Tiny Home Building Guide: From Foundation to Finish

Your Complete Building Roadmap

Building a tiny home is an achievable dream for anyone with basic construction skills, patience, and determination. This comprehensive guide walks you through every phase of construction.

Pre-Construction Planning

Timeline Expectations

Full DIY Build:

• Part-time (weekends): 12-18 months
• Full-time: 3-6 months
• With help: 2-4 months

Partial DIY (shell hired):

• Interior finish: 2-4 months part-time
• 3-6 weeks full-time

Budget Planning

Cost Breakdown by Category:

Hidden Costs to Budget:

• Permits and inspections: $500-2,000
• Delivery of materials: $500-1,500
• Mistakes and waste: 10% of material costs
• Tools you don’t have: $500-2,000
• Professional help (electrical, plumbing): $1,000-3,000

Skill Assessment

Required Skills (Can Learn):

• Basic carpentry (framing, trim)
• Tool operation (saw, drill, level)
• Problem-solving and patience
• Following plans and instructions

Helpful Skills:

• Electrical wiring
• Plumbing
• Finish carpentry
• Painting and finishing

Consider Hiring Out:

• Foundation/trailer prep
• Electrical panel and hookup
• Plumbing rough-in
• Spray foam insulation
• Roofing (if metal or complex)

Phase 1: Foundation (Weeks 1-2)

Trailer Selection

Tiny Home Trailer Specs:

• Length: 16-28 ft (most common: 20-24 ft)
• Width: 8.5 ft (max for road legal without permits)
• GVWR: 10,000-14,000 lbs minimum
• Axles: Dual or triple (depends on length/weight)
• Frame: Steel I-beam, not RV frame

Features Needed:

• Welded steel frame
• Trailer brake system
• Safety chains
• Properly rated hitch
• Outrigger supports (leveling jacks)
• Moisture barrier

Trailer Preparation:

1. Inspect for rust and damage
2. Apply rust protection treatment
3. Install moisture barrier (metal flashing or composite)
4. Add outriggers for leveling
5. Mark stud locations (for later reference)

Foundation Anchoring

Secure Framing to Trailer:

• Use hurricane ties or structural brackets
• Lag bolts through floor joists into trailer frame
• Minimum 3/8" bolts, 6" spacing on perimeter
• Never screw directly into trailer deck

Phase 2: Framing (Weeks 3-6)

Floor Framing

Floor Construction:

1. Rim joists: 2x6 or 2x8 pressure-treated lumber
2. Floor joists: 2x6 on 16" centers (perpendicular to travel direction)
3. Blocking: Mid-span blocking for stiffness
4. Subfloor: 3/4" advantech or T&G plywood, glued and screwed

Floor Insulation:

• Rigid foam board: R-12 to R-20
• Spray foam: R-15 to R-25
• Rockwool batts: R-15 to R-23
• Vapor barrier: Always on warm side

Wall Framing

Wall Construction:

• Bottom plate: 2x4 treated, bolted to floor
• Studs: 2x4 on 16" or 24" centers
• Top plate: Double 2x4 for header support
• Headers: 2x6 or 2x8 over windows/doors
• Sheathing: 1/2" plywood or OSB

Critical Measurements:

• Interior height: 6’ 6" to 7’ on main floor
• Loft height: 3’ 6" to 4’ for sleeping comfort
• Total height: 13’ 6" max (road legal)
• Door height: 6’ 8" standard

Framing Tips:

• Use advanced framing techniques (less lumber, better insulation)
• Window rough openings: Add 1/2" to window size
• Pre-drill screw holes near board ends
• Check square constantly (3-4-5 triangle method)
• Build walls on ground, then tip up

Roof Framing

Roof Styles:

Shed Roof:

• Simplest, most space-efficient
• Good for loft space
• Single slope, easy to build

Gable Roof:

• Traditional appearance
• Maximum loft space
• More complex framing

Gambrel/Barn:

• Maximum interior volume
• More complex, more expensive
• Great for two lofts

Roof Construction:

1. Install ridge beam (if gable)
2. Cut and install rafters (16" or 24" O.C.)
3. Add collar ties (required for strength)
4. Install roof sheathing (1/2" OSB or plywood)
5. Add drip edge
6. Install roofing underlayment
7. Apply roofing material

Roofing Materials:

• Metal (standing seam): Best, most durable, 50+ years
• Architectural shingles: Good, 20-30 years
• Metal panels: Budget option, 20-30 years
• EPDM/rubber: Flat roofs only, 15-25 years

