Tiny Homes
Tiny homes sound simple until you start planning one. Zoning codes, minimum square footage rules, foundation requirements, and permitting all vary by county and even by parcel — so there's no single tiny home that fits every situation. Instead of selling one "one-size-fits-all" model, we've put together three different paths, depending on where you're starting from. Read the "why" under each one to see which fits your situation.
Option 1: Work With a Dedicated Tiny Home Builder
Best if: you want a code-compliant home built by specialists who deal with zoning and permitting every day.
Why this matters: Many municipalities classify tiny homes differently depending on how they're built — a home on wheels (RVIA-certified) is often treated like an RV, while a park model or modular home is treated like manufactured housing. Getting this classification wrong can mean your home isn't legally placeable on your land. Dedicated builders navigate this daily; we don't, so we point you to two builders with different approaches:
Tumbleweed Tiny House Co.
One of the longest-running builders of tiny houses on wheels (THOW) in the US. Their trailer-based homes are typically RVIA-certified, which can be the easier path in areas where local code doesn't yet recognize tiny homes as permanent dwellings but does allow RVs or recreational trailers.
EcoLife Homes
A steel-built park model home manufacturer that delivers and installs nationwide. Park models are often classified as manufactured housing, which can be the better fit if your local zoning allows manufactured or park-model homes but restricts RV-style dwellings for full-time living.
Before committing to either builder, check with your local zoning or planning department about how tiny homes are classified in your area — the right build type depends entirely on your municipality's code.
Option 2: Find Land That Actually Allows It
Best if: you don't have land yet, or you're not sure your current lot allows a tiny home.
Why this matters: A home is only half the equation — the land itself has to be zoned for whatever type of tiny home you choose (minimum lot size, setback rules, accessory dwelling unit allowances, and utility hookup requirements all differ by county). Many people buy a home before confirming the land works, and end up stuck. Searching for land with the right designation first can save months of headaches.
LandCentury
An online marketplace for vacant land, including affordable and off-grid parcels across the US — a good starting point for finding land before you lock in a home design.
Option 3: Buy Direct Through Gridwise Living
Best if: you'd rather have one simple point of contact instead of coordinating a builder, land, and logistics yourself.
Why this matters: Some buyers don't want to manage multiple vendors — they just want a straightforward purchase with clear pricing and one place to ask questions. We're working directly with two suppliers to offer this simpler path:
Shivers Buildings
Tiny home shells and fully-built homes starting around $9,000, with optional upgrade packages (electrical, insulation, framing). A good fit for buyers who want to finish a home themselves or need a lower entry price point.
Magic Tiny House
Modular and container-based tiny homes, available as ready-to-ship built units. A good fit for buyers who want a fully finished home delivered with less lead time.
This section is coming soon — we're finalizing our dealer setup with both suppliers so we can offer direct pricing. Check back soon, or contact us if you'd like to be notified when it's ready.