Fencl
130 square feet  Ready made: $53,997  Build it yourself: $23,000 |
slideshow |
The Fencl pictured here is available to purchase now. It can be seen at the Harley-Davidson Bike Town in Ohio.
| House width: | 8′ | Porch: | 2 ½’ x 2 ½’ |
| House length: | 19′ | Main Room: | 7 ½’ x 6 ½’ |
Trailer Size:  |
7′ x 18′ | Kitchen: | 6′ x 4′ |
| Road Height: | 13′ 5″ | Bathroom: | 6′ x 3′ |
| Dry Weight: |
5700 lbs | Ceiling height: | 6′ 3″ |
| all measurements are approximate | Loft height: | 3′ 8″ | |
The Fencl combines both the Tarleton and Weebee. The main room has a vaulted ceiling.The interior is completely finished in pine with stainless steel counters. The bathroom has a full shower.
The Fencl that is currently being sold has the following features:
Separate black water and gray water plumbing.
RV toilet and full shower in the bathroom.
Hot water heater.
Refrigerator and stove top in the kitchen.
Learn more: Connecting to utilities, Purchasing a house, Building a house
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Comments
337 Responses to “Fencl”
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Are one of these being built, or in the plans to be built? I would love to see some pictures of it, especially how you are doing the loft, looks like maybe some storage in the loft, and a different ladder setup?
I love the houses Jay, saving up and gathering materials to pursue building one myself. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Lebn
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Jay Shafer reply on February 6th, 2009 1:41 am:
We plan on building one in the next couple months so I can take it with me to NY this Summer.
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allen macmillan reply on February 20th, 2009 10:51 pm:
a youtube video would be the best!
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Daniel reply on July 2nd, 2009 12:00 pm:
Ya a video tour of the Fencl would be great. It would enable us to get a better feel for it.
Chris reply on May 16th, 2009 6:07 pm:
Have you considered extending your trip a bit by heading up to the Boston area after visiting NYC?
Chris
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Jay Shafer reply on May 17th, 2009 12:51 pm:
I had considered it, but won’t have time on this trip.
Jeff M reply on May 26th, 2009 5:40 am:
Why no free delivery of the Fencl to Massachusetts if purchased by a person here? You offer deliver to NH, VT, and CT (all the states surrounding MA). Please explain. Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 6:58 am:
Ok, sure. MA too.
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Letitia reply on September 3rd, 2009 10:30 am:
Hi!!! Does anyone know of any financing available yet???
I love these homes….Thanks Jay!
Letitia
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Gene Hill reply on September 19th, 2009 11:05 pm:
Letitia,
Did you get any responses on financing? That is my interest also.
Thanks.
Gene
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Michelle Rhodes reply on September 29th, 2009 6:34 pm:
I know. Good question. Wouldn’t it be great if the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit applied?
Why not put a loft on the other side as well for extra storage or another sleeping space. There wouldn’t be the gable on the front but I don’t think it would affect the look any. I still wish you would make one longer then 19′, 5 more feet would be perfect.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 8th, 2009 3:06 am:
There is a little storage up there as it is.
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It seems that the main room, therefore the overall interior width, is 6′6″. Not sure how the bathroom can be 3′ wide plus the kitchen 4′ wide plus the dividing wall.
I guess this applies to the Tarleton, as well.
What am I missing?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 8th, 2009 3:10 am:
We round a lot of the dimensions listed off to the nearest half foot to deter plagiarism. Sorry for any confusion.
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Awesome stuff Jay! You don’t by chance need a Drafter right now… *nudge, nudge, wink, wink*
Keep up the great work! Your an inspiration for all young designers/architects.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 11th, 2009 1:34 am:
Not right now, Ryan. But Monty Python references will certainly work in your favor if we do in the future.
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I come to your website often to daydream about being a gypsy. One day, I’m going to build one of these babies (well, pay someone to do it because I enjoy my fingers attached to my hands) and become one with my gypsy dream… I even found freestanding white picket fences so I can create a “yard” for my dog.
If I understand the plans correctly, the only difference between this Fencl and the Tarleton (where do you come up with these names?) is that it has the bay window type thing like the WeeBee?
One thing I quite like about the WeeBee is that the sleeping loft is closed. I’d feel more secure sleeping if there was only a hole to fall into rather than a cliff to fall off of. Plus, there’s more “upstairs” room. If it is a light and heating issue to have a closed loft, then leave a one foot open section along either side of the wall where you had planned to have vaulted ceilings. I’d decided to pin my dreams on the Tarleton, anyway, but what are the logistics of making the loft closed (instead of vaulted) on a tiny house this size?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 11th, 2009 1:36 am:
No logistics to speak of, Tonya. For an extra $400 in materials, the loft can be closed, and upstairs storage can be increased.
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Dear Men Of Magic, I have spent sometime looking for the best way to live the rest of my days. I have been told that they are limited and I may need a wheelchair sooner than later. I love the concept of the small foot print and having less,wanting less and living with less.I spend most of my time in my bedroom anyway and your designs are perfect. I have limited energy reserves and would not utilize the loft but my adult daughter would love to. I would like to leave this house to her as a legacy. The new Fencl is ideal for the two of us. I too need to go where the weather suits my flip-flops better. I can’t do these New England winters anymore. I can adapt the counters and doorways to handicapped levels. I am saving for plans now and and looking for groups to help with used materials, hopefully to donate as I have a fixed income. All and all, I am excited about the new plans and would love to see you with a built one on the ease coast this summer.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 11th, 2009 1:14 am:
I look forward to seeing you this summer, Joaneen.
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Do you ever sell to camps? Can you modify parts? Would a modified version of the Fencl be suitable as a small bunk for 4 kids? My friend runs a camp and wants to build more building but building permits are very annoying. Just a thought.
Thank you,
Joshua Einstein
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Jay Shafer reply on February 21st, 2009 11:00 am:
We have sold to camps, and once I decked out the Epu with 6 beds as a bunk house.
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I am completely in love with the tiny houses, I want to build, or buy from you, a Weebee or Fenci. I have two desires I don’t know whether you can accommodate, whether alterations in building for me, or plans for me to build from:
1. I love the desk in the desk in the EPU, could the Weebee or Fenci be altered to include one of these?
2. I am a bath person…could either the Weebee or Fenci be modified to accommodate a soaking tub? I’m short so I usually favor a tub with an interior length of 54″, I love the old cast iron tubs but I suppose one of those would be more weight than one of these could accommodate…but, maybe some other material?
Thank you!
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Jay Shafer reply on February 21st, 2009 11:17 am:
1) Yes. I’d build it into the bump-out.
2) I did put a tub in the Lusby once, and I see no reason it couldn’t be done in the Weebee or Fencl.
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Bethany reply on March 14th, 2009 11:05 pm:
About the bathtub - What other elements in the Fencl would it shift around?
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Jay Shafer reply on March 15th, 2009 5:13 pm:
Monstly kitchen elements.
I love the fact that your product neatly puts the screws to the various over-bearing regulatory agencies, while at the same time remaining exquisitely attractive and quite livable. Wife permitting, the Fencl will likely become my summer home/hunting cottage. My only concerns are dog and bear related, i.e. kenneling dogs and a solid door instead of a door with windows. Minor concerns, at best:)
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 5:12 am:
Thanks J.C..
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I wonder, can you build this model with an actual wood burning fireplace, or wood burning stove? And how do I get the building process started? I would love to look at one in the Austin Tx. area, as well. The gravity water feed system sounds ideal, has anyone used this?
Thanks,
J.C.
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Victoria reply on February 22nd, 2009 4:32 am:
Here’s a tiny house on wheels with a woodburning stove:
http://paddleways.com/blog/gypsyrose/
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J.C. reply on February 22nd, 2009 5:59 am:
Thank you:)
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 5:20 am:
1) Yes.
2) Buy the plans, buy the materials, and start swinging a hammer.
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J.C. reply on February 22nd, 2009 6:04 am:
I’d rather you and Steve swung the hammer. I’m not much of a carpenter.
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All these are nice but I would suggest for anyone thinking about these.
Live in one of your average living rooms for a year. Picture it as kitchen, bath, bed, storage, and everything you own. Start making room by first throwing out every book you own………………….
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Donna F. reply on February 21st, 2009 10:17 pm:
You don’t have to throw out every book you own! You can store the books in the shelves! But you MUST be selective in the things you keep. Dee Williams kept hers down to owning only 300 things. She has books in her house to read, just watch her tour…it’s AWESOME! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYKqnq5uAuU
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Michelle Rhodes reply on September 29th, 2009 7:38 pm:
There is also the library for finding new books.
Besides, you need a truck to haul the house…inside the truck bed is lots of storage space!
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Geoff reply on July 27th, 2009 10:48 pm:
Or as an alternative to throwing away all your books, you could donate them to a local library. That way other people can enjoy them too, you can always read them, and somebody else keeps them stored, shelved and organized.
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I was wondering which of your houses lets in the most light; this might be a window-size to wall-size ratio. Do you ever build a tumbleweed house with a skylight or include that option in our plans? Also, are the windows in these houses fitted with screens and do they cool fairly easily? I assume so, since you are based in TX! - Thanks for your thoughts, JS
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 5:41 am:
Actually we’re in CA, but, yes, they do cool well and come with screens. The Z-Glass, Weebee and Fencl have the most light. Skylights can be added to any model.
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Now this is interesting, I’ve been designing my own version of a tiny house, which is almost the same as this, except forthe length (16′) and not having the tiny porch but rather having a pull down portch floor and lift up porch roof. That way I maximise use of the trailer space for interior use, but still have a nice sized porch.
I’m off to collect the second hand trailer I’ve bought on ebay and will be starting my build soon. Already have some second hand windows and a very old woodburner.
I’m so excited right now I can’t keep still. It’s finally, finally happening :D. I’ll be posting build details on a blog, hope it’s ok to link and refer back here.
Justin.
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It’s not clear from the floor plan where the ladder to the loft rests. It looks to me like it would have to sit either in the door way to the kitchen, or right in front of that hinged cupboard in the living room.
Can you explain what the floor plan for the loft is showing on either side? I’m guessing the two outer squares are bookshelves, what about the box-thing off to the right hand side? Is the loft mostly closed in? I would definitely be adding a skylight.
If I ever do get around to building one (zoning laws are STRICT in the area around Victoria BC, I’ve already been told off by the planning office for the city), I would put in the Weebee bathroom - I spend more time in the kitchen and would want the extra space there!
Amazing work Tumbleweed! I hope to see one of your houses in the future (and eventually live in one too)!
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Jay Shafer reply on February 23rd, 2009 2:23 pm:
The ladder is built into the passageway between the main room and kitchen. And you’re right, those are shelves. The other box is the access portal. Aside from the shelves, it’s wide open at the end, but a skylight’s a great idea.
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Katy reply on February 23rd, 2009 9:10 pm:
So does that mean that the loft extends over the living area? I’d assumed it was open to the floor below, like the Tarleton or Lusby.
Thanks Jay!
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Donna F. reply on February 24th, 2009 5:49 am:
Hi Katy,
The loft is open as you say–but it’s opening is not the entire width of the bedroom. If you look at the floor plan for the loft (the last pic above with the bed in it) you will notice that there are small BOLD black boxes–one on the left and one on the right–these are built in storage for the loft space. Attached to the bold box on the right is a dim, grayish box. This is the cut-out where you would access the loft. Jay designed this one with a built-in loft ladder that does not protrude into your living space. From your loft you will still have a view of the downstairs, plus you will have storage space in the loft, much like in the XS house’s loft. Pretty neat, huh! =-)
Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 1:05 am:
It is open to below.