Phase 3: Exterior (Weeks 7-10)

Windows and Doors

Window Installation:

1. Check rough opening (level and square)
2. Apply flashing tape to sill
3. Set window, shim level
4. Nail through flange
5. Flash sides and top (overlapping down)
6. Insulate gaps with minimal-expanding foam

Window Types:

• Double-hung: Traditional, good ventilation
• Casement: Best seal, maximum ventilation
• Fixed: Cheapest, no ventilation
• Skylights: Essential for lofts

Door Installation:

• Exterior door: 32" or 36" wide minimum
• Pre-hung easier for beginners
• Ensure proper weatherproofing
• Use quality threshold (high traffic)

Exterior Siding

Siding Options:

Wood (Cedar, Pine):

• Beautiful, natural
• Requires maintenance
• $3-6 per sq ft

Fiber Cement:

• Durable, fire-resistant
• Heavy (weight concern)
• $2-4 per sq ft

Metal (Corrugated, Standing Seam):

• Lightweight, durable
• Modern aesthetic
• $2-5 per sq ft

Vinyl:

• Low maintenance, affordable
• Can look cheap
• $1-3 per sq ft

Board and Batten:

• Rustic charm
• Covers imperfections
• DIY-friendly

Installation Tips:

• Start from bottom, work up
• Overlap pieces properly (water sheds down)
• Leave expansion gaps
• Use stainless or coated fasteners
• Flash around all penetrations

Exterior Finishing

Trim Work:

• Corner boards
• Window and door trim
• Rake and eave trim
• Belly board (skirt around trailer)

Weatherproofing:

• Caulk all seams and gaps
• Paint or stain (if required)
• Check flashing everywhere
• Test with garden hose

Phase 4: Rough-Ins (Weeks 11-14)

Electrical Rough-In

Electrical Planning:

• 30-amp or 50-amp RV service (mobile)
• 100-amp or 200-amp service (permanent)
• Main breaker panel: 8-12 circuits typical
• GFCI outlets: Kitchen, bathroom, exterior
• AFCI breakers: Bedrooms (code requirement)

Circuit Layout:

1. Kitchen appliances (dedicated circuits)
2. Bathroom GFCI
3. Living area outlets
4. Loft/bedroom outlets
5. Lighting circuits
6. HVAC/mini-split
7. Water heater
8. Washer/dryer (if applicable)

Wiring Tips:

• Use 12-gauge wire (20-amp circuits)
• Staple every 16" and 8" from boxes
• Label every wire
• Leave 8" of wire in each box
• Take photos before insulation

Plumbing Rough-In

Plumbing System:

• Freshwater: PEX or copper
• Drain: PVC or ABS
• Vent: Required for all fixtures
• Shut-offs: At each fixture

Fixture Planning:

• Kitchen sink: 1.5" drain, vented
• Bathroom sink: 1.5" drain, vented
• Shower: 2" drain, vented
• Toilet: 3" drain, main vent
• Washing machine: 2" drain, vented

Hot Water Options:

• Tankless (electric or propane): Unlimited, efficient
• Small tank (6-10 gal): Simple, affordable
• On-demand (point-of-use): Saves space

Water System Types:

• RV-style: Fresh tank, gray tank, black tank (mobile)
• Traditional: City water or well, septic or sewer (permanent)
• Hybrid: Hookup-ready with tanks for off-grid

HVAC Rough-In

Heating/Cooling Options:

Mini-Split:

• Most efficient
• Heat and AC in one
• Quiet, effective
• $1,000-2,500 installed

Propane Heater:

• Vented wall mount
• Efficient, affordable
• No AC option
• $300-800

Electric Baseboard:

• Simple, affordable
• Inefficient, expensive to run
• Easy DIY install
• $100-300

Wood Stove:

• Romantic, off-grid capable
• Requires clearances (takes space)
• Maintenance needed
• $800-2,000

Phase 5: Insulation (Week 15)

Insulation Types

Recommended R-Values:

• Walls: R-13 to R-21
• Roof: R-30 to R-40
• Floor: R-10 to R-20

Vapor Barrier:

• Always on warm side of insulation
• Prevents condensation in walls
• 6-mil poly or foil-faced foam
• Tape all seams

Phase 6: Interior Finish (Weeks 16-22)

Walls and Ceilings

Wall Covering Options:

