Tiny house pricing is the number one question we get from folks. So how much do Tiny Houses cost? Well, the answer is… it depends. We have built small simple shells for as little as $10,000, but have also built larger, top of the line houses for $170k+. End cost will be a factor of trailer length, design complexity, and finish level.
Among the high end builders in Colorado and the USA, we are typically more affordable. Compared to the “budget” builders, we are going to cost more, however we build to a much higher standard. You will never find such things as cheap fiberglass insulation, poorly done plumbing, haphazard electrical, inadequate framing, used or cheap trailers, aluminum windows, or any other corners cut to save money. We take extra steps to insure weather tightness, comfort, mobility, and of course, customization.
With so many folks out there that comprehend the nature of our business and appreciate the value we offer , we simply cannot entertain any inquiries asking for ultra low budget builds. Please consider purchasing a quality used tiny house or purchasing plans and going the DIY route. We are also happy to refer you to other builders that might be able to work with you.
For some ballpark numbers relevant to the quality of builds that we produce:
Trailer length: Complete Cost: Shell cost:
12′ $37-42k $10-16k
14′ $39-45k $11-17k
16′ $44-53k $13-18k
18′ $47-58k $14-19k
20′ $54-65k $15-21k
22′ $55-75k $17-24k
24′ $73-85k $19-26k
26′ $77-89k $21-30k
28′ $82-95k $23-33k
30′ $88-105k $25-37k
32′ $92-110k $27-40k
34′ $99-125k $29-43k
40′ $110k-160k
Gooseneck builds:
20+7′ $70-85k
24+7′ $79-95k
26+7′ $84-105k
28+7′ $88-110k
30+7′ $94-120k
32+7′ $99-125k
These are for 8′ wide builds. 10′ width adds 10% on average
Shell costs vary depending on whether you require roofing, siding, windows, electrical, plumbing, or insulation options.
Other trailer lengths available
For those interested in a glimpse into the cost of building a Tiny House, let me provide some quick stats for a “normal” build about 8×24:
- $6000-14,000 Cost of a real good trailer
- $3200 Windows
- $500 Single Entry Door
- $1200 French Doors
- $3000 Custom Archtop Door!
- $1,500-5,000 appliances (sometimes more)
- $800 roofing
- $3000 lumber, sheathing, etc.
- $3500 insulation
- $400 Shower
- $500 electrical bits
- $500 plumbing bits
- $500 lights/fans
- $1000 Composting Toilet
- $600 flooring
- $2000-$5000 interior materials
- $500 finishes
- $1200 cabinets
- $3500 mini split install
- $6 box of screws. Doesn’t sound like much until you have to buy like 30 of them
- $45/hr typ. rate for a rough or finish carpenter
- $25/hr typ. rate for helpers
- $60/hr typ. rate for a plumber or electrician
- $35/hr general labor, finish work, trim, etc.
These are but a few of the costs associated with building a Tiny House.
Other expenses we have to pay:
- Rent
- Professional Liability Insurance
- Worker’s Compensation
- Unemployment taxes
- Accounting
- Business and Tax Licenses
- Tools and shop/office supplies
- Utilities
- Facilities
- Vehicles/Gas
- Internet/ Phone
- “Time” be it design, running to the lumberyard, on the phone ordering long lead time items, coordinating with the client, or actually building the house
You add all this up and it becomes clear why a professionally built Tiny House seemingly cost so much.