Shopping for a tiny home is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. From floor plans and finishes to trailer specs and off-grid systems, there’s a lot to consider. And with more builders entering the market every year, knowing who to trust isn’t always clear.

That’s why the smartest tiny home buyers don’t just look at floor plans—they ask the right questions.

At Tiny Heirloom, we believe transparency builds trust. As one of the original pioneers in the movement, we’ve heard the good, the bad, and the costly. This guide gives you the 15 essential questions to ask any builder before signing a contract—so you can move forward with confidence, not concern.

Why These Questions Matter

A tiny home is more than just a house—it’s your lifestyle, your values, your future on wheels (or a foundation). Asking informed questions helps you:

  • Avoid unexpected costs

  • Understand build quality and safety

  • Align expectations with reality

  • Protect your investment

  • Find a builder who shares your vision

This isn’t about being skeptical—it’s about being smart.

1. Are You a Licensed and Insured Builder?

Why it matters:
 Proper licensing and insurance mean your builder is legally allowed to build homes and carries liability protection for accidents or defects.

Follow-up to ask:

Can I see proof of your insurance and contractor license?

2. What Certifications Do Your Homes Meet?

Why it matters:
 Certification affects your ability to insure, finance, and legally park your tiny home. Reputable builders often follow standards like:

  • NOAH (National Organization of Alternative Housing)

  • RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association)

  • ANSI (for park model homes)

Follow-up to ask:

What codes or standards does this build comply with?

3. How Long Have You Been Building Tiny Homes?

Why it matters:
 Experience matters in this industry. A builder who’s weathered years of changes knows what holds up—and what doesn’t.

Pro tip: Look for builders with 5+ years in the field and verifiable past projects.

4. Can I See Examples of Past Builds?

Why it matters:
 Photos are great—but walkthroughs (in person or video) are even better. You’ll see craftsmanship, design style, and real-life function.

Follow-up to ask:

Do any past clients allow tours or interviews?

5. What’s Included (and Not Included) in the Base Price?

Why it matters:
 Some builders advertise a “starting at” price that doesn’t include essential items like plumbing, appliances, or insulation. Always request a full scope of work.

Follow-up to ask:

Can you walk me through what’s included line-by-line?

6. What’s Your Design and Build Timeline?

Why it matters:
 Timelines vary. Signature models may take 8–12 weeks. Custom builds may take 4–6 months or longer. Understand when your home will be delivered—and what could delay it.

Follow-up to ask:

How do you handle delays or supply chain issues?

7. Do You Offer Customization? To What Extent?

Why it matters:
 Some “custom” builders only offer finish choices. Others, like Tiny Heirloom, allow full floor plan and system design from scratch.

Follow-up to ask:

Can I bring my own layout or must I choose from existing plans?

8. How Do You Ensure Structural Safety—Especially for Homes on Wheels?

Why it matters:
 Tiny homes face unique forces like road vibration, wind uplift, and weight shifts. Builders should have engineered plans and anchoring systems in place.

Follow-up to ask:

What kind of trailer do you use, and how is the home attached?

9. How Do You Handle Water, Moisture, and Ventilation?

Why it matters:
 Moisture is the #1 long-term threat to any small home. Your builder should talk confidently about:

  • Airtight construction

  • Ventilation systems (HRV/ERV)

  • Flashing, sealants, and drainage

Follow-up to ask:

How do you keep the building envelope dry and breathable?

10. What Energy and Efficiency Features Are Included?

Why it matters:
 Tiny homes benefit from energy-efficient systems like:

  • Spray foam insulation

  • Dual-pane windows

  • Mini-split HVAC

  • Solar readiness

Follow-up to ask:

Can I upgrade to off-grid or net-zero systems?

11. What Materials Do You Use—and Why?

Why it matters:
 Premium materials age better and lower maintenance costs. Ask about:

  • Siding (cedar, metal, composite)

  • Roofing (standing seam vs. asphalt)

  • Cabinet and flooring choices

Follow-up to ask:

Are materials chosen for appearance, performance, or both?

12. How Will I Maintain My Tiny Home?

Why it matters:
 Even the best home needs maintenance. A good builder should walk you through seasonal care and make access to systems easy.

Follow-up to ask:

Do you provide a maintenance guide or service manual?

13. What Warranty Do You Offer?

Why it matters:
 Warranty coverage varies greatly. Some only cover the trailer. Others, like Tiny Heirloom, offer limited warranties on materials, systems, and structure.

Follow-up to ask:

Is your warranty written down and transferable?

14. What Is Your Payment Schedule and Refund Policy?

Why it matters:
 You should never pay 100% upfront. Standard payment structures often include:

  • Deposit

  • Design phase

  • Framing complete

  • Delivery/final walk-through

Follow-up to ask:

What happens if I need to pause or cancel mid-process?

15. Can You Provide Client References or Testimonials?

Why it matters:
 The best builders have happy customers who are willing to share their experiences. Look for video testimonials, Google reviews, or even community groups.

Follow-up to ask:

Do you have any clients I can speak with directly?

Ask With Confidence

The best tiny home builders welcome these questions—because it shows you’re serious about your investment and your future.

When a builder is transparent, thorough, and thoughtful in their answers, it’s a sign they’ll treat your home the same way. And when you ask these 15 questions, you don’t just protect yourself—you empower your tiny living journey with clarity and confidence.

At Tiny Heirloom, we’re proud to offer that level of openness every step of the way—from your first call to the day you park your dream home.

Ready to explore tiny living for yourself?
 Browse our signature models, custom builds, and pre-owned homes to find your perfect match.
👉 Browse Our Models

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