*Custom Shells and Builds* by Smith Tiny Homes LLC

24ft shell, with double loft example build

The Reality of Shell Builds: Building for the Tiny Home Movement www.smithtinyhomes.com

There is a lot of noise in the housing industry right now, but we believe in keeping things straightforward. Whether you are looking for a lifestyle change, a guest house, or a specialized mobile workspace, a shell build is the bridge between a dream and a finished home.

However, "building tiny" is a specific craft. It isn’t just a smaller version of a mansion—it’s a specialized structure designed for efficiency, mobility, and intentional living.

Here is what you need to know about how we operate, how to prepare, and what to expect from the process.

1. Our Focus: Tiny Homes for Real Life

We often get asked if we take on large-scale residential projects or high-end luxury estates. To be clear: We do not build traditional stick-built houses or multi-million dollar homes.

Our passion and expertise are dedicated exclusively to Tiny Homes and specialized mobile structures. We build for the people who need functional, high-quality, and creative small spaces. By staying focused on this niche, we ensure that every shell we produce is built with the technical precision required for small-scale living.

Service Area

To maintain our quality standards and provide the best service to our clients, we operate within a specific radius. We do not build outside of Wisconsin or more than 100 miles from Foxboro (54836). Keeping it local allows us to focus on the craftsmanship that our community expects.

2. Zoning and Setup: Getting Your Site Ready

Before the framing begins, you need to ensure your "landing strip" is ready. Setup looks different depending on whether your shell stays on its frame or moves to a foundation.

On-Wheels Setup (Mobile)www.smithtinyhomes.com/ourmodels

• The Surface: You need a level, compacted gravel pad. Avoid soft grass or dirt, as the weight of a tiny home shell will cause it to sink over time.

• Stability: While the shell is on a trailer, it still needs to be stabilized. We recommend heavy-duty jack stands at all four corners to eliminate "rocking" while you finish the interior.

• Aesthetics & Energy: Think about your orientation. For example, using ground-mounted solar awnings is a great way to power your home while keeping your roofline clean and maintaining that classic lodge-style look.

Off-Wheels Setup (Stationary)

• The Foundation: If the structure is being moved off a trailer onto a permanent spot, your slab or piers must be cured and perfectly level.

• Local Zoning: Always check with your local county office regarding "Accessory Dwelling Units" (ADUs) or minimum square footage requirements. Every township in Wisconsin handles tiny structures differently.

3. Build Timelines: From Floor to Roof www.smithtinyhomes.com/ourmodels

One of the biggest advantages of a shell build is speed. We handle the heavy structural work so you don't have to spend months battling the elements.

Build Phase	On Wheels (Mobile)	Off Wheels (Stationary)
Framing & Sheathing	1 - 2 Weeks	2 - 3 Weeks
Windows & Exterior Finish	1 Week	1 Week
Total to "Dried-In" Shell	Approx. 3 Weeks	Approx. 4 Weeks

Note: Off-wheels builds generally take slightly longer due to the additional steps required for anchoring and site-specific structural adjustments.

4. Why Start with a Shell?

A shell build is for the person who wants to put their own "sweat equity" into a project without the stress of structural engineering. When we hand over a shell, it is "dried-in"—meaning the windows are in, the roof is on, and the interior is protected from the Wisconsin weather.

From there, you have a blank canvas to install your own:

• Custom cabinetry and wood ceilings.

• Off-grid energy systems.

• Unique layouts like mobile bakeries or creative studios.

We build the bones; you bring the heart.

Are you planning a build within our 100-mile radius and want to discuss a specific tiny home model?The Surface: You need a level, compacted gravel pad. Avoid soft grass or dirt, as the weight of a tiny home shell will cause it to sink over time.

• Stability: While the shell is on a trailer, it still needs to be stabilized. We recommend heavy-duty jack stands at all four corners to eliminate "rocking" while you finish the interior.

• Aesthetics & Energy: Think about your orientation. For example, using ground-mounted solar awnings is a great way to power your home while keeping your roofline clean and maintaining that classic lodge-style look.

Off-Wheels Setup (Stationary)

• The Foundation: If the structure is being moved off a trailer onto a permanent spot, your slab or piers must be cured and perfectly level.

• Local Zoning: Always check with your local county office regarding "Accessory Dwelling Units" (ADUs) or minimum square footage requirements. Every township in Wisconsin handles tiny structures differently.

www.smithtinyhomes.com