FAQs
What is a tiny house vs an ADU?
A tiny house is a compact, fully functional home, smaller than the average sized home. It is designed to maximize space and minimize your environmental footprint. Tiny homes offer a minimalist lifestyle without sacrificing comfort or style. A tiny house can be built as an ADU or independently on a vacant lot.
An ADU refers to an Accessory Dwelling Unit. As the name implies, ADU means accessory to the principal property. Restrictions vary by city/county.
Can I design my own tiny house?
Absolutely! We offer fully custom designs. You can work with our team to bring your vision to life, whether you have a specific layout in mind or need help with the design process.
What areas do you build?
Currently our building radius is anywhere within an hour of Raleigh, NC. If you are unsure, reach out to tinyhomesraleigh@gmail.com with your property address to verify.
How do I know if I can build on my property?
You can reach out to Planning and Development in your area. Give them your address and they can tell you the type of accessory structure that is allowed on the property and any size and setbacks regulations.
You can also reach out to us. Send us your address and what you plan to put on the property. A member of our team can check the city/county Unified Development Ordinance in your area.
Can I build multiple units?
Potentially. The City of Raleigh and the City of Durham have more recently started to allow multiple units in higher density areas. Contact us to review your property for options.
How long does it take to build a tiny house?
The timeline for building a tiny house typically averages 4-5 months, depending on the complexity of the design and custom features. We provide a more precise timeline after discussing your specific needs and preferences. Additional time will be needed for design and permitting.
Do you offer mobile (wheeled) tiny homes?
No. We build stationary stick built homes. If you’re looking for a tiny house on wheels, there are several companies towards Western North Carolina that could assist.
Can I live in a tiny house full-time?
Yes, many of our customers live in their tiny homes full-time. We can help design your tiny house to meet your needs, from space-efficient kitchens to ample storage. Make sure to check local zoning and building regulations to ensure your tiny home is legally compliant in your area. Be specific in language used if you are building a tiny house or ADU.
Do you provide warranty for your tiny houses?
Yes, we offer a 1-year warranty on construction and craftsmanship, as well as warranties on appliances and materials as per manufacturer guidelines. We want your tiny house to stand the test of time.
What if I have an HOA?
Always check with your HOA first if they allow ADUS and what regulations are in place. They override local zoning.
How do I prepare my site for a tiny house?
If you're opting for a stationary tiny home, you'll need a cleared site and access to necessary utilities (water, electricity, sewage). We can assist you with site preparation and guide you through zoning and permitting requirements.
What is the cost of building a tiny house?
The cost of a tiny house varies based on factors like size, design, materials, and features. On average, a tiny house can range from $120,000 to $250,000 or more. We offer customizable options to fit different budgets.
Is financing available for tiny houses?
If you are building a tiny house on a vacant lot you may qualify for a new construction loan. This type of loan will transfer to a traditional style mortgage at the end of the build. Contact your local bank or credit union for options.
If you are building an ADU on your property financing can look a little different. ADUs in our area do not currently qualify for traditional financing because they cannot be sold separately from your primary home. Instead, homeowners will look to utilizing a HELOC, personal loan, or personal line of credit to help finance their build.
Soon we will be offering a link to lender application that serves as a marketplace for lenders that offer loans for ADUs. We do not receive any kickbacks, we simply hope to direct clients to financing options that will make owning a tiny home more accessible. Stay-tuned for a financing link on our website.
What kind of maintenance does a tiny house require?
Like any home, a tiny house requires regular maintenance. This includes cleaning, checking for leaks, maintaining appliances, and ensuring the exterior is weatherproof. Since tiny homes are smaller, maintenance is often quicker and easier than with traditional homes.
Are there any size restrictions or zoning issues with tiny houses?
Zoning laws and size restrictions vary by location. Before starting your build, we recommend checking with your local government to ensure your tiny home complies with the rules in your area. Our team can help guide you through this process as well.