THE TINY F.A.Q.           

Yes! Our outdoor showroom is located at 3630 N. Hazel Ave Fresno CA 93722. Tours are available by appointment only so please call ahead of time for availability or book directly with the TOUR tab in the menu. There are typically 2-6 houses available for viewing during your visit. Since we build production models, "built to order" (BTO) models and custom tiny house projects, the available homes are usually different. If the specific model you want to see is not ins stock we have pictures and videos as well to find you the perfect Tiny Home for your needs. Our current inventory can only be seen in person and since in-stock, ready-to-go inventory has a quick turnover, we rarely have every model in-stock. Inventory homes go quickly, so if you want to be the contacted when a specific model is available, please contact us directly. You can always do any model BTO and we'll build a tiny with all the options you're looking for.

Pricing for models is based on the size and options you select. Check out our Model Pages for pricing on different configurations. Built-to-order (BTO) Projects may have more customizations. Custom builds vary in price and are based on four criteria: overall size, design, materials chosen, and labor involved. We are always excited to try new and unique projects! Contact us with your ideas or plans, and we will build your dream TIny House. We do have a nonrefundable design fee for custom designs, but all bids/ estimates are free of charge. All available models can be customized with listed options and can be further personalized with non-standard premium options.

On average our pre-designed (model) tiny homes take roughly 4-6 weeks to complete however we usually have inventory ready for immediate delivery. Custom projects can range from 8-18 weeks to complete and may have a waitlist. Additional time may be required for for complex builds. Other factors that can contribute to build time may include material back-orders and concurrent projects. We always strive to complete each build in a timely manner, without sacrificing quality. For clarification, "build time" is the time it takes to build, and should be differentiated from total project timeline, as waitlist queue and order times vary per project.

We offer Tiny Home financing for all stock models. Term loans up to 25 years and as low as 10% down on approved credit. Interest rates will vary depending on the applicant's creditworthiness. More often than not we find they are similar to the rates one would receive buying a traditional home. We offer up to 25-year terms on stock Tiny Homes, up to 15 years for all Built-to-Order models and customs, and for people who don't want the interest payments, we offer pay-as-we build options where installments are paid out as progress is made on your home. TIP: If you have available equity from a property, getting an equity line of credit, home equity line of credit, equity loan, or cash option-refinance will generally carry the lowest interest and longest loan term compared to RV or personal loans. Financing may be limited to available inventory in some cases.

Tiny houses do have restrictions how large they can be. In California we can build to a maximum height of 14 feet. The maximum height for a tiny home is 13’6” tall nationwide. The legal allowable width is up to 13.5” although we only currently offer 8.5’ , 10.5’ and 12’ wide homes. The maximum length varies state to state, so check your states transportation regulations. The longest home we build at California Tiny House is a 40' trailer foundation, before any additional bump outs. If you want a wider option, we are able to custom design a home in segments that can be connected on site by third party installers. Units like this are all designed and built to order.

Our tiny houses can be placed nearly anywhere depending on the size as style purchased. Our standard units are built to the ANSI 119.5 building code and can be used anywhere recreational vehicles (RVs) or park model Trailers (PTs) can! These units can be used as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on properties in many cities/counties across the USA. California is on the forefront of tiny house legislation and is moving quickly to legalize tiny house living throughout the state. California cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Humboldt Co. Placer Co., Oakland, Santa Cruz Co. San Benito, and San Jose have already passed tiny house legislation and many other cities are expected to follow all over the USA. Our tiny homes that are built and designed to the HUD building code standards have even more options for placement. HUD units can be placed in many of the areas that don’t have legislation for ANSI Tiny Homes as they are pre-approved dwellings that can be used as ADUs and even stand alone dwellings in most areas. Contact your local planning and/or zoning official to check current process for your city or county. If you already own land you can park your tiny home on it but it might not be able to be legally occupied for full-time living in all areas/locations. There are exceptions to this under certain circumstances, please call us for more info. Our HUD tiny homes can be placed as an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) behind a main house, nearly anywhere in California assuming you can meet the setback requirements. They can also be placed in many areas that allow Single or Multi family residential as stand alone units where no main house is present. HUD Units are designed and built to order.

