Absolutely Everything You Need to Know About Tiny Home Installation

Once you buy a tiny house, it’s only a matter of time before it arrives, and like with a new baby, you’ll want to be ready!

Today’s tiny house blog post will tell you everything you need to know about building a tiny house parking pad, buying tiny home setup supplies, connecting a tiny house to utilities, leveling a tiny house, and how and when to hire professional tiny home installation services.

This is your official tiny home installation guide.

How to Prepare for Tiny Home Arrival

The first step to preparing for a tiny home’s arrival is to prepare mentally.

This day will likely have a few stressful moments and trips to the hardware store, but connecting a tiny house to utilities and levelling a home is easier than you think! If you’re decently handy, in a mild climate, and have a friend or two who can pitch in, you’ll be just fine.

So while you’ll want to do your part to prepare your tiny house parking pad, and gather the supplies to connect a tiny home to utilities, please don’t panic about tiny home delivery day.

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Constructing a Tiny Home Parking Pad

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“The firmer the better” is the rule when building a tiny house parking pad. Crushed gravel works, but parking a tiny house on a cement slab is better.

While you technically can park a tiny house on hard-packed dirt or grass, it’s not a good idea. Tiny homes are heavy, and your house will likely start to sink and require regular levelling. You also risk tire rot.

When laying your tiny house parking pad, plan for a minimum of five extra feet on each end (where the trailer hitch will be), and three extra feet on the sides. This will allow room for levelling
blocks and space in case the truck isn’t lined up perfectly. (Which it never is!)

How To Install Tiny House Utilities

We’ll tackle connecting a tiny house to utilities in a minute, but first, let’s discuss how to install tiny home utilities.

This is one step where you’ll want to bring in professionals. You’ll need:

  • A fifty amp RV electrical outlet (although a 30 amp will work).
  • A sewer or septic connection for black and/or greywater.
  • A water source (like a garden hose spigot on the side of a house).

Supplies List for Tiny Home Installation

Installing a tiny house in your tiny house parking space is going to take a few supplies! First and foremost, you’ll need tools.

Tools for Tiny Home Installation

  • A good drill
  • A ¾ socket
  • A socket adaptor (for drill attachment)
  • A Dremel tool (not 100% necessary, but helpful)
  • A screwdriver set
  • A utility knife
  • A hammer/mallet
  • Two adjustable wrenches (one big one)
  • A tape measure
  • A level
  • 2-3 bottle jacks rated for your tiny home’s weight

Supplies for Tiny Home Installation

  • Plumber’s tape
  • Rubber garden hose washers
  • 4×6 TREATED cedar beams cut into one-foot sections to put under your tiny home trailer for support. The number you will need depends on the size of your house.
  • 2×6 TREATED cedar beams cut into one-foot sections (for smaller adjustments)
  • Composite shims (for making micro adjustments)

Utility Parts for Tiny Home Installation

  • RV sewer hoses (or hard-piping supplies). You’ll need one hose per wastewater exit.
  • An RV sewer splitter (if you have two hoses)
  • An RV sewer adaptor
  • RV sewer hose supports (one per hose)
  • A heavy-duty RV potable water hose
  • An RV water pressure regulator.
  • An RV electrical cord (50 or 30 amps)
  • An RV electrical cord adaptor (if you prefer to buy the 50 amp cord that matches your
    home’s power, but only have 30 amp service at your tiny house parking spot.)
  • An RV surge protector
  • A propane tank (if needed)
  • A propane regulator

How to Level a Tiny House

Levelling a tiny house can be intimidating, but it’s probably easier than you think.

Here’s how to level a tiny house in four easy steps:

  1. Use the bottle jacks to raise a portion of the house.
  2. Place a stack of the TREATED cedar blocks underneath the trailer FRAME. Do NOT
    place wood under the spray foam or pan under your house. Doing so will cause damage.
  3. Gently lower the jacks until the house rests on the blocks/composite shims.
  4. Repeat this process on all sides and make adjustments until the house is level and
    sturdy.

How to Connect a Tiny Home To Utilities

Connecting a Tiny House to Sewer

Begin the tiny house installation process by connecting your home to sewer or septic. After all, once you connect to water, you’ll need somewhere for it to go!

RV sewer adaptors are pretty easy and universal. Just screw it in, add a sewer splitter if you have more than one hose, and twist and click the hose(s) into place.

Connecting a Tiny House to Water

To connect your tiny house to water, simply screw one end of your potable water hose to the water source and the other end to your tiny house.

This process is straightforward, but it’s common to experience leaks the first time you do it. If you do experience leaks, try the tips below:

  1. Use plumber’s tape to wrap pipe threads for a stronger seal.
  2. Add an additional washer into the end of the hose for a tighter fit.
  3. Use a wrench to twist it all tightly

Connecting a Tiny House to Electricity

Begin by flipping the breaker on your electrical source OFF for safety.

A tiny home electrical cord will plug into your house like a lamp. Use the accompanying plastic ring to screw the plug into the house for a secure fit. (It will make sense when you’re looking at it!)

The other end of the cord will plug into your electrical source. Be sure to use a surge protector to protect your appliances.

Flip on the breaker, and you’ll be good to go!

Professional Tiny Home Installation Services

Parking a tiny house, leveling a tiny house, and connecting a tiny home to utilities are pretty straightforward activities, but bad weather, sloping terrain, and tight tiny house parking spaces can add complications. So don’t hesitate to seek professional tiny home installation services if you aren’t feeling confident!

Here are a few types of people you may want to call:

  • Mobile RV technicians.
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • Tow companies
  • Your tiny home transport driver. (Please note that levelling a house and connecting to tiny
    home utilities is NOT considered part of a driver’s job. However, if discussed in advance,
    they MAY be willing/able to help. Remember to tip!)

Ready to Buy a Tiny Home?

Now that you’re an expert on tiny house installation, all you need is a tiny home to install!

Our team is standing by to help you choose the best tiny home layout, and answer your questions. So just use the link below to schedule a time to chat!

Thanks for reading our tiny house blog; we can’t wait to meet you!

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