Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Here are quick responses to some of the most commonly asked questions about our homes, process, and services.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Feel free to contact us—we’re always happy to help!
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
General Questions
1. I am interested in a Great Lakes Tiny Home – How do I begin the process?
The best place to start your journey is right here on our website. We’ve thoughtfully designed it to be a comprehensive and current resource—whether you’re drawn to a Tiny Home or a Modular Home set on a permanent foundation.
After you’ve had a chance to explore, consider putting together a vision board to help capture your style and layout preferences. This is also a good time to start outlining a realistic budget and timeline. Thinking ahead about where your home will be located and how you’ll finance it will help lay a solid foundation for the next steps.
After this is completed, schedule a call or site visit with one of our representatives to customize your home.
2. What is the typical timeline for building a home?
The timeframe for completing your Great Lakes Tiny Home can vary depending on a few key factors—our existing production schedule, the type of home you choose (Tiny Home on Wheels, Commercial Unit, or Modular), and the amount of customization required.
Phone : 855-855-Tiny (8469)
Website: www.greatlakestinyhome.com
Email : info@greatlakestinyhome.com
To get the most precise estimate for your unique project, we encourage you to connect with our team directly. We’ll be glad to guide you through our current timeline and help set expectations. Contact us today.
3.Do you offer walk-throughs or visits?
Yes, we do offer On-Site Tours, by appointment, to help our customers get a hands-on experience of how our homes are structured. This also helps get a great idea of the space in your home.
4. What locations are suitable for placing a tiny home?
For many, the dream of placing a tiny home on their own land is appealing—but it can also come with its fair share of challenges. We highly recommend beginning by contacting the zoning and building departments in the city or county where you intend to live. They’ll let you know if Tiny Homes on Wheels are permitted and whether there are minimum square footage requirements that might impact your plans.
Online communities and social media platforms—particularly Facebook groups—can also be valuable sources of information. You’ll often find insights on tiny home-friendly areas and listings for available properties nearby.
RV parks are increasingly welcoming to tiny homes, especially Park Model RVs. A simple phone call is often all it takes to find out if a specific park allows Tiny Homes on Wheels.
Although we wish we could provide a complete list of approved locations for tiny homes, park models, or modular homes, zoning regulations differ greatly from place to place. Whether your plan involves a Tiny Home on Wheels, a Park Model RV, or a Modular Home, doing thorough research is essential. Working with a local real estate agent who understands zoning codes—or reaching out directly to your local zoning office—can help make sure your home is set up both legally and safely.
5.Can you help me find land for my home?
We don’t offer services for finding land or parking spaces. Our primary goal is to design and build a high-quality home that fits your unique preferences. Since zoning laws and regulations differ greatly from one area to another, we’re not able to provide a complete list of approved placement locations. We suggest checking out our “Where can I place my home?” FAQ and doing some online research or reaching out to your local zoning office for more detailed information.
Phone : 855-855-Tiny (8469)
Website: www.greatlakestinyhome.com
Email : info@greatlakestinyhome.com
Ask us about Tiny Home Communities!!
6. What are the main differences between a tiny home and a modular home?
Although both provide compact living solutions, the main distinctions lie in their construction, mobility, and placement options.
Tiny Homes
✔ Built on trailers for mobility
✔ Built to ANSI A119.5 standards
✔ Perfect for travel and flexible living
✔ Usually between 8’6” & 14’ wide and under 400 sq ft.
✔ Meant to be transported once or infrequently and then set up long-term
✔ Often used as a guest house, vacation home, or full-time residence in RV parks or on private land (where permitted)
✔ Still considered a “Park Model” RV, but more spacious and not intended for frequent travel
✔ Customizable to match your preferred layout and design
Modular Homes
✔ Constructed to meet state residential building codes
✔ Delivered in sections and permanently set on a foundation
✔ Considered traditional homes for permitting, zoning and financing purposes
✔ Ideal for full-time residences, guest homes, or rental units
✔ Generally larger, starting around 400 sq. ft.
Not sure which option suits your needs or property best? Our team is here to help you figure out the perfect fit.
7. What are the main differences between a Modular home and a Manufactured home?
Modular Homes
Phone : 855-855-Tiny (8469)
Website: www.greatlakestinyhome.com
Email : info@greatlakestinyhome.com
✔ Constructed to meet state residential building codes
✔ Delivered in sections and permanently set on a foundation
✔ Considered traditional homes for permitting, zoning and financing purposes
✔ Ideal for full-time residences, guest homes, or rental units
✔ Generally larger, starting around 400 sq. ft
✔Great for full-time living with long-term durability
Manufactured Home
✘ Built to the federal HUD code, not state residential code
✘ Often placed on blocks or piers, though some may be permanently affixed
✘ May face more zoning restrictions and community limitations
✘ Typically mass-produced with limited customization
✘ Not offered by Great Lakes Tiny Homes
If you are looking for a Tiny Home or Modular Home, built with top – quality materials and expert craftsmanship, Great Lakes Tiny Homes may be the perfect fit! Schedule a call today to find out!!
