The ABCs of Buying a Tiny Home or ADU on Amazon

Did you know you can now buy a tiny home or ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) on Amazon? For anywhere between $8,500 and $55,000, you can add a compact home to your property—sometimes even with free delivery. But before you hit “add to cart,” there are some essential things to know to avoid unexpected headaches or costs.

Here’s everything you should consider before buying a tiny home or ADU.

What Exactly Is a Tiny Home or ADU?

Tiny homes are compact housing units typically under 400 square feet. They may sit on wheels like an RV or be built on a foundation. ADUs, on the other hand, are additional small dwellings located on a property that already has a main house. These structures provide extra living space and are gaining popularity for their affordability and sustainability.

Paul Dashevsky, co-CEO of Maxable, notes, 

"As urban populations swell and sustainability becomes a central focus, the ability to build smaller, energy-efficient homes with reduced environmental impact will be key. (Neumann, 2025)."

Understand What You’re Buying

Not all tiny homes on Amazon are delivered ready to live in. Some might come fully assembled, while others arrive as a kit requiring professional assembly.

“Are you buying a complete tiny house that comes fully built, or are you buying a bunch of parts that need to be assembled?” asks Dashevsky (Neumann, 2025). 

He suggests consulting a licensed contractor with ADU experience to determine the price of assembly before buying. Depending on the complexity, a prefab ADU could cost anywhere from $80,000 to $400,000 to build on your site.

If you need help finding a contractor, referrals or services like GreatBuildz, Angi, and Yelp are good resources.

Check Local Zoning and Building Codes

Before buying an ADU or tiny home, you need to confirm that your city or county allows it on your property. Visit your local planning department’s website or office to learn about zoning laws, permits, and building codes.

“The last thing you want is a tiny home you have to sell or return because your city won’t allow it,” warns Dashevsky (Neumann, 2025). 

Alternatively, hiring a local architect familiar with ADUs can save time and ensure compliance with all requirements.

Research Utility Connections

Unless you’re planning to live off the grid, you’ll need water, electricity, and sewer hookups for your tiny home. Connecting these utilities is similar to a traditional home setup and involves digging trenches and running new pipes and cables.

“You dig a trench from the location of the existing utilities—water, sewer, electrical gas—and run new pipes to the location of the new unit,” explains Dashevsky. Expect utility installation to cost between $10,000 and $20,000. This is a job for professionals, not a DIY project.

Ensure Your Tiny Home Is Weather-Proof

If you live in an area prone to severe weather, make sure your tiny home or ADU is designed to withstand local conditions. Look for features such as fire-resistant materials, wind-resistance ratings, and seismic protection.

ADUs built on-site are subject to the same building codes as traditional homes, ensuring they meet structural and safety standards.

“ADUs are built under the same guiding building code—International Residential Code (IRC)—as principal houses,” says Jeremy Tetreault of Four Brothers Design + Build  (Neumann, 2025).

Explore Insurance Options

Insuring a tiny home or ADU can be tricky. If it’s a tiny home on wheels, you may qualify for RV or mobile home insurance. If your tiny home is built on a foundation, it might be covered under your existing homeowners' policy as an “other structure.” Speak with an insurance broker to determine the best coverage for your situation.

The good news? Tiny homes often qualify for more affordable insurance premiums, potentially saving you 50% or more compared to regular homeowners insurance.

Be Aware of Hidden Costs

The initial price tag for a tiny home on Amazon might seem affordable, but additional costs can add up quickly. Here are some expenses to consider:

• Assembly and Installation: Hiring a contractor to build the unit.

• Utility Hookups: Connecting water, electricity, and sewer lines.

• Foundation: If the home isn’t on wheels, a concrete pad or foundation could cost $5,000 to $15,000.

• Crane Services: If the home needs to be lifted into place, you may have to pay for a crane rental.

“The bottom line is that you need to know all the costs involved, which are very likely to end up being close to double the Amazon ‘price,’” says Dashevsky.

Bottomline

Tiny homes and ADUs are an innovative solution to affordability and space issues, but they come with important considerations. Understanding assembly, zoning, utilities, and additional costs will help you avoid surprises and make an informed purchase.

Ready to explore your options for tiny homes or ADUs in Orange County? Let’s connect to discuss how I can guide you through the process and help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Reference: Neumann, K. D. (2025, February 1). Before Buying a Tiny Home on Amazon, Make Sure You Know the ABCs of ADUs. Realtor.com.