Tiny homes have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look to downsize, reduce their environmental impact, and simplify their lives. For those interested in having a custom tiny home built, choosing the right tiny home builder is key to getting the home of your dreams. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the top tiny home builders that deliver excellence in both quality and customization.
What to Look for in a Tiny Home Builder
When researching tiny home builders, there are a few key factors to consider:
Quality of Craftsmanship
As with any home, you want excellent craftsmanship that will stand the test of time. Look at photos of previous tiny homes built by the company to evaluate the quality of materials and construction. Customers reviews can also provide insight into build quality.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of having a tiny home is the ability to completely customize it to match your lifestyle and preferences. Seek out builders that offer flexibility in layouts, materials, fixtures, appliances and more. The more customization options the better.
Design Experience
Look for a builder that specializes in tiny home design to maximize the use of the limited space available. They should understand small-space functionality and have experience incorporating storage, multi-functioning features, and space saving layouts.
Cost and Budgeting
Tiny home prices can vary dramatically based on size, materials, customization and features. Builders should be transparent about pricing and options. Make sure they work with you to define a realistic budget and build plan that brings your vision to life.
Sustainability
Many tiny home enthusiasts want an eco-friendly dwelling. Seek builders that use sustainable building materials and processes. Solar panels, reclaimed materials, energy-efficient appliances and composting toilets are just a few sustainable tiny home options.
Builder-Customer Communication
The builder should make you feel heard and understood. They should welcome collaboration and input at every stage, from initial design through completion. Open communication is key for bringing your tiny home dreams to fruition.
By keeping these factors in mind while researching builders, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right partner for your tiny home project. Now let’s look at some of the top tiny home builders across North America.
Top Tiny Home Builders
Minimaliste
Based in Quebec, Canada, Minimaliste is one of the most well-known tiny home builders serving the US and Canada. They offer high-quality craftsmanship using sustainable materials to create beautiful, modern tiny homes.
Customization: Minimaliste provides full customization, including 12 different layouts ranging from 100 to 285 square feet. You can select from various roof types, colors, exterior finishes, doors, windows, skylights and more. They use many locally-sourced reclaimed materials.
Quality: Their homes are built to withstand Canada’s harsh climate, using 2×6 framing, robust insulation, cedar siding, metal roofing and zero VOC paints/finishes. All electrical, plumbing and appliances are best-in-class.
Design: Their contemporary, minimalist aesthetic maximizes space and light. Lofts, creative storage built-ins and multi-functioning features make the homes highly livable. Off-grid and net-zero energy options are available.
Price: Minimaliste tiny homes range from $65,000 to $100,000 USD. They offer transparent pricing, budget management and financing guidance.
Ideal For: Those wanting a contemporary, eco-friendly tiny home built for 4 season living. Minimalistes are move-in ready upon delivery.
Oregon Cottage Company
Oregon Cottage Company creates high-quality custom tiny homes with an emphasis on sustainability. They use eco-friendly processes and materials to build homes ranging from 100 – 300 square feet.
Customization: Each Oregon Cottage is completely tailored to the client’s lifestyle and preferences. The homes feature creative space-saving solutions like lofts, multi-function furniture and built-in storage.
Quality: Their homes are crafted using local and reclaimed materials ensuring low VOC’s and minimized waste. Only real wood cabinets and solid surface counters are used for durability.
Design: Rustic, arts & crafts style tiny homes that feel cozy yet spacious. A focus on indoor-outdoor living allows you to enjoy the scenic Pacific Northwest surroundings.
Price: $65,000 – $95,000 USD depending on size and customization. Their design team provides a detailed cost breakdown.
Ideal For: Those wanting a green, Pacific Northwest inspired tiny home with an emphasis on craftsmanship and sustainability.
Tiny Heirloom
Tiny Heirloom, located in Colorado, creates modern tiny homes highlighting reclaimed and locally-sourced materials. They focus on craftsmanship, sustainability and livability in all of their projects.
Customization: Choose from 5 Tiny Heirloom model layouts, then fully customize floors, walls, fixtures, appliances cabinets and more. Extra design services are also available.
Quality: Tiny Heirloom uses reclaimed barn wood, hand-mixed zero VOC paints, and locally sourced stones/metals for unique touches. Homes meet all building code requirements.
