Building your own tiny house is a journey into the world of compact living, creative design, and a sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking a minimalist dwelling, a mobile retreat, or a cost-effective housing solution, the process of building a tiny home provides a unique blend of challenge and fulfillment. It’s the kind of big project that will take a lot of time and effort but will give you loads of satisfaction once you’re all done!
So now, let’s take a closer look at some of the best places where you can find plans for your own tiny house trailer.
Where to Find Tiny House Trailer Plans
There are numerous sites offering tiny house plans. But to make things easier, we’ve narrowed down the search to three – the following sites all provide a plethora of options catering to different styles and preferences.
Tiny House Plans
From A-frames to THOWs to storage sheds, this site offers a range of plans to choose from in various categories. This company also runs Tiny House Community, so they throw in bonuses like a free limited membership to that site as well as an ebook.
Visit Tiny House Plans to learn more»
Get the Green Building Project Checklist
Use this handy checklist on your next project to keep track of all the ways you can make your home more energy-efficient and sustainable.
Tiny Home Builders
Their website features a number of tiny home plans of varying sizes as well as workshops (both online and in person) and a book.
Visit Tiny Home Builders to learn more»
The Tiny Project
You get the complete construction blueprints and Sketchup model for the 8×20′ tiny home on wheels that they built and have featured on their website (see tiny house pictured above).
Visit The Tiny Project to learn more»
Books
Books are another option to explore for more inspiration. Authors like Andrew Morrison and Dan Louche have written insightful tiny house building guides packed with detailed information. Here are a couple of suggestions:
- Tiny House Designing, Building and Living by Andrew and Gabriella Morrison
- Tiny House Design and Construction by Dan Louche
DIY Blogs and Forums
Engage with the thriving community of DIY enthusiasts on blogs and forums. Platforms like the Tiny House Blog and forums like the Tiny House Forum often share personal experiences, tips, and even free or affordable plans.
Architects and Designers
If you have specific design requirements or prefer a customized approach, consider consulting with architects or designers experienced in tiny house construction. They can tailor plans to suit your vision while ensuring compliance with local building codes. Have a look at our directory to find a suitable professional.
Workshops and Events
Attend tiny house workshops or events where professionals in the field share their expertise. Some events even offer hands-on experience, providing valuable insights into the construction process.
Local Building Departments
Check with your local building department for any pre-approved tiny house plans or guidelines. This ensures that your design aligns with regional building codes and zoning regulations.
Remember, while choosing a plan, consider factors such as your lifestyle, the number of occupants, and the level of mobility you desire. A well-crafted plan is the cornerstone of a successful tiny trailer home project, setting the stage for an exciting and fulfilling construction journey.
Examples of Finished DIY Tiny Trailer Homes + Plans
Need an inspiration break? Have a peek at these examples of finished DIY tiny homes. Take a look at each of them in great detail, as they might provide you with some insight as to what your own tiny trailer home could look like.
- 27 Fantastic Tiny Homes Built With Recycled Materials (Family Handyman)
- 5 Tiny Homes That Are Amazingly Affordable (The Spruce)
- 17 Best Custom Tiny House Trailers and Kits with Plans for Super-Tight Budget (Craft-Mart)
Choosing a Tiny House Trailer Plan – Factors to Consider
Choosing the right plans for your tiny house trailer is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and satisfying construction process. Here’s a detailed and comprehensive list of considerations to guide you.
Legal Compliance
Check local zoning laws and building codes to ensure the chosen plans comply with regulations for tiny homes on trailers in your area. Confirm the maximum allowable size, height, and weight for mobile structures.
Trailer Size and Type
Determine the size and type of trailer needed based on the selected plans. Ensure it aligns with your intended use and local regulations. Consider factors like axle capacity, wheel placement, and the overall weight-bearing capacity of the trailer.
Mobility Requirements
Assess your mobility needs. If you plan to travel frequently, choose plans that prioritize aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and a road-worthy design.
Design Style
Select plans that match your aesthetic preferences and lifestyle requirements. Whether it’s a modern, rustic, or minimalist design, find a style that resonates with you.
Interior Layout
Evaluate the interior layout of the plans. Consider the placement of key elements like the kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area, and living space to ensure they align with your preferences and needs.
Storage Solutions
Assess the storage options provided in the plans. Tiny houses require efficient storage solutions, so look for designs that maximize space with built-in cabinets, lofts, or innovative storage solutions.
Windows and Natural Light
Examine the placement and size of windows. Natural light is crucial in a tiny space, so choose plans that incorporate well-positioned windows to enhance both lighting and ventilation.
Insulation and Climate Considerations
Check the insulation specifications in the plans to ensure your tiny house is suitable for the climate in your intended location. Consider plans that incorporate energy-efficient features for heating and cooling.
Roof Design
Evaluate the roof design for both aesthetics and functionality. Consider factors like snow load, water runoff, and the potential for solar panel installation.
Materials and Budget
Review the materials list provided in the plans. Consider the cost, availability, and environmental impact of the materials to ensure they align with your budget and values.
DIY vs. Professional Build
Assess your own skills and the complexity of the plans. Choose plans that match your level of expertise, or be prepared to seek professional help for certain aspects of the construction. If building from scratch is too daunting, you can also find a happy medium by going modular (aka flat pack or prefab) wherein you buy a kit that comes with the components of the house mostly factory preassembled, then you do the final assembly yourself. Check out our article Tiny Flat Pack Houses That You Can Build Yourself for more details. An important issue to consider is compliance with building code, as it is a requirement in Canada in order to live in the home.
Utilities and Plumbing
Examine the plans for the inclusion of plumbing and utility systems. Ensure they align with your preferences, and verify that the design complies with local building codes.
Multi-Functional Furniture
Consider plans that incorporate multi-functional furniture to maximize space efficiency. Features like foldable tables or convertible seating can enhance the functionality of your tiny home.
Builder Support
Check if the plans come with detailed instructions, tutorials, or support from the designer or a community. This can be invaluable, especially for first-time builders.
Customization Options
Assess the flexibility of the plans for customization. You may want to tailor certain aspects to better suit your needs or preferences.
Community Feedback
Look for reviews or feedback from individuals who have built using the same plans. Their experiences can provide valuable insights and tips.
Future Expansion or Changes
Consider whether the plans allow for future expansion or modifications. Flexibility in design can be crucial as your needs and preferences may evolve over time.
Safety Features
Ensure that the plans incorporate essential safety features, such as proper anchoring to the trailer, fire safety measures, and secure attachment points for appliances and furniture.
Ready to build your own tiny house? Check out our article Tiny Flat Pack Houses You Can Build Yourself»