I am beginning to really like these homes. My first thought was to use one as a “ham” shack (an amateur radio room). The price isn’t right for that alone, so why not live in it too? I hate renting and would rather pay to own a home. Maybe if I can afford it some day, I will consider buying one. I’d have to have the Fencl one. I like a bit of room. I need room for all my radio gear!
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Jay,
How would I schedule a half hour or hour of consulting time with you (by phone or skype)? How soon could we talk ?
Could the payment for the consulting time go towards the cost of the plans (as part of the two hours of free consulting time that comes with the plans)?
How long after we talk do you think it would take you to get a Fenci plan (modified for taller ceilings) to me in Alaska?
I have a offer from a friend with lots of building experience to help me build the structure in the next few weeks, and so I would need to move ahead quickly if I decide to build a Tumbleweed.
Although I’ve read the trailer blurb on the website I still have some trailer questions; also questions about other models that are not shown on the website; also questions about building in stages so that I get a liveable basic structure up and finish it later when I have the money for appliances, etc..
Thanks,
Kevin
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Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 1:34 am:
If you buy plans for a house, my number is printed at the bottom for 3 free hours of consultation. If you want to talk before buying the plans, you should buy the consultation through our site and we’ll refund the money when you buy the plans.
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Are plans for the New Popomo available for purchase?
Thanks.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 6:46 pm:
Ready and waiting.
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Jay,
I’ve been looking at your houses for a long time, but never bought because I’m already living in a fairly small house. I’m looking again because I’m planning a move to a new town. I have a few questions:
1) Do any tall people live in your homes? I’m 6′4″ and rather concerned about the low ceilings of the transportable houses.
2) Is it easy to rent a vehicle to tow to a new living site? I suspect that people who like your houses also like small cars.
3) Some of your previous designs are no longer on the web site. Are they still available? If so, am I missing a page on your web site where those designs are listed? I liked the square, two story house, although some of the recent designs do look better…
I’ll see what’s on the market in my new town. You might be hearing from me soon.
Thanks,
Dwight
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Doug reply on March 4th, 2009 9:03 pm:
I’m 6′8″ and share the same concerns about ceiling height. I’d like to hear your thoughts for those of us that are head and shoulders above the rest..thanks! Doug in NashVegas
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Jay Shafer reply on March 5th, 2009 6:18 pm:
I spoke with a guy who is 6′-7″ the other day about stretching the Fencl. My clients get taller every day. I think what we should do is combine the Weebee and the Lusby to bring the bed downstairs so that the loft could be shortened to make more room downstairs. The loft could then just be for storage.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 5th, 2009 6:25 pm:
1) Yes. We sold a set of Fencl plans to a 6′-4″ man recently. We lowered the pitch of the roof and lengthened the studs in the walls to make the downstairs 6′-6″ in the kitchen and bathroom and the loft 3″ shorter which seems to suit him just fine.
If you live on in the Western U.S., you could just make the whole thing 6″ taller as bridges and laws are more forgiving out here.
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Will reply on March 25th, 2009 7:05 am:
My two cents on the height issue. I built my Tarleton with a double top plate on the wall framing. I am 6 ft 3 1/2 and the plans specified a ceiling height of 6 ft 3. Adding the extra 2×4 on top of the walls was an easy way to get the ceiling up to 6 ft 4 1/2 without necessitating any changes to the plans. I do have to duck to get in the front door (height of door opening is around 6 ft) but I haven’t hit my head yet
The height of the trailer deck is a consideration here, lower is better if you are going to increase the height of the structure on top and stay under 13 ft 6 in overall height.
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Hi Jay,
I have fallen in love with the Fencl!. I am wondering if you can ship the build it yourself package the to the UK. The unit would basically be sited as I have found a nice parcel of land, the only consideration I can think of is replacing the 110v system used in the states with a 240v system but this could be done at my end.
I have tried to get my head around sewage systems, but for the life of me I can’t do it! whatever system you fit is most likely the best, I bow down to you knowledge and experience.
I would add solar panelling and wind turbines to my house to further reduce my carbon footprint as well as make massive savings on electricity. I have done some research and think I know how this works now. Again any help you can offer is gratefully received.
I hope you can ship to this side of the pond as I have not seen design as inspiring as this available in the UK.
Kind regards
Jim Smith
Derby
England.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 9th, 2009 7:43 pm:
I could and would gladly ship you a Fencl, Jim, but I dread to imagine the cost. It you find a builder there, you could save a bundle.
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I love the Fencl model. I’m 5′5 so I dont need alot of space, I’m curious will there be any workshops in north carolina? I want to build these houses.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 13th, 2009 8:14 pm:
I’m sorry you missed our recent Asheville workshop, Sreven. I’ll be doing one in D.C. on August 8-9.
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this is the perfect size and design for my needs. how much weight can the house hold. also is there any way supports can be added to increase the amount of weight it can handle.
i will definitely look into this model in the future
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Jay Shafer reply on March 13th, 2009 11:10 pm:
Get a heavy-duty trailer and you’re set.
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Could a tub, like this one: http://www.usatubs.com/Page2.html fit into the fencl, or would the plans have to be altered? Do you charge more for altered plans?
Thank you for your time!
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Jay Shafer reply on March 13th, 2009 11:15 pm:
Sorry. Just a few inches too big, Stephanie.
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Victoria reply on April 9th, 2009 2:44 pm:
Look at this Japanese soaking tub :
http://at-house.myshopify.com/products/takagi
TP-F11 : 31” x 28” x 26”
Jay - would this tub fit?
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Kaitlyn reply on August 8th, 2009 5:32 am:
Since the Bathroom is roughly 3 ft wide this would fit! Brillant find. Truly a win win situation. I LOVE to soak after a bath as well. The best small shower concept, as far as the shower head placement goes, was in the center of the over head shower stall. I was amazed at how comfortable and conveinent it was. While stationed in Japan I traveled quite a bit. I am a fan of corner toilets and sinks since then.
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betsy mccullen reply on August 8th, 2009 7:43 am:
here is another good idea for smaller bathtubs…they are a bit expensive because they custom make it to the size you want…
http://www.premier-bathrooms.com/walk_in_bath.php?gclid=CNSsrKqllJwCFUdM5QodyDRvdQ
Have any of you been able to get travel trailer insurance for any of these tiny homes, either built by Tumbleweed or by yourself?
Thanks for your time.
R
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Have you discontinued the “Copper Top” because of the cost of Copper? It was a little bigger than the Fenci, if I remember. Is there the same model with a different name because the roof is of asphalt shingles?
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Jay Shafer reply on March 22nd, 2009 6:12 pm:
That’s not our house. I believe it is The Tiny House Companie’s.
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Structurally-speaking, how much more difficult is the Fencl to build than the Tarleton, for example? I’m looking at the roof/ceiling angles and thinking that would be a bit trickier for the novice builder.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 11:09 am:
It is a bit trickier, but I’m currently documenting that tricky roof with a bunch of photos, so it should be a bit easier now.
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Why is the Mulfinger plan no longer available?
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Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 11:11 am:
Some of the room dimensions don’t meet the I.B.C. minimum size standards, so I reconfigured it into the Enesti and Bodega. You can still buy it and simply get a variance from your local building dept., but I got tired of explaining that.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 11:13 am:
If you want a set of Mulfinger plans, please send $450 to our P.O. Box with a request.
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Hi,
how soon could you have one built for a customer. And could the WC and the electric for a refrigerator be placed towards the front of the house in an open floor plan fashion? I’m thinking mud room. I’m thinking wringer washer. Then to the back a living area.
Thank you!
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I’ve been musing… Could wallboard and earth plaster such as American Clay be used as an interior finish or would moisture be too much of a problem? Would it require a different kind of insulation? The clay plaster is supposed to breathe and transpire moisture out to the outside, so I’d imagine it would require an insulation that doesn’t prevent moisture from penetrating outward. The worst case I can imagine would be for moisture to get trapped in the wall. Anyone want to share interior finish experiences?
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Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 12:59 pm:
I see no problem with the idea so long as one does as you suggest, Kerr.
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I have become obsessed with the idea of living in a fencl. Though I’m a college student with no means at all of making it happen at the moment. I wish I’d seen this 2 years ago, I would have spent what little money I had (and spent on rent) building one of these.
Soon as possible though I will make it happen.
Some questions though:
I’ve looked all over the place and can’t find any info on laws on where you can put something like this. Having arguments with some people over if something like this would be allowed in NJ on a property on wheels or if it would have to be put on a foundation. I kind of had the illusion until I got land of my own that I’d keep it on a friend’s property or negotiate something with someone convenient to keep it on theirs.
Also do you feel modifications to the kitchen area are pretty do-able? I have an interest in chest fridge/freezer either small or that DIY full sized freezer converted to fridge that uses 5% the power of a normal fridge. Maybe building the lid in as part of the countertop?
I’m a novice on construction so many friend’s would be helping. Just curious on whether making changes like that would be beyond the scope of the small area or non-professionals.
Can’t wait to have some video/pictures of a fencl. Driving me nuts that I have to mentally combine pictures from the others to dream about
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Milica reply on April 9th, 2009 7:45 am:
I’m with Garan. I take public transportation to work and try to live in areas near where I play. I’m in Dallas (Richardson/Plano) and the trailer parks here are at the edges of the city far far away from the businesses I attend daily.
I don’t know how long I’ll live in Dallas, and I don’t have much savings, so building my own small house is not much of an option for me.
I’d be willing to purchase a lot to put the Tiny House on, but I have an idea that large cities and towns such as Dallas, Richardson and Plano would have prohibitive zoning laws.
I understand that reasons for these laws are about population density, crime and looks. Have you heard of anyone coming to an agreement with their town/city to put a Tiny House on a normal residential plot?
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Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 4:16 pm:
The tiny ones on wheels can often be kept in the yard of a larger house. The ones over 200 sq. ft. should be ok in most cities.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 1:23 am:
I’ve been shooting the entire Fencl building process and will have those pix plus some of the finished product posted soon, Garan.
The whole zonig/codes thing is a big stinky mess. Generally speaking, if you can legally live in one of these houses wherever you can inhabit an RV. See my blog entry, Viva la Tiny Revolution for more.
The kichen ides sound great… and doable.
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I have been looking at your houses for some time now. I am impressed with them to say the least. I am wondering how the designs, in particular the mobile designs, would work with SIP construction? Have you considered this type of construction in your designing of the houses? Is there some that are on the drawing board for SIP that have not yet been published?
Tracy
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Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 1:29 am:
It is a perfect match. You would have to alter only the framing plan.
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If the Fencl is built on a foundation (pylons?) such as Kai’s WeeBee it exceeds the square footage limit for an exempt building?
My hometown uses 2006 International Building Code. Do you know where it discusses exempt buildings square footage etc?
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Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 4:02 pm:
That number gets tailored a lot at the local level. Some say 120 s.f. (I believe that’s 2006 IBC). Others say 200. Some count at the roof line, and some go by exterior wall dimensions. I’d check your local codes to be safe.
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hi there just a few questions can the fencl design have a regular roof like the lusby and can i put the sleeping loft in front instead of back and i have read here somewhere that the houses floor are lag bolted to the trailer how is that???????
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Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 4:13 pm:
1) The roof would be all the easier to build that way.
2) You can put the loft at the front if you want.
3) We do put some bolts through the trailer into the floor frame.
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It’s out. I think we’ll start offering it on our site on Monday or earlier.
