Noah Certified Tiny Homes for sale...This is the Standard.
With any new housing trend, and especially a trend that began in the DIY arena, there are some concerns about safety and quality for this alternative housing option. That's where NOAH Certification comes in.
What is NOAH?
NOAH Certifications is a national organization that specializes in inspecting tiny houses on wheels to ensure they meet the ANSI 119.5 safety standards combined with the IRC Appendix Q codes for tiny homes. Whether you're looking to build or purchase a tiny home, having a NOAH certification can not only give you peace of mind but smooth the road for insurance and placement.
Their team of trained professionals that come with a long list of credentials inspect every aspect of the tiny house, from the walls to the electrical system to the plumbing, so you can be assured your tiny home is safe and reliable.
The NOAH Standard
Tiny home on wheels construction has been categorized as an RV across most jurisdictions. Because of this, professional builders follow the ANSI 119.5 code for RV manufacturing.
The NOAH certified home standard goes farther. Taking the ANSI 119.5 standard of fuel systems and equipment, health, fire and life safety, plumbing systems and construction requirements then add NFPA 70 (National Electric Code) for the electrical with special attention to Article 551 and 552 (RVs and PMRVs). NFPA 1192 for park models.
And because tiny homes are largely constructed like traditional housing, they incorporate the International Residential Code (IRC) Appendix Q code. A builder must adhere to these codes to be a NOAH certified home.
NOAH Inspections
Tyvek Vapier Barrier
Window Flashing
Z Metal Flashing
Noah certified tiny houses are inspected at 5 different stages of construction.
Trailer Inspection: Electric brakes, axles, and turn signal lights.
Framing: Securing the framing to the trailer, hurricane ties at both bottom and top framing plates, rafter ties, loft framing and quality of framing material.
Rough Electrical: The electrical panel is inspected for both 30 amp or 50amp, main disconnect, spacing of outlets, GFCI outlets, and wired smoke detectors.
Rough Plumbing: Water lines are pressure tested, waste water lines are checked and gas piping is tested to hold 3 lbs of pressure for 10 minutes.
Insulation and Dry-In: House wrap, floor insulation, wall insulation, ceiling insulation, window and wall flashing, and the roof is inspected.
Final: Confirms Appendix Q standards, lofts have two means of egress, ventilation to the outside is inspected, water supply, ridge caps, drip edges, flashing, finish electrical and windows ... making sure the flush toilet actually works and your mini split is functioning.
*Note: Carpentry and finishes are not included in the inspection to qualify as a NOAH certified tiny house.
Why The Seal Matters
A NOAH certified tiny house can make the transition to tiny house living much easier. Insurance has been a headache for most trying to live tiny but with a NOAH certified tiny house many insurance companies easily cover your investment.
We are also taking note that some jurisdictions are requiring the NOAH standard for you to place your tiny home legally.
Rough Plumbing & Electrical
These two inspections are critical to the safety and quality of your tiny home. We can find leaks and ensure our wiring is to code.
How to Identify a NOAH Certified Tiny House
The NOAH standard requires railings on lofts and hand rails on stairs.
Always look at the bathroom. Outlets are not to be placed near water sources unless they are GFCI outlets.
Gable roofs need to have ceiling collar ties for strength.
The space in front of the electrical panel must be 24".
Exterior trim and flashing is sealed.
Here you see collar ties in the framing, proper insulation for the walls and ceiling and a full egress skylight in the loft.
Why we only sell NOAH Certified Tiny Houses
We quickly learned building a tiny house didn't have much, if any regulation. NOAH brought the best of RV and traditional building codes together and gave us a blueprint as builders for our first tiny house model.
It allowed us to space plan, design a functioning bathroom, and account for a skylight in the loft.
Visit NOAH RDI and see first hand their process and standards for here
Current Noah Certified Tiny House for Sale
The McKenzie Contemporary 28' tiny house has great space design with a full kitchen that includes a standard sink, 3/4 fridge, 12,000 BTU mini split, gas stove and oven. The loft has a full standing closet with room for a queen mattress. Built to the NOAH standard.
You can find the full specs on the tiny house here.
