Looking to join the tiny house movement? DIY tiny house kits offer an affordable way to build your own compact home. Here's what you need to know:
- Tiny house kits provide pre-cut materials and instructions to build a small home yourself
- Kits typically cost $6,000-$35,000, much less than a traditional home
- Building your own tiny house can save money and provide a sense of accomplishment
- Consider your DIY skills, budget, and local zoning laws before purchasing a kit
Top 5 DIY tiny house kits to consider:
- Arched Cabins Basic Kit
- Vermont Cottage Kit
- Avrame Solo+ House Kit
- Allwood Mayflower Kit
- Autonomous Studio Pod Kit
Quick Comparison:
| Kit | Price | Size (sq ft) | Build Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arched Cabins | $2,448 - $20,160 | 64 - 900 | 3-14 days |
| Vermont Cottage | $26,234 | 320 | ~80 hours |
| Avrame Solo+ | $199 - $299 | 184 - 491 | Varies |
| Allwood Mayflower | £10,000 - £15,000 | 117 | ~1 week |
| Autonomous Studio Pod | $19,000 | 98 | 1 day |
Before buying, check local zoning laws, prepare your site, and budget for additional costs beyond the kit price. With some planning, a DIY tiny house kit can be your ticket to affordable, sustainable living.
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What Are DIY Tiny House Kits?
DIY tiny house kits are your ticket to building a small home without the hassle of sourcing materials separately. These kits come with pre-cut walls, roof, windows, and doors - everything you need to put together your own tiny house.
Here's how they stack up against other housing options:
| Option | Average Cost | Build Time | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Home | $298,000 | Months | High |
| Fully-Built Tiny Home | $50,000 | Weeks | Limited |
| DIY Tiny House Kit | $6,000 - $35,000 | Days to Weeks | Moderate |
Why go for a DIY tiny house kit? Here's the scoop:
They're cheaper than hiring a builder. You can add your personal touch. And let's face it - building your own home is pretty cool. Plus, you're doing the planet a favor with a smaller carbon footprint.
But it's not all sunshine and rainbows. You'll need some DIY skills and tools. It'll eat up your time. And while you can customize, you're still working within the kit's limits.
Now, let's break down the types of kits:
1. Shell kits
Just the basics for the exterior. Think of it as the skeleton of your tiny house.
2. Structural kits
A step up from shell kits. You get more internal structure elements.
3. Complete build kits
The whole shebang. Everything you need for a finished home.
Choosing a kit? Think about your budget, skills, and how much you want to DIY. Jamaica Cottage Shop, for example, offers kits from $5,000 to $20,000. Building time? About 40 hours, give or take, depending on size.
Here's a pro tip: You might still need help with plumbing, electricity, and HVAC. And ALWAYS check local zoning laws before you start hammering away.
One tiny house owner put it this way: "Building my tiny home from a kit saved me money AND gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. It's an experience I'll never forget."
So, ready to downsize and DIY?
How to Choose a Kit
Picking the right DIY tiny house kit is a big deal. Let's break down what you need to know.
Cost Considerations
Tiny house kits come with a wide range of price tags:
| Type of Kit | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic Cabin Kit | $6,000 - $8,000 |
| Frame Kit | $6,000 - $80,000 |
| Custom Tiny House | Up to $100,000 |
But here's the kicker: the kit price is just the start. You'll need to budget for extras like:
- Foundation (around $6,000 to $9,000)
- Electrical and plumbing
- Finishing touches (insulation, siding, etc.)
Ben Kuhl, Designer at Shelf Expression, puts it this way:
"Building a tiny home is rumored to be considerably cheaper than buying a pre-built tiny home, but the jury is still out."
Materials Matter
When you're eyeing kits, look closely at what's included. Most kits give you the basic structure, but might skip things like:
- Insulation
- Wiring
- Plumbing
- Siding
Know EXACTLY what's in your kit. It'll help you budget and avoid nasty surprises later.
Assessing Build Difficulty
Your DIY skills? They're a big deal here. Think about:
- How long will it take to build? A day for small kits, a week or more for bigger ones.
- What skills do you need? Carpentry? Plumbing? Electrical know-how?
- Will you need help? Some kits need more than one pair of hands.
Not confident in your building skills? You might want a more complete kit or to hire help for tricky parts.
Key Questions to Ask
Before you buy, grill the supplier:
- How long have they been in the tiny house game?
- What's their track record?
- Can they show you their work and customer feedback?
These questions help you gauge if the kit provider knows their stuff.