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hi jay will be seeing you in june in iowa city and cant wait to see the fencl also will you be selling your books then the new one if so i want to pick up a copy thanks for all you do
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Jay Shafer reply on April 16th, 2009 9:43 am:
I look forward to meeting you, then, Kevin. I’ll bring the books.
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Sorry to be obtuse, but what is the small cutout in the right wall in front of the loft?
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Jay Shafer reply on April 16th, 2009 10:18 am:
I think you must be referring to the hole that leads downstairs.
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David Nadler reply on April 18th, 2009 8:01 am:
Actually, I am referring to the blank space in the outside wall. There is a break in the bold black line in the floor plan. Is it a window of some sort?
I realize the dotted line in the middle of the room in the access portal.
Thank you.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 20th, 2009 9:27 am:
Oh, that’s a window.
Hey! I’ve been obsessing over your houses for the past few days and had an idea. I wonder if you could close in the porch area and have the door open to the side (the left) with a drop down/pull up porch/roof combo that swings closed for storage into the door space while traveling. As visually appealing as your designs are it seems a shame to give up potential living space if it could be avoided. I could probably sketch something up or explain better if need be. Thanks!
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Jeff reply on April 15th, 2009 10:53 am:
I was also curious if you ever thought about putting up an additional permanent forum where owners/would be owners could discuss things like this. It would make it easier to browse all the potential modifications as well as take some of the responsibility off of your shoulders for answering some of the questions, if it built up a substantial enough community.
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Kerr reply on April 15th, 2009 10:29 pm:
Hi, Jeff,
While Jay is mulling that suggestion over, maybe you’d want to check out tinyhouseforum.com.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 16th, 2009 10:22 am:
It’s a great idea, and we’ve been trying to get to it for months. I’ll remind the webmaster.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 16th, 2009 10:20 am:
When there’s a will…
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Here is a question you have probably never heard,I would like to build a Fencl or something similar and I would like to know the approximate gross weight without a trailer so I can estimate the size of a deck and amount of flotation to place on on a permanent dock in the middle of one of my ponds on a 90 acre farm in Ohio.I have no reason to move it on a trailer and I just thought it might be cool to be able to fish from my front porch.Thanks for any info or ideas.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 25th, 2009 6:44 pm:
That does sound cool. It should only be about 4500 lbs., but call it 5000 just to be safe.
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Brenda Stevens reply on September 3rd, 2009 11:44 am:
Don’t forget that you need to figure the weight of the inhabitant(s), furnishings, water, propane, appliances, composting toilet, etc. We forgot about this when figuring the weight of a camper for the size of our car/tow package.
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1) Does the ladder pull out so you climb at an angle, or is it built into the wall (looks like it would be hard to climb). I’m a soon to be senior.
2) Also can there be cabinet doors added to the storage shelves. I think that would help keep down on a sense of clutter, and add more spaciousness. Also would help keep things in place when moving the house.
3) How wide is the front area next to the porch (where the day bed is in the slide show). I would probably make that my sleeping bed, and use the loft for storage and as a meditation space.
4) What is the piece of wood on the kitchen counter to the right of the sink? Cutting board?
5) Is there a built in drop down table in the main room, or could there be one built? I’m envisioning a drop down (fold up table) with a couple of folding chairs. When both table and chairs are folded up there would be lots of floor space for doing yoga, even dancing around!
6) Can the Fencl be built with the WeeBee kitchen and bath? And can there be a three burner stove top built in?
7) Is there an electrical outlet in the loft?
That’s it for now. These are great little houses!
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Jay Shafer reply on April 29th, 2009 9:29 am:
1) This is the only one of my designs that doesn’t have a ladder that pulls out. I figured, with the wall behind it, climbing will be more like a chimney assent.
2) Good idea.
3) It’s just over 4′.
4) I’m sorry. I don’t know.
5) That could be added easily.
6) Not a problem.
7) Yes.
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Sharon reply on May 5th, 2009 2:03 pm:
Regards to 4)… In the kitchen picture of the WeeBee, the “wood on the kitchen counter” is a cutting board that fits on top of the sink. (seen on top of the sink in the kitchen picture for the Lusby)
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Hi guys!
Just wanted to say that I am in love with your tiny houses,
I live in Australia and plan to build on of my own as soon as I can!
keep up the brilliant work
Georgia x
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Jay Shafer reply on April 29th, 2009 10:03 am:
Thanks, Georgia.
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Hi Jay,
In an effort to save wall space on the Fencl. Would it be possible to mount the Dickinson Propane Stove on the wall space between the front door and the bumpout. It looks like it would be close.
Keep up the good work. The Fencl is looking fantastic from the pictures I have seen.
Daren
PS Have you tried toe nailing the tounge and groove pine boards instead of having the screws show?
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Jay Shafer reply on May 8th, 2009 10:29 am:
It might work to reposition the stove, but keeping the chimney short enough for good draft might be a problem, as would positioning the chimney on the roof.
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Jay Shafer reply on May 8th, 2009 10:29 am:
Nails work too.
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Hi Jay - After perusing your portfolio book, I’ve decided the Fencl is the right house for me. I took some bricks and measure things and outlined the floor plan of the Fencl in my backyard so I could have a better idea of the size. I walk around in it every day! haha I discovered I’ll have room for my piano and harpsichord and that makes me very happy.
Anyway, my plan is to buy a couple of acres of land to put the house on. I dream of “living off the grid” and wondered how having a solar panel on the roof and a residential-size wind generator would work for electrical power. Have any of your customers hooked up to a wind generator? I believe Dee Williams has solar panels for her house.
I have nearly the purchase price saved up in my IRA! I will be at the open house in Columbus, OH - it’s the closest one to me (I live 16 miles southwest of Detroit in Michigan).
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on May 8th, 2009 10:26 am:
My first house ran off solar panels, and I see no reason wind shouldn’t work just as well.
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betsy reply on May 8th, 2009 7:14 pm:
kathy, i would think having a solar panels on your roof (that close to your sleeping loft) would create a lot of energy that might keep you awake by producing too much current around you. i know others that have had that problem.
also, if you already know where your land will be, have you checked the windmaps - http://www.bergey.com/wind_maps.htm - to make sure a wind generator would be fully functionable in your area?
good luck building your tiny house
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Kathy reply on May 9th, 2009 9:06 pm:
Hi Betsy -
Thanks so much for the heads-up! I hadn’t thought about that with the solar panels. I did notice in Dee Williams’ video that her solar panels are mounted on a stand down in the yard, rather than on the house and I hadn’t really thought about why they were, until I read your response to my posting.
I haven’t yet decided where I’m going to put my Fencl but I did think about checking out the windmaps beforehand. I’m sure, though, that even if I can’t go off the grid, the costs of power to this tiny house will be small.
Thanks for the good wishes and good information!
Kathy
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Brenda Stevens reply on September 3rd, 2009 11:48 am:
I’ve never heard of this! We were going to turn our 16 x 8 garage into a tiny house and put solar panels on it for power. Where can I learn about current causing sleeping (or other health) problems?
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P.S. My piano (an upright) and harpsichord are small. (In case you were thinking concert grand or something! haha)
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I am from Baton Rouge. I like the Fencl but would like to see more pics. Could you email me some. Do your travels bring you to Louisiana?
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Hi Todd,
I have been taking pictures of the Fencl and you can see them at the Tiny House Journal. Click on Jay’s Fencl: http://tinyhousejournal.com/
I will update the post on Jay’s website when the home is completed.
Kent
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Donna F. reply on May 8th, 2009 8:20 pm:
Thanks Kent…we’re looking forward to them!
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Hi Guys -
I have a couple of questions about some changes to the Fencl. Is it possible to have a small openable window in the pointed roof part (don’t know the architectural term!) above the three windows in the bump-out? In the picture on the website, it looks like there’s either a decorative thingy or it’s a vent.
How feasible would it be to have a roof like the Tarleton has, as opposed to the current roof on the Fencl?
I, too, would like the loft extended over the entire length, and would add skylights for light throughout the loft area.
I’ve also been looking at small wall-mounted bathroom sinks and have found several that I think will fit in the bathroom. Would that be possible in the Fencl? Could the toilet be moved to the left of the bathroom door, facing the side bathroom window? Then there would be room for a small sink.
Thanks!
Kathy
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Jay Shafer reply on May 16th, 2009 12:06 pm:
1) No problemo.
2) All the easier.
3) Extend away.
4) I don’t think so. Consider a sink that mounts on the back of the toilet from Real Goods.
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Kathy Handyside reply on May 16th, 2009 12:29 pm:
Thanks, Jay! I can’t wait for the open house in Columbus, OH. I’ve heard that the Fencl is the one that will be on display - if so, then I won’t have to bug you with any more dumb questions! haha I’ll be able to actually see the Fencl for real.
Kathy
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Kathy Handyside reply on May 16th, 2009 1:05 pm:
Hi Jay - I just went to the Real Goods website. Those toilet lid sinks are FANTASTIC!! What a great idea - it’s exactly what I wanted!
Thanks again,
Kathy
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hi jay,
i truly enjoy small space living, currently living in nyc in a 420 s/f apt. i thought it’s quite huge, anyroad, I was thinking of buying a small land in firenze, pietrasanta or carrara, and put one of your tiny house there, the tiny house that i really like is weebee, can this be ship to italy? what are the process and fee, please advise thank you very much.
kind regards,
october
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Jay Shafer reply on May 20th, 2009 12:45 pm:
We could ship one, but it would be much cheaper for you to buy our plans and build it yourself or have someone else out there build it for you.
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hi all wanted to know if someone could help me dee has a video out and her toilet is what its not like the composting toilets i have seen before and it looks like its more than a bucket with a lid wanted to see if anyone had any ideas about it????
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Hi kevin k.,
Looks like “The Humanure Handbook” composting toilet by Joseph Jenkins. Google it and read it free online. (Or youtube it and see it in action.) There’s not a lot more to it. You’ll need a bucket of cover material (saw dust works great). I recently bought one myself to see if it was a legitimate option for my little house. It’s excellent and simple to use. No smell and no flies. Build it yourself or order it from him directly, the price is right.
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kevin keasling reply on May 20th, 2009 4:26 am:
thank you mike appreciate all the help
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Better looking than trailers that are made with aluminum siding. It is reminiscent of the trailer-truck John Steinbeck drove across the USA chronicled in ‘Travels with Charlie’.
While it is aesthetically appealing and well built it is a nightmare for people in wheelchairs. The doors and the kitchen aisle are too narrow. You need to design an accessible trailer-house. I have an idea that would provide universal access and would be comfortable for everybody.
Turn the bathroom sideways so it takes up the back of the cabin with dimensions 3′ 3″ by 6′ 6″ and a 30″ wide pocket door in the middle. Put a fold up bath bench in the shower area and a hand held shower nozzle that a sitting person could access. Place a galley kitchen and a closet on either side of the bathroom door, allowing more aisle space. And since the sleeping loft would be inaccessible for the mobility impaired, place a futon couch on the short wall opposite the bathroom, and then put a 32″ to 36″ wide front door on the long wall with a lift or a ramp for access. Access to the loft might be possible with a sling seat attached to a pulley that would lift a non-ambulatory person up. A fold up table and chairs could be removed when the futon is extended.
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Sandra Walker reply on May 25th, 2009 5:01 pm:
Carol,
Where on the long side would a door go that would not hit the wheel well? If you move the door in front of the wheel well then it will run into your galley kitchen. Am I missing something?
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 6:40 am:
Thanks for the ideas, Carol. I was just thinking about some sort of elevator for this house yesterday.
