Our Mission
Tiny Home Living exists to make tiny home living accessible, achievable, and successful for everyone who dreams of living with less and experiencing more.
We provide:
- Comprehensive Guidebooks: In-depth information covering design, construction, legal requirements, and sustainable systems
- Interactive Tools: Games, calculators, and planners to help you design and budget your tiny home
- Design Database: Inspiration from hundreds of real tiny homes and professional builders
- Community Resources: Connecting tiny home enthusiasts, builders, and residents
Why We Created This Resource
The tiny home movement is growing, but navigating the path from dream to reality is challenging:
- Legal complexity: Zoning laws weren’t written for tiny homes
- Information overload: Conflicting advice across blogs, forums, and videos
- Technical knowledge gaps: Building codes, electrical systems, plumbing—overwhelming for beginners
- Design challenges: Maximizing function in minimal space requires specialized knowledge
We created Tiny Home Living to solve these problems with:
- Organized, comprehensive information in one place
- Expert-verified content on construction, legal, and systems
- Interactive tools making planning tangible and accessible
- Real-world examples from successful tiny home builds
Our Values
Accessibility
Tiny home living should be possible for everyone, regardless of budget or construction experience. We provide information for DIY builders and professional build buyers alike.
Sustainability
Tiny homes naturally reduce environmental impact, and we emphasize sustainable systems, materials, and practices throughout our content.
Honesty
We present realistic costs, timelines, and challenges. Tiny living isn’t perfect for everyone, and we help you make informed decisions.
Community
The tiny home movement thrives on shared knowledge. We celebrate DIY builders, professional craftspeople, and everyone living intentionally in small spaces.
Quality Information
Every guidebook is researched, detailed, and designed to answer real questions from people building or living in tiny homes.
What Makes Tiny Home Living Different?
Comprehensive Coverage
Unlike single-topic blogs or scattered forum posts, we cover everything:
- Design principles and space planning
- Complete building guides (DIY and professional)
- Legal requirements and zoning navigation
- Sustainable systems (solar, water, composting)
- Interior design and storage solutions
- Interactive budget calculators and design tools
Expert-Verified Content
Our guidebooks combine:
- Building code research (IRC, Appendix Q, RVIA standards)
- Professional builder interviews and insights
- Real tiny home owner experiences
- Legal research on zoning and regulations
- Technical specifications for systems and materials
Interactive Learning
Reading about tiny homes is one thing—designing one is another. Our interactive games and tools let you:
- Experiment with floor plans and layouts
- Calculate realistic budgets for different approaches
- Size solar systems based on your energy needs
- Test your knowledge with quizzes
- Compare design styles and material options
Always Free
Tiny home living is about financial freedom. We’ll never charge for access to our guides, tools, or resources. Knowledge should be accessible to all.
Our Content Areas
Guidebooks
Design & Planning:
- Design Principles: Space planning, multi-function design, storage
- Interior Design: Color, materials, furniture, styling
Construction:
- Building Guide: Complete DIY construction from trailer to finish
- Sustainable Systems: Solar, water, composting, off-grid living
Legal & Practical:
- Legal Requirements: Zoning, codes, permits, insurance
- Glossary: Complete A-Z terminology reference
Getting Started:
- 30-Minute Quickstart: Fast orientation for beginners
Interactive Tools
Games & Calculators:
- Space planning challenges
- Budget breakdown comparisons
- Solar system sizing
- Layout optimization games
- Readiness assessments
- Design style matchers
Database
Design Inspiration:
- Featured tiny home designs (all sizes and styles)
- Builder directory
- Floor plan library
- Real community builds
- Photo galleries
Who We Serve
Dreamers & Researchers
Just starting to explore tiny living? Our Quickstart Guide and interactive readiness assessments help you understand if tiny living is right for you.
Planners & Designers
Ready to plan your build? Our Design Principles, Database, and interactive layout tools help you design your perfect space.
Builders (DIY & Professional)
Building your tiny home? Our comprehensive Building Guide walks through every phase from foundation to finish.
Legal Navigators
Confused by zoning and codes? Our Legal Requirements guide demystifies the complex regulatory landscape.
Off-Grid Enthusiasts
Want energy and water independence? Our Sustainable Systems guide covers solar, water, composting, and more.
Current Tiny Home Residents
Already living tiny? Our resources cover optimization, systems troubleshooting, and community connection.
The Tiny Home Movement
A Brief History
The modern tiny home movement emerged from several trends:
- 2008 Financial Crisis: People seeking affordable housing alternatives
- Environmental Awareness: Desire to reduce carbon footprint
- Minimalism Movement: Rejecting consumerism and excess
- Housing Affordability Crisis: Traditional homes increasingly unaffordable
- Lifestyle Flexibility: Digital nomads and location-independent workers
Key Milestones:
- 2002: Jay Shafer founds Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
- 2008-2010: Financial crisis accelerates interest
- 2014: Tiny house TV shows bring mainstream attention
- 2018: IRC Appendix Q officially recognizes tiny houses in building code
- 2020+: COVID-19 drives remote work and housing alternatives
The Movement Today
By the Numbers:
- 10,000+ tiny homes in North America
- Growing 10% annually
- Average cost: $45,000 (vs. $300,000+ traditional home)
- Average size: 225 sq ft (vs. 2,400 sq ft traditional home)
- 78% of tiny home owners own their home outright (no mortgage)
Driving Forces:
- Housing affordability crisis
- Climate change and sustainability
- Remote work flexibility
- Desire for financial freedom
- Minimalist lifestyle appeal
Challenges Remaining:
- Zoning and legal acceptance (improving)
- Financing options (limited but growing)
- Resale market (still developing)
- Social acceptance (increasing)
Community Growth
Where to Connect:
- Online forums and Facebook groups
- Tiny home festivals and workshops
- Tiny home communities (50+ in North America)
- Builder networks and associations
- Local meetups and build workshops
Our Commitment
We’re committed to:
- Regular Updates: Keeping content current with evolving codes, products, and techniques
- Accurate Information: Researching and verifying all technical content
- Practical Guidance: Focusing on real-world application, not just theory
- Inclusive Approach: Covering DIY and professional, mobile and permanent, budget and luxury
- Community Voice: Incorporating real experiences from tiny home builders and residents
Get Started Today
New to Tiny Homes? Start with our 30-Minute Quickstart Guide
Ready to Design? Explore the Design Database for inspiration
Planning to Build? Dive into our Building Guide
Have Questions? Check our Glossary or Contact Us
Join the Movement
Tiny home living is more than downsizing—it’s a conscious choice to live intentionally, sustainably, and freely.
Whether you’re dreaming, planning, building, or already living small, welcome to the community. Your tiny home journey starts here.
Ready to explore? Browse our Guidebooks or try our Interactive Games to start planning your perfect tiny home.