8 Tools Needed To Build a Tiny House

There are just eight tools needed to build a tiny house, and you can buy them all for under $500. In addition to these basics, there are other specialized tools that come in handy and can make things easier. Of course it’s important to learn proper and safe tool use, so that you can build your tiny house effectively and without injury. 

In this post, we’ll share more about the eight essential tools needed to build a tiny house, plus eight others that can be great to have. We’ve included video clips about some of these tools that are excerpts from our comprehensive online Tiny House Academy. To see all 50+ tool videos in the program, plus a whole lot more, enroll in our online tiny house building class.

What tools are needed to build a tiny house?

The following eight tools make up our bare-bones tiny house building toolkit. They range from simple hand tools like the carpenter’s pencil and tape measure, to larger, more expensive power tools like the impact driver and circular saw. We’ve included current (2022) price ranges for each tool. This way, you get a sense of the investment that’s needed for building your tiny house. You can also read more on how much it costs to build a tiny house.  

Creating Your Tiny House Tool Budget

One of the first steps in any tiny house construction guide is planning out your budget, and that includes the cost of tools. Building a house checklist often focuses on materials, but the equipment needed to build a house can add up quickly if you’re not prepared. Setting aside a specific portion of your overall budget for tools ensures you won’t have to cut corners later.

Start by listing the essential tools for building a house that you’ll need to own outright, like a tape measure, hammer, impact driver, and circular saw. Next, identify which tools for construction can be rented or borrowed, such as a table saw or nail gun. By balancing purchases with rentals and used finds, you can often secure all the tools for building a house for under $500–$700, making it easier to stay on track financially while still having reliable house construction tools at your disposal.

Essential tiny house tools

• Carpenter’s pencil ($0.99 for 1, $5 for a 10 pack)
• Tape measure ($20-$40)
• Chalk line ($9-$15)
• Level ($8-$50+)
• Speed square ($6-$20)
• Hammer ($10-$50)
• Impact driver ($100-$300)
• Circular saw ($100-$300)

Optional tools to build a tiny house

• Chop saw ($120-$650)
• Plumb bob ($6-$10)
• Drill ($50-$200)
• Reciprocating saw a.k.a. Sawzall ($100-$300)
• Jigsaw ($40-$200)
• Nail gun ($80-$400)
• Table saw ($120-$1,000+)
• Hand saw ($10-$100+)

Tiny house tool rentals

When you build your own tiny house, you’ll be using the eight basic tools pretty regularly. Therefore, it’s great to own or long-term-borrow these. On the other hand, the optional tools are more specialized and may not be needed as much. For example, the jigsaw is great for making curved cuts or fancy cutouts, but won’t be necessary for basic framing. In the case of these more specialized tools, renting them is a great option. 

Most larger hardware stores have tool rental programs, and some places even have tool libraries. These are wonderful community resources where everyday folks can share tools. To find out if there’s a tool library near you, check out this tool library map. Our Asheville Tool Library boasts over 2,000 tools, volunteer opportunities, and chances to learn how to use tools. There, you’ll definitely find all the tools needed to build a tiny house, plus many more. 

Tips for buying tools

When it comes to tools for building a tiny house, you get what you pay for. Sometimes, you can find good deals on used tools through flea markets or online marketplaces like Craigslist or FB Marketplace. These are especially great for smaller hand tools because you can inspect the whole tool and determine what shape it’s in, and potentially fix it if it’s broken.

Power tools are trickier. The motor condition determines the lifespan of equipment needed to build a house, and it’s not always obvious when buying used. For that reason, many builders prefer to purchase new or lightly used drills, circular saws, and impact drivers, especially since they’re some of the most frequently used power tools needed to build a house. For most DIY tiny house builders, mid-range tools offer the best balance of cost and reliability.

If your budget allows, consider splurging on a high-quality impact driver and circular saw, as these are two of the must-have tools for building a house that you’ll rely on from the first cut to the final screw. Building a tiny house is a major project, and having dependable house construction tools makes the process safer, smoother, and ultimately more enjoyable. By combining smart purchasing with rentals and community resources, you can create a complete set of tools for building a house without overspending.

Tools needed to build a tiny house

Carpenter’s pencil 

The carpenter’s pencil is essential for marking where to cut, and can be used in other ways, too. It’s larger than your everyday pencil, and is rectangular instead of round. You can use a round, everyday pencil for carpentry, but the carpenter’s pencil has some advantages. For one, it won’t roll away if you put it down on a slanted surface while you’re building your tiny house. Also, the thicker lead writes on rough surfaces more easily. Finally, the carpenter’s pencil doubles as a convenient spacer, and it’s easy to sharpen with a utility knife.  