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Is there any reason you wouldn’t install the wood flooring prior to framing the house? You could just lay it out on an angle, trim the edges with a saw; then frame and build the house.
The small cost of the extra flooring being under cabinets, etc; would save a lot of headache installing around these tight little spaces.
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 6:49 am:
I have tried it this way, and I agree. It’s the way to go.
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i’d like to know what it’s like to actually drive around with one of these houses behind your car. How fast can you go? How is it to make everything inside of the house travel proof when it’s moving? If you travel a lot it must be hard to have to pack the glasses and crockery every time you drive somewhere new, no?
There are a lot of people in New Zealand who have built houses on the back on large trucks. They travel the islands doing seasonal work. It’s an extraordinary thing as they are huge and quite beautiful. Unfortunate if your truck gives up the ghost though!
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 7:15 am:
It’s pretty easy. I just drove 1000 miles with the Fencl over the past two days.
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Brenda Stevens reply on September 3rd, 2009 12:09 pm:
I’m from Portland, Oregon where people do a lot of boating. I imagine that there are websites and blogs for Grand Banks, etc. owners who talk about how to secure their stuff for an ocean voyage. This has to all have been figured out before!
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dear jay awaiting your arival to the iowa city area and had a question where do you get the two white chairs i see in the living area i have not been able to find them anywhere also having a great time seeing the pics on the tiny house blog too
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Jay Shafer reply on June 2nd, 2009 4:57 am:
Ikea. See you there.
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Jay, so nice meeting you and taking your tour in Boulder this weekend! Have been waiting over a year to step inside an actual “Tumbleweed” and it feels better than I even thought it would. Just need to remember what you said was your recommended type of insulation? Hope you liked the CD! Will send a foto when the house is done in September. All the best!
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Jay Shafer reply on June 2nd, 2009 5:11 am:
Great meeting you too, Mary. I look forward to listening to your CD. The insulation is expanded polystyrene.
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Hi Jay,
Thanks for a great workshop in Boulder on Sat. Just the things I learned not to do were worth every penny. Actually seeing the Fencl (and learning where the name came from) was very educational and inspiring.
By the way; I got a photo from Matt of you and he at McGuckin Hardware on Sunday. LOL! Pretty cool place isn’t it? Too bad you didn’t have more time to explore it. Maybe next trip.
Hope to see you again some time. Keep up the great work!
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Jay Shafer reply on June 2nd, 2009 5:13 am:
Thanks, Doug. It was great meeting you.
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Hey - can you plz explain how this system works? “Separate black water and gray water plumbing” Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on June 5th, 2009 8:12 am:
Yes. We have a black water drain and a grey water drain, and a portable tank on wheels is included.
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Cindy reply on June 5th, 2009 8:21 am:
Thanks so much for all your help! So - it drains into a holding tank and then must be emptied? We are either going to be purchasing the Fencl or Lusby plans - and were interested in this plumbing system. I would rather not attach this little house to our septic tank (we have septic and well) - so am curious as to how this works, and if it might be a solution to the problem along with a composting toilet. Do you maybe have a link to information on how the system works? We plan on using this for our daughter - as a little space for herself. I love all your creative designs! You are very talented!
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Jay Shafer reply on June 7th, 2009 5:46 am:
Thanks, Cindy. Here’s a link to said tank. Remember that composting toilets are an option too. I recommend the sawdust toilet at jenkinspublishing.com.
Hello Jay,
I love the design of the fencl and it’s great use of space. One quick question, have you or anyone else tried drywall in any of your mobile designs. I love all the wood work on the inside but i think that its a bit much for my tastes. I was thinking something like a chair rail with pine paneling and put pine on the ceiling, and have drywall in between. I was just curious if the drywall would crack going down the road?
Thanks
Sean
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Matt Faulkner reply on June 5th, 2009 5:30 pm:
Hi Sean,
If I were to offer my two cents worth:
We talked about this option this last weekend at the Boulder workshop. My concerns about drywall is a) it’s heavy! and b) the drywall may not crack, but your plaster probably will. Cracks form in plaster even in new permanent construction up to a year after being installed, so seeing you want to use it mobile, I’d look for something different. We heard about wheatboard from Doug last weekend too, although I personally haven’t used it before.
Matt
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Sean reply on June 6th, 2009 11:36 am:
Thanks Matt …
I never even considered the weight as a factor.
Sean
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I’ve always loved log cabins and was wondering how a Fencl would look with a log exterior. Might be kinda neat!
Kathy
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Hi Jay - I received your new book and it’s great! Highly recommended reading. Everyone who sees my copy wants to borrow it. Good job! See you next week in Columbus, OH at the Open House!
Kathy
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I’ve admired your tiny homes for years now. I’ve always wanted to inquire about taking one of the trailor size ones and inquiring about turning it into a mobile grooming unit, with a completely encosed loft upstairs for a clean sleeping area. Can any of these be modified to do this?
Also, I drive a Ford Escape, a smaller SUV… can this pull these?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 7th, 2009 5:57 am:
Your owner’s manual should tell you the tow rating of the Escape. If it’s more than 3,500 pounds, it would pull a modified version of the XS-House or the Biensi pictured in the book.
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Brenda Stevens reply on September 3rd, 2009 12:11 pm:
And remember about what the total weight will be, when you put stuff (including water, propane, etc.) in it.
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I was wondering if any of these houses had A/C in them. I saw pictures of heaters in the houses but did not see anything about air conditioners. Does anyone know?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 9th, 2009 6:31 pm:
No, but they’ll take a window unit.
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Addison reply on June 14th, 2009 2:35 pm:
I didn’t know until I saw the video and realized that. Thanks! The houses are very cool by the way
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Cindy reply on June 16th, 2009 9:55 am:
Hey Jay - have you seen these?
http://www.minisplitsystems.com
They might work for heating and cooling these little houses as well, do you think? Might be quieter than a normal window air conditioner, and might provide more consistant cooling and heating. Thanks! Cindy
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 12:40 pm:
Thanks, Cindy. Great link. They should work. I’ve bookmarked it.
Brenda Stevens reply on September 3rd, 2009 12:14 pm:
We just got a minisplit to heat and cool our 200 SF attic bedroom, and just love it. Very efficient, very quiet and doesn’t use a lot of energy.
Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 1:53 pm:
Cool… literally. Thanks, Brenda.
Hi, it was really great to meet you in Chicago. Your work has certainly inspired me.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 9th, 2009 6:32 pm:
It was nice meeting you too, Jindalle.
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um, ok so i guess no suggestions then?…
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ok i can take a hint, forget it .
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Sandra Walker reply on June 8th, 2009 9:18 pm:
Dear Christine,
There is no available funding from Jay or Tumbleweed Homes. Also no bank is going to loan you money to build a trailer home, especially with the way the economy is now. Your best bet is to look to family/friends for a loan and/or save up like everyone else. Cheap/free building materials can be found from all kinds of different sources too with a little work on your part to hunt them down. Good luck Christine!
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Jay Shafer reply on June 9th, 2009 6:39 pm:
What was your question.
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Christine, what is you’re original question? I’m sure someone here will help you out.
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christine reply on June 20th, 2009 8:54 am:
hey thanks for the responses, it’s very appreciated! i did find a company who’ll accept monthly payments for the trailer which is HUGE. also alot of builder/artists folks i know work with reclaimed wood… i don’t know i apologize for sounding grumpy, but am worried about my future and feeling so truly that this “little house on the trailer” idea is hopeful and actually attainable. i actually work for a bank but know for a fact i’d not get funding, at leasr right now. like i told a customer the other day, 5 yrs from now so many people will have bad credit scores, the banks will have to change their requirements or there won’t be anyone to lend to!
c.
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You can get loans for “trailer” homes even now–don’t give up hope Christine. I’m looking into that myself, for a home on my 10 acres in Flagstaff. If anyone else has suggestions, I hope you’ll comment.
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After all the research this is considered an RV. There are plently of credit unions also check with your local bank that you have your checking account with they want to keep your business. Plus all you need is to register your tiny home with the DMV. This is a no brainer. Do not give up if you get turned down keep appling to other lenders you will see someone will say yes you will be surprised. Do not get discouraged. Be persitant.
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Jay, it was very nice to meet you and to see the Fencl in person. My decision is reaffirmed to live in this house full time. I will be purchasing plans soon and buying material as I can. I’ll keep you updated as others have. Thanks for stopping in Pittsburgh!
Mike Troy
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Can a front load compact stackable washer dryer (23.5 x 23.5 inches), be worked into the Fencl plans, while still retaining the small closet?
I also saw a tiny wall mounted corner bathroom sink that’s just big enough for washing hands and brushing teeth, could that be worked in as well?
I tried working all this out on my architectural program I have on my computer, but it would require a longer trailer I think. Any thoughts or suggestions?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 14th, 2009 4:59 am:
I’d have to spend some time on it, but I’m sure it’s possible.
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Maybe this question has been asked before, but how do you keep the water lines from freezing up in the winter/cold? I assume that once the water reaches the tiny home, it is kept warm enough not to freeze because the house is kept above freezing temps; but what about the water coming to the house since you just use a hose?
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Nichole reply on June 15th, 2009 1:39 pm:
I don’t know anything about house building, or small house building.. I was wondering this myself! lol.
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Mike Troy reply on June 15th, 2009 5:08 pm:
Hi Darcelle and Nichole,
Here is a link for you. http://www.nofreezewaterhose.com
Look for info on the site. Have fun!
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Cindy reply on June 16th, 2009 8:52 am:
Oh my goodness! You guys have a answer for everything! Not only does this info apply to the Fencl that we’ll be building for our daughter someday - but I could use this for our small house. I can’t believe the wealth of info I’ve found here, and links to such cool stuff! This info will insure that I no longer have to carry water out for the pooches in the winter when the hose freezes up! What a great website!
Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 12:28 pm:
http://www.nofreezewaterhose.com/index.html
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It was GREAT getting to meet you and actually tour the Fenci here in Columbus last Tuesday. With luck by now you have sold the Fenci and it has a ‘happy home’ in New York or New England….and you are headed home.
Don’t forget my request for a ‘Senior Cottage’ Small House design for us ‘mature’ individuals…..
Thanks,
Steven
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 12:29 pm:
Great meeting you too, Steven.
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Do you have more regular workshops held in the San Francisco area? I will most likely be coming out in January and was wondering if there is a possibility of attending one.
I also noticed a workshop where you might actually build a house. I would love to have the opportunity to apprentice under someone else building at some point to gain some skills myself so I don’t have to hire out for so much of the work. Has anyone thought of organizing such opportunities? Could there be non-profit funding available to help raise tiny houses for those of us who don’t have a lot of $ on hand?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 12:52 pm:
I do hope to do more workshops out here this winter. Stay posted for details.
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hi Jay, i was curious about the 120ft rule, it’s been made clear the square footage of the houses as listed are approximate (to avoid plaigarism), so i’d like to know for sure, is the Fencl actually 130 square ft? i’m crazy about it, but would want my life in it as hassle-free as possible. thansk.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:01 pm:
As I recall, it’s actually only 120, but, unless you were building one without wheels, it really shouldn’t matter because building codes don’t pertain to vehicles.
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I love what you have done with the website. I have been interested for years, and am thrilled to see that things might be taking off for you.
Quick question, the Fencl looks great…do you have to build the mattress into the structure? I get the sense that once you build the house, the bed is permanently installed. Also, I imagine there is no room for a boxspring.
I checked comments here for an answer, maybe I didn’t look hard enough.
