete freedom from the utility but are more expensive than grid-tied systems, which connect to the local utility grid and offer more savings. If you choose off-grid living, consider installing solar panels paired with a battery storage system.
Off-grid heating options include woodstoves, propane heaters, or solar thermal systems. For cooling, you can install energy-efficient windows, ventilation fans, or a mini-split system powered by your solar array. Opt for electric heaters and air conditioners if you have a grid-tied tiny house.
Off-grid options include water harvesting systems, which collect and filter rainwater. You can install a water storage tank and a purification system to ensure clean water availability.
A grid-tied option involves connecting your tiny house to a municipal water supply. This offers consistent water pressure and quality but requires access to infrastructure.
Composting toilets, ideal for off-grid living, break down waste into compost, eliminating the need for a septic system. These toilets require regular maintenance but significantly reduce water usage. For a grid-tied setup, connect your tiny house to a septic system or municipal sewer line. This option requires professional installation.
You can install some of these options yourself, but code-compliant utilities usually require professional design and installation.
The time it takes to build a tiny house depends on various factors, including your construction experience, availability of assistance, and whether you choose a THOW or fixed foundation build. Professional contractors can finish a tiny house build in about three months, while DIYers can complete a build in a year or more.
Steps to follow
If you choose to build a THOW, follow this step-by-step guide:
When building your tiny house, choose durable exterior materials, such as fiber cement siding, metal panels, or cedar shingles for increased weather resistance and longevity.
Steps to follow
After construction is complete, address the interior finishes and systems.
Installing interior finishes on your own can help you save money, but complex tasks such as installing utilities may require professional assistance.
Here are a few tips for DIYing interior finishes:
Don’t hesitate to seek advice from more experienced DIYers or ask for professional help if you see that you aren’t achieving the desired results.
If you opt for professional assistance, consider the following tips:
The main benefits of hiring professionals include time efficiency, warranty, and peace of mind, while performing the work on your own is often more cost-efficient.
Once construction is complete, start thinking about where you want to park your tiny house. One of the most common issues tiny house homeowners face is finding a place to park their homes due to strict and confusing zoning codes. Research local zoning laws and check with your local government to ensure your house is compliant before settling down.
The main difference between a THOW and a foundation house is the need to park the former, but parking options and laws vary widely by location for both types of houses.
Check your local parking laws to make sure you aren’t leaving your home in an illegal place. Most homeowners can park their tiny homes in campgrounds, RV parks, or in a rented long-term parking spot in a local resident’s driveway or backyard. Additionally, most local governments have a minimum square footage requirement, so ensure your tiny home meets those requirements before parking it in the desired location.
The best way to determine where to park your new dwelling is to find a local tiny house-friendly community. You can also join homeowners who lead tiny house discussions on social media to get tips about your local THOW parking laws. Consider creating a solid parking plan before building your tiny home to avoid headaches later down the road.
If you’ve lived in a regular-sized home, adjusting to living in a tiny house may take some time. Here are a few tips to make the process a little easier:
The key to enjoying your tiny house living is regular maintenance and making sure your home stays organized and clean.
Building a tiny house can offer more financial freedom, increase sustainability, and eliminate the stress of owning a traditional home. Before you start building, remember to plan, budget, and design your house for your lifestyle and preferences, and plan for the project to take around a year to complete. Additionally, research tiny house laws and regulations in your area to avoid fines and headaches in the future.
If you’re keen on building a tiny home by yourself, consider tackling easier parts of the job, such as installing appliances and designing the space, and hire a professional to complete the more complicated aspects, such as installing utility lines and ensuring the home is up to code. Building a tiny house is achievable with the proper research, preparation, and hard work.