By Tiny Home Associates
🌐 https://www.TinyHomeAssociates.com

Buying a Tiny Home on Wheels (THOW) is an exciting investment—but unfortunately, the growing popularity of tiny homes has also attracted dishonest builders, fake dealerships, and online scammers. At Tiny Home Associates, we believe an informed buyer is a protected buyer.

Our mission is simple: provide high-quality, Made in the USA Tiny Homes on Wheels while helping customers make safe, educated decisions throughout the buying process.

The Rise of Tiny Home Scams

As demand for tiny homes continues to grow, so do reports of fraudulent businesses that:

• Use stolen photos of homes they never built.
  
• Promise unrealistic delivery schedules.
  
• Advertise homes at prices that are too good to be true.
  
• Claim certifications or approvals they cannot verify.
  
• Operate without a legitimate business entity.
  
• Refuse to allow customers to tour their facility.
  
• Avoid written contracts.
  
• Many buyers lose thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars before realizing they've been deceived.

How to Protect Yourself

Before purchasing any tiny home, ask these questions.

1. Is the Company a Real Registered Business?

Verify:

State business registration

• Physical business location
  
• Business phone number
  
• Professional website
  
• Years in business
  
• Never rely solely on a Facebook page or social media account.

2. Can You Tour Their Facility?

A legitimate builder should welcome prospective customers to:

Tour the facility

• Meet the team, even a facetime call
  
• Inspect homes under construction
  
• Review materials and workmanship
  
• If a builder refuses visits or continually makes excuses, consider it a warning sign.

3. Ask for References

Speak with previous customers.

Ask:

Was the project completed?

• Was it delivered on time?
  
• Were there unexpected costs?
  
• Would you buy from them again?
  
• 4. Request Written Contracts

Never rely on verbal promises.

A professional contract should clearly explain:

Scope of work

• Payment schedule
  
• Change orders
  
• Warranties
  
• Delivery terms
  
• Completion milestones
  
• 5. Verify Certifications

Ask what standards the home is built to.

Examples include:

ANSI A119.5 (when applicable)

• Third-party inspections
  
• County permitting requirements
  
• Fire-rating documentation
  
• If someone cannot explain their certification process, ask more questions.

6. Be Careful With Large Deposits

Avoid companies requesting extremely large upfront payments without:

Contracts

• Milestones
  
• Progress documentation
  
• Inspection opportunities
  
• Professional builders generally tie payments to construction progress.

7. Look Beyond Price

The cheapest home is rarely the best value.

Consider:

Structural quality

• Fire-resistant materials
  
• Plumbing
  
• Electrical systems
  
• Warranty
  
• Long-term durability
  
• A poorly built tiny home can cost far more in repairs than investing in quality from the beginning.