Determining Your Tiny House Goals
Building your own tiny house is an exciting and rewarding project. However, it requires careful planning and consideration to ensure your tiny home meets your needs and lifestyle. Before starting construction, take time to define your goals for your tiny house.
Consider how you plan to use the tiny house. Will it be a full-time residence, vacation home, rental property, or ADU (accessory dwelling unit)? Determining the primary purpose will dictate the features and spaces needed. For a full-time home, include all necessities like a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and storage. For a vacation getaway, you may not need a full kitchen.
Make a list of must-have features like a full bathroom, kitchen appliances, lofted sleeping space, deck, etc. Prioritize which features are essential and which are optional. Also consider how you will use interior spaces. For example, do you need space for an office, hobby area, or guest sleeping nook?
Analyze your lifestyle and possessions to determine optimal storage solutions, such as built-in shelving, under-bed drawers, and multi-purpose furniture. Maximize every inch of space for storage in your design.
Set a realistic timeline for completion based on your DIY abilities. Building a tiny house requires basic construction skills and may take 6 months to a year to complete working part-time. If hiring contractors, estimate 3-4 months for construction.
Research material, appliance, and labor costs in your area. Get quotes from tiny house builders. Create a detailed budget with a 10-20% contingency for unexpected overages. Setting a firm budget for your project will help guide design decisions.
Defining your goals upfront will provide direction for the rest of your tiny house build. Take the time to carefully consider your needs, priorities, and budget before breaking ground. This thoughtful planning will ensure your tiny home meets your lifestyle needs for years to come.
Developing Your Budget and Timeline
When undertaking a major DIY building project like constructing your own tiny house, determining your budget and timeline will help guide decisions throughout the process.
Creating an accurate budget is crucial when building a tiny home. Research material, appliance, equipment, and labor costs in your area. If hiring a builder or subcontractors, get multiple estimates and quotes. Be sure to include costs for:
- Building materials (wood, siding, roofing, insulation, etc.)
- Windows and doors
- Plumbing and electrical supplies
- HVAC and appliances
- Fasteners and hardware
- Equipment rentals
- Permit fees
- Utility setup costs
- Foundation work
- Labor, if hiring help
Don’t forget “soft” costs like design plans, transportation to your site, utility hookups, and furnishings. Pad your budget with a 10-20% contingency for unexpected overages. Having a firm maximum budget will help you scale back your dreams if needed.
Setting a realistic timeline is also key. Building a tiny house typically takes 6-12 months for DIY builders working part-time. If hiring contractors, expect 3-4 months for construction. Create a schedule with important milestones like:
- Design, planning, and permitting (1-2 months)
- Foundation and framing (1-2 months)
- Roofing and siding (1-2 weeks)
- Mechanical systems (1-2 months)
- Insulation and drywall (2-4 weeks)
- Interior finishes and cabinetry (1-2 months)
- Final inspections and completion (2-4 weeks)
Allow for inevitable delays and setbacks. Be flexible if your schedule needs to shift. Patience and persistence will reward you when you finish your tiny house.
Having a clear budget and timeline provides a roadmap for your build. Revisit these guides throughout construction to help make decisions and stay on track. Your beautiful new tiny home will be move-in ready before you know it!
Designing and Planning Your Tiny Home
The design and planning stage is critical before building your tiny house. Your plans will guide the entire construction process, and this is the time to get creative on optimizing your layout and features.
Start by browsing tiny house floorplans online or in plan books for inspiration on what layouts and features appeal to you. Consider your spatial needs and lifestyle when evaluating plans.
Work with an architect or designer to customize a floorplan to your needs. Maximize every inch by optimizing furniture arrangements and built-ins. Important elements to decide on include:
- Sleeping area location and built-ins
- Kitchen and bathroom layouts
- Living room furniture placement
- Built-in shelving, storage, and cabinets
- Loft framing and access stairs
- Window and door placements
Create detailed construction drawings for your builder or use them as a guide for DIY building. Be sure to factor in important elements like:
- Dimensions and square footage
- Electrical and plumbing locations
- Structural components
- Exterior finishes and siding
Research local zoning laws and building codes to ensure your design complies with regulations like size limits, height restrictions, and tie-down requirements.