Legal Considerations
Don't forget to check local rules. Some areas have specific tiny home regulations. As one expert puts it:
"Consult local zoning authorities regarding permits and regulations before buying a kit."
Final Thoughts
Choosing a DIY tiny house kit is about balancing cost, quality, and your skills. Do your homework. Compare options. Remember, this kit will be your home, so make sure it's the right fit for you.
1. Arched Cabins Basic Kit
Arched Cabins offers a DIY tiny house kit that's both unique and practical. Let's look at what makes this option stand out.
Price Range
Arched Cabins has options for different budgets and needs:
| Cabin Size | Square Footage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8ft Wide | 64 sqft | $2,448 |
| 12ft Wide | 144 sqft | $4,812 |
| 16ft Wide | 320 sqft | $9,000 |
| 20ft Wide | 400 sqft | $10,820 |
| 24ft Wide | 576 sqft | $15,480 |
| 30ft Wide | 900 sqft | $20,160 |
These prices are for the basic kit. Shipping costs extra: $2 per mile for cabins up to 24 ft long and $2.50 per mile for 25-40 ft long cabins.
What's in the Box?
The Arched Cabins Basic Kit gives you everything to build your tiny house shell:
- Build manual
- Floor plates
- Ribs
- Ridge beam
- R13 insulation for arched walls
- Galvalume color metal roof paneling
- Rubber trim
- Foam inserts for end caps
- Color-coordinated fasteners
But heads up: you'll need to get materials for the foundation, end caps, and interior finishes separately. You can either source these yourself or ask Arched Cabins about extra options.
How Hard Is It to Build?
Here's the good news: Arched Cabins kits are pretty easy to put together. They give you clear instructions and even offer a hotline to their build team if you get stuck.
How long does it take? Anywhere from 3 to 14 days, depending on the size and your DIY skills. That's FAST for getting a tiny house up and running.
Make It Your Own
Want to add your personal touch? Arched Cabins has you covered:
- Pick from 23 roof colors (some are even Energy Star-approved)
- Upgrade to R25 insulation for better energy efficiency
- Add a fireplace thimble for those cozy nights
- Design your own interior layout
- Choose from various sizes (8 to 30 feet wide with different length options)
They're also big on sustainability. Their upgraded roof paneling uses 32-50% recycled steel and comes with a 40-year warranty.
"We LOVE our Arched Cabin! We had our 16ft wide cabin up in just over a week, and their team was super helpful", says Sarah, who built her tiny home in Colorado.
2. Vermont Cottage Kit
The Vermont Cottage Kit from Jamaica Cottage Shop is a cozy, one-room DIY solution for tiny house enthusiasts. Here's what you need to know about this rustic gem:
Price Range
At $26,234.22, it's not the cheapest kit out there. But for a 320 sq ft cottage with all the essentials? Not too shabby.
What's in the Box?
You're getting everything to build the shell of your tiny dream home:
| Component | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Size | 16x20 feet (320 sq ft) |
| Insulation | 3-Season package (partial) |
| Vapor Barriers | Walls and roof covered |
| Floor Insulation | Included (if you've got a floor system) |
| Plans | Step-by-step instructions |
| Cut List | Color-coded for easy assembly |
| Exploded View | Visual guide included |
The 3-Season insulation package keeps out humidity, moisture, and pests. It's ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it (well, almost).
Can You Build It?
If you can handle basic DIY projects, you're good to go:
- Two people can knock it out in about 80 hours
- You'll need basic carpentry hand tools
- Stuck? Tech support's got your back
Jamaica Cottage Shop has made this kit DIY-friendly. Each piece of lumber has a color-coded tag. It's like a giant, house-sized puzzle!
Make It Your Own
Want to tweak the design? No problem:
- Insulation: Go full, partial, or none
- Layout: Flexible floor plans
- Exterior: Pick your doors, windows, and siding
- Roof: Choose your material
- Extras: Add a porch if you're feeling fancy
"Our experience with Jamaica Cottage Shop was great from day one. The shed arrived weeks early and it's fantastic!" - Carolyn McCafferty, Google Reviews
The Vermont Cottage Kit is where charm meets practicality. It's perfect for DIY enthusiasts who want a stylish tiny house without needing a construction degree. Ready to build your own slice of Vermont?
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3. Avrame Solo+ House Kit
The Avrame Solo+ House Kit is a game-changer for tiny house fans. It's simple, functional, and won't break the bank. Here's why it's turning heads:
Price Range
Avrame's got options for different wallets:
| Model | Floor Area | Price (DIY Construction Plan Set) |
|---|---|---|
| SOLO+ 42 | 17.1 m² / 184 ft² | $199.00 |
| SOLO+ 75 | 33.9 m² / 365 ft² | $249.00 |
| SOLO+ 100 | 45.7 m² / 491 ft² | $299.00 |
Want all the plans? Grab the DIY MEGA PACK for $399.00. It's a steal compared to the original $972.00 price tag.
