The number of Tiny House builders in Australia is increasing as the Tiny House movement grows. However, builders vary considerably in what they offer, which can be daunting when you’re trying to find a Tiny House builder that will meet your needs.
If you don’t have the skills, time or desire to build your own Tiny House yet you’re after some flexibility and involvement in the project, then finding a Tiny House design and build company is for you.
Key things to look for when choosing Tiny House builders you can trust
Whether you’re building a Tiny House to rent, as your forever home or your work from home space, you want an expert building company that can work with you. Use the points below as a checklist to ensure every aspect is covered when choosing a builder.
1. Experience and Skills
- Find out how long the builders have been in the business of building Tiny Houses and how many homes they’ve built.
- What types of Tiny Houses do they specialise in?
- Are they a team of experts (eg: designer, electrician, painter) or a single builder?
It’s important to choose a Tiny House expert. Tiny House Society gave the following good advice from the US Tiny House movement:
“A Tiny House is not just a regular house in miniature – there are construction methods, systems, and considerations that an experienced Tiny House builder will understand and be able to execute. Be wary of someone with standard residential construction experience jumping on the bandwagon and hanging out a shingle as a Tiny House Builder.”
Portfolio
- Check out a builder’s past projects, usually available on their website.
Some companies have a YouTube account or other social media channels where you can find video tours of their Tiny Homes. Researching will give you a better sense of the quality of a builder’s work plus help you gather inspiration and ideas for your new home.
- Once you’ve narrowed it down to just a couple of Tiny House builders, it’s a good idea to check out a few of their Tiny Homes in person.
Find out if they have display models and if you can visit the factory to see the houses being built.
Reviews and Testimonials
- Find testimonials on the builders website.
- Delve deeper on social media when the builders tag a happy customer.
Tiny House customers will often give an honest review on their social media profile about what’s working and what’s not. Reach out to them via a message, let them know you’re thinking about using the same builder and ask them about their experience.
Communication
- You want to see progress of your project at each stage. Ask how the person overseeing and managing your project will keep you in the loop?
You want to be able to confirm your choices and make timely decisions as the project progresses through the stages. Avoid a change order and associated costs where possible!
Designs
- Does the builder have Tiny House standard designs that you like and can they be customised?
- Do you want a fully customised house or to order a shell and finish the rest yourself and can the builder accommodate that?
It’s worth discovering if the builder’s designs cater for various parking places (eg: roof lines and overhanging trees), weather conditions and off-grid capability.
- How much do design plans cost and what qualifications does the designer have?
- What if you want to provide your own appliances? Is the builder open to that and does it reflect in the budget accordingly?
Budget and Time Frame
You want to determine if the builders have the capacity to complete your project within budget and ontime, with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship.
- Find out when the building will start and how long it will take.
- Does the builder provide detailed budgets with a breakdown of what’s included?
- Can you make percentage payments of the total budget at various times through the build stages?
Quality of Materials and Workmanship
- See if the builder uses quality materials when you visit a display home.
- Do they build in a workshop or factory that offers adequate protection from the weather?
You want a home built to last. Quality craftsmanship and skilled workers are a great find but you’ll notice they can only do so much with poor quality materials when you zoom in on edges and corners! Choose a building company that has both a team of experts and uses high-quality materials.
Delivery and Set Up
- Will the builder deliver to your location and what help do they offer with the setup of your house?
- Is the delivery fee included in the budget and does it include insurance for the road trip?
- Ask if a temporary plate with VIN will be attached to your trailer during transport so you won’t need a permit or need to register your Tiny House right away.
We recommend arranging delivery of your house from a trusted towing company if you’re not experienced with towing, especially due to the dimensions and weight of a Tiny House.
Delivery fees typically increase with distance. If the builders deliver, is their price-competitive with independent towing companies? Know the weight and dimensions of your house when seeking accurate independent tow quotes.
Certification and Regulation Compliance
Only choose a legitimate builder who is certified in Australia and ideally builds according to the Australian Building Code.
- A registered builder can provide the documentation you’ll need to insure your home so confirm the builder you choose is actually registered in Australia.
Warranty and Guarantee
- Does the builder offer any guarantees on the work or warranty on appliances and fittings and for how long?
- What is the process if there is an issue during or after delivery?
It’s important you feel confident that you’re covered in every respect. It’s worth getting informed and applying caution to a builder who can’t produce a reliable guarantee.
Initial Consultation
- Arrange a free consultation on the phone or in person and interview the builders to find out what you’re going to need in the design of your Tiny House and if the builders can offer it to you.
Transitioning to simpler living is an exciting and important lifestyle move. You deserve to be guided with care from your first enquiry to the completion of your build.
On Going Support
- Get a feel for the people you’ll be dealing with and see if they have a social media community you can rely on for tips.
It’s good to know open communication and helpful service is available after you move into your new Tiny Home.
The best Tiny House builders will have a good portfolio of high quality completed projects and a list of satisfied customers.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choice from a general list of companies you found by searching online, interview your potential tiny house builder either in person or on the phone. Schedule that first consultation!
Head to our FAQ page to see what we offer in a nutshell.
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