10 Things You Better Know Before Building a Tiny Home

Thinking about building a tiny home? It’s a huge shift—way beyond just living in a smaller space. You’re looking at a complete lifestyle overhaul, where every inch counts and every choice matters.

Building a tiny home comes stacked with its own set of unique challenges. You’ve got to tackle everything from legalities to logistics before you can kick back in your downsized home.

Here are 10 huge points to consider before you take the plunge into tiny living.

Purpose and Budget

Pin down why you’re building and who it’s for. Is this going to be your full-time living space or just a cozy getaway spot? The purpose will greatly influence the size, design, and amenities you choose. Just as crucial is your budget.

Early on, decide how much you can spend. A clear budget helps prevent unexpected financial detours as you bring your tiny home to life.

Check Zoning Laws

Before you start your tiny home project, make sure to take some time to look into your local zoning laws and building codes. This isn’t just about building your tiny home but finding a place it’s legal to park it! Different areas have different rules about whether you can declare your tiny house an RV or plant it permanently.

Communities specifically designed for tiny houses can offer a hassle-free solution by providing designated lots that meet zoning requirements.

Setting Your Tiny Home Build Timeline

It’s easy to think you’ll wrap it up in just a few months. Let’s be real—those initial timelines can be overly optimistic. What you think might take three months could stretch into nine or more, especially if you’re fitting construction around a full-time job.

Delays like late material shipments or discovering halfway through that something isn’t right (yep, time to undo that day’s work) are pretty standard. Build in some wiggle room. Planning for the unexpected means less stress and more time to focus on getting each detail just right.

Get Ready to Downsize

Prepare to pare down your belongings significantly. The average household may have around 300,000 items, but your tiny space won’t accommodate even a fraction of that.

This means prioritizing what truly matters and finding new homes for the rest. It can be tough to let go, but embracing minimalism can be incredibly freeing and is essential for comfortable tiny home living.

Don’t Skimp on Windows and Ventilation

Thinking about going with single-glazed windows to cut costs and weight? You might want to rethink that. In a tiny home, the battle against moisture from cooking, showering, and even just breathing can turn into a full-blown war against condensation.

Double-glazing and efficient ventilation are necessities to prevent your windows from turning into mini waterfalls.

And if you’re considering certifications like NOAH or RVIA for your mobile tiny home, know that they can greatly influence things like insurance and where you can park.

Energy

When you’re setting up your tiny home, consider how you can make it energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Solar panels are a popular choice for many tiny home owners, allowing you to harness the sun’s power for your daily needs.

It’s smart to look into the costs and logistics of solar installation early on. Understand how solar energy works, including what happens on days when the sun decides to hide behind the clouds—knowing your energy setup can ensure you’re never left in the dark.

Expect the Unexpected

Imagine this: You have every step of your tiny home build planned down to the last nail. Then reality hits—things just don’t always go as planned.

You might end up visiting the hardware store so often you know every aisle by heart, or you find yourself needing to buy tools you didn’t even know existed. Maybe your materials are delayed, or costs mount up unexpectedly.

It happens to the best of us. Take it in stride—these surprises aren’t just obstacles; they’re part of the adventure of building your own space.

Budget Beyond the Build

Once your tiny home is up and standing, don’t think the spending stops there. Post-move expenses can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. Things like outdoor additions—a deck, landscaping, maybe even a grill—add up.

And let’s not forget about those unexpected repairs. Living in a tiny space means even small damages can seem big, and being in a rural area might limit your quick-fix resources.

Trust me, setting aside an extra chunk of change, say about $10,000, for those first few months can ease your transition into tiny living without the financial squeeze.

Always Check Your Tires

Think of your tiny home’s tires as its foundation—vital and needing regular attention. Just parking isn’t enough. Protect your tires from sun damage and deterioration by parking on protective surfaces and using covers or UV protective sprays.

Regular maintenance of your wheels and bearings is important too. After all, a wheel bearing failure doesn’t just mean a repair bill—it could mean temporarily losing your home!

Consider Your Weight Restrictions

If your tiny home dream includes mobility, understanding weight limits is crucial. Remember, the weight rating for your trailer includes the trailer itself, so every item in your tiny home counts towards that limit.

It’s a balancing act to keep the home, your belongings, and the trailer within safe weight boundaries. And don’t forget about your towing vehicle—it needs to be up to the task too.