Verified Company
TERRIBLE COMPANY!
Unfortunately, my experience with Goshen Tiny Homes has resulted in me having to retain an attorney and pursue a legal dispute over more than $15,000 I paid toward an ADU that was never built.
I signed my contract with Goshen Tiny Homes on October 27, 2025, specifically for the design and construction of a 670-square-foot ADU at my Tampa property. The total contract price after my veteran discount was approximately $170,872, and I have paid Goshen $15,829.30.
Now, as of September 14, 2026—nearly 11 months after entering into the contract—I am being told that the City of Tampa will not approve the project at all. No construction ever began.
What makes this particularly concerning to me is what my signed contract says and the timeline of what occurred.
The contract describes Goshen's services as “ADU design and build services.” It states that Goshen “shall obtain all necessary building and septic permits on behalf of the client.” The contract also says Goshen does not guarantee a timeframe for obtaining a permit. However, I have not found language stating that if the City ultimately refuses to approve the ADU, Goshen can simply retain the money I paid.
Another major concern is that Goshen continued moving forward with architectural and permitting work while a critical SU1 approval from the City was still outstanding.
On July 22, Goshen sent me architectural plans. On August 6, they sent me sealed and signed plans and stated they were ready for the permitting stage. Then, on August 18, Goshen emailed me stating that they were continuing to work on my permit set while still awaiting confirmation of the SU1.
This raises what I believe is a very reasonable question: Why proceed with and charge me for substantial architectural and permit-related work before determining whether the City would approve the threshold requirement necessary for this ADU to be built?
I understand completely that Goshen cannot control the City of Tampa or guarantee what the City will approve. That isn't my complaint. My concern is that nearly 11 months after I hired this company specifically to build an ADU, I am now being told the City will not even approve the project, yet Goshen intends to keep the majority of the $15,829.30 I paid.
Goshen has stated in writing that they will only refund my deposit and petition fee, relying on their position that permit/SU1 approval was not guaranteed.
I have requested an itemized accounting showing exactly what my money paid for, what amounts they intend to retain, and the contractual basis for retaining those funds. I also want to know when Goshen first became aware of the City's approval problems and why additional architectural work proceeded before the SU1 issue was resolved.
Unfortunately, this situation has now forced me to retain an attorney and pursue the matter legally in an effort to recover my money.
This review reflects my personal experience and the contract, payment records, emails, and written communications I have received from Goshen. Anyone considering using this company for an ADU should carefully understand when zoning/SU1 eligibility will be established, what work will be performed before that approval is obtained, and exactly what happens to your money if the City says the ADU cannot be built.
I will update this review if Goshen resolves the matter.
