What Companies Specialize in Building Tiny Homes on Wheels? How to Find the Right One
The tiny home industry has exploded over the last few years — which means there are more builders than ever. That's good news if you want options. It's less good news if you're trying to figure out which ones are actually worth trusting with your money.
So how do you find a legit tiny home builder? Here's what to look for — and what red flags to watch out for.
What to Look for in a Builder
Experience with tiny homes specifically. Building a tiny home is not the same as building a regular house. The space constraints, the systems integration, the trailer work — it's a specific skill set. Ask how many THOWs they've built and whether you can see examples or talk to past customers.
RV or ANSI certification capability. If you want your THOW to qualify for RV financing or insurance, it needs to meet certain standards — typically ANSI A119.5 (park trailer standard) or RVIA certification. Not every builder can do this. Ask upfront.
Transparency on pricing. A good builder will give you a detailed quote broken down by category. If someone is vague about costs or pressures you to sign before you've seen the numbers, that's a red flag.
Design and customization process. Do they work with you on the design? Do they have floor plans you can start from? Do they have designers and engineers on staff or on their team? The best builders treat this as a collaborative process.
Warranty and after-sale support. What happens if something goes wrong after delivery? Ask about warranties on structure, systems, and finishes. A builder who won't answer this question clearly is not one you want to work with.
What Makes a Builder Stand Out
The builders who do this well tend to share a few qualities: they're upfront about costs and timelines, they involve you in the design process, they have experience navigating permits and zoning (especially for THOWs), and they ship nationwide or have a clear delivery plan.
At Cocoon Homes, we build custom THOWs from $55,000 to $115,000, and we handle the entire process — design, permitting, construction, delivery, and land development (at cost). We've built across the West Coast and ship nationwide. Our trailers are custom-designed with removable tongues, no interior wheel wells, and four-corner leveling jacks — so your home looks and feels permanent once it's set.
Questions to Ask Any Builder Before You Commit
Before you sign anything, ask these: How many THOWs have you built? Can I see photos and talk to past customers? Is the home RVIA or ANSI certified? What does your design process look like? What's included in the price — and what's not? Do you handle delivery and site setup? What's your warranty? Do you help with financing or can you connect me with lenders? Click here to learn about financing options
Red Flags to Watch For
Pressure to decide quickly. Vague pricing with lots of "it depends." No examples of past work. No willingness to provide references. Asking for large upfront payments with no contract.
Find a builder you can trust at mycocoonhomes.com
