A Comprehensive Tiny Home Building Checklist

Do you want to build your own tiny house but don’t know where to start? Here we have mentioned a comprehensive tiny home building checklist that will provide you with a complete overview of what planning, construction, and set up entails. It’s never bad to go through an overview before delving into a project, more so when it’s a tiny house construction project.

The idea of building your own tiny house is something that is not impossible. You can buy a tiny home kit from a trusted tiny home builder near you and set it up yourself. Proper planning, understanding the various nitty-gritties of the construction process, and learning from previous mistakes are all needed to make this project a grand success. Now, let’s zero in on the tiny home-building checklist.

Tiny Home Building Checklist

The tiny home building checklist has been segmented into different steps on the basis of stage and project. While some stages and construction phases might overlap, we have tried to exhibit them in the most optimal way possible. Let’s take a look at them intricately.

Phase 1: Before The Tiny House Construction Process

The planning and brainstorming phase is most critical to the construction process. Yes, plumbing, solar, logistics, and other construction processes do matter, but it ultimately comes down to taking adequate time for planning.

Tiny House Planning

Figure out your true requirements for living in a tiny house


Perform extensive research for vacant land and possible building sites


Chalk out a rough tiny home floor plan


Draw up the primary features you would like to have in your tiny house


Estimate your budget


Procure the Different Tiny House Components


Windows


Lumber


Trailer


Appliances


Basic construction tools

Phase 2: The Main Tiny House Construction Process

Once you have procured the different tiny house components, you can start with the construction process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to go about, with the construction process:


Tiny Home Trailer


Select your preferred site.


Level the ground


Detach decking


Remove any extras


Weld the tiny house to anchors


Tiny Home on Foundation


Set up the frame of the foundation


Join the trailer to the foundation


Insulate your tiny house


Add subfloor


Fasten metal flashing


Incorporate vapor barrier


Wall Framing


Frame the wall of your tiny house


Thoroughly check the fitted windows


Apply a protective coat to the tiny house walls


Use a good level to ensure squareness


Fix the framing to the trailer with the help of anchors


Tiny Home Sheathing


Perform necessary measurements and draw up the layout


Cut all the pieces carefully


It is advisable to leave a 1/8” gap expansion gap between the plywood sheets.


Apply glue to all the plywood sheets.


Use a few nails to stick the sheets in place.


Roof Framing


Set up trusses per plan


Use hurricane ties to tie into your wall framing


You can set up headers for rough openings for skylights.


Make sure the height stays below 13.5 feet.


Sheathing your Tiny House Roof


Draw up the dimensions and layout.


Cut the board carefully.


Glue the truss edges.


You can use “H” clips between the sheets


Adjoin with screws and ring shank nails.


Add Skylights


If you are using curb-mounted skylights, construct a frame beforehand.


Test fit the skylights


Make sure to install the skylights in every direction


Flash as per directions


Install Doors


Set up the doorframe.


You can either purchase or build a door


Test fit the door to the frame


Secure and shim the door to the frame


Install the necessary door hardware


Plumbing


Chalk out where the inlets, floor holes, and drains would be


Inspect for trailer cross beams under the trailer


Consider proper vents, if required


Make sure that there is proper sloping so that water can drain out any hitch.


You can consider “P” traps.


Electrical


Here also you need to draw up the locations of fans, lights, sockets, and outlets.


Designate specific positions for carbon monoxide and smoke alarms


Plan your power usage


Install Main Appliances


Fridge


Heater


Shower


Water Heater

Phase 3: Celebrate

Once you are done with all the aforementioned processes, you can now move and settle in. Fortunately, if you can follow the building process, as mentioned, embracing the minimalist lifestyle would be a cakewalk.


Clean up surfaces and debris.


Move into your ultra-modern tiny house.


Throw an invitation to all your near and dear ones, especially those who helped you accomplish the project.


Sit back and relax!

Final Take:

So, you see, tiny house construction is an involved but manageable process. You can either undertake it yourself or avail the services of certified tiny house builders near me, who would help you in your entire journey. A quick internet search would reveal many directories listing established tiny home builders all over the US and Canada. Get in touch with your preferred tiny home builder via the online directories and make your dream of building and owning a tiny home a reality.