What's in the Box?
When you buy an Avrame Solo+ kit, you're getting:
- A 100+ page PDF with step-by-step instructions
- Reference drawings
- Material list
- Floor plans (DWG format)
- 3D house model (SKP format)
Pro tip: Buy materials locally to dodge shipping costs and customs fees.
Can You Build It?
You bet. Avrame's CEO, Indrek Kuldkepp, built his own SOLO+ 75 to prove it's doable.
What you need to know:
- It's like following a "house recipe"
- Basic skills required: squaring and bolting sill plates, marking layouts, basic framing, reading blueprints, laying subfloors, and roof sheathing
- Two people can handle most models
Make It Your Own
The Avrame Solo+ series is flexible:
- Pick from SOLO+ 42, SOLO+ 75, or SOLO+ 100
- Add dormers, skylights, or terraces
- Design your own interior
Indrek Kuldkepp got creative with his SOLO+ 75:
"I flipped the dormer to suit my plot layout and skipped the knee wall for more floor space after consulting a structural engineer."
So, whether you're dreaming of a home office, art studio, or cozy living space, the Avrame Solo+ House Kit gives you a solid start. It's affordable, easy to build, and you can make it your own. What's not to love?
4. Allwood Mayflower Kit
The Allwood Mayflower Kit is a 117 square foot tiny house that's perfect for DIY lovers. It's a garden house or cabin kit that packs style and function into a small package.
Price and What's Included
As of June 2019, you'd need to shell out between £10,000 and £15,000 for this kit. It's not the cheapest option out there, but here's what you get:
- High-quality Nordic wood parts
- DIY instructions with numbered drawings
- A parts list that matches the drawings
- All the stuff you need for the structure (walls, roof, you name it)
The best part? You don't need a toolshed full of equipment to put it together. They've designed it to be as DIY-friendly as possible.
Building It Yourself
Think you can handle it? Here's the scoop:
- Time: Two handy adults can knock it out in about a week
- Skill: If you've done some DIY before, you should be fine
- Instructions: They give you clear, step-by-step directions
The numbered drawings that match the parts list are a lifesaver. No more staring at a pile of wood wondering what goes where!
Make It Your Own
Want to put your stamp on it? Here are some ways to customize:
You can dip treat the wood for protection and a nice look. Add your own roof covering and rain gutters. Need more space? There's an extension option. Want some outdoor shade? Slap on a canopy roof. And of course, you can add extra doors or windows to suit your needs.
The Mayflower's got a cool barrel-vaulted ceiling that gives it character. And they've squeezed in two single beds with cupboards underneath. Pretty clever use of 117 square feet, right?
"The Allwood Mayflower is a tiny house superstar", says someone from Saarnak Visuals, who snapped some photos of the kit. "It's so versatile - use it as a garden house or a cozy cabin. It's a top pick for anyone wanting a snug little hideaway."
5. Autonomous Studio Pod Kit
The Autonomous Studio Pod Kit is a quick fix for extra space. Need a backyard office? Guest room? Creative studio? This prefab tiny house has you covered.
Price Range
Here's what you're looking at cost-wise:
| Model | Price | Extra Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Kit | $19,000 | Shipping: $5,000 |
| Total Cost | ~$30,000 | Includes setup and HVAC |
Tight on cash? No sweat. Financing starts at $298 per month.
What's in the Box?
The kit comes packed with:
- Prefab timber frame and plywood panels
- Insulation and weatherproofing
- Composite wood exterior
- Windows and sliding doors
- AC and heating unit
- LED lights
- Pre-wired outlets
- Six adjustable concrete feet
Assembly: It's a Breeze
Here's why setup is a snap:
- One day is all it takes
- Two people can handle it
- No special skills or tools needed
- Skip the concrete foundation
It's basically "plug and play". You'll have your tiny house ready in no time.
Make It Your Own
Want to personalize? You've got options:
- Pick your window spots
- Choose your interior look
- Select an exterior color
- Add solar panels if you want to go off-grid
Autonomous even has a 3D tool on their site. Play around and see what your pod could look like before you buy.
"Pod works on any terrain, no concrete surface needed", says Autonomous.
Bottom line: The Autonomous Studio Pod Kit is fast to set up, looks sleek, and fits your needs. At 98 sq-ft (9.1-sq-m), it's compact but practical. And don't worry about the weather - it can handle temperatures from -16°F to 122°F. Whether you're working from home or hosting guests, this pod's got you covered.
