Loring
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251 square feet - click here for more dimensions
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The Loring is newly added to our website. This home is designed as a very small bungalow with a sleeping loft upstairs. At its peak, the loft height is 6′4″. The loft space is not included in the total square footage of the house because it is not technically “habitable” space. It can be used as you see fit, and with the loft, the Loring has over 400 usable square feet. The Loring is designed as a stationary house only, permanently affixed to a foundation. This is not a modular home, and therefore cannot be built and shipped to you. We offer the plans so that you may build it. We suggest talking to local contractors about building costs in your area. Under most circumstances, building costs for a home affixed to a permanent foundation range from $100-$200 per square foot. |
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256 Responses to “Loring”
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This plan is a great beginning for sociable living. With the smaller models, I would be concerned about limitations — no overnight guests (unless they’re really well acquainted!), no dinner parties, no holiday gatherings. While I could see myself living well in an Epu, I imagined finding it in the backyards of McMansions just because of the novelty. (Kind of like having a Smart car parked next to the Expedition in a three car garage — cute, but not in keeping with the spirit of a consistent effort of simple living.)
The Loring looks like it would allow cooking, entertaining, and relaxation to the fullest. It offers practicality. Since leaving my parents’ house for college over twenty years ago, I’ve never lived in a space larger than 350 square feet. I’d welcome the possibilities of living in a spacious home like this!
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Dawn reply on December 7th, 2008 9:32 pm:
I think, as many probably agree, these homes are not worth the money they are selling them for. One can buy a small (bigger than these homes by far) home in a small community for the same money. It would be easy to come up with a plan on your own and build it. It would be less expensive and therefore more worthy than these models on this website. I’ll keep my money thank you!
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Jay Shafer reply on December 8th, 2008 3:13 am:
If the number of comments we’ve recieved expressing similar sentiments is any indicator, I’d say you’re right, Dawn. There seem to be a lot of people out there who don’t understand why smaller houses cost more per square foot than big houses do. I hope you will check out my explanation at http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/build-it-yourself/the-cost-of-frugality/#more-675
While it may be easy for you, I think most folks (including me) find designing and building small spaces particularly challenging… if only because there is less room for error than in standard residential architecture. That’s why I offer plans and building workshops. In fact, we offer a package deal so that for less than $1000 for plans and the workshop plus the low cost of salvaged materials even the most frugal person could afford to house themselves.
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Kiley reply on December 17th, 2008 12:16 am:
It’s not the price that is supposed to be inviting. It is the idea that you are doing your part to be eco friendly and eco concious to the environment. I think these are great homes. I couldn’t live in the 65 sq foot home, I know that. But after coming across these homes online I feel like I have finally found the meaning of ‘living simply’. The road less taken is the one that usually bears the greatest experience. So there you have it. Maybe it cost more, if you like the idea that you’re not wasting a ton of material on wasted packrat space, then you can at least try to mimick the designs made by Tumbleweed Houses. It’s the great feeling of giving Mother Earth a break and letting her know you get it and you don’t need all of that extra waste to live a happy life. That’s is what you pay for.
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malayna reply on May 10th, 2009 6:33 pm:
I believe Dawn is missing the point completely. Simply running off to a small community and buying a home that is still larger than is needed defeats the point of living simply and efficiently in this sense, and is unrealistic. Living in a small community doesn’t necessarily living simply (believe me) and living in a larger home because it’s cheaper does not mean you are living efficiently.
Look at these houses, really look at them, and you can see the work that went into designing, researching and constructing them. These are not pieces of junk you pick up at Walmart (a/k/a ‘Trashmart’). It is entirely unfair to bash the product based on what you believe to be too high a price. Perhaps you should consider all research, labor, materials, and expertise that goes into each of them.
I don’t know that Dawn is ready to deal with all the codes and bureaucratic bs that goes into designing a home and having it approved. I would rather support a small company and have it done right.
