Building a tiny house can be a great do-it-yourself project, but if one is not interested in doing it, there are people who are willing to do the work. There are premade options as well as custom creations available. No matter where in the country one lives, there is a tiny house creator or builder within a reasonable distance, but if it is too far, mail order tiny houses and other types of small homes are also available!
It is usually less costly to build a tiny house from scratch, especially if the materials are salvaged, but the convenience of a premade or customized tiny home can be worth the extra price.
Tiny House Makers
People who create these homes have learned the best options for layout and size. They offer homes with nothing inside or already laid out and ready to furnish. Whether you prefer a blank canvas or a framework, you can find something that will work from one of the builders. Most of them offer tiny houses on wheels. The smallest is usually an 8×16 tiny house on wheels.
- ALABAMA, MT. OLIVE – AL Tiny Homes
James Brewer constructs tiny homes and has been in construction for over 20 years. His company handles everything from framing to wiring and plumbing, including roofing and siding. All tiny homes are built on trailers and come in lengths ranging from 16’ to 30’. They offer quotes for the cost of designing and building a tiny home.
- COLORADO, DURANGO –Rocky Mountain Tiny Homes
Officially begun in 2013, the company was conceived around 2011. Greg Parham became fascinated by atiny house and determined to design and build one. He built his business as a way to follow his dream of living in a tiny house and helping others to do the same. Their prices start around $37,000 for a basic 8’ x 16’ tiny house on a trailer.
- FLORIDA, DELAND – Tiny Home Builders
The tiny houses built by this company range from 96 square feet to 260 square feet and range from $28,700 to $44,500. They are builtin five styles and six different floor plans.
- ILLINOIS, SOUTH ELGIN – Bantam Built Homes
This company’s tiny houses on wheels have been seen on several television networks. They offer both tiny houses and tiny offices. Prices can be as low as $31,200, depending on customizations chosen. Their tiny houses are certified and insurable as RVs.
- MISSOURI, ARCHIE – Custom Container Living
These containers-turned-homes come from a company begun in 2015 by Robert Wagoner. Every container home is custom made for the purchaser. Shipping containers range from 160 square feet to 960 square feet (which uses four shipping containers).
- MISSOURI, ST. PETERS – Mini Mansions Tiny Home Builders
A couple began this company after being forced to downsize their own home. Mark and Emily have built up their business, using their backgrounds of construction and real estate, respectively, to make it work. They offer eight different floor plans ranging from 20’ to 30’ in length; all are built on wheels. Their base prices range from $51,900 to $65,900; they include appliances and basic fixtures, with the option to upgrade some parts.
- OREGON, EUGENE – Oregon Cottage Company
The plans, the customizations, and the construction are handled by Todd Miller, who maintains an architecture company as well. He has been using natural materials since 1999. He started the Oregon Cottage Company in 2008 to bring customtiny house options to others. These homes are mobile and geared to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient. They are built on steel trailers. Their slogan is “Live big, go tiny.”
- PENNSYLVANIA, LANCASTER – Liberation Tiny Homes
Many locally sourced materials go into the tiny homes built by the professionals of Liberation Tiny Homes. They offer several styles and are also willing to customize a tiny home to fit whatever needs exist. There are six finished styles and a shell option.
- TENNESSEE, NEWPORT – Incredible Tiny Homes
Founded by Randy Jones in 2014, these tiny homes are built indoors either as a basic style or customized from one of the three basic styles. Homes include trailer and underpinning, insulation, outlets, fixtures, cabinets, and more. The smallest 8’ x 16’ starts at $20,000; the largest 10’ x 28’ starts at $54,735. Custom estimates can be obtained, as well.
Tiny House Materials
The materials needed to construct a tiny house are many. They start with a base or foundation, which can be a slab or a trailer (but each has its own regulations and requirements, so do check local ordinances and policies before beginning). Wood for framing and walls, along with insulation, will be required, and roofing to weatherproof the building. Hardware to attach things such as screws, nails, staples, bolts, nuts, and related things must be used. Strapping and flashing are needed to secure the structure and protect under it. Doors and windows are necessary to enter and exit the building; at least two should be used for safety purposes. Electrical and plumbing supplies should be added. Flooring will be necessary. Remember to include flooring for a loft, if one is included. Paint or stain to finish the woodwork will make the home more comfortable.