Who we are
Built by builders,
for builders.
We saw firsthand how expensive and slow traditional tiny home certification had become — and built a better way.
Our mission
CERTAFI exists to make tiny home certification honest, fast, and accessible. Traditional certification programs — often $1,500+ per unit or $10,000+ in setup fees — were designed for large manufacturers with resources to match. Individual builders and small shops were left with no good path to a recognized certificate.
We built CERTAFI to fix that. An app-based process, reviewed by real construction professionals, at a price that makes sense for builders at every scale — from one-unit DIY builds to growing manufacturing operations.
How CERTAFI was founded
CERTAFI was founded after experiencing the certification process from the builder's side. Scheduling site visits, mailing paperwork, waiting weeks for responses — the process felt designed to slow you down rather than get your home in the hands of its owner.
The insight was simple: if builders document their work with GPS-tagged photos at every stage, a qualified inspector can review that documentation remotely and certify with confidence. No site visit. No mailing. Just a clear, structured process that respects your time.
CERTAFI+ Enhanced Building Standard
Every certified tiny home on wheels is documented and inspected against our published CERTAFI+ standard (Version 1.0, effective January 1, 2026). It defines the plans gate, five inspection stages, photo and live-video expectations, and CERTAFI+ technical requirements for THOWs.
Certification confirms review against the CERTAFI+ Enhanced Building Standard only. It is not a determination of compliance with any specific local, state, or federal code, and does not replace permits, engineering, or local approvals. Builders remain responsible for all jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Reference materials
The CERTAFI+ Enhanced Building Standard was developed using selected provisions from the following national standards as reference material. CERTAFI does not certify direct compliance with these external standards — your certificate confirms the home meets the CERTAFI+ standard. Confirm acceptance with your lender or insurer.
Standard on Recreational Vehicles
Used as background reference for structural and systems safety principles. Not enforced as written — CERTAFI+ requirements apply.
Recreational Park Trailer Standard
Used as background reference for park model RV construction, plumbing, and life safety. Not enforced as written.
National Electrical Code
Used as background reference for RV and park trailer electrical safety principles. Not enforced as written — CERTAFI+ electrical requirements apply.
Our inspection team
CERTAFI inspectors are experienced construction professionals with backgrounds in RV manufacturing, residential construction, and tiny home building. Each inspector is trained on CERTAFI's Plans plus 5-stage review process and the CERTAFI+ Enhanced Building Standard.
Inspections are conducted remotely by reviewing submitted documentation, photos, and construction plans. Our inspectors typically return decisions within hours — not days. When a fix is needed, they explain exactly what to correct and why.
Experienced construction professionals
Trained on the CERTAFI+ Enhanced Building Standard
Get in touch
Have questions about certification, pricing, or whether CERTAFI is right for your build? We're happy to help.