We cannot help a client find land to purchase, but we can offer guidance on how to ensure a property will allow for a tiny home, and be used/occupied legally. Before purchasing a property have the realtor of your choosing contact us. Through our partner 21st Mortgage we can bundle lending for both land and a tiny house! If you already own land you can park your tiny home on it but it might not be able to be legally occupied for full-time living in all areas/locations. There are exceptions to this under certain circumstances, please call us for more info. Our moveable tiny homes built to the HUD requirements can be placed as an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) behind a main house, nearly anywhere in California assuming you can meet the setback requirements. They can also be placed in many areas as stand alone units where no main house is present.

Tiny Homes are “tiny”, but sometimes not tiny enough to fit through a fence or driveway. Simply taking a fence down for a day to get the home in the desired location may be an option. You can also crane any of our homes into the desired location. Third party crane service is the preferred method of placement for those hard to access sites. Tiny homes are typically transported and delivered with pick up trucks. These trucks may not allow the maneuverability needed to place the home exactly where you want it. In some circumstances a forklift, tractor or skid-steer may be needed to fine tune the final placement.

Tiny Homes come in various different widths. Depending on which one you choose it may have different moving requirements. Homes that are over 8’6” in width require a one-day moving pass. This is usually around $40-60 dollars but depends on state(s) transportation fees. Any home over 8’6” in width also required a driver with a Class-A license. We recommend a 1 ton or larger dually pick-up truck with a class 4-5 hitch for transportation on most of our homes. (If not otherwise stated) Some of our smallest models can be hauled with a lighter duty pick-up or SUV. We work with several third party delivery services that are fully bonded and insured to haul your new home to its location safely. Delivery cost varies depending on the weight/size of the home. Most homes are between $2.50-6.50 per mile when picked up from our warehouse. Tiny house delivery is priced for standard drop only. If special circumstances exceed a standard drop-off ( obstacles such as power lines, branches, or difficult terrain, the delivery company may have an extra charge.) We can deliver just about anywhere in the world, but may require alternate shipping methods.

We do not come out to properties for measuring nor do we perform any site work at this time. With a provided property address we can usually measure a property to make sure a tiny home will fit. We have partners in various parts the state that are able to help with utilities and site work for our clients. We will also gladly talk to any talk to any contractor or a clients choosing and work with them through the project from start to finish. Check out the FAQ below ("How do I get water/sewage/power to site? What type of connections?" for hook-up types and requirements. Please give us a call if you have more question or request a referral* for site work. *Referrals not available in all areas

Measuring for fitment will depend on the size home you are looking to fit into a given area. Please allow for an access opening at least 2 feet wider, a vertical clearance of at least 14 feet and 10 feet longer than the length of the desired home. If you are placing as a legal ADU please also factor in all setback requirements needed in your city/county (usually 4-5 feet)

Site prep is very similar to adding a spa or RV connections. You will need water, sewer/ drain and power, but certain homes have different requirements (partial or fully off-grid, for example). If you need utilities added, contact a local contractor of your choosing and we can provide them with the info they need. For power you will want to install a 50 sub panel that is dedicated for the house (similar to what is required for an Electric Vehicle). If your power needs are greater or want to plan for increasing in the future a 100-125 amp service is a good option. There are RV Power posts that work great for placing power close to the unit. For your water, you will want to run a water line with a traditional hose spigot as close to the house as possible. For your sewer, you will want to either tie into a 3 inch clean-out or extend the sewer closer to the home and stub up a 3 inch clean out. Speciality items: All of our homes use standard electrical panels and are able to have solar added. Maceration pumps can be added on site for clients that are far away from a drain. Water pumps, purification, filters and other items can be added to water systems. For clients that want to reuse their gray water, we are able to separate the toilet from the rest of the drain system allowing for less black water being dumped into a septic system. All connections for our Moveable Tiny Homes are similar to an RV. They require power (usually 30-100 amps) water (garden hose or white hose) and sewer (a 3 inch sewer connection hose). Power connection varies depending on total amperage service, but we will indicate which specific cord/plug type is required. Most of our units come with the option to hook up like and RV and or like a traditional house. These can be used for a more direct connection on units not being moved for many years. Contact us if you need help or have other specific questions about site prep.