What to Know Before You Buy
Building a DIY tiny house isn't just about downsizing. There's a lot to consider before you start. Let's look at the key points to keep your tiny home dream on track.
Zoning Laws and Building Codes
First up: local rules. They can make or break your tiny house plans.
Zoning laws tell you where you can put your tiny house. Some areas love them, others... not so much.
Building codes are all about how to build it right. Here's a quick look at some common requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Ceiling height (main areas) | 6 feet 8 inches |
| Ceiling height (bathroom) | 6 feet 4 inches |
| Bathroom | Must be separate |
| Loft access | Stairs or ladder |
"Each town has its own rules. Tiny houses are still new to many places", says Sarah Susanka, architect and author of "The Not So Big House."
Site Prep
Getting your land ready is crucial. Here's what to think about:
- Can trucks get there easily?
- Is the ground flat? If not, you've got extra work.
- What about power, water, and sewer?
Costs You Might Miss
Surprises can blow your budget. Watch out for:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Permit | $400 - $2,000 |
| Clearing land | Varies (can be big) |
| Foundation | Depends on type |
| Hooking up utilities | Could be thousands |
Ryan Mitchell, tiny house pro and author, warns: "Skip permits and you might face fines or have to tear it down."
Real-Life Stuff
Think about everyday life in a tiny house:
- Laundry: No washer? Plan for a portable one or trips to the laundromat.
- Shopping: Smaller space means buying less at a time. It can cost more.
- Parking: If you don't own land, you'll need to find (and maybe pay for) a spot.
Kit Features Side by Side
Let's compare some popular DIY tiny house kits:
| Kit Name | Price | Size (sq ft) | Build Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arched Cabins Basic Kit | $2,448 - $20,160 | 64 - 900 | 3-14 days | R13 insulation, 23 roof colors, Energy Star roofing |
| Vermont Cottage Kit | $26,234 | 320 | ~80 hours | 3-Season insulation, color-coded cut list, flexible plans |
| Avrame Solo+ House Kit | $199 - $299 | 184 - 491 | Varies | 100+ page PDF guide, 3D model, customizable design |
| Allwood Mayflower Kit | £10,000 - £15,000 | 117 | ~1 week | Nordic wood, barrel-vaulted ceiling, extension option |
| Autonomous Studio Pod Kit | $19,000 | 98 | 1 day | Pre-wired outlets, AC/heating, no foundation needed |
What does this tell us?
- Price: Kits range from $2,500 to over $25,000. Big difference, right?
- Size: Most are 100-400 sq ft, but some go up to 900 sq ft.
- Build Time: From a single day to two weeks. Depends on the kit's complexity.
- Customization: Many let you tweak the design. Nice!
- Features: Basic kits? Just the shell. Fancy ones? Insulation, electrics, even HVAC.
But here's the kicker: The kit price is just the start. You'll need to budget for extras like foundation (maybe), interior finishes, and any personal touches.
"Building my tiny home from a kit saved me cash AND gave me bragging rights. It's an experience I'll never forget", says one happy tiny house owner.
So, which kit's for you? Think about your budget, DIY skills, and must-have features. Want quick assembly? Check out the Autonomous Studio Pod. Prefer a classic look with options? The Vermont Cottage Kit might be your jam.
Final Thoughts
DIY tiny house kits can be a game-changer for affordable homeownership. Here's why they're worth considering:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Money Saver | Up to 50% cheaper than ready-made tiny homes |
| Your Design | Pick your own layout and finishes |
| DIY Pride | Build it yourself, feel awesome |
| Earth-Friendly | Less space, often eco-materials |
| Fits Your Life | Various designs to match your needs |
Building your own tiny home isn't a walk in the park, but many find it super rewarding. Take Chris Silva from Seattle - he showed how teaming up with others can turn your tiny home dreams into reality.
But before you dive in, remember:
- Check local rules. Make sure your tiny home won't break any laws.
- Pad your budget. Add an extra 1/3 for surprises.
- Know your limits. It's okay to call in the pros for tricky stuff.
- Think ahead. Use good materials and plan for future needs.
The tiny house trend is booming. It's not just about saving cash - it's about living simpler. Whether you're a young adult looking for your first place or ready to downsize, a DIY tiny house kit could be your ticket to a new lifestyle.
"Less stress, more savings." - Nikitia Moore, Danville, GA
That's what tiny living did for Nikitia. With some planning and the right kit, you could be next to join the tiny house revolution.