Cheers,
Gerik
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Mike Troy reply on June 21st, 2009 8:22 am:
Hi Gerik,
The mattress just rests on the floor. Having been in the loft during the tour, the box spring would take up too much head room for my liking. It depends what’s more important to you. Ikea has some mattresses that I’m interested in for this purpose.
Mike
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:02 pm:
Thanks for the help, Mike.
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Gerik reply on June 23rd, 2009 5:37 pm:
Thank you both.
I guess I thought the loft was accessible only through a small opening at the top of the ladder, something too small to move a mattress through.
Must be an open air type loft with plenty of room to slide a mattress in, right?
Gerik
Aria reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:24 pm:
How about a lightly filled futon or a foam mattress? They simply roll up. Roll it up and tie it in that position to keep it rolled until it was put into the loft, then untie it, let it unroll, and position it how you want it in the loft.
Since any mattress would be on the wood floor, I think a box spring would be unnecessary.
We purchased ‘Full’ size bed foam for only $14 each. We stacked a couple of them atop each other and sleep on those on the floor in our house. When it’s time to sweep the floor, I simply roll up the foam along with the sheets, blankets and pillows, and move it to sweep.
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Greetings,
My husband and I are interested in purchasing plans for a mobile tumbleweed model, but would like some assurance first that it will be legal to live in.
When I contacted officials in the town where I live (in upstate NY) to inquire, the response was not encouraging. It is legal to live in a mobile home on land that we own while constructing our primary dwelling (which is what we are planning to do). But they also said that building the mobile home ourselves would be a problem. My understanding is that we can construct whatever we want, but they can kick us out of it if we try to live in it, or ask that it be removed from the land. They are not able to certify a home that is on wheels, and they said that they would want any temporary housing to be certified by some other authority. The reason that they would approve a standard mobile home is because they are HUD regulated/certified. They had no idea who could certify a self-built mobile home. Any ideas who could certify it to their satisfaction? Or do we have any hope for a legal appeal?
FYI, the land is 12 acres but is only a mile from a city and lots of people hike through it, so the chances of flying under the radar are slim.
This is the dilema: I have serious chemical sensitivities and cannot live safely in most rental apartments, or new and used mobile homes unless they are specially renovated. Renovating an old trailer (such as an airstream) can expose you to old toxins and is a lot of work, and I’d prefer to build my own beautiful, safe little home on wheels… it would sure make traveling more convenient in the future too, since I can’t stay in most hotels etc.
The town suggested building a small temporary house (min 600sq feet) that could then be removed from the property once we complete the main house. From scanning your plans, it looks like the models that are over 600 sq feet are not designed to be moved, is this correct? I would still prefer to have a tumbleweed on wheels, anyway!
Thanks so much for your advice =)
Claire
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:26 pm:
Ugh! I am no fan of regulations that prohibit more simple, sustainable life styles. I just redesigned all of the mid-sized houses (Harbinger, Loring, Bodega, New Vesica) to be portable at 400 square feet, but we haven’t released them yet, and that doesn’t really do you any good anyway.
I’m sorry I can’t help you more just yet, Claire.
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Tracy reply on June 27th, 2009 12:40 pm:
Hi Jay,
When will the plans for the portable larger houses be released?
I much enjoyed the NYC design workshop, and am still tinkering with my “expanded” Fencl. I have come to the conclusion that I just don’t want to give up the aesthetics of the roof line, so can’t expand, but still don’t want to give up a full bath including 48″ tub, room for a single bed downstairs in an area that can be closed off, AND a separate kitchen. I picture low bookshelves up in the loft, and a gothic window in the back , with a simple mat and meditation cushion. Maybe a double air mattress in the closet for a guest or guests to sleep in the loft. Oh yeah, and still room for my harp downstairs.
I’ve been talking to one builder in Mass. who seems like a likely candidate to build the tiny house in terms of his skills and interests - but I don’t know him, so it is a little scary. Too bad the Fencl in Madison wouldn’t work for me.
Anyway, hope all is well.
Thank you,
Tracy
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Jay Shafer reply on June 29th, 2009 1:35 pm:
Good hearing from you, Tracy. I think I’ll be able to post those to the site in the next two months (as soon as I come up with some exterior images).
Erika reply on July 9th, 2009 3:27 pm:
When you say portable do you mean on wheels like fencl and others (and therefore movable with a truck?). Where I’m living we can’t have anything considered a ‘permanent structure’.
Thanks so much!
Jay Shafer reply on July 12th, 2009 2:00 pm:
That’s exactly what I mean.
Aria reply on June 25th, 2009 9:48 am:
Claire,
I spent some time trying to find some information pertaining to your plight. The authorities you spoke with are correct in that HUD does indeed regulate Mobile Homes, as in what is now typically referred to as manufactured homes - they still have wheels under them and require tags from the DMV, but are designed and intended to be a semi-permanent to permanent structures with ‘long-term habitation’. Which if I am not mistaken, a Tumbleweed home is not your typical manufactured home, and can be registered with the DMV as a travel trailer or recreational vehicle (even though most of us wouldn’t consider them just for recreation).
HUD does not regulate or certify travel trailers/RVs, or even ‘Park Models’ at all, they have no baring on RVs of any nature since HUD considers them to be ‘temporary dwellings’.
It’s not illegal to live in an RV, there are many ‘Full Timers’ doing so. I don’t think even a custom made one is either, (consider all the people that convert vans or school busses), the problem is placing one on your property.
Many covenants and regulations indeed will not allow Mobile Homes/Manufactured Homes to be placed on the property, and this is because it is considered a semi-permanent/permanent dwelling for ‘long-term habitation’ and the covenants are strictly against that type of housing, they only want typical stick built with typical foundations, however, many times the covenants WILL allow an RV to be parked on the property for 30 days at a time, with the understanding that it must be self contained.
I know when we were looking for property, we ran into this kind of rule quite a bit: minimum square footage, no mobile/manufactured and so on, but we would be allowed to tent camp or park an RV for 30 days at a time on the property. Could this be a possibility for you?
I searched all through HUD for this info, and I tell you, their website is hard to navigate, but strangely enough, I found the above HUD info through FEMA.gov website, under the article “The Deployment And Sale Of Temporary Housing Units”. It’s mainly a Q&A article about the Mobile Homes FEM uses, and some of the questions pertain to Travel Trailers/RV’s, Park Models and so forth.
Aria
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Joan Carlson reply on June 25th, 2009 12:45 pm:
Reading in this thread, and other places, about it being legal to live in a “mobile home” on any given piece of property for only 30 days, I suddenly had this image of a colony of Tumbleweeds on a group of lots, all switching places on the first of every month, like a car at a traffic light when everyone piles out of the car and changes places
How well would that work, do people here think? For two or more Tumbleweed dwellers to swap parking spots every 30 days?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 25th, 2009 3:16 pm:
Like a cooperative campground.
emily reply on July 27th, 2009 7:12 pm:
That is the single most amzing idea ever! lol. A musical house lot! lol,
Jay Shafer reply on June 25th, 2009 3:15 pm:
Thanks, Aria.
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Hello Jay! Your tiny houses are quite beautiful. I was planning to buy my own piece of land in Los Angeles County. I was wondering if it would be legal to have a tiny house on my property. Would I have to get any special kind of permits?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 25th, 2009 3:05 pm:
Ask your local housing officials. They’ll know.
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In the experience of people here, how restrictive are zoning laws for multi-household buildings in contrast to restricting the building of one tiny building on a lot?
Maybe a number of Tumbleweeds could be built under one roof, sharing walls, or maybe porches? To be big enough to satisfy the Codes and Zoning people?
Just a thought –
Joan C.
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Hello, I have a few questions for you Jay.
1) I’m a little confused about the free shipping to the listed East Coast states. Are any Fencl models shipped free to those states, or is it only that unit that you drove up there?
2)Is the typical waiting period still about 3 months? I ask this because I’m going to assume you are building more and more houses lately. And I think I saw a few post of yours saying that you are a small company, and for the time being plan on staying that way. I think that is great, but I am seriously interested in getting the Fencl, and am wondering if I might need to get on a waiting list?
3) From the pictures of the Fencl, you can only see the toilet, and in the details it says there is a full shower, but nothing about a washroom sink. So I’m just curious if it has one, or if the full shower means no sink?
4) One last thing, I read one post of yours saying that all new models would probably include an oven, are there anymore developments, or info on that front?
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Daniel reply on July 3rd, 2009 2:17 am:
Never mind about the third question, I found the Fencl blog page. I love the storage in the loft, and the washroom is a shower and toilet, no sink. I’m not sure if a little sink is possible in the Fencl, can’t hurt to ask.
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Jay Shafer reply on July 5th, 2009 11:53 am:
you could put a bathroom sink over the back of the toilet.
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I really like the looks of these tiny homes, and want to build one soon. I found a lot of information by reading the book, as well as the various postings. I did have a couple of questions still about the plans:
- do the plans include the installation of a black water/grey water system if I do that instead of a compost toilet
- are the electrical and plumbing core pieces shown, not just the locations
- what type of metal roof is commonly used on the trailer houses
- what is the height of the trailer used in your plans?
Thanks for the great site Jay. These homes are both beautiful and inspirational.
Bill
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Hi Jay,
I’m still in love with your designs and am planning to make it to one of your design workshops in the next year as I would like to build a tiny house that is a cross between a lusby and a fencl.
1) Since the travel provides an added component to attending the workshop, I thought it would be great if you would be able to provide webinar classes or even telephone classes around certain topics in the future? I know they add a technological component, but it might help some of us get the information we need as we enter the process of learning about this material.
2) I’m keeping my eyes open for used trailers, but had some questions before I purchase one. In my house design, I would like to have 2-3 extra feet in length on the lusby/fencl, but was wondering if there is a reason why you stopped at the length that you did. Would the house be too heavy for the standard tandom axle if it become a little larger? Does any more length cause you to run into code problems with the total length of the tow vehicle and house? Should I hold off on getting a trailer until attending the workshop? I’m nervous about not knowing the perils about used trailers and also wondering about their longevity and need for upkeep both before and after the house is built on it.
3) Do you consult on laying out plans for alternatives to your specific designs? (I’m thinking of a gable roof with a combination of the lusby and Fencl ; a small angled stairs with a desk built into the side of the staircase and the bathroom under it. -I saw this in the vodafone mobile solar home design; and a screened in porch with a catdoor leading to it. http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/2009/07/01/vodafone-mobile-solar-home/.
Thanks a bunch,
Kim
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Aria reply on July 6th, 2009 9:43 pm:
Kim,
There are tandem axle trailers that can handle various weights. For instance, Big Tex Trailers has tandem axle trailers with a total G.V.W. of 7,000 (3,500 per axle) as well as 12,000 (6,000 per axle). It might be a good idea to stop by a local trailer dealership, and ask them the pros and cons of some of the trailers and those who manufacture them.
As far as used trailers, there are some pretty good ones out there that are in great shape, but….and let me say that this is only my personal opinion….I look at it as the foundation of my home, and I want a good solid foundation to be holding up my investment, so that is the one item I would be most willing to spend a bit extra on.
As far as road rules, each state has road regulations for height, width, and length. You can contact your local DMV for that info, and many times it’s right on their website. There are even some RV websites that list the regulations state by state.
I think most states have the same height and width, but I do notice that the length is different in some states, such as Oregon, which is 45 feet, where as other states will say 40 feet.
Another thing to consider to is the square footage itself. I don’t know what city/state your in, but in my city, the City Building Code And Permit department actually has an RV department, which told me that if I were to build a Tumbleweed, it could not exceed 400 sf..
