How to Build a Tiny House: The Complete Tiny House Building Checklist

I’ve been asked time and time again for a definitive step-by-step guide to building a tiny house. As someone who’s been through the tiny house building process and walked others through it many times, I’m happy to share this experience with you. I wanted to include a basic outline to show you the steps I took to build my tiny house. It can be an intimidating process at first, but this list should help eliminate some of your worry and confusion.

If you’re seeking tiny house building plans and other specifics, please visit my in-depth review on tiny house building plans before you buy. If you’re considering building, but don’t know where to start, the tiny house building checklist below will give you a full overview of what planning, construction and set up entails. It’s always nice to have an overview before you jump into a project, especially one this in-depth and important.

Building a tiny house is completely doable! You simply need to plan, be open to understanding the process thoroughly, and prepare to learn from others’ mistakes. Chances are you’ll run into a few roadblocks along the way, especially if you’re new to home construction, but it’s a satisfying learning process with great end results!

For a more comprehensive guide, check out: How to Build a Tiny House.

TINY HOUSE BUILDING CHECKLIST

This tiny house building checklist is broken down into steps by project and stage. While some stages and phases of construction may overlap, I’ve tried to give them in the optimal order. Where appropriate, I’ve included links to posts that expand on each step.

Phase 1: Before You Build Your Tiny House

The planning and brainstorming phase is vitally important to the building process. Of course, logistics, plumbing, solar and other tiny house construction steps are key too, but in the end, it all comes down to taking the time to plan. Set yourself up for success by creating a strong, research-based construction plan, before you even pick up a hammer.

Planning Your Tiny House

Sourcing Tiny House Components

You’ll need to source the following items. Many you may already have these items on hand or be able to trade and barter with friends and family.

Access & Logistics

tiny house trailer

This is the time to think through how to build a tiny house from start to finish. Think through the process starting with how to get your trailer on to the build site and how you’ll get it out if you ever need to move it. In your mind, play out each step of the build process and see where problems come up or challenges may arise.

everything you need for constructing your tiny house (though no matter what you do, you’ll be making trips to the hardware store for this or that). Work out your gaps in the planning phase before you move forward with building your tiny home.

When I built my tiny house, I used the weeknights to plan and research what I was going to do each weekend when I was building. Thursday night I wrote down a shopping list take with me to the hardware store. Friday night I’d buy the materials and stage them for building the next day. This way when the weekend came, I could get right to work without feeling rushed to figure out plans or making a lot of trips to the store.

Tiny House Trailer

Tiny House Foundation

Tiny House Wall Framing

Tiny House Sheathing

Windows and Door Rough Openings

Tiny House Roof Framing

Note: If building the Fencl tiny house design, first install loft collar ties and flooring

Roof Sheathing

Install Skylights

Door(s)

Siding

Outside Trim Work

Roofing

Rough Plumbing

Note: This may be an area to consider hiring a professional.

Rough Electrical

Note: Hiring a professional is highly recommended.

Rough Gas Lines

Note: Hiring a professional is highly recommended.

Rough HVAC

Note: Hiring a professional is highly recommended.

Insulate

Note: ensure your materials and fasteners that come in contact with foam don’t react

Install Major Appliances

Flooring

Walls

Kitchen

Bathroom

Sleeping Loft

Main Room

Phase 3: Celebrate!

tiny house building

Once your tiny house buildout is finished (and it’s a BIG job to build a tiny house), it’s time to move and settle in. Fortunately, once you’ve mastered the logistics of how to build a tiny house and finished the building process, moving into your tiny home should be a piece of cake.

In Conclusion: Plan Before You Build

As you can see, building a tiny house is an involved, but manageable process. There are many great resources available, including the ones here on The Tiny Life. As you explore how to build a tiny house, really take time up front to do phase 1, thoroughly. Planning is the most vital step. Of course, you can’t plan for every contingency that comes along, but if you’ve prepared as much as possible, the building process will be much smoother.

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