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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Tiny houses are getting a lot of attention because they can be taken on wheels, set up in the coolest places, and free their owners from a life full of stuff and clutter. If you want to join the tiny house movement without spending a fortune, a kit is a great way to make construction easy and affordable.
We researched the top tiny house kits on the market, evaluating ease of assembly and maintenance, range of amenities, and overall value.
Best Overall
Jamaica Cottage Shop Writer’s Haven
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Jamaica Cottage Shop
Translucent roof
A lot of windows
Multiple sizes available
Not finished inside
The Vermont-based Jamaica Cottage Shop is known for making some of the highest-quality and most charming tiny homes. Their Writer's Haven model is our favorite because it has all the best features of tiny homes. The house provides a peaceful retreat where you can simplify your life and focus on what matters.
Made of high-quality Vermont lumber, the Writer's Haven features a translucent roof and numerous windows that let in a lot of sunlight during the day and provide a clear view of the night sky. Inside, you'll find a comfortable daybed, a place to work, and a lot of open space to make your own. You can even purchase the kit in multiple sizes: 12 x 14, 12 x 18, and a whopping 24 x 36.
Depending on the kit size, prices can range from around $5,000 for the smallest to well over $30,000 for the largest. However, everything is pre-cut, numbered, color-coded, and stacked in order so that building the kits is a breeze.
Price at time of publish: $10,733
Dimension: 12 ft x 14ft | Number of bedrooms/baths: 1/0 | Number of floors: 1
Runner-Up, Best Overall
84 Lumber The Countryside Tiny House Kit
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84 Lumber
Multiple living spaces
Fully-equipped kitchen
High-quality materials
Requires tow vehicle
At 203 square feet, the Countryside model is 84 Lumber’s largest tiny home on wheels. It can be towed by any vehicle with a towing capacity of at least 14,000 pounds, making it convenient for travel or relocation on your property. It has a steel trailer with key safety features such as brakes and leveling jacks.
The interior makes great use of the available space. The floor plan features a bedroom loft large enough for a queen-sized bed and a bathroom with a composting toilet and a standard-size shower. The fully equipped kitchen has a butcher block countertop, a raised butcher block bar for eating and working, and two upper cabinets for storage. Small details, like a covered sink, create even more space for you to prep or cook.
Many small finishes give this tiny home a high-end look, such as bamboo flooring, multiple windows on each wall, and a paneled vaulted ceiling. The cathedral ceilings inside and the weathered wood siding outside are bonuses that give this house a beautiful Victorian look.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
Dimension: 8 ft 3 inch x 23 ft 3 inch | Number of bedrooms/baths: 1/1 | Number of floors: 2
Best Off-Grid
84 Lumber The Roving Tiny House Kit
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84 Lumber
Small footprint with a lot of storage
Needs less tow power
Extra design details
Dining area is very small
This 154-square-foot model has all of the high-end features we love in tiny house kits but in a small footprint. It is made of sturdy wood, including a wall made of reclaimed wood and a walnut ceiling panel. It also has a great room and loft that fits a full bed. A custom barn door covers a spacious closet as well as the bathroom. The bathroom has a composting toilet and a front porch that welcomes you and guests to your tiny home. Under the built-in bench, you’ll find extra storage space to put a small folding stool or other things you might need while traveling with your off-grid tiny house.
Gorgeous cedar lap siding, low-E aluminum-clad windows, and a sturdy 26-gauge metal roof are just a few of the notable exterior features of this tiny home. This model lacks any exterior storage, so you'll need to find a place inside for things like bikes and hiking equipment. Like the Countryside model, you will need a vehicle with a high towing capacity to transport this tiny home. A truck capable of towing at least 10,000 pounds should be sufficient. The house also has a custom steel trailer with steel floor joists, radial tires, and safety brakes to help with the move.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
Dimension: 6 ft 10 inch x 16 ft 4 inch | Number of bedrooms/baths: 1/1 | Number of floors: 2
Best Camping Pod
BZB Cabins and Outdoors Camping Pod C13
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BZB Cabins And Outdoors
Sturdy materials
Covered porch included
Some parts are pre-assembled
Small interior space
With this set, you can assemble a charming half-dome camping pod with a roofed terrace that blends beautifully with the outdoors. It is made of Nordic Spruce, which is good even in humid climates. The kit comes with everything you need, including foundation materials, roofing structures, and shingles. The small window at the back and two larger windows built into the doors let natural light in. These are all glazed and ready to insert without any extra steps. What’s more, the covered porch has two small seats that come preassembled.
The inside is small, similar to a family-sized tent. It can fit two twin beds with a tiny walkway between the frames. It doesn’t come with furniture or finishes, so you can make the space into whatever you want. This pod is great for rolling out sleeping bags or other temporary camping furniture, but you can also put a work desk or a lounge chair in it to make an oasis closer to home.
Price at time of publish: $6890.00
Dimension: 7 ft 7 inch x 9 ft 2 inch | Number of bedrooms/baths: 1/0 | Number of floors: 1
Best Cottage-Style
Jamaica Cottage Shop Vermont Cottage
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Jamaica Cottage Shop
Different layouts available
Resiant against insect infestation
Durable shingles
Unfinished interior
If you're looking for a small space with all the character and charm of a cottage home, this rustic style is for you. The interior is simple but can be outfitted with furniture and decor to match the overall style. There are three different layouts to choose from, and each kit comes in three different sizes (16 x 20, 16 x 24, and 16 x 30), so you're sure to find the perfect setup.
All three cottages have an open floor plan and a loft in a cute one-room design. Cottages A and C have front porches, perfect for lounging with a good book or hosting a small get-together, while Cottage B eliminates the porch to better use the space inside.
