Tiny homes are all the rage because of their small, efficient sizing and the fact that they're so much more affordable than the average full-size home. For many, the ultimate way to save money and make your property dreams come true is to build a tiny home!

When you’re ready to create this masterpiece, it’s a good idea to know everything you’re getting into. These are the top tips and advice to build your new tiny home.

Look At Local Property and Residence Laws

Before you start building your tiny home, take a moment to stop and look at the local residence and property laws. These will inform you on how you can go about this project and if you are allowed to build a tiny home on the property, you're looking at.

These laws are less strict if you're simply building tiny homes to sell them, but if you're looking at living on the land in this area and you want to make the most out of hooking it up and creating a space for yourself, do your research.

Plan As Thoroughly As Possible Before You Start

The most important thing you can do when you're building a property is to take the time to plan as thoroughly as possible before you get going. Think about your property from top to bottom and what it will need in five years, ten years, or more. 

As with every property, your roof and foundation matter, these areas of your parcel will protect it and ensure it lasts as long as possible. Start with these, and then build out a house that will feel like home regardless of how tiny it is.

Consider working with a contractor to create the best property possible according to your plans!

Consider Liquid Carrying and Disposal

Humans use a lot of water every day, and that moisture doesn’t simply vanish. As early as possible in your process, you need to balance the differences between a septic tank and vs. cesspool and figure out which suits your property's needs. 

This is a big deal when shopping for land to make sure that whatever option you want is available in your area and that you won't be breaking HOA or local laws by implementing one of these two choices. 

Ensure Every Part of the Home is Sealed

One of the worst parts of finishing a home is suddenly realizing you have an air leak, or a stream of wind, within your home that you didn’t notice before. Take the time to triple check every window, door, soffit, and more is sealed and in place.

This will result in countless perks, from lower monthly heating and cooling costs to blocking out noise better than sound-absorbing panels could. This will also ensure your home is safe from the elements and less likely to have future issues.,

Get Siding That Can Handle Traveling

The average tiny home moves a few times in its life, which means you need a house that’s roadworthy! Whether you go for steel siding or you prefer vinyl, it needs to be good quality siding that stays on and can handle any wind that will hit it while you drive.

Consider where the hitch is on your home or where it would be loaded, and try to think about how to make it more aerodynamic and resilient based on that part of your property.

Remember the Weight of the Home Matters

If you're ever going to move this property, it's vital that you stop and think about the weight of the materials you're using. From the polyiso sheathing to the windows and even your deck, all of it has a weight that affects whether this property would be able to be moved at the end of the day.

How much your property weighs can also change how much it will cost to move it, so think this through at every step of the process.

Consider Buying a Kit or Prefab You Can Personalize

If this is the first time you’ve taken on something this big, it’s okay to take on a kit or prefabricated home you can customize later. Although some take this as a shortcut, there’s no reason to put yourself through more work than you need to take on.

Prefabricated kits can give you a chance to focus more on the large picture instead of the millions of details since there's so much to take on here. Beyond that, it also ensures you have the benefit of the people who have been doing this for years on your side instead of having to hope you're doing it right.

Every Tiny Home Can Be a Dream Property

Whether this is the first tiny home you’ve ever built, or you’re trying to perfect the skill, you’re taking on a huge project! Consider some of these tips before you get started.

Haley Reynolds is a freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and expertise on home and commercial remodeling. She lives in her hometown of El Paso, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and crafting with her little girls. Haley’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource launching in 2023.