Frequent questions
Where are the Mini Offices manufactured?
We hand build the Mini-Os in northern WA and southern PA. We can ship them worldwide.
How long have you been in business?
The Mini-O brand was launched in 2020 with focus on home working pods, but our team has more than 20 years of experience building tiny homes and structures.
We developed our Mini Offices because we believe #WFH is here to stay and we want to help our clients to boost their productivity at home, while giving them privacy and a place to relax and chill as well.
Can I add a bathroom/toilet?
Yes, we offer both a 1/2 and a 3/4 bathroom extra that fit inside the standard pod, no extra square footage is added. The 3/4 option is only available for The Sixteen pod (16x10’).
Visit this page for more details: minioffice.co/bathroom
Can I customize the size?
Only for orders of 3+ similar pods. For smaller orders we offer three optimized and proven sizes: The Twelve (12’x8’), The Sixteen (16’x10’) and The Station (30x10’).
What can I customize?
You can explore our available personalizations here: minioffice.co/customizations
We also offer many extras to extend the functionality of your pod.
How do delivery and installation work?
Fully Prebuilt pods:
We load your pod on a trailer and deliver it fully assembled to your property. Then we install it using a combination of the following: tilt trailer, shed mule or crane, depending on the accessibility to your backyard.
If accessibility seems impossible or it’s just too expensive to crane the pod, it can be assembled on site (review our Flat Pack Kit).
Flat Pack Kits / DIY:
The kit will be delivered on a trailer at your curb side. The assembly crew (yours or ours) will be responsible for unloading the parts.
How is the delivery and installation insured?
Mini·O has a $2 million general liability policy and that covers property damage. On top of that, our installation partners (shed mule companies, shippers, assemblers, crane companies) have their own general liability policies.
DIY - Can I assemble it myself?
Absolutely! You can buy a Flat Pack Kit, which can be assembled by yourself, your contractor or one of our partners. See more here..
How does the electrical hookup work?
Our pods come with a 30A (regular pods) or 50A (with the bathroom extra) service that needs to be connected to your house elctrical service panel unless you already have a service close to the pod. We do not handle the hookup directly with our team but any electrician can do the job and we’ll be happy to connect you with a trust one. We’ll provide all the technical information for it: View more here.
Inlet location:
Regular layout: back right corner, ~3’ from the ground.
Flipped layout: left back corner, ~3’ from the ground.
There are a few alternatives:
Buried hardwire to plug directly into the pod’s inlet.
Install an RV plug/outlet close to the pod and use a power cord.
Secondary panel close to the pod’s location.
A portable generator or solar panels.
Power cord
We recommend a power cord with the following requirements:
NEMA 14-50P RV 50 Amp Plug
SS2-50R RV/Marine Boat Locking Female Connector
Voltage (volts): 120/240 V
Some power cords options (subject to availability):
50A twist lock inlet (RV style).
This is the typical cord needed to connect the pod (not included).
What are the prerequisites on my end? How do I know if I qualify?
All you need is enough space for the unit (14’x10’ for The Twelve and 18’x12’ for The Sixteen, that’s including 1’ all around) and 30A-50A available in your service panel. No matter how hard or easy the accessibility to your backyard, we can always install your pod. If there’s enough clearance around your house, we’ll go with the unit prebuilt. If there’s not, we’ll use a crane or assemble it on site.
Start by getting a quote or scheduling an installation assessment call.
What are the options for the foundation and ground prep?
We’ll need a clear and level ground where the pod will be sitting. If you’d like to build a foundation, any of the following are compatible with our office pods:
Ground screws or foundation screws
Gravel pad
Concrete pad
Wood foundation
Piers and beams
Sonotubes (only for Flat Pack Kits)
Concrete pier blocks (only for Flat Pack Kits)
In all cases, the contractor needs to make sure it supports the weight of the pod (The Twelve weighs 4,600lbs and the Sixteen 7,200lbs), it does not need to be any bigger than the pod, and for ease of installation we recommend to keep the height difference with the ground at under 5”.
The main requirement is that the ground is leveled and flat (<2º \ or 1/4 inch per foot in any direction) to avoid sliding doors damage. We recommend a concrete or gravel pad to keep water away from the foundation. If you choose a gravel pad, leave 1' around the perimeter for water drainage.
I have a concrete foundation that is not level. properly, can we make it work?
If your concrete foundation is not level, we can still accommodate the pod up to a maximum slope of 9.5 degrees. In such cases, we will use leveling blocks to ensure the pod is properly positioned. Our shed hauler will take care of this during the installation process to ensure a stable and level foundation for your Mini·O pod.
What floor space do I need to measure for a foundation?
The ground space needed for our pods is exactly 16'x10' for The Sixteen and 12'x8' for The Twelve. The foundation can have the same dimensions to accommodate the pod properly.
How do I prepare the site before installation?
You just need to make sure we have clear access to the location where the pod will be installed. A few considerations:
If we’re doing a ground installation (shed mule, forklift, etc), make sure you stop irrigation at least a week before, to avoid any grass damage.
If we’re using a crane, make sure your driveway is clear so the crane company has enough space to set the equipment.
For on-site assembly orders, we just need access to the backyard and the area should be clear.
Do I need to anchor the pod to the ground?
You don’t need to anchor the pod, but if your local authorities require it, then you have these options:
Steel “L” profiles
Simpson post bases
Pylex screws
RedHead anchors
The local requirements and the type of foundation you build will determine the right anchoring system, so please reach out to them first. Our product works with all the options, we got you covered!
