B-53 Study Plans

We’ve updated the study plans for 9 of our Tiny Homes and we wanted to share them with you.  Let’s start with the B-53:

You can print a copy of the plans here.  Here are some of the features of the B-53:

• It’s our largest home at 777 sq. ft. (874 with the 3rd bedroom added-on).
• The plans include a full range with an over, built-in microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator and a stacking washer/dryer.  Hot water comes courtesy of a tank-less water heater.
• The B-53 is designed to be built on a permanent foundation.

Now for some feedback from you. How would you personalize this home? If you could change one thing, what would it be? If you think of any practical ways to adjust the study plans, let us know.

Coming to a City Near You

Next year Jay Shafer be visiting these 12 US cities teaching people how to build their own tiny home. 2010 was a huge success, with most workshop dates selling out.
If you have suggestions for 2012, please let us know.

KCI Roofing

Metal or asphalt shingles – that is the question.  The reality is I’ll probably only be moving this place twice in my life, so shingles are an option. The problem is they’ll need venting, and that’s not a super attractive look. OTOH, I haven’t ordered the metal, and minimum it will take 10 days plus it’s twice as expensive.  Can I wait ten days?  The expense isn’t really an issue.  Environmentally, metal makes more sense. It’s recyclable where ashphalt is not.  And it will last. Decades!

***

Ack, it turns out my street is going to have its sewers replaced which means they’ll be tearing the whole thing up.  I’ve got to get this place finished before this happens.  Yet another thing to worry about.

KCI Torrential rains

Denny and Aaron added more flooring to the loft.  I am happy, my tall husband will be even happier.  They also got the final roofing truss up, because that night the torrential rains came down.

The rain lasted about four hours; fortunately there was only a wee bit of water in the place.  It was easily cleared up, and I placed a bucket or two to catch anything else, then my daughter and I threw on yet another tarp.  This one isn’t nearly as large as the first one. It’s held down with skipping ropes since all the real ropes are holding down the other larger tarp.  We had quite a bit of fun getting the tarps up.  First we attached ropes to one side and then attached the ropes to croc shoes, then we started throwing.  It should have been a contest.  In general, three tosses and we got it over far enough that we could grab the other end, then it was just a matter of hauling the tarp up, then tying it down.

Tarps tend to get caught (and torn) on the roof peaks. That’s where the water gets in.

KCI Buying Materials

I am good friends with all the big box stores and all the small hardware stores in town.  I go at least once a day to pick things up.  When people say they use scavenged or recycled items, I wonder if they have been collecting things for years or if they have a huge garage that they can rummage through to find what they need.  Sure I’m going to be furnishing the place with used furniture and dishes because I can do that over time, and the local 2^nd hand stores have a lot of items to choose from.

Aside from Habitat for Humanity’s Restore where do I find “on-demand” building supplies?  Craig’s list has been a total bust for me.  Again, if I’d been gathering things over the last few years, I’d be good.  Alas I didn’t.

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