While a concrete pad is the best foundation for the tiny home to sit on, in most cases you do not need one. There are some jurisdictions that do require a concrete pad for legal placement but in many cases there are several alternatives. Any hard packed surface, decomposed granite, base rock, even concrete/ wood/ blocks all can be used. It is recommended to check with local ordinances and codes before preparation. The most important thing is just to have the house supported. In addition to the included stabilization jacks, adding steel piers, or some type of additional support to the frame will help keep the home stable, level, and extend the life.

We provide instructions with every house for simple hook-up, but the overview is: Level, connect water, power, sewer and enjoy! We work with 3rd party delivery companies that also offer connection services. We have referrals* in some major areas within the state of California that can help with onsite hook ups, permitting and placement. For information in your area please feel free to give us a call. *Referrals for hook up services not available in all areas.

In the General/Purchase FAQ category there is a timeline with more detail and how to start, but generally there are a few categories: -Models (pre-built packages and semi-custom designs, where you select pre-priced options), -Customs (fully custom projects ranging from tiny houses, to all types of commercial applications) and -Partial Builds/"Shells" (models/customs offered at different stages of build-completion). Any model can be built as a "shell" which can be further customized after purchase. Typically Shells come in 3 phases: - A basic shell: This consists of trailer, trailer floor insulation, moisture barrier, subfloor, framing, hardware, and plywood shear. Let us do the heavy lifting and ensure the home is structurally sound and safe for road travel. - A dry-in shell: The dry in shell includes all of the basic shell items plus house wrap, exterior, windows, entry door, roofing, facia and trim. Exterior is primed. (Exterior material options available) This is the perfect options for DIYers that really just want to do the inside portion of their home. This helps the house stay protected from the elements while the inside is getting completed. - A Utility Shell: The utility shell includes all the the basic and dry-in shell items plus rough plumbing and electrical, insulation, and interior sheetrock or plywood walls. (Semi finished electrical and plumbing, interior trim, and flooring can be added is desired.) This is a great option for those that are mainly interested in installing cabinets, flooring and paint/ prep work.

Currently we do not offer any built on-site homes. We do have Modular/ HUD models that are be able to be delivered fully or partially assembled on-site for a tru permanent Tiny Home. Modulars will be able to be placed on site and be used for a permanent home or ADU, depending on the size. Currently all of our modular/ HUD units are built and designed to order.

Yes. Most of our models have a downstairs sleeping options. Our California Studio Series and Vesta Series are exclusively single-level living with open floorpans. With our ability to get custom designs approved quickly, having any variation of sleeping options you desire is available.

Bathtubs are available on some models, and can be digned into most size homes. Please contact us to confirm which models may be modified as a BTO to include a bathtub. A fully custom build can include just about anything, as long as it meets weight-distribution and fire and life safety codes.

Our Vesta model series comes with all appliances included. A cooking surface, microwave and refrigerator and HVAC are all included with the option for combo or stackable washer dryer. All of our other models do not have appliances included in the base pricing but have options for various appliance packages to fit your needs or planned use. Please see our model pages for more info. Optional appliances include mini-splits, ranges, convection ovens, steam shower generators, washer dryers, etc. For all of our custom builds, appliances can be included or left out for further customization. Shell builds do not usually include any appliances, but in some cases have optional hook-ups in standardized locations.

