At Sunview Builders, we’ve helped countless homeowners turn their vision of a simpler life into reality by building smart, sustainable, and stylish tiny homes right here in Central Texas. Whether you’re downsizing, creating a vacation retreat, or planning for a minimalist lifestyle, building your first tiny home is an exciting journey—but it comes with a learning curve.
To help you navigate the process with confidence, we’ve put together this complete guide. Let’s walk you through what you need to know before you lay the foundation.
What Is a Tiny Home?
Tiny homes are typically defined as residential structures under 400 square feet, built either on wheels (THOWs) or on permanent foundations. Despite their size, these homes are designed to maximize every square foot. At Sunview Builders, we specialize in crafting custom tiny homes that feel spacious, functional, and welcoming.
People choose tiny homes for all sorts of reasons: financial freedom, sustainability, simplicity, or even the flexibility to live off-grid or travel. Whatever your reason, your first tiny home should reflect your unique lifestyle.
Know Your Why Before You Build
Before choosing layouts or finishes, take a step back and ask yourself: Why do I want to build a tiny home?
Is it for full-time living?
Will it be used as a guest house, Airbnb, or office?
Are you looking to reduce your environmental footprint?
Are you aiming for financial freedom or lower utility costs?
Having a clear purpose will shape every decision you make—from design to materials to location. And as your local shed-to-tiny-home experts, we’ll help you plan each detail accordingly.
Zoning and Permits Matter—A Lot
One of the most overlooked aspects of building your first tiny home is local zoning laws and building codes. These can vary widely from county to county and city to city in Texas.
Before breaking ground, check with your local jurisdiction:
Does the area allow full-time living in a tiny home?
Are there restrictions on square footage?
Is a permanent foundation required?
What are the utility hookup requirements?
At Sunview Builders, we’re well-versed in Texas regulations and can guide you through zoning and permitting to ensure your build is completely above board.
Foundation or Wheels?
Another key decision is whether your tiny home will be mobile or stationary.
Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW)
Offers flexibility and portability
May be registered as an RV
Easier to avoid some zoning restrictions
Limited space for utilities and heavier features
Tiny Home on a Foundation
Considered a permanent dwelling
Eligible for traditional utilities
Often easier to insure or finance
Requires zoning compliance
We can help you decide what option fits your goals best—and customize your build accordingly.
Design for Functionality and Flow
Designing a tiny home is an exercise in maximizing function within a small footprint. The best layouts make use of vertical space, multi-purpose furniture, and clever storage solutions.
Here are a few essential design tips:
Open floor plans make the space feel larger.
Lofts are great for sleeping areas but consider ease of access.
Built-in storage (under beds, benches, or stairs) can save you space.
Large windows and natural light help open up the interior.
At Sunview Builders, we specialize in crafting layouts that make small spaces feel big. Our design team will work closely with you to ensure your home is both beautiful and practical.
Utilities: Power, Water & Sewage
Don’t overlook the infrastructure behind the walls. Your tiny home still needs water, power, and waste systems—just like any standard home.
Electricity
You can connect to the grid or go off-grid with solar. We’ll help you determine your energy needs and choose the right setup.
Plumbing
From full bathrooms to kitchen sinks, plumbing in a tiny home must be compact yet efficient. We’ll help route it to save space and cost.
Waste Disposal
Choose between:
Composting toilets (ideal for off-grid)
Standard flush toilets (require sewage or septic connection)
Utilities can get tricky in tiny homes, but our experience with custom sheds and cabins means we’ve mastered compact utility solutions that work.
Think Long-Term: Materials and Durability
Tiny homes are an investment, and just like any home, the materials you choose will affect your comfort and maintenance over the years.
That’s why we use Painted Smart Siding and other high-performance, weather-resistant materials that are ideal for Texas’ unique climate. Whether you’re dealing with summer heat or sudden storms, your tiny home should stand strong through it all.
We’ll walk you through options that are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and beautiful.
Storage: Less Is More, But Still Necessary
A common mistake first-time tiny home builders make is underestimating storage needs. While minimalism is part of the lifestyle, everyone needs a place to keep daily essentials, seasonal gear, and sentimental items.
Here’s how we solve this:
Underfloor compartments
Wall-mounted shelving
Fold-away furniture
Exterior storage sheds or lofts
And remember, at Sunview Builders, we’re experts in customized storage solutions—so you’ll never feel short on space.
Budget Realistically
Let’s talk dollars. While tiny homes are often marketed as low-cost alternatives, it’s important to set a realistic budget that reflects your quality expectations.
Here’s what affects cost:
Type of foundation
Utility hookups
Custom finishes
Labor and delivery
Permits and inspections
When you build with Sunview Builders, you’re not getting a cookie-cutter kit. You’re getting a tailored structure designed for your life—and your long-term comfort. We’ll help you balance quality and affordability to get the most out of your investment.
Customization Is Key
One of the best parts about building your first tiny home with us is that you’re not limited to pre-set designs. Want a modern farmhouse look? Prefer a rustic cabin style? Need a hybrid shed-office-guesthouse?
We offer personalized layouts, finishes, and features—crafted by a team that builds with both aesthetics and function in mind.
Your home should reflect you. We’re just here to make it happen.
Why Choose Sunview Builders?
At Sunview Builders, we’ve built our reputation on quality craftsmanship, honesty, and a commitment to meeting our clients’ needs. Our structures are more than just buildings—they’re the spaces where your best memories will happen.
We serve all of Central Texas, and we know what works in this climate, this market, and this lifestyle. Whether it’s a tiny home, a cabin, a modern backyard office, or a full guest suite, we’ll help you bring your dream to life.
We don’t cut corners. We build smarter, sturdier, and more stylishly—every time.
Visualize Your Tiny Home with Our 3D Builder
Ready to take the first step toward your new tiny home? Our 3D Shed Builder tool makes it easy to experiment with different layouts, sizes, rooflines, and colors. See your vision come to life in real time—and get an instant quote to match.
Whether you’re just dreaming or ready to build, it’s the perfect way to explore your options from the comfort of your couch.
Let’s Build It Together
Have questions or want to get started on your custom tiny home? Contact us today to speak with one of our local experts or request a personalized quote. We’ll walk you through every step of the process—from design to delivery—so you can enjoy a stress-free building experience.