I have recently moved to a 250 sq ft cabin to see if I could live this way. I got rid of everything and have never been happier. I am seriously considering this line of homes and hope to purchase one in the near future.
I want to thank Dawn for reenforcing in me the reasons I should do so.
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malayna reply on May 10th, 2009 6:41 pm:
I would also like to add a note about efficiency. the 250 sq ft cabin I currently live in takes next to nothing to heat. I only used approximately a quarter cord of wood this entire winter which is unheard of in this area. I can light the whole place really well with eight candles if I have a power outage. I never use more than one lamp at night. Cleaning is very minimal which cuts down on water usage, cleaning agents and my time. Maintenance and utility bills are next to nothing.
This is the best way of life. I will never go back to a larger home. I am excited to purchase my plans next summer!
Susan Parran reply on August 14th, 2009 2:08 pm:
Let me do a Tiny bit of sticking-up for Dawn. I love the idea of living simply. For me, Tumbleweed’s tiny homes were a real draw at first, until two things happened: I became aware of how much of a consumer I am, even in my most ardent and conscious efforts to “live simply.” I then became aware of the price. And yes, coming from a long line of master craftsman builders—my father, my grandfather, and so on— I do understand how less space won’t often translate to less cost, because contrary to what commercial builders want us to believe it’s not all about square footage and bigger is not always better, and only rubes who sport chunky gold rings and drive big Hummers and drink Grey Goose at parties celebrating their recent acquisition of soon-to-be-a-mini-mall preservation land buy into that lie.
I do believe it’s about lifestyle more than anything. And if my lifestyle was such that I was comfortable chucking many of my beloved possessions to lie my head down at night in my de-cluttered tiny abode, then great. But in my case and many others, it’s not that simple for us. If you think you can forgo all those things that a life accumulates….what the late-great comedian George Carlin referred to as “my stuff,” then you can live in a Tiny home without complaint. The world is your oyster, not the pearl that’s in it. Me, on the other hand, I would continue to accumulate stuff and soon would find myself the proud but slightly befuddled owner of my own little Tiny homes housing development, each house functioning as nothing more than separate places to store all the rest of my stuff. That wouldn’t work for me. I’d wake up some winter morning with a yen for Belgian waffles only to discover I’d stored my waffle maker away in one of my other tiny houses, and because I’m just not organized in that way, exactly which one would be anyone’s guess. I’m still young. I fear being discovered frozen to the ground, clutching a waffle maker to my chest because my stuff wasn’t all where it customarily should be. I don’t want my epitaph to read: “She died in a valient attempt to save her waffle maker.”
Now, does this stop me from wanting a Tumbleweed home? Absolutely not. It just means that I’ll have to wait until Tumbleweed designs something that fits me and the way I live, waffle maker and all. I’m big on old homes with screened porches because they’re perfect for entertaining. If Tumbleweed can figure out how to make a pull-out screen porch I might just be swayed enough to chuck my waffle maker. Susan
mary reply on November 18th, 2009 4:40 pm:
Building small just really appeals to me. As for the higher per square foot price, I’d personally rather spend my per square foot money on quality and details instead of miles of carpet over sub-flooring that’ll have me vacuuming for way too long. Build bigger, and you pay for house you’ll never even see–house that’ll occupy a landfil for an eternity, because of wasted materials. I’m in, Jay, as soon as I can get my husband-equivilent on-board.
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Jyn reply on October 25th, 2009 2:49 pm:
A ton of work goes into designing these! Its like people who walk into a real bike store, with good lifetime bikes and exclaim to small local shop owners how they much what they see as the same bike are at walmart. Its not the same, the quality is in the details and the knowledge is with the shop owner.
As an architect and builder who plans small places I think you are getting a steal. These homes are brilliant and far more appropriate than 90% of homes being built. I recommend these to a lot of people with confidence.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 9:56 pm:
Dear Jyn.
I think that may be the is the best endorsement I have ever received.
Thank you.
Can I claim Oprah said it (but change the word “builder” to “international superstar and builder)?