We use a variety of insulation products. Insulation values can be modified in BTO projects and are determined by client needs and geographic location. Our standard insulation includes, mineral wool ceilings with and R-value of 23 and mineral wool wall/ subfloor insulation with and R-value of 15. All of our insulation is mold and mildew resistant. Specialty insulation products are available as well as additional insulation for freezing climates for an additional cost. Note: Some insulation types may require additional ventilation, labor and materials in order to prevent the build up of moisture in certain cases.

As long as the design works, meets code, and is safe, we can probably build it. For a client designed build, the process is the same as our Custom builds. We prefer to build our own designs, but can build just about anything. A similar design might be used a reference when custom designing your home, at your request. Even with a design we would still need to redraw/design to ensure quality and safety.

All of our model layouts can be seen within individual model pages. We may not have readily available floor plans for custom builds, but do have a lot of previous builds to help inspire your project. Custom builds are usually designed from scratch to meet your specific needs.

We've done custom designs that can sleep up to 6 people, but typically not for full-time living. Please contact us with your needs regarding number of guests/occupants and planned use for the home and we will be more than happy to work with you.

For clients wanting to used reclaimed or recycled materials we recommend using them aesthetically only. We will not used any reclaimed, recycled or repurposed items for structure, trailer, roofing, windows, exterior doors, toilets, etc.. To achieve inspection and certification most of these types of products require UL listings and authorization for use. Reclaimed materials can be difficult to acquire that information for the use in a home.

We offer many different combinations of off-grid choices. Depending on the house, availabily of certain options differ. From solar ready homes to water/waste management, please contact us directly to discuss your needs.

These would fall under our Custom build projects. We will consider almost any project, and are always excited to try new things. Please contact us with details regarding your custom project.

California Tiny House is a certified builder. A certified home indicates compliance with the ANSI 119.5 standard for PM Rvs. Movable Tiny Houses (MTHs) are built very close to IRC or residential building code and typically surpass the ANSI standards. Having a certified MTH means that you can legally park your home, transport your home, insure your home and sell your home when/ if the time comes. A certification is similar to having a licensed contractor build you a home with all the necessary permits and inspections. There are different 3rd party companies that provide certification, but the certifications are not all recognized. Certain cities/counties allowing full time Tiny Home habitation require a certification from one of their states’ recognized 3rd party agencies, which exclude several popular agencies. For broad multi-state compliance we are certified through the federally accredited Pacific West. Remember, this certification is mandatory for placing your home anywhere legal in the country. California Tiny House is also a Licensed Contractor, Vehicle Manufacturer, and Manufactured home builder in the state of California.

We carry the same certification but do not use RVIA, which is an association, not a certification. While a lot of blogs and sites mention RVIA by name, it is often assumed that it is the actual certification required for Moveable Tiny Homes; this is not true. In fact, many areas that are passing legal tiny home ordinances will not accept RVIA plaques. To meet strict city/county qualifications, service a larger client base, and other reasons, we use a different 3rd party accredited inspection agency which also specializes in the inspections of Manufactured homes and Modular Homes.

Absolutely. All of our homes, both custom or a model, come with a limited 1 year warranty on all construction and a 10 year structural can be added. Every appliance and certain materials also come with their own manufacturers warranties. Here are some examples: Our window manufacturer has a lifetime warranty, roofing is lifetime (25 year on color fade), flooring is 50 year, trailer foundation is lifetime (on the structure), siding varies depending on product, and appliances vary by the manufacturer.

We are General contractors, yes. Our Contractors license numbers 524119. Not only are we a General contractor but we are also a licensed HUD manufacturer (License number MF1604888) and a Vehicle manufacturer (License number 39356). Having all necessary license(s) to build just about every type of Tiny House is something we take very seriously. We want to ensure every unit built meets our rigorous quality assurance and compliance program.