Design: Their homes have a contemporary farmhouse feel with reclaimed wood accent walls and modern appliances/fixtures. Spaces are optimized for full functionality and comfort.
Price: Between $60K-$85K depending on size and materials. Their pricing is upfront with no hidden costs.
Ideal For: Eco-conscious tiny home buyers wanting modern farmhouse inspired spaces and high-end furnishings.
Mustard Seed Tiny Homes
Mustard Seed Tiny Homes, based in California, prides itself on building tiny dream homes for both mobility and stationary set-up. They offer Various models from 100-400 square feet to meet each client’s needs.
Customization: Choose from 5 size models then customize layout, windows, finishes, appliances and more. Optional add-ons like decks, sheds and furniture packages are available.
Quality: Their homes are expertly built and finished using quality framing, insulation, plumbing, electric and appliances. Each home meets recreation vehicle standards for safety.
Design: Their contemporary tiny homes take inspiration from sleek, modern architecture. Spaces seem larger thanks to big windows, tall ceilings and minimalist decor.
Price: $40,000 to $100,000+ depending on model, customization and add-ons. Their team provides transparent pricing.
Ideal For: Those seeking a contemporary, mobile-ready tiny home built with RV quality and standards in mind.
Arizona Tiny Homes
Arizona Tiny Homes specializes in building moveable tiny houses with an emphasis on affordability and sustainability. Their homes range from 70-300 square feet to accommodate every budget and lifestyle.
Customization: Choose from ready-to-go model designs or fully customize floor plans, materials, appliances, finishes and more. Off-grid solar packages are available.
Quality: Their homes are built directly on a trailer for maximum mobility. Only new, eco-friendly and chemical-free materials are used inside and out.
Design: Their fresh, desert-inspired aesthetic makes the most of light and space. Expect lots of windows, convertible furnishings and smart storage solutions.
Price: Starting at just $35,000 for 70 square foot model. Larger custom homes from $50,000-$85,000 USD. Great value tiny homes.
Ideal For: Those wanting an affordable, eco-friendly tiny home with a modern desert design aesthetic for mobility.
Tiny SMART House
Tiny SMART House is a leader in technologically advanced tiny homes. Their high-tech homes allow you to control lighting, temperature, security and more with smart technology.
Customization: Choose smart home features like voice assistants, remote access, home security and more. Also customize layout, appliances, finishes, etc. to fit your lifestyle.
Quality: Tiny SMART houses use the highest quality materials and are engineered for energy efficiency. Their technology integrates seamlessly for easy smart home management.
Design: Sleek, modern design with hidden storage and space saving solutions make their homes attractive and livable. The smart tech is intuitive.
Price: $85,000 to $125,000+ depending on smart technology features and customization. Financing available.
Ideal For: Tech enthusiasts who want to combine tiny home living with cutting-edge smart home technology.
Questions to Ask Tiny Home Builders
Building a custom tiny home is an exciting endeavor that requires thoughtful planning and preparation. As you vet potential builders, here are some key questions to ask:
How long have you been building tiny homes?
Seek out experienced builders in business for 5+ years who have the expertise to create functional, quality tiny residences.
How many tiny homes have you built?
Ask for examples of past work and customer reviews. A robust portfolio demonstrates expertise across multiple tiny home projects.
What foundation/base options do you provide?
Options like trailers, pilings or slab foundations each have pros and cons you’ll want to understand. Make sure the foundation type suits your needs.
Can you provide references from past tiny house clients?
Speaking to past customers provides helpful insight into the building process, quality and customer service. Reputable builders should have happy customers willing to talk.
Do you handle permitting/zoning requirements for tiny houses?
Building code requirements vary based on location. Choose a builder familiar with local zoning laws and permitting processes for tiny homes.
What warranty do you provide on the home?
Good builders stand behind their work. A minimum 1-year warranty provides you with peace of mind and recourse should any issues arise.
What types of customization do you offer?
Look for builders allowing customization of layouts, finishes, appliances, fixtures and more to make your tiny home vision a reality.
What niche experience do you have with tiny homes?