When thinking about the must-have tools for building a house, a carpenter’s pencil might seem minor, but it plays a big role in precision. It’s inexpensive, easy to sharpen with a utility knife, and durable enough to mark on rough surfaces. Some tiny house builders even use it as a spacer or gauge for consistent gaps during construction. Adding several to your supplies needed to build a house ensures you always have one within reach during framing, finishing, and layout work.

Tape measure

You’ll be making measurements at every step of building your tiny house, from framing to finishing. A tape measure helps you do this accurately, so everything lines up. There are many different tape measures, of varying qualities and sizes. All of them have a flat little hook or tongue on the end that wobbles a little bit, this is normal! The movement makes up for the thickness of the tongue itself. For most projects, a 25’ tape measure is a great length. Longer is fine, but shorter isn’t great for a project as big as a tiny house. You can choose a tape measure that has metric measurements on one side and imperial on the other, or just whichever system you use on top. 

Chalk line 

The chalk line is unparalleled when you need to make a long, straight mark on a piece of wood, or any other material. It’s a simple, elegant little tool that’s basically just a container full of powdered chalk with a spool of string that feeds out through one side. To use it, you stretch the string across your surface, then simply snap the string so it drops calk along its length, marking a clear line. 

When choosing tools for construction, a chalk line should be near the top of your list for layout accuracy. It’s affordable, easy to use, and provides consistent results over long distances. Adding a chalk line to your equipment needed to build a house helps ensure your framing stays square and your finished build feels professional and stable.

Level 

A level helps you determine if something is perfectly flat in relationship to gravity. This tool makes it possible to line things up in your tiny house so that everything is balanced, square, and straight. Specifically, a level is great for determining if something is horizontally flat, or level. It can also be used to measure the vertical level, or plumb (if something is straight up and down), but the plumb bob is a more specific tool for this dimension. There are many lengths of levels, from a short bullet or torpedo level, to very long framing levels. Likely, a 4’ level is all you’ll need for building a tiny house. 

When creating your home building checklist, consider a level one of the must-have tools for building a house. Accuracy at this stage affects every part of your construction, from the way walls meet ceilings to how doors and windows open. While advanced builders may use laser levels for larger projects, a manual level is reliable, inexpensive, and a crucial piece of equipment needed to build a house that stands the test of time.

Speed square 

This simple tool isn’t square at all, but triangular. However, being a 90 degree or “right” triangle, it’s used to measure and mark perfect square angles. Along with this, a speed square easily measures and marks other angles, so you can use it to prepare for any straight cut. While building materials may seem “square,” they’re rarely perfectly 90 degrees. In order to build a tiny house that’s strong, stable, and well-aligned, the speed square is indispensable.   

For tiny house construction, where every inch of space matters, the speed square helps ensure accuracy in framing and finish work. It’s also an essential addition to your supplies needed to build a house because it allows you to work quickly while maintaining precision. Combining a speed square with a carpenter’s pencil and tape measure creates a simple but powerful toolkit for layout and cutting.

Hammer 

A hammer is one way to drive nails, and it’s also useful in other ways as you build your tiny house. For example, if a board is just a little off from where you want it, tapping it with a hammer can snug it into place. There are many kinds of hammers in the world, and all are quite useful. In order to build a tiny house, or any structure, a framing hammer is ideal. When choosing a hammer, it’s important to find one that’s heavy enough to pound in nails, but not too heavy for you. Hammering with an overweight hammer can damage your wrist and shoulder, not to mention it feels uncomfortable! Try out several hammers to decide what’s right for your body. 

When assembling your home building checklist, a hammer is one of the must-have tools for building a house that no project can do without. Even if you plan to use a nail gun for speed, a hammer is essential for adjustments, small tasks, and backup work. It’s a timeless piece of equipment needed to build a house and teaches you the fundamentals of how materials come together.

Impact driver 

If you see one of these, you may think it’s a drill…but don’t be deceived. Impact drivers and drills look similar, but impact drivers are designed to drive screws, whereas drills are made for drilling holes. Another difference is that the impact driver has more torque, or twisting force. Both drills and impact drivers can do each others’ jobs, but they’re better at what they’re designed for. When you’re building your tiny house, you’ll need to drive screws much more often than drill holes, so if you only get one of these tools, this is the one to get. 

Including an impact driver in your tools for construction is especially important if you plan to work solo. It allows you to secure framing, sheathing, and hardware with minimal fatigue. While not technically required if you already have a drill, it’s considered one of the essential tools for building a house because of its durability and ease of use over the course of a long project.