Just some thoughts and suggestions, hope you and Jay don’t mind
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Kim reply on July 7th, 2009 12:09 pm:
Thank you for taking the time to answer Aria. These are great points to consider. I, like you, tend to go for maybe buying a relatively new trailer so I have a long-life trailer. I’ll follow your lead and start asking questions where they sell trailers to see what kind of life-span they have and what kind of up-keep to look for.
Thank you for all the weight/length info as well. I didn’t realize that I have to worry about differences with states. I have no idea where I’ll be living at this point and where I would drive through! The beauty of having house on wheels was that I could be more transitory with my work and keep my home with me if I’m moving every couple of years or so. I’ll just keep asking questions and recording the information, I guess.
Happy Day!
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Jay Shafer reply on July 12th, 2009 1:52 pm:
Thanks for the help, Aria.
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Hello,
I’m searching for a lending institution. Just got turned down by the Washington State Employees Credit Union because they say “there is no way to value” a Tumbleweed house. Does anyone have advice on financing?
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have you ever thought about creating a subdivision based on your houses???
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Jay Shafer reply on July 12th, 2009 2:01 pm:
All the time.
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Louie reply on July 12th, 2009 10:14 pm:
are any plans in the work???
I teach in texas, but depending where you developed a sub division i would be up for relocation,
D.C. out skirts, Colorado OMG would be awesome,
what are the hold backs???
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Jay Shafer reply on July 17th, 2009 10:46 am:
We haven’t started the development yet due to our own time constraints. The primary hurdle will be zoning, but I see no real concrete reason why it won’t happen.
[...] houses available for purchase are the Epu, Weebee, Lusby, Tarleton, and the Fencl. These are the pre-built homes available to be delivered and moved into right away. No assembly [...]
Could you put a twin bed up in the storage loft? I would need it for a child, if that makes a difference. Another question, how would you get up to the storage loft? Would it be easy to get up and down from it for everyday use? Thank you so much!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 10:11 am:
It’s too small for a twin and for anyone larger than a troll.
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hey jay.
i love your small house idea and especially the fencl, but i have a couple questions that i hope you’d answer.
first: are these all climate? can they handle extreme temp variations?
im from Alberta, Canada, particularly the rocky mountains, and the joke out here is if you don’t like the weather, wait five mins. Ive experienced a 40 degree temp change in a 12 hour period, (and that’s in Celsius folks.) and just about every type of weather shy of a hurricane. Also; here, it’s minus 45 in the winter and plus 40 in the summer….can this tiny house handle that?
second: do you do workshops or would you be willing to do them in Canada?
alot of people up here are goin green too and im sure they would love this.
thanks for your time.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:49 am:
1) These little houses do very well in extreme weather, but you might want to back up the hater with an RV furnace or space heater just in case (though you might just want to wait and see how it feels in winter first).
2) I do workshops up there ion occasion. Vancouver was April’s venue, and it was well attended. I’ll be back (perhaps Toronto).
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Hart Murdoch reply on August 3rd, 2009 9:55 pm:
Please do come to Toronto! That’s something i’d truly look forward to!
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I love the Fencl. I am thinking I want to customize the loft to go all the way across, as others have mentioned. Would it be possibe for me to customize the roof to be flat or have only a SLIGHT pitch to make the loft a larger space? Would this affect air circulation, or zoning or anything?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:36 am:
Not a problem.
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how tall is the kitchen roof?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:27 am:
6′ 3″.
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I’m 17 Years old and this is my dream home, i can’t decide whether I’m really cool, or really not.
I’ve always been a fan of the small and functional (I’m typing this from a netbook) and this is the kind of house for me!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:23 am:
Judging solely by your taste in houses, I’d guess you’re the former.
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Ever since I first heard about these, I have been fascinated by them (tiny houses). I love all of the designs. My only question is how do the mobile ones hold up in bad weather, because I live in Arkansas, which is succeptible to strong winds, tornadoes, etc.?
On another note, I live in a 1996 14×70 mobile home, so they can’t be too bad.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:22 am:
As long as you use tie-downs the house will be better off than most large ones. If you don’t use tie-downs your whole house could fly away Wizard of Oz style.
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Eric reply on August 2nd, 2009 12:03 pm:
So, what you’re saying is one could use tie downs on one of the tiny portable houses?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 4th, 2009 10:18 am:
Yes. Exactly.
I love your tiny houses! My husband and I are considering one for retirement - about 10 - 15 years away.
My question is, where do you wash your hands after using the bathroom? Is it easy to use the shower for hand washing or do you use the kitchen sink? The kitchen seems very unsanitary and I would need some accomodation to avoid this.
Thanks again! Great work on using less.
Darla
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 5:46 pm:
I just use the kitchen sink, but a sink from Real Goods could be installed on the back of the stool.
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Question:
I’m 6′3 and I see the ceilings are right at the top of my head. Is there any way the plans could be slightly altered to raise the ceiling a couple inches?
Also, my guess would be the water and electric hookups used for this house would be RV hookups. Any idea how much it would cost to convert normal water/electric lines on a lot into RV hookups?
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 6:15 pm:
We’ve done this a few times, now.
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Im a prostitue living in brookland do you think you could ship one up there
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betsy mccullen reply on August 12th, 2009 12:44 pm:
jay, you can’t be serious! i think this site should be censored alot more than it is. i didn’t think a post was even allowed until the moderator approved or disapproved it.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 6:27 pm:
No problem. I’ve also received interest from a man who needed cabins at his NV brothel.
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Hi Jay,
A few solar related questions:
1. Where in the structure would one install a battery bank? Would the space above the entry work, or, is there room near the kitchen somewhere.
2. Is it possible to get DC powered appliances installed? (Lights, fridge, etc.)
3. Would mounting panels to the metal roof require some additional engineering, etc. during the build process, or, could mounting brackets be added to the roof as is?
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 11:25 am:
We can instal all DC appliances and integral panels on the roof and batteries under the counter if you want. I recommend putting the panels off to the side along with the batteries so that you could have the house in the shade during the summer and avoid having the toxic gasses in your house.
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can i use house like this in the winter?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 11:29 am:
Quite well. They’re easy to heat.
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Hello i am very interested in this model…would a small couch be able to fit in the main area? and would it be pssible to fit in a sink in the bathroom thanks so much!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 12:31 pm:
Yes. We put a 4′ couch in the bump-out not too long ago, and a tiny sink could be mounted on the bathroom wall and not be too confining.
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ok, i know it’s ridiculous, but i don’t want to give up my wood stove. unfortunately, it’s kind of big (4′ wide by 2′ deep), but the firebox is smallish so i don’t think it would totally bake me to death in the tiny house. i have some ideas about how to fit it in…. does anyone have any suggestions? my real goal here is to live as sustainably as possible and we have lots of wood.
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Mary Hemme reply on October 17th, 2009 6:29 am:
HI Eve,
I just posted a similar question to Jay. Have you found out anything?..and HEY how about the idea of a wood burning COOK stove??! wow. That would no doubt save some space.
Mary
10.17.09
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Hi Jay,
Also, I am very concerned about a few earlier comments/questions that I cannot find a response–if I want a full/queen mattress in the loft and a loveseat how do I get these into the home with the small door (which I do like)! I would love it if you do have a group of these homes up north someday. It would make me feel safer–a 50 yr young female!!! 
I’ve been reading these blogs,comments for months now. I live in the bay area/peninsula, but will move to North bay in the next couple of years. I would like to live in one of these and of course have Q’s out the wazoo.but for now just a few. I read somewhere that you have open houses certain days…when again plz?
and one more question to all of you who read or most importantly who own or have seen in person…….how many cats are “practical”? (I own 4 (3 indoors/1 in/out) i live now in a small one bedroom apt and they get along wonderfully!! (FYI to all of you.a 1 bedroom rental is $1980 here on the SF peninsula!!!) @*#%!!!!!!
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Cindy W. reply on August 21st, 2009 2:10 pm:
of course for a one bedroom at $1980. I get a w/d unit,micro,fireplace,and garage. BUT STILL……………ug. I dont use the fireplace, I can go to a relative for laundry, and my garage is full of STUFF. and my motorcycle. so really a rip off for $1980. and cracks showing from earthquakes in 20 yr old building!! LOL!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 3:56 pm:
Hi Cindy. I hope to have a village before you move here. A queen will fit in that door, but the love seat might have to go through the widow.
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Cindy W. reply on August 22nd, 2009 9:48 pm:
Ok, so I am assuming I could put some items in the dwelling as you build,no? (such as a loveseat) plus I was looking at combining 2 plans and dropping the front porch, …… so I do have a wee bit of time to think. When a restaurant lease is up fall of 2011 I will be moving north. So you are bookmarked on my laptop.
and Jay———I thought I read that you allow tours of your home and also one nearby (?) on certain days of each month. Please let me know if you are still doing that. Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 10:17 am:
Yes. Or you could put them through the window when it’s done. I host open houses on the first Saturday of every month. That means tomorrow. See http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/openhouse/#faq
Michelle Rhodes reply on October 2nd, 2009 8:11 pm:
I was wondering the same thing. Especially how to fit the matress into the loft if it is closed. Also will the appliances fit through the door?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:49 pm:
We generally install foam mattresses and smallish appliances. It all fits.
I just got done reading the sample page from your book and I completely disagree. I live in an area where the gap is even worse, where houses average very high, yet the area wages are very low and what I don’t understand is why there’s no low or even middle income housing??? My husband and I just had this conversation the other night about how you can’t seem to buy a house around here for less than a quarter million, when most people around here can’t afford a house that costs a third that much. I’m all for the tiny house movement and, in fact, I’m probably your biggest advocate in this area. I send the link to your website to everyone I know.
My question to you, or anyone else who has the answer, is once you get your tumbleweed house, then what? Where do you put it? Where can you park it to live in? I mean, the obvious answer is an RV park, but is there another alternative? Obviously one can purchase land, but even then, if you can’t afford to buy 50 acres or more, there are restrictions to what you can and cannot live in on that property. I looked at land out in the country. It was a five-acre lot with lots of trees, but the restrictions were nothing less than a double wide mobile home. I think it’s a crock myself, but whatcha gonna do? Any ideas on how to get around these restrictions?
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Aria reply on August 26th, 2009 9:46 am:
Hi Tanya, I thought of some ideas to alternatives to the RV Park….
There are some pieces of land for sale that don’t have any restrictions, they are sometimes hard to find, but they are out there. It might be helpful to enlist the help of a real estate agent, or other land sales professional who would have more access to search avenues and would also understand the lingo of the different codes, restrictions, and covenants of the property.
Park the Tumbleweed in a friends or family backyard (if backyard is big enough).
There are some website directories for land caretakers. Serious landowners wanting someone to park their RV home on their acreage to keep an eye on things (watching for squatters/trespassers, etc. - but not required to do anything about it other than call the owners or the police to inform them). Some landowners pay a small amount and allow the caretaker to park their RV for free, and use the land as well. Other owners don’t pay any money, but still allow the RV to be parked for free as a trade off. Sometimes these directories can be found by terms such as ‘rent-free living’, ‘live rent-free’, ‘property caretaker’ and so forth.
Near a camp sight? Here in Oregon, we see advertisements for Full Time RVers to park their home at a campsite in order to collect campers fees, clean the restrooms, collect the trash. In exchange for a free RV spot (usually the best one in the campground) with free full hookups, and monetary compensation too boot!
