Massachusetts experiences cold winters with temperatures below freezing and significant snowfall, which can make tiny home living challenging without proper insulation and heating. However, with proper insulation and heating systems, you can still live comfortably in a tiny home during the winter months. We use spray foam insulation and 2×4 framing. Spray foam has by far the highest R-value available for the tiny home application, and wooden construction allows less air infiltration than steel framing when the temperature rises. Additionally, we use LP SmartSide for a low-maintenance and durable siding that won’t warp or change with fluctuating temperatures (and which can be painted any custom color you like).

If you’re opting for an off-grid lifestyle, investing in solar power is also a good idea. If the set-up of your Massachusetts tiny home is permanent or semi-permanent, we recommend a ground mounted solar array. And housing the heavy batteries in a separate outbuilding will allow you to make the most of your tiny home’s precious square footage.

Another key design element for Massachusetts tiny homes is an exterior deck, especially if you’re planning to live on the coast or like to entertain. Your builder should be able to assist with your overall site plan and may even be able to create a set of deck construction documents to be used for building your deck on-site.

We recommend giving thought to the placement of your tiny home on your site as well. Consider landscaping that will increase the comfort of your home as well as its curb appeal. For example, placing your tiny home in a shaded area or planting trees and shrubbery can give you free added heat protection during the summer months.