From Austin’s design culture to Hill Country retreats, meet the builders shaping small-space living across the Lone Star State.
Texas remains one of the most open and active states for tiny home construction. Unlike many states with strict zoning limits, Texas leaves regulation largely to local governments. Builders can operate freely across rural and unincorporated areas, while cities like Austin, Dallas, and Spur have adopted progressive ordinances to accommodate tiny and modular housing.
Officially, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) governs factory-built and modular structures under the Texas Administrative Code. The rule defines “Industrialized Housing and Buildings” — a category that includes tiny homes built to residential code standards.
Top Builders Serving Texas
1. Decathlon Tiny Homes – Dallas
One of the most established names in Texas. Decathlon produces high-quality, energy-efficient tiny homes that meet both ANSI and HUD code standards. Their models range from minimalist single-bedroom layouts to fully equipped park models designed for full-time living.
Website: decathlontinyhomes.com
2. Clever Tiny Homes – Serving All of Texas
Clever builds engineering-driven homes designed to perform in extreme conditions — from freezing mountain towns to Texas heat. Each unit is ANSI-certified and built with high-efficiency insulation, enclosed plumbing, and energy systems designed to minimize thermal loss. The result is a home that stays cool in summer, warm in winter, and structurally sound for decades. Clever’s Texas customers benefit from the same technical precision found in its mountain builds, adapted for comfort and energy efficiency in the South. Website: clevertinyhomes.com
3. Indigo River Tiny Homes – Dallas
Known for craftsmanship and community partnerships, Indigo River builds both THOWs and modular units. The company’s hybrid design approach allows for seamless conversion between mobile and fixed placement — a useful advantage under Texas’s flexible zoning landscape. Website: indigorivertinyhomes.com
4. NOMAD Custom Tiny Homes – Austin / Houston
Design-forward, off-grid capable homes with modern aesthetics. NOMAD specializes in custom layouts and sustainable finishes, appealing to urban buyers seeking functional yet elevated small spaces.
Website: nomadcustomtinyhomes.com
5. Small House Solutions – Austin
Focused on ADUs and foundation-based dwellings, Small House Solutions helps clients navigate local zoning and permitting across Travis, Williamson, and Harris Counties. Their team handles the full process from design to site integration.
Website: smallhousesolutions.com
6. Liberty Tiny Homes – Dallas
Liberty combines classic Americana exteriors with modern interiors. The company’s models emphasize smart storage, shiplap finishes, and efficient energy systems suited for both rural landowners and short-term rental investors.
Website: libertytinyhomes.com
7. HTX Tiny Homes – Houston
Houston-based builder focusing on functional, budget-conscious THOWs with full kitchen and bath setups. HTX’s builds follow ANSI standards, ensuring compliance and insurance eligibility for permanent or rental use.
Website: htxtinyhomes.com
8. Texas Built Tiny Homes – Statewide
A smaller but growing player that builds park models and towable homes designed for rural parcels. Known for straightforward pricing and solid craftsmanship, serving the growing market in Central and East Texas. Website: texasbuilttinyhomes.com
Texas Rules and Zoning Snapshot
- Regulation: Governed by the Texas Administrative Code §70.10 under TDHCA.
- Local zoning: Cities determine THOW placement. Austin, Spur, and Lake Dallas have enacted tiny-home-friendly ordinances.
- Certification: Builders producing factory-assembled dwellings must be registered as Industrialized Builders with TDHCA.
- Land use: Most rural and unincorporated areas allow movable tiny homes without restrictions.
Beyond Texas
Texas builders now export nationwide. Decathlon and Indigo River deliver to Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico, while Clever Tiny Homes expands its THOW-ADU hybrid designs throughout the Southwest.
With an established manufacturing base, flexible zoning, and an independent mindset, Texas continues to lead the next phase of small-space housing in the U.S.