One Day Tiny Home Build
In November 2017, we invited the public into our Louisville-based manufacturing facility to see the building process of building a tiny house on wheels. We invited Kim D. Kolarik, a Louisville freelance writer and photographer, to document the event for our blog.
How a Tiny Home Kit Came Together Just Two Days
Curiosity got the best of me.
Building a tiny home in two days? “No way,” I thought.
I had to see for myself what was happening at Mighty Small Homes’ headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.
I know tiny homes are just a passing trend. They’re part of a movement toward more straightforward, more sustainable living. Could an average person build one so quickly?
That’s what I had to find out.
The Appeal of Tiny Homes and Prefab Kits
Tiny homes have gained popularity for good reason. They’re more affordable than traditional homes, use fewer resources, and offer a lifestyle with less clutter and more freedom.
But for many, the biggest question isn’t why go tiny–it’s how.
Building a house can be overwhelming if you don’t have construction experience.
That’s how prefabricated kits, like those from Mighty Small Homes, offer an innovative solution.
The kits use Structural Insulated Panels SIPs.
The manufactured pre-cut walls, floors, and roofs fit together easily like a Lego set.
Tiny homes aren’t just small, they are sustainable.
They use fewer materials and require less energy to heat and cool, making them energy efficient and good for the planet.
I wasn’t convinced at first. “Could something that sounds so simple really work?”
Behind the Build
Day One
When I arrived, the foundation on a 40-foot trailer was already in place. According to Mighty Small Homes co-owners Damian Pataluna and Cyndi Masters, that part took about two hours the night before.
The action started when the team began assembling the walls.
The numbered panels corresponded with building plans and a few guys assembled the panels with common carpentry tools and adhesives and screws provided with the kit.
The structure had walls assembled in four hours.
By the end of the day, the roof panels were in place. Five hours ahead of schedule.
Day Two
The second day focused on sealing up the exterior. The team added roofing paper and house wrap, prepping the home for the next steps, like siding and interior finishes.
“Next time, we could do the job with just two people,” said Steve Corwin, a builder. That’s how manageable the process was.
More Than Just a Mobile Home
While this tiny home was built on a trailer for mobility, the same structure could also be placed on a permanent foundation and used as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). That means homeowners could use it as a guest house, rental property, or even a full-time residence in their backyard.
Mighty Small Homes also offers larger kits up to 1,200 square feet that could help fill urban lots or replace homes lost in natural disasters.
Addressing Common Concerns
Like many people, I have my doubts. But after watching the build, I saw how these kits solve every day worries.
- Is it really that easy? Yes. The pre-cut SIPs make assembly quick and straightforward.
- Are these homes strong? Absolutely. The SIPs meet building codes and have solid foam insulation with a high R-value for energy efficiency.
- Do I need special tools or skills? Nope. The team used everyday tools, and the pieces fit together smoothly.
- Is this a real housing solution? Definitely. Whether on wheels or a foundation, these kits provide affordable and efficient housing for a variety of needs.
The Big Takeaway
I came in skeptical.
I left impressed.
Tiny home kits like these make affordable housing more accessible than ever. Whether you’re looking for a full-time home, a guest house, or an off-grid retreat, these kits could be the answer.
Want to See It for Yourself?
Check out this time-lapse video to watch the entire build come together in less than a minute. Then, imagine the possibilities—what could a tiny home kit do for you?
Build Your Future
At Mighty Small Homes, we offer high-quality, easy-to-assemble home kits for mobility and permanence. Our prefab kits streamline the building process, saving you time and effort.
Ready to start?
The possibilities are endless, and your dream home is closer than you think.
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