Some RV owners put advertisements on such venues as Craigslist requesting to park their RV on a bit of land in exchange for small amount of rent, or again going the land caretaker route in exchange for free rent. I’d be careful with that one though, you don’t really know who is replying to those advertisements, could be a loony, and you don’t want to park your home on a lunatics property!
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Kaitlyn reply on October 29th, 2009 6:51 am:
Did anyone happen to post the website you mentioned about the caretaker exchange for space
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Kezune K. reply on November 19th, 2009 8:53 pm:
i have a friend who lives out of a small RV. he is a cattle hand at a ranch. his boss lets him park on the ranch in exchange for work.
sort of like workcamping at an RV park, but without full hookups (he gets water but collects solar power himself)
just another example…
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 10:38 am:
Zoning that prohibits more sustainable, small living is a crock, indeed, Tanya. And still it persists. See my “Viva La Tiny Revolution” blog entry for more about meeting and beating antiquated regulations. http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/general/viva-la-tiny-revolution/#more-474
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Hi I noticed you had free delivery to all the New England States EXCEPT Maine…….How come??? Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 1:51 pm:
Steve must have forgotten. Maine’s free, too.
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Hi Jay,
Thank you for sharing your website and the many articles you provide about Tiny Homes. I am about to retire within the next 12 to 18 months and I would love to live in a tiny home. Being an outdoors person and an advide tenter….. The tiny home is just perfect for my needs.
I ordered your book yesterday and I’m patiencely waiting for it to arrive. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. What is the ‘R’ value in the walls of the tiny homes? I may have to build my walls out of 2 X 6 to get an R 20 to suit the Manitoba winters of - 40 degress.
Last week I bought a 1981 GMC two ton stepvan with a box size of 16′ X 7′ 6″ with only 17,000 miles on it. I would like to convert the back into a tiny home insteag of an RV. I was wondering if your book would give me any ideas to assist me? Or maybe you are aware of some links I could take to a conversion web page that deals with step vans. I have found only one or two so far on the web, but will keep searching.
If you have any ideas that might be of assistance to me, I thank you in advance for sharing them with me.
Sincerely,
Bob A
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 1:57 pm:
The R-value is 15, if I’m remembering right.
The book has an entire chapter on designing and building small spaces. I imagine that might be of use to you, Bob.
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Mike Troy reply on October 5th, 2009 7:09 pm:
Bob,
You can find info about converting a van (all types) at yahoo groups. join the vandwellers group and ask away. They are friendly and helpful. Mike
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Well I guess the term “you can’t take it with you” doesn’t apply here.
Love it!
Cheers!
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Hello Jay,
Is this house still for sale? I live in RI and I’m interested. Also, do you have any resources that offer information/suggestions about living in a RV year round? Where to rent/camp? etc…
Thanks!
Cassie
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Jay Shafer reply on September 7th, 2009 12:14 pm:
Yes it is, Cassie. The Fencl Jay drove across the USA will be displayed in Hartford, CT on Sunday September 13, 2009 between 2:00 - 4:00 pm. If you’d like to attend, email info@tumbleweedhouses.com
It is FREE to attend. The price is $49,997 and for a limited time, includes free delivery to the East Coast.
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Adam reply on September 12th, 2009 7:00 am:
I would really like to see this house, but the email address given is not working I get an email back that says undeliverable : not a real address so i emailed web@tumbleweedhouses.com and have not heard back you. if any one knows where this event is or if jay sees this by sunday morning please email info or post back here thanks alot.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 22nd, 2009 9:16 am:
Sorry, Adam. I was so busy with the Seattle workshop that I didn’t get to read your post until just now. I hope you were able to make it anyway.
I just read your blog so the answer to question 1 is ‘yes’.
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What types of custom options are available for these? I.e., kitchen/bath cabinets, paint color, etc.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 22nd, 2009 9:00 am:
We’ve tried to get away from a lot of customization (way too labor intensive). That said, changes that do not change the actual structure (paint color, material substitutions, etc.) are easy to do so long as any variance in our cost is covered by the customer.
We also provide the option of stretching the tiny ones on wheels out vertically for tall people.
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I am seriously considering buying one of these tiny portable homes when my lease expires. I would like to be able to travel with it on a fairly regular basis. How often can these be safely moved?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 29th, 2009 1:36 pm:
At least as often as an RV. It’s just more cumbersome.
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hey Jay, I’m 6′4″ tall. I,ve always loved your tiny homes and I’m still trying to talk my wife into the idea of living in one..lol do you have any ideas or plans for maybe making one not as tall and on maybe a 24 foot trailer? since im to tall i’d need more living height, so we could forget the loft, maybe go 8 feet living height to save weight if i use a longer trailer for a room on the first level…..we also have a 17 month old, so maybe a room for her and a sofa bed or something for us……..I’d love to brain storm and get some ideas from you. Thanks Jay. Noah Smay
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Jay Shafer reply on September 29th, 2009 1:39 pm:
I’ve been working on this, and I think I’ve got something good worked out. I’ll put it out there soon.
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Lisa Johnson reply on October 2nd, 2009 3:33 pm:
My husband and I are looking forward to whatever new plan you may have worked out. He is also very tall. And we feel too old and out-of-shape to climb ladders. We’ve been contemplating doing away with having a bedroom and just using a futon-couch, that way we’ll have a fairly large living area which we like (we spend most of our time watching TV and going online). But having no separate room to get away from eachother could be an issue (especially when he gets sick and rattles the windows with his coughing). We’ve thought about Bill’s new 28′ Tortoiseshell since there’s a separate bedroom. But the proportioning is all wrong and it seems too heavy and long to haul easily. Any way to squeeze a bedroom downstairs without giving up the living room would be great (the Lusby gives up too much living space to the bed). If this new one of yours is a winner, we’ll go with yours. We do like the new Popomo layout, but the bed area is too small for us.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:48 pm:
You seem to know your own needs. I think that’s the hardest and most crucial part of living small.
Hi Jay,
I’m ready to buy plans. Please see “orders” email to answer my question. Thanks.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 29th, 2009 1:40 pm:
I haven’t found it, yet. I bet Steve answered it.
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[...] one at the moment is The Fencl which we would build from scratch by purchasing the floor plans from Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. Dennis and I are not builders, but we have friends that are willing and able to help us get [...]
I have a question about the loft in the Fencl. From looking at the blue print it appears that the 130sq ft includes the loft. However the “measuring square footage” section states that rooms with a height of less then 5 ft are not included. So first question is wether or not the 130 square feet in this blue print includes the loft? And the second if the loft is not included what is the actual livable square feet because the math shows approximately 91sq ft (my math did not include the 2.5 x 2.5 patio)? Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:27 pm:
The 130 doesn’t include the lofts. Total square footage is figured from the exterior (about 8×16).
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[...] do I get these numbers, that building a home would cost $20,000? I get it from the Tumbleweed Tiny House website, which is where we will be getting our building plans from. We shaved a little off their estimated [...]
Hey,
Just wanted to say I received the Fencl plans. That was super quick, thank you and I’ll keep you updated on the progress. Trailer and materials are next on the list, it’ll be slow but steady. There will be a few changes but I think you’ll like it when complete.
Mike
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:50 pm:
Be sure to call me at the number at the bottom of the plans if you have questions, Mike.
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Hey Jay,
Thanks for opening my mind to the concept of truly living within your means! I have a question about fire hazards. Is putting chairs near the fireplace a hazard?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 20th, 2009 7:14 pm:
Nope. At least, not in my house.
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I am currently in high school so I am probably not in the correct mindset to be thinking about this right now. I am just dreaming of purchasing one of these homes (this one specifically) after I get out of high school and spend my college years in it. The main reason I want one of these homes is because I want the freedom of a home owner. I want to have the ability to have my own space and do as I wish with it.
Considering this house is at 130 sq. ft, not counting the loft, it’s about the same size as an average college dorm room. So the only cons are having to pay to build the house and purchase (maybe) the land. I know the home will be a lot more expensive than renting a room, but in the long run I bet I get more bang-for-my-buck after owning the place and all.
My question is should I really consider doing this? If I am able to should I build one of these homes or should I rent an apartment/room instead?
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Jennifer reply on October 13th, 2009 1:22 pm:
It’s a great idea financially speaking, but there are two things that probably ought to be considered. First, (and I’m a true-blue nerd and lover of learning, so don’t take this the wrong way) but college is not only for learning — it can be an important step in your social development. This time in your life is the last step before you really find where you fit into the world as an adult. You need to have other people around you — and, in my opinion, lots of other people — who are in the same place socially that you’re in. The number one benefit of living in a dorm is not having a roof over your head; it’s having a make-shift family to support and be supported by while finding your place in the world. Living in a house — especially a small house — will not only make you a family of one, but will also make it hard to have visiting “family” over.
Second, owning a home is like owning anything else — with it comes freedom, and with freedom comes responsibility, and with responsibility comes burden. Your time in school will already have a lot of demands on it — you have classes and homework, the social aspect that I talked about in the last paragraph, and possibly a job (definitely a job if you’ll be owning a house, for homeowners insurance, if nothing else). With a house comes home maintenance (which will be minimal on a new home, but there, nonetheless). Also, with a house you’re living in alone, comes personal maintenance, which is a lot harder than it sounds. You’re not only responsible for making sure you’re eating three (relatively) healthy meals every single day — the last of which often takes at least a half-hour just to prepare — but making sure that you do everything that you need to do and even want to do when no one is watching… ever. I’m a stay-at-home-mom and that was one of the things that surprised me most when I started staying at home while pregnant with my first (long boring story): I had until 4 pm every day to shower and get dressed and have breakfast because that was when my husband came home and someone would actually notice if I was showered and dressed. I had never noticed that my own basic hygiene was never motivated by personal comfort or even self-respect; for me, taking care of my body and looking reasonably… reasonable was motivated by social interaction. So, if you’re in school and wake up one morning and don’t want to get out of bed (or want to get out of bed but would rather do something other than school), you might find yourself taking a day off — but it’s just one day, so no worries. But what about the next time you don’t feel like going to class? And the time after that? There’s a reason hermits tend to be a little loony — they have no social catalyst to keep them sane. You’re plenty old enough to be living on your own, but maybe not old enough to be living alone. Most people I know weren’t old enough to live alone until they were in their mid- to late-20s. Even being married ridiculously young and having kids a couple years after that, I’m finally getting to the point now where I have enough maturity to live alone — and I’m 27.
I spent only one year living in a dorm. It had it’s disadvantages — no place to really be alone and meditate except the library, and even then you’re not 100% alone. To be by myself, I would hide three flights up on the fire escape of my dorm, even in the middle of winter. Regardless of the disadvantages, though, I would hands-down recommend the “dorm experience” to anyone going to college — not because you have no other option, but because you need it more than you might realize.
I know you this is a site about small houses and not the socio-psychological needs of college students, but I just wanted to make sure that you considered this decision from a less obvious, but equally practical, point of view.
In case you need any more unsolicited, unwarranted, and overall obnoxious advice from an old lady like myself, email me at schatzepage [at] gmail [dot] com.
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Keegan reply on November 7th, 2009 10:37 am:
I have to disagree with your commit on living quarters. As a current college freshman living in the campus dorms of a typical university, the reality is that dorm living is filled with social distractions. Students are drinking, smoking, doing drugs, and having sex with multiple unprotected people. My roommate and I feel this is not the path for us and we would much rather live on our own. People in dorms are loud, obnoxious, destructive, and immature. A “make-shift family to support and be supported” does not exist anymore unless you mean waking up in the middle of the night to take care of the girl passed out and vomiting on herself when everyone else is too immature to help. Students in dorms shift their focus from learning to partying.
