On this page I hope to outline the majority of the steps that I have taken to build my Tiny House to help other people who are building Tiny Houses. It will also serve as a working list for myself during the building process. This list is really only for a high level view of how to build a Tiny House, I will detail in depth everything on this page: Ryan’s Tiny House as I complete each aspect of the build. If you have ideas for improvements or feedback let me know through the contact us menu link.
Before You Build
Planning
- Determine Your True Needs: Info Here
- Select Site
- Talk with other Tiny House People: Info Here
- Rough Floor Plan
- Determine Major Features
- Draw Up Or Purchase Plans
- Create Budget
- Address Top 5 Barriers: Barriers, Solutions Part I, Solutions Part II
- Skills Building: Getting started Guide
Sourcing
- Trailer – My Trailer
- Windows – Info here
- Lumber
- Tools – Basic tools I used
- Appliances
- Knowledgeable Friends
- Professionals
Consider Access
- Consider when you need to bring in mattress, appliances, shower stall, toilet, furniture
- Make sure big things can fit through door or windows!
Construction
Trailer
- Site Selection
- Leveling
- Remove Decking – I decided to get a higher weight rated trailer, so I left these on
- Cut Off Extras – More on the trailer
- Weld On Anchors – Anchoring the Tiny House
Foundation
- Build Foundation Frame – Post on Framing The Floor
- Anchor Foundation To Trailer – Anchoring the Tiny House
- Attach Metal Flashing – Post on metal flashing
- Add Insulation
- Add Vapor Barrier – Protecting against water
- Install Sub Floor
Wall Framing
- Frame Walls According To Plans
- Ensure Squareness
- Test Fit Windows (While Laying Down)
- Sheath While Laying Down
- Consider Big Items That Might Not Fit Through Door (Shower Stall, Mattress, Fridge)
- Raise Walls, Square and Brace
- Secure Framing To Trailer Via Anchors
Sheathing
- Measure & Plan Panel Layout
- Cut All Pieces
- Allow for 1/8″ expansion gap between sheets of plywood
- Test Fit
- Apply Glue To All Studs
- Tack in Place With A Few Nails
- Screw Every 3″ On Edges Of Panels
- Screw Every 6″ Into Studs Covered
- Ensure You Use Screws & Nails Designed For Treated Wood!
- After Walls Are Raised, Anchor Plywood To Foundation
Windows And Door Rough Openings
- Double Check Window Dimensions, Give A Little Extra
- Cut Out Window Holes (Sawz-All or Plunge Router)
- Apply House Wrap (WRB) Tyvek or Typar
- Cut House Wrap – Inverted “Y”
- Test Fit Window
- Flash Windows Sills – 5 Degree Angle
- Instal Windows & Shim
- Tack With A Few Screws
- Test Window Functionality
- Secure Per Manufacture Recommendations
- Flash Window -Start At Bottom Work Up
- Leave Bottom Edge Unsealed for Water Drainage
Roof Framing
- If Building Fencl, First Install Loft Collar Ties and Flooring
- Construct Trusses Per Plans
- Ensure Height Stays Under 13.5 Feet
- Build Headers For Rough Opening For Skylight
Roof Sheathing
- Plan Layout And Dimensions
- Cut Boards
- Glue Truss Edges
- Use “H” Clips Between Sheets
- Secure With Ring Shank Nails and Screws
Install Skylights
- Build Frame If Using Curb Mounted
- No Need To Frame With Deck Mounted
- Test Fit Skylight
- Install Skylight Per Directions
- Flash According To Directions
Door(s)
- Frame Door Frame
- Build Door Or Purchase
- Test Fit
- Shim And Secure
- Consider a Temporary Plywood Door During Construction
- Install Door Hardware
Siding
- Tape House Wrap Seams
- Install Furring Strips
- Paint BOTH sides of siding before putting up
- Hang Siding
Outside Trim Work
- Install Fascia Boards
- Install Drip Edge
Install Roofing
- Apply Ice & Water Shield
- Install Reflection Barrier (Need .5″ Gap)
- Install Furring Strips
- Install Roof Per Manufacture’s Recommendations
Rough Plumbing
- Plan Out Drains, Inlets, Holes In Floor, etc
- Be sure to check for trailer cross beams under trailer
- Be Sure To Account For Vents If Needed
- Be Sure To Account For “P” Traps
- Be Sure To Account For Proper Slope So Water Drains Well
- Consider Hiring A Professional
Rough Electrical
- Plan Out Locations of Outlets, Lights, Fans, Sockets Etc.
- Plan locations for smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms
- Consider Your Usage How What Draw You Will Use
- Highly Recommend Hiring A Professional
Rough Gas Lines
- Plan Out Locations Needed
- Highly Recommend Hiring A Professional
Rough HVAC
- Plan Out Locations Needed
- Highly Recommend Hiring A Professional
Insulate
- Install Insulation
- Foam In Edges
- Install Vapor Barrier – 6 Mil
- Ensure your materials and fasteners that come in contact with foam are okay (some react)
Install Major Appliances
- Water Heater
- Fridge (May Wait Till Later)
- Shower
- Heater
Flooring
- Follow Directions
- Cover With Durable Protection Layer
Walls
- Hang Wall Panels
- Trim Around Lights and Edges
Kitchen
- Plan Out Locations Needed
- Construct Rough Frame For Cabinets and Counter Tops
- Install Counter Top
- Drop In Stove And Connect
- Drop In Sink And Connect
- Build And Install Cabinet Doors
- Build In Shelving
Bathroom
- Plan Out Locations Needed
- Finish The Shower Stall Connections
- Finish Bathroom Walls
- Finish Bathroom Storage
- Connect Toilet (Or Build Composting Unit)
- Install Vent (Consider Having On Timer For Whole House Air Exchange)
Sleeping Loft
- Install Any Additional Storage
- Wire In Lights and Outlets
- Take A Nap, You Deserve It!
Main Room
- Finish HVAC
- Wire Lights And Outlets
- Build Any Built In Units
- Finish Storage
Celebrate!
- Clean The Place Out
- Invite Awesome Friends Who Helped
- Sit Back And Enjoy!
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