Some builders specialize in certain types of tiny homes like ADUs, mobile homes, net-zero energy, sustainable materials or smart technology integration. Match builder expertise with your goals.
How does the pricing/budgeting process work?
Confirm there is a well-defined, transparent budgeting process so there are no surprise add-ons or fees. Quality builders keep you informed each step.
Building Your Own vs Working with a Tiny Home Builder
While the idea of building a tiny home yourself can sound appealing, there are some definite advantages to hiring an experienced tiny home builder instead:
Expertise and Oversight
A qualified builder has years of training and hands-on building experience. They understand structural engineering, zoning laws, and bringing designs to life. DIY projects often run into issues due to lack of knowledge.
Time Commitment
Building a home yourself requires massive amounts of time researching, planning, constructing and troubleshooting. Good builders minimize demands on your time while ensuring progressed moves rapidly.
Access to Tools and Work Space
Constructing a tiny home requires expansive space for building along with expensive tools and machinery. Builders have professional shops outfitted with all the needed equipment.
Quality Assurance
Builders are familiar with local building codes and quality standards, ensuring your home is safe, legal and built to last. It’s harder to confirm quality on your own build.
Warranties and Protection
Good builders provide warranties on their tiny homes protecting you from defects. If you build it yourself and issues arise down the road, you have no recourse.
Resale Value
Professionally built tiny homes hold resale value much better than amateur DIY builds. Builders create homes following standards expected by buyers.
For many, the accessibility, quality assurance, risk reduction and overall convenience of hiring a proven tiny home builder far outweighs the cost premium compared to doing it yourself. Just take time to research builders thoroughly, get references, inspect examples of their work and clearly define budgets and expectations upfront.
Finding the Perfect Tiny Home Builder for You
There are now many excellent tiny home builders to choose from across North America. By defining your priorities and needs for customization, quality, style, sustainability and functionality ahead of time, you can zero in on the top builders that align with your particular vision and budget.
Be sure to communicate clearly, ask lots of questions, analyze examples of their work and read customer reviews as you vet potential builders. Finding an experienced, reputable builder you connect well with is key to bringing your tiny home dreams to reality.
The builders profiled above represent some of the very best in the industry but there are many other great options to explore as well. With an abundance of builders now specializing in tiny homes, you’re sure to find the ideal partner to create your perfect tiny oasis!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiny Home Builders
Tiny home enthusiasts considering building a custom tiny house likely have many questions about how to choose the right builder. Here we answer some of the FAQs about evaluating tiny home builders:
How much does it cost to hire a tiny home builder?
Costs vary dramatically based on the size and features of the home. Very basic homes could start at $30,000 but most quality custom builds range $60,000 to $100,000+. Get quotes from multiple builders before deciding.
How long does it take a tiny home builder to build a house?
Build times vary based on builder workload, your customization, material sourcing and weather. Typically it takes at least 3-5 months from design finalization to completion. Complex builds can take 6+ months.
What questions should I ask when interviewing tiny house builders?
You’ll want to ask about their experience, past projects, customization options, pricing, warranties, certifications, licenses, insurance, timelines and what is included. Talk to past clients as references too.
How much should I budget for a professionally built tiny home?
On average, plan on spending $100 – $200 per square foot for a professionally built tiny home. A 300 square foot home would be around $30K – $60K. High-end custom builds can be as much as $300+ per square foot.
How do I find reputable tiny home builders in my area?
Search for builders through Tiny Home Builder Directories like TinyHomeBuilders.com. Check sites like Facebook and Houzz for reviews. Drive around your area looking for tiny homes and ask those owners.
Should I hire a local builder or is it okay to hire from another state?
A local builder familiar with zoning laws and permitting in your area is best. But some builders deliver and set-up tiny homes regionally or nationally if you have land ready. Discuss locations upfront.
What should I look out for when vetting tiny house builders?
Watch for vague pricing, lack of customization options and portfolio examples, poor communication, no references or reviews and lack of insurance/licensing. Ensure they specialize specifically in tiny homes.
Building and owning a tiny home is an exciting life change. Finding a qualified, experienced tiny home builder you collaborate well with is the key first step in creating your ideal compact dwelling. Take time to thoroughly vet builders and you’ll be rewarded with a dream tiny home you love for years to come.