8. Who do I contact about local building regulations?
Here is a list of people to call with questions to ask regarding permitting for tiny homes.
Calling your township for zoning regulations
- What permits are required from the township
- Can I have a Tiny Home on the property
- Can it be on a trailer or foundation
- Are there any size restrictions
- What are the property line setbacks required
- Can this be a primary or ADU residents
Your county building department
- Are there any building restrictions for a Tiny Home
- What permits are required from the county
- Can the Tiny Home have the RVIA certification if less than 400 sq ft
9. Who do I contact about Private or Public Utilities?
If you have a private septic system, call your county health department to see if you can tie it into your current system.
In most cases, if you have a private water well you are able to tie into it.
Phone : 855-855-Tiny (8469)
Website: www.greatlakestinyhome.com
Email : info@greatlakestinyhome.com
If you have public sewer and water, call your city/town to see what you need to tie into the current sewer and water.
In most cases, if you are already tied into the electric service, you are able to run a 50 amp or 100 amp service to your Tiny Home, depending on the amperage that’s needed.
Park Model Homes On Wheels
1. What is the price of a Great Lakes Tiny Home?
While we do offer some Tiny Homes In-Stock, at Great Lakes Tiny Homes, we specialize in custom-built “Park Model” Tiny Homes, and mobile commercial units. Because every home is tailored to your unique needs, pricing will vary depending on the size, layout, and finishes you select. There’s no flat rate—but we invite you to browse our website for examples of previous builds, including pricing, to help guide your expectations.
For Modular Homes, pricing is based on the specific model you choose. Please note that listed prices cover the home only and do not include transportation, permitting, site prep, or foundation work, which vary by location.
2. Why are your homes more expensive than some others?
Our homes are built for lasting quality, not mass production. At Great Lakes Tiny Homes, each build is carefully crafted with high-grade materials and expert workmanship—as if we were building it for our own family. We work from a fully equipped facility, not a backyard, and follow strict codes and building standards with certified professionals.
The price also reflects rising material costs and the personalized nature of each home. Unlike factory-built units, our homes are handcrafted one at a time, with attention to every detail. We believe you’ll see and feel the difference in durability, comfort, and long-term value.
3. How do I finance a Great Lakes Tiny Home?
While we do offer a financing option for our Park Model Tiny Homes, It is generally more beneficial to contact a Bank or Credit Union to inquire about an RV Loan, Personal Loan or a Home Equity Line of Credit. A few other financing options Tiny Home Financing options are Lightstream and SoFi.
Phone : 855-855-Tiny (8469)
Website: www.greatlakestinyhome.com
Email : info@greatlakestinyhome.com
4. Are you RVIA certified?
Yes, We build our Park Model Homes to meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.5 standards. Our certification is issued through Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). They regularly inspect our builds to ensure code compliance, and their certification seal is accepted throughout the United States.
5. How does the electric hookup work?
If you’re living connected to the grid, our homes come standard, ready to hardwire directly into the 100 amp breaker. This provides all the electricity your home needs.
If you’re planning to live off-grid, we offer custom solar and power system upgrades to suit your lifestyle and energy needs.
6. Do I need a sewer or septic system?
Yes, for black water disposal, your home will need access to a sewer or septic system. However, we offer alternative toilet options like the Sun-Mar composting toilet and the Incinolet incinerating toilet, which allow you to live comfortably without traditional plumbing—perfect for off-grid or remote living.
7. What is the custom design process like?
Our homes are as unique as the people who live in them. That’s why our design process is highly personalized. All of our Standard Park Models come with Free Plans.Custom Plans is when any unit is structurally modified.
Here’s how it works:
- We start with a detailed design questionnaire and one-on-one consultations to understand your vision, needs, and style.
- Basic Plans with 1-Revision (Estimate Included) $399.00
- Each Additional Revision $249.00
- 3D Prints with Floorplans and 1 Revision $1,199.00
- Each Additional Revision $599.00
- Final Plans with Elevations $1,499.00
Phone : 855-855-Tiny (8469)
Website: www.greatlakestinyhome.com
Email : info@greatlakestinyhome.com
Please note, any design fee is for the design phase only and does not go toward the final build price. Our team uses only high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship to create a home built to stand the test of time.
8. What codes do you build to?
We build our Park Model Homes to meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.5 standards. Our certification is issued through Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). They regularly inspect our builds to ensure code compliance, and their certification seal is accepted throughout the United States.
