You can’t build a solid life on a soggy foundation.
That’s a lesson I’m living out right now as we prep land for my daughter and grandson’s new tiny home. Before the shed even shows up, we’ve got one big job to do: make sure the site is actually ready.
Let me walk you through what we’re doing—and the common mistakes to avoid—so you don’t end up with moldy floors, bad drainage, or worse.
🛠️ This is the stuff most people don’t talk about, but it can make or break your build.
🚧 Why Site Prep Is Everything
Tiny home living starts with good planning—and that means looking below the surface.
We picked a peaceful little corner of our property. It was quiet, tucked away, and seemed perfect… until the rain came. Turns out, our “perfect spot” was a water trap. Runoff from our front yard and even the neighbor’s land flowed right into that low spot.
Without proper grading and drainage? That’s a recipe for rot and regret.
So we have some work to do:
- Raise the pad with fresh crusher run (M10s) for a level, dry surface.
- Widen the site to leave room for working and walking.
- Install a culvert under the driveway to channel water to a natural drainage creek.
💡 Lesson learned: Water is the enemy of every foundation. Fix it now or fight it forever.
📺 Watch the full video here:
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⚠️ Hidden Headaches to Watch For
Before you ever pour a footer or order a shed, here’s what you need to double-check:
- Power line setbacks: Most utility companies require 15 ft clearance. Measure carefully.
- Septic system distance: Close is good—but you still need to plan your drain exits to line up with your home’s layout.
- Access for delivery: Can the delivery team safely place your structure where you want it?
And don’t forget—anchoring matters. Whether you use mobile home anchors or embed tie-downs into concrete footers, secure that structure. The wind don’t play.
🧱 Choosing the Right Foundation
There’s no one-size-fits-all here, but here’s a quick breakdown of your main options:
- Concrete slab: Long-lasting and level but costly and rigid. Great if your layout is final.
- Pier and beam: Best for builds done on-site. Not ideal for prefab shed placement.
- Block piers with poured footers: Best combo of flexibility and strength for shed-to-home builds.
We will be building a Post and Beam foundation from 6×6 treated posts. The shed movers have agreed to work with us on getting the shed onto the beam foundation. This is not common and will take quite a bit of coordinating, but we believe it will be worth it.
“Your house is only as strong as what it sits on.”
✅ Is This You? (Site Prep Reflection Checklist)
- You’re planning to have a shed or tiny home delivered soon.
- You haven’t checked the slope or drainage of your land.
- You’re unsure about your utility line rules or septic tie-in.
- You want a strong, affordable foundation but don’t know where to start.
- You want to do it right the first time.
If any of these hit home, pause before delivery and get your prep in order.
🔨 Next Steps: What You Can Do Today
Here’s how to move forward with confidence:
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Walk your land in the rain. Notice where water flows and pools.
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Check your power lines. Measure the 15 ft setback.
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Plan your layout with utilities in mind—especially drain exit points.
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Choose your foundation: For most shed homes, we recommend concrete footers + block piers.
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Join my free Find Your Land Challenge for help picking the right spot to begin with:
🛒 Need the right anchors? I recommend these heavy-duty mobile home anchors (Amazon) if your soil and county allow them.
🪑 Final Word From PawPaw
I know prepping dirt and drainage isn’t the glamorous part of building a tiny home. But this is the part that holds everything else up—literally.
This isn’t just a project. It’s a chance to give my daughter and grandson a safe, affordable place to grow. And if you’re on the same journey, I hope this helps you start strong.
👉 Looking for land, advice, or support?
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