Circular saw 

This is the hand-held electric saw that many tiny house builders use most frequently. It’s a little larger than a soccer ball, on average, and can be used to make many kinds of cuts. In contrast, the chop saw and table saw, which we’ll mention below, are more specialized for certain cuts, and not others. What’s nice about the circular saw is that it’s extremely portable, relatively affordable, and quite versatile. However, it does require some skill when making long, straight cuts. Beware: this tool could easily cut your hand off! Make sure you learn safe and proper use before attempting to use the circular saw, or any power tool. For a nine-video series on the circular saw, plus in-depth lessons on every tool we cover in this post and more, enroll in our online tiny house building class.  

Adding a circular saw to your equipment needed to build a house gives you the flexibility to handle framing, sheathing, flooring, and more with a single tool. While it requires skill and safety training to use effectively, mastering this saw is a cornerstone of any tiny house construction guide. Investing in a quality circular saw pays off quickly, as it will likely be one of your most-used power tools throughout the entire build.

Safety Essentials for Power Tools

When compiling the power tools needed to build a house, safety should be at the top of your priority list. Even a basic circular saw or drill can cause serious injury if not used correctly. Before you pick up any of the tools for building a house, take time to learn safe handling techniques, understand each tool’s limits, and gather protective gear. Eye protection, hearing protection, and sturdy work gloves should be considered as critical as any piece of equipment needed to build a house.

Tiny houses often involve working in small spaces, which can add to the challenge of using power tools safely. Make sure your workspace is well-lit, cords are managed, and blades or bits are sharp to reduce the risk of accidents. Investing in safety early not only protects you but also ensures the quality of your build, as mistakes from rushed or unsafe tool use can lead to structural problems later on.

Optional tools to build a tiny house

There are many many other tools that might come in handy while you’re building a tiny house. The following are our runners-up; they’re not needed in order to do the job, but they can make it a lot easier, and/or they’re important for specialized tasks. 

Chop saw

A stationary power saw with a circular blade that’s excellent for making cross cuts, including at measured angles. Some versions of the chop saw are called sliding miter saws and they’re able to cut larger pieces. 

A chop saw is one of the most useful power tools needed to build a house when it comes to making precise cross cuts. This fixed saw uses a circular blade to quickly and accurately cut boards at exact lengths, which is essential when framing walls and installing trim. Many builders consider it a must-have for their home building checklist because of its ability to make consistent, repeatable cuts that save time on large projects. Sliding miter saws, a type of chop saw, can handle wider boards and offer more versatility for angled cuts, making them valuable house construction tools for anyone working on a small or large build.

In tiny house construction, a chop saw isn’t strictly required, but it’s one of those tools for building that makes the process more efficient. Having one can speed up production when you’re cutting dozens of studs or trim pieces to identical lengths. If purchasing a chop saw doesn’t fit your budget, consider renting one or adding it to your equipment needed to build a house for a limited period when you reach the framing and finish work stages.

Plumb bob 

A simple weight, usually metal, at the end of a long string that’s used to measure “plumb” or vertical straightness in relationship to gravity. 

The plumb bob is a simple but essential measuring device that has been used in construction and building materials work for centuries. It consists of a weighted metal point attached to a string and is used to establish true vertical lines, known as “plumb.” While a level can check verticality over short distances, a plumb bob offers a more accurate reading over long drops, such as when aligning walls or structural posts in a tiny house.

When thinking about the supplies needed to build a house, the plumb bob may seem old-fashioned compared to modern laser levels. However, it’s inexpensive, doesn’t require batteries, and provides a reliable way to ensure that every wall you erect in your tiny house construction guide is perfectly vertical. This simple tool reinforces the importance of precision in the tools for construction you choose to include in your kit.

Drill

A hand-held electric tool specifically designed for drilling holes that can also be used for driving screws.

A drill is one of the most versatile power tools for building a house. While an impact driver is ideal for driving screws, a dedicated drill excels at boring holes through wood, metal, and other materials to accommodate wiring, plumbing, and fasteners. Many tiny house builders include both on their must-have tools for building a house list because each tool serves a distinct purpose in the construction process.

For tiny house projects, a quality drill allows you to work through multiple phases, from rough framing to installing cabinets and fixtures. It also supports a range of attachments, such as hole saws and sanding drums, making it a multi-purpose addition to your home building checklist. Whether you purchase or rent one, a drill is an indispensable part of the equipment needed to build a house.

Reciprocating saw a.k.a. Sawzall 

A small saw with a short, thin blade that is most commonly used in demolition and remodeling. It can fit in small spaces and can cut through metal, plastic, wood, and other materials.

The reciprocating saw, often referred to by the brand name Sawzall, is primarily known as a demolition tool. However, it can also be a critical part of the tools for construction when working in tight spaces or making rough cuts. Its short, thin blade can cut through wood, nails, metal, and even piping, making it valuable for retrofits or modifications during the build.