Obtain necessary building permits and complete any required engineering approval prior to construction. Permits typically required include:
- Zoning permit
- Transportation Permit
- Foundation permit
- Building permit
- Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits
Investing the time into detailed design and planning will pay dividends when construction begins. You’ll have the confidence your tiny house will both meet regulations and fulfill your living needs.
Choosing and Customizing Your Floorplan
One of the most exciting parts of a tiny house build is choosing or designing the floorplan layout. The floor plan optimizes the limited space and dictates how you’ll live in your tiny home.
If designing your own custom floorplan, first browse books, websites and houzz for tiny house inspiration. Note layouts and features you like and don’t like to define your needs. Determine how much space you need for sleeping, bathroom, kitchen, and storage based on your lifestyle.
Work with an architect or designer to create your custom floorplan tailored to your lifestyle. Maximize every inch by optimizing furniture arrangements and built-ins. Focus on multi-functional spaces that serve several needs.
If choosing an existing tiny house floorplan, browse the many options online or in plan catalogs. Evaluate options based on the following:
- Square footage – Typically 100 to 400 sq ft
- Layout – Linear, loft, tiny cottage
- Number of floors – Single story, 1.5 story, two-story
- Customization options – Flexibility to modify plan
Consider how you’ll use interior spaces when evaluating plans:
- Sleeping area – Loft, Murphy bed, built-in
- Kitchen – Galley, L-shaped, U-shaped
- Bathroom – Shower, composting toilet
- Living room – Couch, TV/media nook
- Dining area – Built-in or fold-down table
- Storage – Built-ins, hidden compartments
Look for smart space-saving features like:
- Multipurpose furniture like storage ottomans
- Flip up counters, tables, and desks
- Convertible couches or beds
- Lofted beds and wardrobes
Choosing or customizing the right floorplan makes small-space living possible. Your cozy tiny house will feel spacious when every inch is optimized for efficiency and dual-purpose use.
Permits, Zoning, and Site Planning
Before you can break ground on building your tiny house, it’s crucial to research the zoning laws and permit requirements in your area. Failing to obtain proper permits and follow regulations can result in fines or even having to remove the structure.
- Zoning Laws – Regulations will dictate the minimum/maximum square footage, minimum lot size, required setbacks from property lines, maximum height limitations, and allowable locations (rural, residential, commercial zones). Requirements vary significantly by county and municipality.
- Building Permits – Most jurisdictions require permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, foundation, structural, transportation, and overall construction. Building permits require submitting detailed plans for approval.
- Transportation Permit – If towing your tiny house on public roads, you’ll need an oversized load permit meeting road weight requirements.
Other permits that may be required:
- Site development
- Right-of-way
- Sewage disposal
- Composting toilet
Thoroughly research all applicable zoning and permit rules for your location. Being aware of requirements early allows adapting plans accordingly.
If pouring a permanent foundation, survey and prepare the site, including vegetation clearing, grading, and compaction. Install erosion control barriers. Run electric, water, and septic lines if needed.
Take time to be informed on zoning and permitting to avoid headaches down the road. Doing your due diligence will allow smooth sailing through the approval process.
Foundation, Framing, and Structural Components
The foundation and framing make up the structural skeleton of your tiny house and must be constructed correctly to create a sound structure. This includes the flooring, walls, roof rafters, and loft framing if applicable.
Foundation
Tiny houses commonly use either pier block supports or a shallow permanent foundation.
Pier block supports elevate the floor framing off the ground using concrete blocks or screw jacks on footings. This allows mobility and adjustable leveling. Prepare by clearing vegetation and compacting the gravel base.
For a permanent foundation, hire an excavator to dig, then form and pour shallow concrete footings per an engineered design. This provides a fixed location but better stability.
Subfloor
Construct the floor deck using pressure-treated frame lumber with joists spaced 16” on center. Overlay with 3/4” CDX plywood subflooring. Consider radiant floor tubing underneath.
Wall Framing
Frame walls using 2×4 studs spaced 16” in the center. Include doubled headers over doors and windows. Nail studs to bottom and top plates. Construct interior partition walls.
Roof Framing
Build roof rafters out of 2×4 or 2×6 rafters spaced 16” in the center. Install collar ties and ceiling joists. Frame any interior loft floors to create storage.
