Pre-design service only — AI concept packages are not permit-ready plans. Need permit-ready drawings? See Design Services →
Tiny Home
Concept, zoning check, and permit path for tiny homes, container homes, and micro-dwellings.
All onsite installation and build work is performed by your contractor of record. Kealee provides AI design, final design packages, permit filing, advisory, and contractor matching services only.
Package includes
- Tiny home classification assessment (permanent vs. temporary)
- Lot eligibility and zoning check
- Utility connection requirements analysis
- HCD vs. site-built classification
- Permit path identification for your jurisdiction
- Cost band estimate for foundation and utility work
- Contractor matching (tiny home and ADU specialists)
Your Project Journey
AI Concept Package
Start here. See your project before anything is built.
Starting at $395Contractor Match
Optional. Match with verified contractors who bid on your scope.
See contractor network →Empty lot → Permitted tiny home or container home
Before
AfterChoose your package
All packages start with AI concept. Upgrade or add services at any step.
AI Tiny Home Concept
1 feedback round · 5–7 business days
Classification, zoning check, permit path, and concept layout.
- Classification assessment
- Lot eligibility check
- Permit path ID
- Concept layout options
- Cost band estimate
Advanced Tiny Home Design
Up to 3 feedback rounds · 7–10 business days
Detailed design with interior layout, utility plan, and contractor brief.
- Everything in AI Concept
- Detailed interior layout
- Utility connection plan
- Site plan with setbacks
- 60-min consultation
Full Tiny Home Design
Up to 5 rounds · 3–4 weeks
Permit-ready drawings, structural coordination, and full contractor package.
- Everything in Advanced
- Permit-ready drawings
- Structural coordination
- Full spec package
- Contractor bid documents
How it works
Describe your tiny home
Tell us the type (site-built, prefab, container, manufactured), intended use, and your lot location.
Concept delivered (5–7 days)
Classification, eligibility determination, concept layout, and permit path for your jurisdiction.
Permits filed (if required)
Site-built tiny homes on permanent foundations require permits. We identify exactly what is needed and file.
Contractor match
Matched with tiny home and ADU-experienced contractors who bid on your scope.
About this service
Tiny homes, container homes, and micro-dwellings occupy a unique regulatory space in the DMV. We identify whether your proposed structure is treated as permanent construction, an ADU, or a temporary structure — and what permits and utility connections are required.
Who this is for
Homeowners and landowners planning a tiny home, container home, or micro-dwelling on a lot in the DC/Maryland/Virginia metro area.
Common questions
Are tiny homes legal in the DMV?
It depends on classification and jurisdiction. Site-built micro-dwellings that meet minimum size codes are permitted in all DMV jurisdictions. Pre-built THOW (tiny homes on wheels) have more restrictions.
What is the minimum size for a legal home in the DMV?
Minimum habitable square footage varies by jurisdiction — typically 120–400 sq ft for a studio.
Can a tiny home be an ADU on my existing property?
Yes, if it meets your jurisdiction's ADU size and setback requirements. This is one of the most common tiny home configurations in the DMV.
Do tiny homes hold their value?
Site-built tiny homes on permanent foundations typically appreciate. Manufactured homes on leased land do not.
Ready to get started?
No commitment beyond this order. Every service is separate and optional. Stop at any step.
Starting at $395 · one-time · concept report