9. Do you sell your floor plans?
We do not sell or release floor plans. Each home we build is a custom design, created specifically for a client’s needs. A great deal of effort goes into the layout and design, and we honor the investment our clients make.
That said, we provide detailed photos and walkthroughs on our website. If you’re curious about a layout or feature, we’re happy to answer questions and guide you through what’s possible.
10. Do you build homes for all climates?
Absolutely. Whether you’re moving to a snowy climate or a hot, dry region, we can build a home to match. We offer climate-specific upgrades like added insulation, heated floors, insulated skirting, or even heated roofing systems to keep your home comfortable year-round.
Though we’re based in Ohio, we design and ship homes across the U.S., with climate in mind every step of the way.
Modular Homes on a Foundation
1. What is the price of your modular homes?
Our modular home pricing varies depending on the model. We build Modular Homes with custom layouts for the best fit for your lifestyle. Each home is built to meet applicable building codes and includes a range of high-quality features.
Contact one of our representatives to discuss your interests.
Phone : 855-855-Tiny (8469)
Website: www.greatlakestinyhome.com
Email : info@greatlakestinyhome.com
2. How do I finance a modular home?
Financing a modular home is generally similar to financing a traditional home. If you’re installing a modular unit as an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on a property that already carries a mortgage, a traditional home loan may not apply. In these cases, many clients explore options such as HELOCs or personal loans. Great Lakes Tiny Homes accepts financing from a variety of lenders, and if you need assistance, we can connect you with one of our trusted lending partners.
3. Do you sell your modular floor plans?
We do not offer our modular floor plans for sale. Our designs are proprietary and exclusive to Great Lakes Tiny Homes. However, we’re here to help you choose the model that best suits your lifestyle and space requirements.
Contact one of our representatives to discuss the best floor plan for you.
Certifications
1. What certifications does Great Lakes Tiny Homes have?
At Great Lakes Tiny Homes, we hold several certifications that allow us to offer a diverse range of home types tailored to different needs and lifestyles. These credentials ensure we meet high standards for safety, construction quality, and legal compliance. These certifications allow Great Lakes Tiny Homes to offer both mobile and permanent housing solutions—all built with precision, safety, and long-term value in mind.
Phone : 855-855-Tiny (8469)
Website: www.greatlakestinyhome.com
Email : info@greatlakestinyhome.com
Certified RV Manufacturer
We are certified to build Park Model RVs (RVIA) to ANSI 119.5 standards. These homes are constructed on trailers and classified as recreational vehicles, perfect for those seeking mobility or placement in RV parks and campgrounds.
Licensed RV Dealer
This certification allows us to legally sell RV-certified tiny homes directly to customers, ensuring a smooth and compliant purchasing process.
Certified Modular Home Manufacturer
We are authorized to build modular homes that meet state and local building codes. These homes are built in our controlled facility and delivered to a permanent foundation on your property. Once installed, they are treated just like traditional site-built homes in terms of zoning, permitting, and inspections.
Licensed Residential Contractor
This license qualifies us to oversee and complete residential construction projects, including site preparation and installation of our modular homes, ensuring every build is safe, secure, and code-compliant.
Tiny Home Planning Guide
Where to put the Tiny home
- Do you own land or are you renting land for your Tiny home
- Are you looking at or interested in a Tiny Home Community
What are you using the Tiny Home for
- Primary residence
- Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU)
- Short-term rental – Airbnb, etc.
- Office space
Utility Hook-ups
- Temporary or standard RV
- Permanent Tie into existing
- New Permanent
Financing
- Budget amount
- Cash buyer
- Looking for financing
- Rent to own – coming soon
- Layaway program – coming soon
Time Frame
- When do you want your Tiny Home
Building Certifications & Foundation
- RVIA less than 400 sq ft
- Modular home if more than 400 sq ft
- On a trailer/wheels
- On concrete slab or gravel pad
Local Building Regulations – who to call
- Your township for zoning regulations
- What permits are required from the township
- Can I have a Tiny home on the property
- Can it be on a trailer or foundation
- Are there any size restrictions
- What are the property line setbacks required
- Can this be a primary or ADU residents
- Your county building department
- Are there any building restrictions for a Tiny Home
- What permits are required from the county
- Can the Tiny Home have the RVIA certification if less than 400 sq ft
Private or Public Utilities – who to call
- If you have a private septic system call your county health department to see if you can tie it into your current system
- In most cases, if you have a private water well you are able to tie into it
- If you have public sewer and water call your city/town to see what you need to tie into the current sewer and water
- In most cases, if you are already tied into the electric service you are able to run, 50 amp or 100 amp service to your Tiny Home, depending on the amperage that’s needed