Setting up a tumbleweed community near campus would be much better for those of us who are focused on graduating college instead of partying our lives away. A tumbleweed community would allow us to be responsible for our own home, privacy, peaceful nights, and have tumbleweed neighbors who are also mature and independent.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 7:40 pm:
I tend to agree, Keegan. And, besides, tiny houses are people magnets. If I want company, it’s always there. If not, I can lock the door. Forced company wears it’s welcome thin more quickly, especially when it’s drunk, overtly horny and vomiting.
Jay Shafer reply on October 20th, 2009 7:15 pm:
You’re right on target. I wish I had done the same.
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Ian Snyder reply on October 25th, 2009 11:43 am:
Well, being a freshman in college I can safely say that the dorm experience is not for everyone. Its a dirty life, in all meanings of that word. In fact, I am now looking into a tiny home for myself for next year. (Probably more of a dream than anything else.) However, I agree with Jennifer, although I find myself wandering around campus at night to avoid my room, it has been a great experience. I’ve met a lot of people and had some adventures. If I were you, I would try it for a year before you make a huge investment like this.
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Katy reply on October 26th, 2009 12:31 pm:
It’s funny this thread should pop up right now. I’ve been mulling some thoughts about setting up a “Tumbleweed colony” near a college and offering students a rent-to-own plan. I wonder if I could get enough people interested in the chilly state of New Hampshire?
To the anonymous high school student: I lived in a dorm for my college years out of necessity. Being a theatre major, I had to be nearby due to insane rehearsal schedules.
A Tumbleweed is a huge investment at that age, but so is college. Everyone has different experiences, whether you have the “dorm experience” or not. Give your future and housing arrangements as much thought as your major. If home ownership is something you really want, then go for it. You could always do worse and major in something like theatre.
Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 10:08 pm:
Build it and they will come, Katy… but build it with a built-in keg cooler and vomitrophs to protect the floors.
OK. I just made that word up. First one to get it on urbandictionary.com wins a free book (if you can also prove it was you if contested by a liar).
Katy reply on November 16th, 2009 11:39 am:
Vomitroph added.
What’s that? I get a free Fencl? Hooray!
Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 9:09 pm:
Good job, Katy! I just looked up the term on the Urban Dictionary website…
VOMITROPH- A gutter-like structure build into the perimeter of a room, specifically for the purpose of collecting fallen vomit.
“Good thing the dormitory had all those vomitrophs to protect the floors.”
You are the winner of a copy of The Small House Book. I’ll email you now for contact info.
Has anyone ever asked you of the feasibility of heating a tumbleweed with a wood-burning stove? I am curious for your thoughts on this, as we live in an area where the pines are dead and plentiful so it would cost little to nothing to heat, providing I could find a tiny enough stove that wouldn’t cook us out. Whatcha think?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 20th, 2009 7:19 pm:
It will certainly work, but you’d need heat shields to reduce the bigger clearances, and controlling the temp. is hard.
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Hi Jay & Everyone!
Would I be able to add square footage Fencl so that it measures 199 sq ft and still be able to put it on wheels?
Kathleen
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Jay Shafer reply on October 20th, 2009 7:23 pm:
That would fit on wheels.
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Jay,
Thanks very much for your reply. What, generally, is the size limit of tiny house, square footage-wise, that can legally be put on wheels? (I know you have been asked these question a gazillion times so I apologize). Any insight you can give me would be appreciated.
Kathleen
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 9:08 pm:
400 square feet is tops for an RV to be considered such.
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If I were to buy a ready-made Fencl, would it come with the trailer? Could it?
Tara
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 9:08 pm:
It would come that way.
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I personally wouldn’t want to live in a house this small in spite of how incredibly cute they are.
These houses are beautiful and true works of art. I also think that builders of “normal” houses could take a lesson from you in efficient use of space. I have been in houses many times the size of these that feel less spacious because they aren’t laid out as nicely and are unnecessarily stingy in their allotment of natural light.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 9:17 pm:
Thanks so much. It seems you recognize true genius when you see it, Allyson.
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Hi,
Split air conditioners are used in homes as well as business buildings. Many office buildings and retail establishments use split types due to the larger size of the condenser units. The larger size condensers can be located more easily outdoors behind the buildings, or in some cases, on the roofs of the buildings. Very large buildings and most multi-story buildings have problems using split systems due to the distance between the units.
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After looking at the floor plan for the Fencl I see that there isn’t a sink in the bathroom. No biggie for me as the kitchen sink is right outside of the bathroom. What….3 steps. My bride to be however wants her sink in the bathroom. Can this be done?
Thank you,
Clint & Heather
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 10:43 pm:
It could, indeed! I just ran across this cool “sink drawer” idea last night. Google it.
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Love the idea of this. I’m used to living in crampped space being in the military but I am a bit of a techie. One thing I would love to have is a recessed area for a flat pannel TV and storage of some entertainment systems. The Idea of being able to attach this to my truck and move from base to base without having to worry about packing the house and the moving breaking things every few years is very appealing. Any military discounts?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 10:44 pm:
I wish.
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Thanks again for your reply, it was very helpful.
I have yet another question though.
You’ve indicated I could add about 69 square feet to the Fencl and still be able to put it on a trailer and that it would still be considered a tiny house.
Could I also increase the ceiling height to 13 or 14 feet (I could literally have a tiny second floor), add a gambrel roof and still be able to keep it on trailer? If it’s taller than 6 or 7 feet would I then need a building permit?
(I feel bad asking for all of this advice since I seem to be thinking about modifying your Fencl plans until it is unrecognizable.)
Please let me know what you think, thanks!
Kathleen
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Kathleen reply on November 7th, 2009 8:15 pm:
Jay,
Please disregard this question, I think I may be better off considering one of your bigger designs, one of the NST houses. But thank you for your previous responses to my posts.
Kathleen
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 7:13 pm:
Where there’s a will, there’s a way, Kathleen- especially when law does already allow for 14′ 6″ high trailers in most states.
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I didn’t see if this was answered anywhere else, but is it possible to get any of these without the stainless steel? It seems that would add a notable amount of cost and would make cleaning more difficult (part of the reason I’m considering one is because I don’t want to spend a long time cleaning.)
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 7:15 pm:
It is easily done, and it does save money.
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very cool houses. 2 questions.
are you happy that you did this great and original thing, but all anyone can tell you is how you should make it better?
how do you bang in one of those little lofts. im over 6 ft tall and doggie style doesnt seem like it could happen without serious injury. or cowgirl. well i guess my question is, anything other than missionary?
thanks dood. keep up the cool shit
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 7:23 pm:
1) Yes! Thank you.
2) This lighthearted question addresses a design concern I actually took very seriously. Before building, I carefully calculated to allow for all but the most unlikely positions in the loft for a 5′9″ individual (that’s me). For taller folks with more extravagant tastes, I recommend a pull-up bar and mirrored ceilings downstairs.
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Jay,
I was wondering if you got a stacked washer/dryer set that it could be installed (by either you or I) into the tiny house. Also, is your toaster oven good with baking cookies and frozen pizza?:)
BTW, your houses are charming, they look like a great place to call home. Very innovative sir.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 7:27 pm:
You could fit them, but I’d suggest building a little shed on the tongue , accessible from the outside.
My oven can do this, and there’s room for a bigger one too.
Thanks.
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Hey Jay,
I love the designs, and can’t wait to build one for myself. a couple thoughts:
1) why not punch out the roof over the loft with flat top dormers on the pitched side? this could create a little more headroom for the previous poster to practice his “doggie style”.
It shouldn’t raise the overall height too much would it?
2)For simple living and “off the grid” lifestyles check out Lehmans.com. They are company that manufactures and sells “pioneer” stuff, simple life accessories, and old fashioned appliances like eco-friendly wringer washing machines and propane-powered refrigerators, etc.
3) What are the prospects of building your “tiny” designs on a foundation? Do you think that most municipalities would poo poo the thought? What about a simple pile foundation like a deck would use? Would not buying a trailer greatly reduce the cost to build?
keep me posted
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betsy mccullen reply on November 14th, 2009 3:05 pm:
jason,
thanx for the lehman’s site. i think this will be great for some of my needs. i need to look at it alot more but it is a really informative site!
the tiny house on a foundation often conflicts with building codes that have minimum square footage requirements. it all depends upon your state, county and township. i do know that in most places in vermont, anything less than 100 sq feet does NOT need a building permit nor do you have to pay taxes on it.
hope that helps a bit before jay can get back to you.
good luck,
betsy
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 8:04 pm:
1) The doggy dormer is doable.
2) Yes. Tres cool.
3) I actually try to keep the Tinys under 120 s.f., because most municipalities don’t require a permit for this size on a foundation.
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Just Wondering: Is it possible for 2 people to live in a teeny house?
I really love the idea, and would like to own one eventually. Yet, I’m wondering how much square footage you should figure per person?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 8:15 pm:
Yes, but, as one who likes company to be optional, I prefer the idea of connecting two end-to-end with a porch between.
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Jannet Q. reply on November 17th, 2009 10:02 pm:
Thanks Jay! I didn’t think about that!
I live with my boyfriend now, and we both like the tiny house idea. Yet, I was concerned about being too close for comfort.
On that same note: Could two teeny houses be connected and still be portable?
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What exactly is included in the build it your self package for appliances and furniture? or am i completly mistaken and you just sell the plans?
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I love the idea of small living and the fencl has really attracted me. The only issue I am having with it is cycling is a big hobby of mine and I have 3 bikes that I would need to store where I am living. Is there any way to build it a little bigger or differently to accommodate this?
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has anyone considered a gambrel roof instead of the gable? it would provide lots more headroom and remain the same height.
anyone tried this before i do?
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What fun little homes!
Question on the pull-out sink drawer - where would it go?
Also wondering about the feasibility of a 60 degree pitch on the roof (looks like the fencl is 45) and raised seam metal roofing. And is it at all possible to install solar panels like I’ve seen on roofs of regular (raised seam) homes?
Third, I was wondering if there’s a fundamental reason not to have a small woodburning stove, like the Jøtul F 602, in the wheeled homes like the Fencl?
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Kezune K. reply on November 19th, 2009 8:19 pm:
while i wait for a response to my question i will try to answer yours.
i plan on moving my small marine stove into the fencl im building. the problem is, one they can sometimes heat too well for a small space and you need to open all your windows; two, the fuel is a bit harder to come by (sometimes more expensive) in some areas; three, there is more maintenance for stovepipe creosote buildup etc.; and lastly, it seems to be a less clean source of heat than propane.
i know that once you are ditermined to implement something, there is little anyone can say to change your mind. in my opinion, propane is the easy, less maintenence option. if you don’t mind spliting your own tiny logs, or shelling out some cash for seasoned wood, not to mention the slightly higher maintenance (ash pan, creosote, etc.) then its for you.
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Meg reply on November 19th, 2009 8:33 pm:
Thanks Kezune! For me the allure of the tiny homes is that I would be transported back to the constraints/life of my ancestors, so the wood stove would be super cool (if awfully hot, as you mention). Spent a weekend during vacation in an authentic 1800s log cabin and loved it.
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Kezune K. reply on November 19th, 2009 8:42 pm:
wouldn’t be too hot if you put heat shielding in around it strategically. i am not trying to discourage wood stoves (in fact i’m using one right now) i’m just playing devil’s advocate.
i decided to use a wood stove for my self sufficiency. for me in the middle of nowhere, wood is a much more personal renewable resource than propane. (not to many stores in the wilderness of Alaska anyway)