In the context of building a tiny house, a reciprocating saw can save time when trimming framing inside cramped quarters or removing material to make way for new installations. Because it’s not used as often as other power tools needed to build a house, it’s a great candidate for tool rental programs. Adding one to your building a house checklist ensures you’re ready for those moments when precision isn’t as important as the ability to cut through a variety of materials quickly.

Jigsaw

Another small saw with a short, thin blade that’s essential for cutting fancy rounded edges, scrollwork, or any other decorative, curvy cuts. 

The jigsaw is essential for any builder who wants to incorporate custom details or curves into their design. This small, handheld saw uses a thin, rapidly moving blade to create intricate cuts that are impossible with larger saws like a circular or table saw. For a tiny house, a jigsaw allows you to create rounded corners, decorative cutouts, and tailored cabinetry, which can help maximize limited space.

When compiling the tools to build a house, a jigsaw adds creative flexibility to your kit. It’s not on the list of essential tools for building a house if you’re sticking strictly to basic framing, but for anyone interested in custom finishes, it’s invaluable. Investing in a quality jigsaw or renting one during the finishing stage can make your tiny house feel polished and personalized.

Nail gun 

A hand-held power tool that saves your shoulder, elbow and wrist if you’re driving lots of nails by replacing a hammer. 

A nail gun can dramatically speed up construction and reduce physical strain. By driving nails with compressed air or electricity, it eliminates the repetitive motion of hammering and ensures nails are set consistently. This tool is often found on professional builders’ home building checklist because of the efficiency it adds to framing and finish work.

For a tiny house builder, a nail gun isn’t strictly necessary, but it can make the process much smoother, especially if you’re working alone or building on a tight timeline. If you’re considering the must-have tools for building a house beyond the basics, a nail gun is a worthwhile addition. Many tool rental centers carry them, making it easy to access this piece of equipment needed to build a house without committing to a purchase.

Hand saw 

There are many kinds of hand saws and, put together, they can do everything that modern power saws can do, without the need for electricity! 

A hand saw may seem primitive compared to modern power saws, but it’s one of the most reliable tools for building a house in any environment. With no need for electricity, it’s perfect for off-grid tiny house construction or for situations where you need precise control over a cut. Different types of hand saws, such as crosscut saws and rip saws, can handle a variety of tasks from framing to finish work.

Adding a hand saw to your supplies needed to build a house ensures you always have a backup cutting tool, even if your power tools fail. It’s also a great way to learn the fundamentals of carpentry, building your skill and connection to the craft as you construct your home. Every tiny house construction guide should emphasize the value of manual tools alongside modern equipment.

Table saw 

A large, free-standing saw that’s designed to make rip cuts and is amazing for cutting large pieces of plywood and other similar materials.  For tiny house builders, this can be a huge advantage when cutting large panels for walls, flooring, or cabinetry. Many consider it one of the essential tools for building a house because of the accuracy and speed it provides for repetitive cuts.

If you’re compiling a list of power tools needed to build a house, a table saw ranks high for anyone working with a lot of sheet materials. While it’s not as portable as a circular saw, it can save significant time and improve precision. Because it’s one of the more expensive pieces of equipment needed to build a house, renting one during key phases of your build can be a smart way to balance budget and quality.

To learn much more about all of these tools, including safe and effective use, plus how to design and build your own ecological tiny house, enroll in our online tiny house building class!

How Tools Impact Build Quality

The quality of your tools directly affects the quality of your tiny house. A dull saw blade or inaccurate level can lead to crooked cuts and misaligned walls, which is why choosing the right house construction tools is so important. Even for DIY builders, using the correct tools for construction ensures that your home is safe, stable, and long-lasting.

When following a tiny house construction guide, you’ll see repeated emphasis on measuring accurately, cutting cleanly, and assembling squarely. All of these depend on having the right supplies needed to build a house. Even simple tools like a speed square or chalk line play a huge role in the overall finish and livability of your tiny house. Remember, investing in quality tools isn’t just about making the build easier—it’s about creating a home that stands the test of time.

Learn How to Build Your Tiny House From Start to Finish

Ready to put your tools to work and create the tiny home of your dreams? Our Tiny House Workshop gives you hands-on experience with the essential tools for building a house while guiding you through every step of the construction process.

Whether you’re brand new to house construction tools or want to refine your skills, this immersive class covers everything from framing and power tool safety to layout and finishing. You’ll leave with the confidence to tackle your own build and a deeper understanding of the equipment needed to build a house. Join us and take the first step toward building your own beautiful, functional tiny home.