It is no surprise that tiny homes have taken the real estate industry by storm. Small spaces allow couples and families to spend quality time together.

In a tiny home, there is less time spent cleaning and fewer hours in front of the TV. Surveys show that as many as half of the U.S. population would consider making the jump to tiny home life.

The coronavirus has also caused a market shift as homebuyers (and builders) reconsider their priorities. For people looking to own property without breaking the bank, tiny homes are ideal.

Oftentimes, individuals can pay for the home with cash—leaving room in the budget for travel, fine dining, and enjoying a fulfilled life.

If you don’t want to be house-poor, it may be time to take tiny homes more seriously. Depending on where you build, the total costs could fall somewhere between $30,000 and $60,000.

You could even save on the costs by constructing the home yourself. To discover how this may be possible, keep reading!

What license do I need?

Following State, County, and City Regulations

The good news is that Tennessee is friendly to tiny home dwellers. In fact, there are already several tiny house communities sprinkled throughout the state. If you live in Newport or Monteagle, you might consider joining one of these neighborhoods.

Wherever you decide to build, you will need to follow all city and county regulations. Fortunately, many Tennessee municipalities have decided to opt out of the state’s zoning and building codes. In these areas, you should have no problem building a tiny home without a permit.

Although you won’t need a general building permit, you will need permits for electrical and septic projects. If you plan on providing your tiny home with electricity and plumbing, you will need to work with the state.

Obtaining a Contractor’s License for Best Results

Your future home may be small, but construction is always complicated. You don’t want to get to the end of your project, only to discover that you have failed to meet all of the legal requirements!

To ensure you build a tiny home that is safe and up-to-code, you might need to obtain a Tennessee Contractor’s license. The good news is that earning a license is easier than you might think—especially with the help of RocketCert. Best of all, the process will help you better understand the ins and outs of safe construction.

Understanding the Licensing Process

Getting your residential construction license is usually a three-step process. First, you must take two tests. One is the Tennessee Business and Law exam and the other is the Residential Contractor exam. You must pass each exam with a grade of 70% or higher.

Next, you will need to obtain two types of insurance: general liability and workers’ compensation. For a tiny home, you will want to seek $100,000 in general liability coverage.

Finally, you must submit a notarized application. You will need a letter of reference as well as CPA- or PA-approved financial statements.

If you want to obtain a contractor’s license in Tennessee, take advantage of the resources at RocketCert. We offer many Tennessee exam prep courses and exam prep materials. All of our educational products are created by industry experts.

Find out more about getting a contractor’s license in Tennessee or explore our courses today!