How to Build a Tiny House: The Basics

If you want an alternative home style or an add-on to your house, read this article for some tips on how to build a tiny house.
How to Build a Tiny House: The Basics

Last update: 22 January, 2019

If you want some extra space to relax or greet guests, it could be a great idea to build a tiny houseIt’s a great option to consider if you want a more intimate space set apart from your home itself. Plus, it’s the perfect place for entertaining, hosting guests, or even just having intimate get-togethers with friends.

It can be nice to have an area away from your home where you can think about other things, relax, and change pace. If you have little kids, building a tiny house could also be a perfect alternative to a tree house, and it will still be great for the rest of the family. So, without further ado, here are our tips on how to build a tiny house.

Choose the right area to build your tiny house

Before you do any building, you need to look over your property and find the perfect area to put the tiny house. You should get professional advice for this, from someone like an architect. They’ll be able to do an in-depth analysis of your property and give you their professional opinion with your particular needs in mind. 

tiny house in the garden

First, decide whether you want to build the tiny house right next to your home, or further away. If you have a big property, it’s best to build it a little distance away. Doing that will make the tiny house feel more intimate. Plus, if you ever want to have loud get-togethers, in the tiny house, you won’t have to worry about bothering anyone in the main house.

Try to measure the distances accurately with the help of a professional. If you want, you can also make a path between the two houses.

What kind of tiny house do you want?

Before you build a tiny house, you need to figure out what you want to use it for. That will depend a lot on how much space you have, and how you’re going to distribute it (rooms, etc). It’s all in the name: a tiny house is…tiny. It has the same things as a normal house, but in a much smaller space, which means you need to be strategic.

If you want to use yours to put up family or friends, you should try to create a few different environments so that it feels like a livable space. For this, you can build a loft and put in a bed or two. You can also put a sofa-bed in the main room. This will give your guests lots of space and will allow you to host several people.

The main room should also have a kitchen and a small bathroom in it. This will give your guests (or you), the kind of privacy and self-sufficiency they need.

If you want to use the tiny house for family gatherings or parties, it can also be a great space for lunches and dinners. You can cook in the tiny house without making any mess at all in your actual home! Best of all, it’s easier to clean because it’s so much smaller. 

Windows

It’s always a good idea to have big windows in a small space like this. You could either put in tall, wide windows or sliding glass doors. This will let in a lot of light and will make it much easier to air the house. Light and air are essential to any home, and that’s even more so with a tiny house. 

High ceilings

If you want to make a single-room tiny house without a loft you should build it with high ceilings. This will make it seem visually much igger, and will keep you from feeling cooped up in the small space.

Choose your favorite style

The style your give your tiny house depends entirely on the design and materials you use. Ideally, your tiny house should have a similar style to your main house. They’ll look absolutely amazing together. So, it’s important to think about what materials you’re going to use before you start building.

If you want a more rustic style, like a cabin, you should obviously use a lot of wood. Make sure you get the right wood for the floor, walls, and ceilings. Again, it’s probably best to consult with a professional and make sure you get the right information.

Compare materials and ask questions about how long they last and how much upkeep they need. You need to be cautious and meticulous, because any building mistakes can be difficult, and expensive, to fix.

The rustic style is one of the most popular with tiny houses, because most people want theirs to feel warm and inviting. So, go ahead and give your tiny house this “country cabin” style.

summer house style for a tiny house

Put in shelves and closets

Shelves and closets are a necessity for a tiny house. They give you space to store things like kitchenware, decorations, and tools. Dedicate  at least one wall entirely to long, end-to-end shelves. These will help you maximize your space.

So, it’s not necessarily all that easy to build a tiny house. There are lots of things to keep in mind, along with what you want to use yours for. Inform yourself, get professional advice, and take all the necessary precautions. Imagine, design, and get building your ideal tiny house so that you can have a wonderful space to share with your friends and family!