Depending on the size and cottage style, the price of the pre-cut kits can range widely. The tiny, rustic house is made of Western Red Cedar, which resists rot, decay, and insect infestations. The roof comes with shingles already attached. Hardware is also included, and all the wood has been cut and is ready to go. All you need for assembly are tools that you likely already have.
Price at time of publish: $23,190
Dimension: 16ft x 20ft | Number of bedrooms/baths: 1/0 | Number of floors: 2
Best Splurge
PLUS 1 Home Kits Rose Cottage Tiny Home Building Kit
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The Home Depot
Durable steel frames
Easy Assembly
Professional certified engineering plans
A lot of costs not included in kit
Calling this a "tiny home" is a bit of a stretch since it includes 2 bedrooms and over 400 square feet of living space. This tiny house kit is truly self-buildable and suitable for year-round living. You can modify the plans before purchase to obtain the desired layout and to comply with local building codes. The steel frame in this kit resists corrosion, rot, termites, and buckling and comes with a 50-year warranty.
You will need a concrete slab to build, which adds to the overall cost. Depending on where you live, you might also need permits and inspections on top of laying the groundwork. Doors, windows, electrical wiring, plumbing, and other finishes and fixtures are sold separately. The kit includes a list of the basic supplies you'll need to finish the project, but the exact cost will depend on your choice.
Price at time of publish: $31,887.00
Dimension: 13.8 ft x 31.39 ft x 21.5 ft | Number of bedrooms/baths: 2/1 | Number of floors: 2
Best 2 Bedroom
PLUS 1 Sea Breeze Villa 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Tiny Home
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The Home Depot
Master bedroom has en-suite bathroom
A lot of customization
Pre-assembled steel panels
Expensive
This kit is perfect if you want a larger tiny house for a guest house, workspace, or extra living space. Within its 559 square feet of space, you'll find a kitchenette in the main living area, two bedrooms, and two full bathrooms. The master bedroom even has an en-suite bathroom connected. Its single-story design makes it easier to build on the ground, and the included steel panels are exceptionally sturdy and long-lasting.
You will need a concrete slab to construct this tiny house kit, which adds to the overall cost. The kit only includes the steel structure. Flooring, fixtures, plumbing, electrical, doors, and windows are not included and must be purchased separately. This can make the project very expensive, but it offers the greatest flexibility in the final product.
Price at time of publish: $33,997.00
Dimension: 45ft x 14ft x 19ft | Number of bedrooms/baths: 2/2 | Number of floors: 1
The Jamaica Cottage Shop Writer's Haven Tiny House is our best overall pick. It has a unique, rustic design with a built-in daybed and a covered porch. For an on-the-go tiny house that also has the option for permanent placement, try our runner up pick, 84 Lumber The Countryside Tiny House Kit.
What to Look for in a Tiny House Kit
Size
A standard tiny house is around 400 square feet or smaller in size but can be slightly bigger. Size is critical if you want to tow your tiny house behind a vehicle. Not only do you need to make sure that it fits on your intended trailer, but you should also consider the home’s overall weight and towing requirements. Towing a tiny house also requires understanding your truck's towing capacity or the maximum weight your vehicle can pull. Consider renting a truck if your truck is not designed for such a big undertaking. Larger tiny homes with multiple bedrooms and living spaces, like our best splurge pick, the Rose Cottage 2 Beds Tiny Small Home, are often better suited for a permanent location.
Budget
The price of a little house can vary widely, much like its size. When deciding on the right tiny house kit for you, look at your overall budget for the project. Some kits come with everything you need, including finishes and decorative details. Others, like our Best 2 Bedroom pick, the Sea Breeze Villa 2 Bedroom 2 bath Tiny Home, only include the steel structures and require extra purchases to complete. You'll also want to consider the tools needed to construct the home, and interior finishings, like the flooring, trim, or paint.
Living Space
If you plan to have visitors over to your new tiny house, it's best to find one with a dedicated living area. Tiny homes with a smaller footprint may have a combined living area, bedroom, and kitchen. Roomier layouts, like our best splurge pick, the Rose Cottage 2 Beds Tiny Small Home, feature multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and entertaining spaces. If you're limited with space, you can also use the outdoor space with a deck or covered porch to extend your living space.
Design
While tiny homes are much smaller than regular homes, the best ones on the market make the most of their small footprint by offering convenient storage solutions and flexible layouts. Our runner up pick, 84 Lumber The Countryside Tiny House Kit, has a movable countertop that can be removed to reveal a sink. Built-in storage is another great feature in tiny homes. Due to their compact size, tiny houses are an excellent opportunity to enjoy the benefits of high-quality upgrades without breaking the bank. Finishing touches like flooring, wall coverings, and fittings should not be overlooked.
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How many years do tiny homes last?
A tiny house has the potential to last as long as a conventional house. When subject to periodic repairs, it is considerably more likely to remain in good condition for many years. If you live in an area prone to extreme weather, it's important to consider using roofing and siding that can withstand the conditions.
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Can you live in a tiny home permanently?
Yes, many people choose to make their tiny home their long-term living space. They are also a great way to travel around the country while still enjoying the comforts of a home. This is easier to do with a smaller tiny home equipped with a steel trailer and radial tires, making it portable. A bigger tiny house can also be your permanent residence, but it might not be as portable since they often require foundations to be laid out before building.
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Can a tiny home be put on a permanent foundation?
Yes, some tiny homes need a permanent foundation or slab. Before buying a tiny house kit, check the specifications to see what you need for construction. In most cases, the price of the kit does not include the cost of the slabs and foundations.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she looked for a variety of tiny house kits of various sizes and price points. She also included some that were portable and others that were meant to be permanently placed.