• Drywall: Traditional, 1/4" or 3/8" for weight savings
• Shiplap: Popular, rustic look, DIY-friendly
• Plywood: Affordable, modern, tongue-and-groove looks great
• Paneling: Quick, lightweight, varied styles

Installation:

1. Install ceiling first, then walls
2. Screw to studs (every 16")
3. Fill seams/nail holes
4. Sand smooth
5. Prime and paint or stain

Flooring

Flooring Options:

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP):

• Waterproof, durable
• Looks like wood
• DIY-friendly click-lock
• $2-4 per sq ft

Laminate:

• Affordable, many styles
• Not waterproof
• Easy install
• $1-3 per sq ft

Hardwood:

• Beautiful, classic
• Expensive, heavy
• Can be refinished
• $4-8 per sq ft

Tile:

• Durable, waterproof
• Heavy, cold
• Professional install recommended
• $3-6 per sq ft

Kitchen Installation

Kitchen Layout:

• Galley: Most efficient for tiny homes
• L-Shape: Good for small corners
• Single Wall: Simplest, most compact

Components:

• Base cabinets: 24" deep standard
• Upper cabinets: 12" deep (saves space)
• Countertop: Butcher block, laminate, or quartz
• Sink: Undermount or drop-in, 15-25" wide
• Appliances: Apartment-size or compact

Appliance Sizing:

• Fridge: 10-18 cu ft (or 12v RV fridge)
• Range: 20-24" wide (or portable burners)
• Dishwasher: 18" or drawer style (optional)
• Microwave: Over range or countertop

Bathroom Installation

Bathroom Fixtures:

Toilet:

• Composting: Off-grid, no plumbing needed, $900-2,000
• RV cassette: Portable, emptied manually, $150-400
• Standard flush: Traditional, needs plumbing, $200-500

Shower:

• Prefab unit: 32x32" or 36x36", easy install
• Tile: Custom, beautiful, professional recommended
• Wet bath: RV-style, toilet in shower (saves space)

Sink:

• Pedestal: Compact, classic
• Vanity: Storage underneath
• Wall-mount: Most space-efficient

Phase 7: Final Touches (Weeks 23-24)

Trim and Molding

• Baseboard: Covers floor-wall gap
• Crown molding: Optional, adds finished look
• Window/door casing: Frames openings
• Stair trim: Safety and aesthetics

Paint and Stain

Color Strategy:

• Light colors expand space
• Accent wall adds depth
• Ceiling same or lighter than walls
• Trim contrasts with walls

Fixtures and Hardware

• Light fixtures: Install all lights
• Outlets and switches: Install cover plates
• Cabinet hardware: Knobs and pulls
• Bathroom accessories: Towel bars, TP holder
• Window treatments: Curtains or shades

Systems Testing

Final Checklist:

• All electrical circuits working
• All plumbing leak-free
• HVAC operational
• Windows and doors seal properly
• All appliances functioning
• Smoke and CO detectors installed

Post-Construction

Inspection and Certification

RVIA Certification (if mobile):

• Required in some states
• Ensures road safety
• Costs $2,000-4,000
• Third-party inspection

Local Building Inspection:

• Required for permanent foundation
• Electrical, plumbing, structural
• Schedule at each phase
• Final CO (Certificate of Occupancy)

Transportation (if mobile)

Hiring a Mover:

• Cost: $3-5 per mile
• Requires proper insurance
• Check weight limits
• Get multiple quotes

DIY Towing:

• Requires proper truck (3/4 ton minimum)
• Weight distribution hitch
• Trailer brake controller
• Practice in empty lot first

Tool List

Essential Tools ($500-1,000)

Power Tools:

• Circular saw
• Drill/driver combo
• Jigsaw
• Miter saw (or miter box)
• Orbital sander

Hand Tools:

• Hammer
• Level (24" and 48")
• Square (framing and speed)
• Tape measure (25 ft)
• Utility knife
• Pry bar
• Screwdrivers
• Pliers set
• Wire strippers

Safety:

• Safety glasses
• Ear protection
• Dust mask/respirator
• Work gloves
• First aid kit

Advanced Tools (Nice to Have)

• Table saw
• Nail gun (framing and finish)
• Air compressor
• Impact driver
• Oscillating multi-tool
• Router

Next Steps

• Review Legal Requirements and Codes
• Learn about Sustainable Systems
• Explore Interior Design Ideas
• Calculate your budget with our Budget Calculator

Building a tiny home is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, do it right, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or hire professionals for tasks beyond your skill level. The result will be a home you’re proud of—built with your own hands.