Is heating and cooling / HVAC included?
Smart portable heater included.
Extra AC available ($2,000): both for heating and cooling. Ductless heat pump mini split AC unit (9,000 BTU), capable of heating/cooling a room 3+ times bigger. Made in the USA. Requires the customer to complete the DIY connection of the external unit (condenser), no need for a certified installer (doesn't require special tools, equipment or training). It comes pre-charged.
Mini Split Mr Cool DIY
Your pod comes with a MR Cool mini split unit. The interior air handler is pre-installed along with the refrigerant lines and electrical wiring for the mini split. You just have to do the final connection of the outside condenser unit to the disconnect box and refrigerant lines.
These are the instructions for the installation of the condenser unit:
- Quick installation Manual (step 4 through 8)
- Quick installation video (3.5')
AC mini split location and clearances:
The mini split interior and exterior unit (condenser) can be place on any of the pod walls. You’ll need at least 4’ of clearance on the exterior side where the condenser will be placed. The interior and exterior units must be placed on the same wall.
How do you install the pods and how much does it cost?
We have a minimum of three options and we’ll find the best for your case:
Ground installation: For the Prebuilt Twelve we need 10’ width, and 12’ width for The Sixteen. Please don't forget to measure the ground clearance at your earliest convenience.
Crane: If you don't have ground clearance we can use a crane, as long as there are no power lines in the way.
On-site assembly: You can work with one of our partners, use your own contractor or DIY. Review the more affordable Flat Pack Kit.
We can also build it on a trailer with no installation cost.
To find what works for your pod and quote it we need to take a look at the area. To do so please share a video after you get a quote, you’ll get more details in your inbox after you do.
Can the pods be relocated in the future?
Your mini office can follow you! You can take your Mini-O with you if you move with the same means used to install it (crane, shed mule, boom truck, etc).
How do I place my order and get manufacturing started?
If you are ready to order we’ll send you the Purchase Agreement to sign online and the invoice for the 50% down payment. Production will begin right after we receive it. Just make sure you have selected your customizations.
Continue here: minioffice.co/last-step
How long does it take to manufacture the pods? What’s the lead time?
Depending on your chosen customizations and installation method the lead time is between 3 to 6 weeks, from the moment we receive the 50% down payment.
How does the process and timeline work?
Get a preliminary quote for your pod and customizations
Send a video of your backyard to assess installation (only for pre built models)
Get a final quote
Sign purchase agreement and make a 50% down payment
Production takes 3-6 weeks depending on the chosen model
Make final payment
Receive your Mini·O and enjoy!
What is Made-To-Order?
Every pod is unique. So, once you place an order, we’ll manufacture and ship it in 3-6 weeks, depending on your configuration.
What’s the payment schedule?
50% down payment is required to place your order for production. We’ll sign the Purchase Agreement online at that moment.
Remaining 50% is due right before we ship the pod. We’ll show you the finished pod before we ship it.
Do you rent the units?
No, but we can offer leasing. Please email us after you get a quote.
Will I have to get a permit?
We highly encourage you to check with their local permit authorities. Some areas may not require permits for structures under 200 sq ft.
The Twelve (96 sq ft) typically requires an electrical permit, and the Sixteen (160 sq ft) a building permit. That said, the requirements vary from city to city, so researching this locally is key. First check online: Google "[your county] shed permits” and look for the maximum size you can go without needing a permit.
For the Flat Pack Kits, the contractor who assembles the pod should be able to take care of pulling the required permits -if any, whether you hire one of our partners or yours.
For the Fully Prebuilt units, if an electrical permit is required, we can leave the electrical wiring exposed to allow for the inspection to be conducted.
If you get the pod on a trailer chances are you won’t need any permits.
We also recommend you make sure they catalog the pod as mobile/portable, so they don't see it as a permanent dwelling space. Ideally not as a “home” office.
In any case, we’ll provide the base plans.
Do you have a Referral program?
Yes, you can sign up here to make a referral fee for every customer you send our way: minioffice.co/referrals
Click here to review all specs for The Twelve and The Sixteen.
Can I see the plans and elevations?
Please visit this page to explore specs, features and basic technical documentation. Click here for plans and elevations.
What’s behind the fabric top layer of the quiet wall? Will it be possible to mount shelving, etc.?
Beneath the QuietWall carpet there's a layer of plywood, and beneath that, the framing studs. You can definitely hang anything in the walls, as long as you hit a stud. We'll provide the framing plan so you know exactly where to drill the holes.
Are they soundproofed?
The acoustics inside the pod are great, the ceiling comes standard with full acoustic foam panels and walls are covered with Quietwall -a theater grade acoustic fabric. All doors and windows are double glazed, and we can delete the second sliding door (right wall) to have less glass surface. But all that does not necessarily mean the pod is completely soundproofed to avoid very loud noises from coming in or getting out.
For elevated soundproofing we also can cover the whole interior with an extra layer of a sound barrier. Extra cost $3,000
What manufacturing standards do you follow?
Even though they are smaller than a house they are built to last just like a house, so you can expect your Mini·O to last, with proper maintenance, 20+ years.
We follow the international building code practices regarding insulation r-values, structural components and security measures.
Can I order it with wheels or built on a trailer ?
Yes, we can definitely add wheels to your pod! Here you’ll find all the details: minioffice.co/on-wheels
You’ll most likely won’t need a permit if we build your shed on a trailer.
We can deliver it to anywhere in the US or Canada, or you can come pick it up.
What type of warranty do the pods have?
Here you find our warranties: minioffice.co/warranties-materials#warranties