Checklist for Starting Your Tiny Home Build
If you’re wondering where to begin and you’re getting lost in ideas, I’m here to give you a hand. A checklist for starting your tiny home build is exactly what the doctor ordered and I’ve got the perfect one.
1. Location – Where are you going to build it?
If it’s on a side yard, are you going to have a private entrance? If possible, place it closest to your sewer line going into your house and close to your breaker box for adding your breakers to support your new build (the further you need to run conduit and cable, the more expensive it will be). You’ll still need to account for the materials for running pipe and water lines, etc, but the closer you are to the “final destination” the less expensive it’ll be.
2. Is it on wheels or on a foundation?
– If it’s on a foundation, make sure you have a large enough pad to accommodate a deck/seating area and other amenities you might want to add later.
3. Are you using a regular flushing toilet or a compost toilet?
– This will determine the plumbing you will need. Regular flushing toilet will require black pipe to get rid of waste. A compost toilet will require nothing and you’ll only worry about your grey water. There are many brands but this is the one I use.
4. Contractor
– Spend the time to find someone who will work with you on this build. Don’t underestimate this step. You want someone who will build to your vision. You may have unique ideas that aren’t considered the norm and you’ll need someone who can accommodate that. You want your contractor to work with your schedule also. Not someone who shows up when they want to show up (trust me, I’ve worked with all kinds).
5. Do as much of the work you can to save money
– If you can do the painting and the staining of wood, do it. It’ll save you paying your contractor to do that work. And, if you’re handy in the building arena, jump in where you can. Every day that you don’t pay your contractor for work you can do is money in your pocket.
6. Overestimate the needed power outlets
– While a build is being done is when you want to add extra outlets. Even if you don’t see where you will need them, install them anyway. Once those walls go up, it’s much harder to add plugs later.
7. Don’t forget the wall lighting
– Everyone wants recessed lighting because it’s new and modern. I agree. However, if you don’t have wall lighting, you miss the ability to create a warm and cozy atmosphere that cannot be found with recessed lighting. Make this decision early, while the framing is done, so you know exactly where the lights are going to go.
8. What do you want on the outside of your build?
– A propane grill for summer evening bbqs? A jacuzzi and a sauna? An outside wash station for the fur baby or for cleaning off muddy boots? Or an outside storage shed to house the extra stuff you couldn’t seem to leave behind? These elements of the build must be considered in case an extra water line needs to be run or extra power sources need to be added. Remember, it’s always easy to do these things at the beginning before all of the walls are put in place.
9. Where are you going to put your clothes?
– You have options. You can build a closet into the tiny house or you can build storage space under the bed as well. Also, storage benches that can serve as a storage container are also nice to have. Always think multi-purpose.
10. What appliances do you want in your build?
– Are you going to have a full kitchen (fridge and microwave included) and full bathroom? If so, do you want a tub or is a shower sufficient? Are you going to run a gas line for hot water and a stove/oven? If not you’ll need be make sure your electrical is in place for an electric stove and hot water heater (as they pull more power). Also, are you going to be putting in a washing machine and dryer or an all in one? There are also great smaller washing machines with spin features that “almost” dry your clothes. Then you can just hang them to finish the drying process.
11. Get familiar with your home building stores (Lowes, Home Depot, etc) in your area.
– They will have a lot of your supplies and even have lumber at up to 70% off (at times) that you may be able to use. Get to know the people who work at these places because they can be a great source of information, but not everyone who works there is equally smart, just to let you know. However, the ones who are indeed knowledgeable are awesome. There are plumbing stores that are great too. Do some research to find out who you’ll have in your corner during the build.
12. Electrician and Plumber
– These two people are different from your contractor and extremely important. As you’ll find, a good contractor (framer/finisher) will work hand in hand with these two craftsman to make certain the electrical boxes are framed right and the lighting is placed where needed and that the plumber has what he needs to run the plumbing in just the right places. Again, do your due diligence to ensure these two individuals are in your corner and will work with your schedule, show up on time and have integrity in their work. Get referrals if you can and make sure they fit into your budget. Sometimes you’ll have to pay a bit more, but these two aspects of the build are essential.
13. Finding your supplies
– Aside from your local hardware and building supply stores, you can use other resources to find building supplies, appliances, flooring, lumber and even electrical supplies. Facebook marketplace, OfferUp (mobile app with people selling various items in your area), Habitat for Humanity and of course thrift stores, Craigslist and Ebay may be useful in finding items for a fraction of the cost. Also, taking something old and refurbishing it is always a great way to save money and often times a beautiful addition to a build.
14. Where are you going to put the TV?
– If you are going to mount it on the wall, it will be best to place backing between the 2x4s during the build to accommodate the weight. Also, you’ll need to make sure you have an electrical outlet in that location for the TV and any other TV related items you’ll be using.
15. How are you heating and cooling your new addition?
– Mini splits are great for tiny homes and ADUs. Personally, I haven’t liked their functionality with respect to heating, but for cooling they are great. For heating, I have found some great space heaters that are on rollers, trendy and come with a remote and timer. They work well for the space. Lastly, if you have the room, an electric inset wall fireplace makes for a great heating resource as well as providing a beautiful look and feel.
16. How many windows will you have?
This is personal to each individual and there is no right or wrong answer here. Think about what you want, buy the windows and let your contractor do the rest.
17. Take pictures
– As you’re building, you’ll think you’ll remember every aspect, but you won’t. The pictures will be a reminder of all that you’ve accomplished. Secondly, the pictures will come in handy even years after the build when you are trying to remember where electrical lines were run or plumbing pipes were located in the event that you need to address an issue.
There are lots to consider as you take on this quest, and there will be more challenges you’ll find along the way and more decisions you need to make than I’ve listed here. Nonetheless, you’ll be doing it and you’ll be getting it done with your checklist for starting your tiny home build. Once it’s complete, you’ll look back over the time and the pictures and be amazed at what you accomplished. Work hard, do your due diligence and enjoy the ride. I can’t wait to see your finished product.