Tiny Home Resources: Tiny Home Utility Planning Checklist

• Determine expected electricity use for lighting, refrigeration, cooking, heating, cooling, water heating, and electronics.
• Decide whether the home will use a utility connection, solar power, a generator, or a combination.
• Estimate daily energy consumption and peak electrical demand.
• If using solar, assess available sunlight, shading, roof or ground-mount space, and seasonal variation.
• Determine whether battery storage is needed and estimate the required capacity.
• Check inverter, charge controller, wiring, grounding, overcurrent protection, and disconnect requirements with a qualified electrician.
• Identify the location and space needed for electrical equipment, batteries, and service access.
• Confirm permits, inspections, and applicable electrical requirements.

• Identify the water source: municipal supply, well, hauled water, rainwater, or another permitted source.
• Confirm whether the source is legal and sufficient for the intended use and occupancy.
• Estimate daily water demand for drinking, cooking, bathing, laundry, and cleaning.
• Determine whether filtration, disinfection, or water testing is needed.
• Plan water storage, pumps, pressure regulation, and freeze protection where applicable.
• Locate plumbing routes and provide access to valves, filters, pumps, and other serviceable components.
• Check local requirements for wells, rainwater collection, potable water, and plumbing.

• Determine whether connection to a sewer or approved septic system is available and permitted.
• If considering a composting or incinerating toilet, confirm local acceptance and installation requirements.
• Plan for greywater from sinks, showers, and laundry, including lawful disposal or treatment.
• Check septic feasibility, soil conditions, setbacks, permits, and maintenance requirements where relevant.
• Consider water use, ventilation, odor control, servicing, and waste removal for the chosen system.
• Confirm how the wastewater system will work at the intended site, not just inside the home.

• Assess the local climate, seasonal temperature extremes, humidity, and exposure to sun and wind.
• Choose suitable heating and cooling options for the home’s size, insulation, and air leakage.
• Plan insulation and air sealing alongside appropriate moisture management.
• Provide bathroom and kitchen exhaust where required, plus adequate fresh-air ventilation.
• Consider loft temperatures, airflow between levels, window placement, and summer heat buildup.
• Check electrical capacity, fuel storage, combustion-air needs, clearances, and carbon monoxide protection for applicable equipment.
• Plan for condensation control and safe operation in cold or humid conditions.

• Check cellular coverage and wired internet availability at the actual site.
• Compare cellular, satellite, and other connectivity options where conventional service is unavailable.
• Plan equipment locations, power needs, cable routes, and signal access.
• Identify any additional systems needed for work, security, monitoring, or emergency communication.
• Check whether these systems will operate reliably during outages or seasonal weather.

• Reserve space for tanks, batteries, inverters, pumps, filters, water heaters, and other equipment.
• Make sure equipment can be reached, inspected, repaired, and replaced without dismantling finished interiors.
• Coordinate plumbing, wiring, ventilation, and structural framing before construction closes up walls and ceilings.
• Consider noise, heat, vibration, odors, and maintenance access when locating equipment near sleeping or living areas.
• Check weight, ventilation, weather protection, and transport constraints for a tiny home on wheels.
• Plan for winterization, draining, seasonal shutdowns, and protection from freezing where needed.

• Estimate equipment, installation, permits, inspections, and professional design costs.
• Include trenching, utility extensions, tanks, foundations or pads, delivery, and site preparation where applicable.
• Compare ongoing utility bills, fuel, maintenance, replacement parts, and expected equipment life.
• Confirm that the property can legally support the proposed utility systems.
• Identify which work requires licensed contractors, inspections, or approval from local authorities.
• Keep a record of quotes, assumptions, approvals, warranties, and unresolved questions.

• Confirm the proposed setup meets applicable local rules and health and safety requirements.
• Verify water supply, wastewater disposal, electrical capacity, and other critical services before buying equipment or land.
• Make sure all systems are compatible with each other and with the home’s layout.
• Identify the biggest unresolved technical, regulatory, and cost questions.
• Ask qualified professionals or local authorities to verify anything you cannot confidently confirm yourself.
• Update this checklist as your design, budget, and site plans change.

Off-grid doesn’t automatically mean simpler or cheaper, and connecting to conventional utilities isn’t always possible. The right setup depends on the property, local rules, climate, budget, and how the home will be used. Verify important requirements before purchasing equipment or starting installation.