Marc Hyman founded Custom Cabins in Santa Barbara, California after transitioning from law and real estate careers. His company builds custom tiny houses and cabins, including structures under 120 square feet that require minimal or no permits, as well as trailer-based builds that fall under different regulations.
Builder Profile
- Builder: Marc Hyman
- Company: Custom Cabins
- Location: Santa Barbara, California
- Specialties: Custom cabins, tiny houses on wheels, accessory structures
- Size Range: Under 120 square feet to 400 square feet
- Options: Unfinished interiors for buyer customization, eco-friendly materials available
Custom Cabins Tiny House Exterior
Images via Marc Hyman/Custom Cabins
Tiny House on Trailer
Construction in Progress
Key Insights from the Interview
- Windows Create Livability: Large glass panels and doors with windows open small spaces and make them more enjoyable
- Shed Roofs Maximize Height: Single-slope roofs work better within road height limits than peaked designs while allowing clerestory windows
- Unfinished Interiors Lower Costs: Leaving interior work to buyers reduces purchase price and allows customization to specific needs
- Accessory Structure Rules Enable Building: Structures under 120 square feet without utility hookups often require minimal or no permits
- Trailer Classification Offers Flexibility: Buildings on wheels are governed by trailer regulations rather than building codes
Lessons from Custom Cabin Building
- Career Changes Can Lead to Better Work: Skills from previous careers (law, real estate) inform business operations and customer relations
- Real Estate Insight Reveals Market Needs: Working as an agent exposed the demand for affordable auxiliary spaces
- Eco Options Command Premium Interest: Offering low-VOC, FSC, and recycled materials appeals to environmentally-conscious buyers
- CAD Systems Enable On-Site Design: Laptop-based 3D modeling lets builders show clients custom designs immediately and generate cut lists
- Pre-Cut Materials Reduce Waste: Factory preparation of components allows scrap reuse that site cutting cannot achieve
Related Builder Interviews
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Alex
Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.
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Very nice. Looks like the PERFECT place to build one too. And he’s got a large enough door to get it out when it’s completed. I also love the reclaimed wood he’s using for the flooring and siding. Looks really nice. Gotta say it a custom made or more “rustic” salvaged door would really top it off so it matches.
Thanks Myriam!
You do the insulation and hurricane joists ect. for the under $13000 price tag as well? What if we added the heater and on demand hot water systems? I love the slanting roof for more space in the loft as well. But indoor pics would be helpful in seeing your styles. ty for sharing. Still dreamin Alex but plans are laying all over my desk top hehehe. ty for Sharing this with us Alex
Thanks Glema glad that you enjoyed it please beware his pricing may have changed by now as I did this interview with him a few years back
I’d like to see more interior pics. This looks really interesting and I’d like to see the spatial articulation. 🙂