Dave Randall’s Tiny Homes Prove Big Dreams Can Thrive in Small Spaces

For Dave Randall, the journey into tiny-home construction wasn’t just a business decision, but also the result of a lifelong passion. From building a backyard shed as a teenager to a 30-year career in remodeling, Randall has always been drawn to efficient, well-designed spaces. Now, he’s carving out a niche in the tiny-home industry, creating high-end, custom-built tiny homes that blend quality craftsmanship with minimalist living.

Randall’s interest in tiny homes began in 2006 when he moved to Pensacola, Florida, and started learning about the movement. He was fascinated by the idea of living simply, reducing clutter and maximizing space. But turning his passion into a full-time business wasn’t easy.

“For years I was ready to start, but I struggled to find a building large enough to work in,” Randall says. “You need at least 14-foot ceilings to build a home that meets road height requirements, and I didn’t want to do it in a backyard under a tarp.”

While still running his remodeling business, he spent years searching for the right location. In 2016 he found two commercial buildings in Anderson, Indiana, that allowed him to take the next step. However, transitioning from remodeling to tiny-home construction took time. He built his first two homes on spec, working on them between paid remodeling jobs to avoid taking on debt.

Finally, in 2020, his first high-end tiny home, The Dragonfly Cottage, was completed. The second, The Butterfly Cottage, followed soon after. Unlike mass-produced tiny homes, Randall’s creations stand out for their exceptional craftsmanship and luxury finishes. With triple-pane windows for energy efficiency, closed-cell foam insulation for superior thermal performance, and high-end appliances for modern living, his homes are built to last and provide a comfortable living experience.

His clients are primarily middle-aged and older adults looking to downsize or find an affordable, stylish living option. His sweet-spot price point is $100,000 to $150,000. Each of Randall’s homes is one of a kind. “I’m not a mass-production guy,” he says. “I do two or three high-end builds a year, and every one is unique.”

Randall’s tiny homes are mobile and classified as RVs, making them easier to finance and transport than alternatives. They can remain on their wheels or be placed on a permanent foundation. This flexibility makes them ideal for a variety of uses, from Airbnb properties to solutions for aging parents who want to live close to family, or individuals seeking a downsized lifestyle. Randall’s homes can cater to a variety of needs, making them a versatile living option.

Randall is passionate about building tiny homes and is an advocate for trade education in schools. “In high school I took so many shop classes that they made it my major and minor,” he says. “Not everyone needs a four-year degree. We need skilled tradespeople: plumbers, electricians, carpenters. These are great careers and I’d love to see more young people get into them.”

With a growing demand for custom, high-end tiny homes, Randall is proving that big dreams can thrive in small spaces. Whether for full-time living, a vacation retreat or a guest house, his homes offer luxury, efficiency and craftsmanship in every square foot.

For more information, visit coolcottagesbydmr.com.