Tiny-Home Builder Margo Fairchild’s 5 Things to Consider Before Construction

Margo Fairchild built her tiny home in 2020 despite having no professional background in home construction. She relied on YouTube videos, homebuilding forums, and advice from architects and builders who found her Instagram documentation of the project.

The home is 240 square feet with one bedroom and one bathroom, and the build took 15 months. Fairchild told Business Insider that the project changed her perspective on perfectionism and taught her resilience.

Fairchild’s project cost $43,779, more than she expected, and she said her budget quickly changed once construction began. Business Insider reported that tiny homes are typically under 400 square feet and can cost between $30,000 and $60,000 to build, according to Rocket Mortgage.

Her advice: list every expected cost before starting, including materials down to screws and nails. Builders should also leave room for expenses they do not anticipate, such as permit fees, utilities, or hiring help.

Fairchild said prospective builders should research local ordinances early because tiny-home rules can vary by state and local jurisdiction. Some places may allow a tiny home on wheels while restricting one on a foundation, or vice versa.

She also advises designing around nonnegotiables. For her, that included enough ceiling height to exercise comfortably at home, reinforcing the larger point: a tiny home should support how someone actually lives every day.

Fairchild moved from a normal-sized home and had to let go of belongings including furniture and clothes. Even though the tiny home largely fits her needs, some items, including winter clothes and craft supplies, are kept in storage or at her mother’s home.

She recommends measuring what you plan to keep rather than designing only around what looks appealing. She also said anyone sharing a tiny home should consider relationship dynamics, patience, and ways to take space when needed.