A well-constructed foundation and structural framing will provide a solid base for years of use. Take care to use proper materials, spacing, and layout when framing your tiny house.
Building Envelope and Insulation
Creating a solid building envelope through proper insulation, weatherproofing, siding, and exterior finishes is crucial for the energy efficiency and durability of your tiny house.
Insulation
Choose fiberglass batt or spray foam insulation for walls and ceilings to prevent heat loss and meet code R-value requirements. Use rigid foam boards around the foundation. Seal all gaps and penetrations thoroughly.
Windows and Doors
Install code-approved egress windows in sleeping areas. Position windows strategically for light, ventilation, and views. Exterior doors should be fiberglass or steel for durability.
Siding and Trim
Popular tiny house siding options include cedar shingles, metal, or fiber cement lap siding. Add decorative trim around windows and corners. Use durable materials like Azek or James Hardie.
Roofing
Metal or asphalt shingles are common tiny house roofing materials. Pay attention to waterproofing details like flashing and drip edge.
Exterior Paint/Stain
Choose exterior grade paint or stain in your desired colors. Use darker colors to make the tiny house feel cozy.
Investing in high-quality windows, doors, siding, and trim will create an attractive exterior and prevent drafts. Combined with ample insulation, your tiny home will be a comfortable sanctuary.
Interior Finishes and Decorating
The interior finishes and decorating are what make your tiny house feel like a beautiful home. Take time to apply detailed trim work, select durable floors and finishes, and decorate in a style you love.
Drywall
Hang drywall on walls and ceiling for a smooth finish. Tape seams, mud, and sand for a seamless look. Apply primer before painting.
Trimwork
Add window, door, and baseboard trim for a polished look. Use attractive wood like pine or poplar. Fill nail holes, caulk, and paint/stain trim.
Flooring
Durable, waterproof flooring like vinyl plank, linoleum, or unfinished wood is recommended. Install over a well-fastened subfloor.
Cabinets
Custom cabinets from a local carpenter maximize storage. Built-in shelving also useful.
Painting
Paint or stain interior walls and trim your favorite colors. Accent walls add interest.
Furniture
Multipurpose furniture like storage benches and ottomans save space. Murphy beds and fold-down tables maximize square footage.
Decor
Make it feel homey with rugs, plants, photos, wall art, and pops of color. Use clever space-saving approaches for a clutter-free look.
Take your time finishing the interior to create a warm, inviting space reflective of your personality and style. Choosing durable and sustainable finishes ensures your tiny house will stay beautiful for years.
Completing Construction and Move-In
Once construction is complete, it’s time for final inspections, paperwork, and moving into your finished tiny house! This rewarding step makes your tiny living dreams a reality.
Final Inspections
Schedule final inspections for electrical, plumbing, framing, etc. Make any last fixes the inspector requires.
Certificate of Occupancy
The final certificate of occupancy from your municipality gives official approval to legally occupy the dwelling.
Construction Cleanup
Remove trash, tools, and surplus materials. Sweep and clean the entire home. Install furnishings.
Towing
Hire house house-moving contractor to safely tow your tiny house to the site if movable. Obtain oversized hauling permits.
Leveling and Setup
Level tiny house and support on blocks or piers. Attach tie-downs if required.
Utility Hookups
If not off-grid, connect to water, electricity, and sewer. Have utilities turned on? Test appliances.
Move In!
Once your tiny home is permanently parked and hooked up to utilities, move-in belongings and begin your simple, sustainable tiny house lifestyle!
With your beautiful new custom tiny home complete, the difficult construction phase gives way to the exciting opportunity to finally live small and free in your efficient dream house!
Ready to Start Your Tiny House Plans?
If this step-by-step guide has inspired you to start your tiny home build, getting professional home plans is the next step. The experts at HomeDesigns have over 1,000 small and tiny house plans to choose from with complete construction blueprints and material lists.
Their plans are designed to make building your tiny house dream easy, with structural engineering approval on all designs for code compliance. HomeDesigns offers various signature tiny home series to fit any style, including Craftsman, Colonial, Farmhouse and more.
Customization is available to tailor the floorplan, finishes and features to your lifestyle needs. With concierge service guiding you through the process, building your tiny house using HomeDesigns plans will be simple, affordable and rewarding.
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