Turn research into a plan.
Use practical planning tools to explore costs, test assumptions, and make better early-stage decisions before committing time or money.
These tools are designed to help with early-stage research and decision making. They are not definitive engineering calculations, professional designs, code determinations, quotes, or comprehensive project requirements. Use project-specific information and qualified professionals where appropriate.
Start with the broad project questions: what might it cost, and what decisions still need to be made?
Tiny Home Cost Calculator
Build a broad national planning range from project type, size, construction approach, foundation, finish level, and utility assumptions.
Open this tool Planning ToolBuild Planner
Create a personalized early-stage planning checklist, track decisions, and follow the next useful step for your project.
Open this toolExplore the loads, generation, storage, and fuel assumptions that shape a small-building energy plan.
Electrical Load Planner
Estimate daily electricity use and connected load by listing common appliances, wattage, runtime, and quantity.
Open this tool Planning ToolSolar Planner
Estimate early-stage solar array and battery storage needs from daily energy use, peak sun hours, and battery autonomy assumptions.
Open this tool Planning ToolBattery Sizing
Estimate early-stage battery storage needs from daily electricity use, desired autonomy, and a visible usable-capacity assumption.
Open this tool Planning ToolPropane Usage Planner
Estimate propane remaining, days of runtime, and monthly or annual fuel use from tank level and daily consumption.
Open this toolExplore early-stage storage and collection assumptions for water systems.
Water Storage Planner
Estimate an early-stage water storage target from household size, daily water use, and the number of storage days you want to cover.
Open this tool Planning ToolRainwater Collection Planner
Estimate potential rainwater collection from roof area, rainfall, and a visible collection-efficiency assumption.
Open this toolUse the result in context
A calculator can make an assumption visible and easier to discuss, but a useful result still depends on the quality of the inputs. Compare tool outputs with the relevant Guides, research major Systems, and use the Buying Guides when you are ready to compare equipment.