Cahill Works Tiny Homes
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Our Models

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most common questions regarding our build standards and engineering. If you have more, please reach out to us directly—we are always excited to talk about Tiny Houses on Wheels.

Location & Visiting

Where are you located?

We are located in Morongo Valley, CA. We are just north of Palm Springs on the way to Joshua Tree.

48507 Paradise Ave, Morongo Valley, CA 92256

Can I come and see the houses in person?

Yes! We encourage it. Please contact us to schedule a viewing.

What if I can’t make it in person?

We can do a video tour via FaceTime or Google Meet. However, we always recommend seeing the unit in person or hiring an independent inspector before purchasing.

Build Process & Timeline

What are your build times?
  • Scandinavian Tiny House: 10-12 weeks

  • Studio Tiny House: 8-10 weeks

  • Custom Projects: 15-20 weeks Note: Build time refers to the construction phase and does not include current waitlist or order lead times.

Do you do custom builds?

Yes, we do. We can also provide "shells" if you prefer to finish the interior yourself.

How long does a "shell" build take?

Timeline and pricing for shell builds depend entirely on the level of completion requested (e.g., framed vs. finished exterior with rough-in utilities). Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements for a custom quote and timeline.

Dimensions & Sizing

What are the current build limits? 

We currently build units up to 10ft wide and 30ft long. If you require a larger footprint, options for larger custom builds can be discussed during the design phase.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Scandinavian Tiny House?

It is 8.5' wide, 28’ long (33’ with the full trailer length), and 12' tall. It has an estimated dry weight of 12,000–13,000 lbs.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Studio Tiny House?

It features the same width and height as the Scandinavian model (8.5' wide and 12' tall) but is 20ft long (25’ with the full trailer length). It has an estimated dry weight of 9,000–10,000 lbs.

Placement & Legal

Where can I put a tiny house? 

You can generally place them anywhere RVs or Park Model Trailers are allowed. Many cities in California (including LA, San Diego, and San Jose) have passed specific legislation allowing tiny houses as ADUs and primary housing in some cases.

How do I register the unit?

Since our units are on wheels, they are registered through the California DMV just like any other trailer. We provide the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth registration process for the owner.

Do you find land for the houses?

No, we do not find land. However, we can offer guidance on whether a piece of property is suitable for one of our units.

Utilities & Site Prep

What kind of hookups do I need?
  • Power: A 50-amp exterior plug (standard RV hookup). The main panel accepts 220v 50-amp service, though all interior outlets and standard appliances run on 120v. It can run on 30-amp if necessary, but 50-amp is recommended for full appliance use.
  • Water: This depends on your fire sprinkler configuration. If you choose to include fire sprinklers, you will need a 1" main water line to connect to the house. If you opt out of the sprinkler system, a standard garden hose thread (GHT) connection or a direct 1/2" line is sufficient for all domestic water needs.
  • Sewer: A standard RV sewer hose or a direct connection to a septic/sewer cleanout. We can also configure units for gray-water diversion.
How does the water heater work? 

We use a specialized LP instant water heater designed specifically for tiny house applications. It is an outdoor-mounted unit, which saves interior space and does not require interior venting. It is highly resilient, rated for operation in temperatures ranging from -22°F to 130°F.

How do the fire sprinklers work on-site? 

If your unit is equipped with fire sprinklers, they are integrated into the 1" main water line. A pressure test must be performed on-site before the system is approved per California regulations. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure the site's water pressure is sufficient to meet the system's demands.

Can I live in this "off-grid"?

Our standard units are designed for "plug-and-play" utility connections. However, we are happy to discuss off-grid options for custom builds, such as composting or incinerating toilets and gray-water diversion.

What kind of foundation do I need?

While a concrete pad is ideal, the house can sit on any level, firm surface (like compacted gravel). Our trailers come equipped with four integrated heavy-duty corner jacks to help level the unit on-site. For permanent ADU residency, some jurisdictions may require an "Active" foundation or specific tie-down systems.

Features & Materials

What do you have against Thermo-Ply sheathing?

While some builders use Thermo-Ply (a high-performance fiberboard), we have made the professional decision to stick with traditional wood-based sheathing for several critical reasons:

  • California Standards: Thermo-Ply frequently lacks the "shear strength" required by the California Residential Code for seismic zones.

  • Durability: A tiny house at 60mph experiences constant vibration. Wood sheathing handles these stresses without the risk of "walloping" or loosening over time.

  • Safety Margin: Thermo-Ply is extremely sensitive to installation errors. We prefer materials that offer a higher margin of safety for long-term structural health.

Are the houses fire-resistant?

Our builds utilize a comprehensive fire-defense strategy:

  • Materials: WUI-approved siding (metal and cedar), durable steel roofing, and cedar interior walls.

  • Insulation: Rockwool mineral wool insulation is naturally fire-resistant and acts as a fire-blocking material.

  • Design: Our exterior designs eliminate "dead" spaces that typically collect embers in standard housing.

  • Sprinklers: As of 2026, interior fire sprinkler systems come standard in all models.

Are the houses certified? 

Absolutely. Every unit we build is NOAH Certified (National Organization of Alternative Housing). We build to a minimum of the International Residential Code (IRC) and co-certify to ANSI standards to ensure your home is safe and legal.

What is RVIA and how is it different from your process?

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) is a member-based trade organization. While they provide industry standards, RVIA membership is a form of self-certification; the organization does not inspect every individual unit for safety or code compliance.

In contrast, our manufacturing process requires independent, third-party inspections for every single build. Each unit is individually verified to meet rigorous structural, electrical, and safety codes. This ensures a higher level of oversight and documented safety than standard RVIA membership requires.

Financing & Maintenance

How do I finance a tiny house?

We have a dedicated financing partner capable of facilitating options from lines of credit to traditional property-backed financing. Because our units are NOAH certified, they also qualify for RV loans. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

What kind of maintenance is required?

Interior maintenance is minimal (plumbing seals, HVAC filters). For the exterior, inspect the roof annually. The wheels and tires are critical: check pressure regularly and inspect for dry rot. If you plan to relocate the tiny house, tires must be inspected and will likely require replacement after 3 years.

What happens if I need a repair?

Our houses are built with standard residential components. Any local licensed plumber or electrician can service the unit just like a standard home.

Shipping & Delivery

Do you deliver?

We do not provide in-house delivery. We connect you with a network of qualified, insured professional drivers.

Can I move the house myself?

While an individual can handle the towing themselves, the primary concern is the vehicle's capability. You must ensure your truck can handle both the significant total tow weight and the tongue weight of the trailer. Additionally, any trailer wider than 8.5ft requires a special wide-load permit for legal transport on public roads. Unless you have extensive experience with heavy, wide-load towing, we strongly recommend using a professional driver.

Can the house be moved later?

Yes, these are built on heavy-duty trailers and are designed to be moved if your circumstances change.

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