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These living spaces make sense ,for singles , for seniors ..
Why do we need all this space , I know to store all the junk we accumulate .
Any dealers in Canada ??
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Arden Singletary reply on June 19th, 2008 7:33 pm:
Are these spaces wheelchair accessable?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 24th, 2008 11:10 am:
Unfortunately, these houses are probably not wheelchair accessable. Too many modifications would need to be done to the width of the doors and the size of the bathroom.
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dan reply on August 17th, 2008 2:21 pm:
with some help from tumbleweed and any good carpenter could revise it enough to except wheel chairs
Deann reply on August 30th, 2008 10:32 pm:
if it was made wider to accommodate downstairs then the loft area could be accessible by putting in a pulley chair system
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michele reply on November 3rd, 2008 5:44 am:
how much is it to build the white house with the 2-3 bed rooms sorry dont remember the name? thamks michele
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2008 5:27 pm:
$70,000 to $95,000ish.
Matt reply on July 14th, 2008 5:37 pm:
Most seniors would have dificulty climbing up the ladder to the loft. Also I think some elderly people would require a larger bathroom, but in general a relatively small house would be a good place for an independent senior.
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Johanna reply on October 26th, 2008 4:10 am:
i actually think this would be terrific for a young couple, maybe newlyweds, looking to start a simple life together. i find the idea really romantic, but maybe that’s just me =)
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meghan evans reply on December 18th, 2008 6:07 pm:
My husband and I are currently living in our small RV (think the Epu, circa 1970), while we save enough money to build our house. Romantic? Not at all!!! On the flip side though, I know we can make it through anything together. And maybe there is a romance to that.
We are thinking that one of the “Tiny” houses would be a nice choice for us.
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jim willeford reply on June 21st, 2009 9:11 am:
I agree with you completely. Buuy a nice lot or small acreage, with many shaded outside decks and outdoor cooking facilities. I love the idea for a hermit like myself and I am 70 years old.
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Marilee reply on July 19th, 2009 9:59 am:
For newlyweds…yes. But like Jay Shafer, I’ve lived in and among “macmansions” in Madison CT for 20 years. My kids are grown and almost launched into the world. I yearn for simplicity now and in 5-10 years when I retire. And I think a loft is a great place for grandchildren (hopefully 5 to 10 years down the road). I’ve had my eye on Tumbleweed designs for a few years now. They free me and keep me dreaming….
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Linda Christian reply on December 14th, 2008 10:38 pm:
I Love to Buy one the tiny Houses I’m retired and Live on a fixed income can I do it?
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L.Kosteck reply on August 15th, 2009 1:14 am:
Susan,
You and Dawn have valid wants for your lifestyle/life, but if these houses don’t fit that lifestyle/life, then these houses are simply not for you. While you can admire them (please do), you should admire them for what they are, and not criticize them for not fitting what you’re looking for to fit what you are comfortable with. It’s obviously not what these houses offer… which is valid, and I admire you both for realizing that you’d not be a proper fit for these houses.. at the same time, don’t down these house designs for not fitting your specific “needs”/desires. What would work for you, might be more than some need. If these designs don’t fit what would work for you, then there’s no need to criticize them. Merely go and design what WOULD fit your needs or do further research to find a design that would fit. This doesn’t preclude you’re admiration of said designs and acknowledging the plusses of said designs. They don’t have to work for you perfectly for you to appreciate certain points even though they don’t fit YOU and YOUR need s perfectly. (this does not mean that they are without merit, and there is no need what so ever to feel the need to put them down)
Best to you and yours,
L. Kosteck
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I would build this if it had higher ceiling in the main areas. with small spaces we need higher ceilings. even the old bungalows had higher ceilings than this.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 5th, 2008 3:52 am:
This house can easily be built with a taller ceiling. It was designed with a low ceiling for best proportioning. However, raising the ceiling (and total height) by 6 to 12 inches is very easy to do.
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Daniel reply on June 5th, 2008 1:06 pm:
That is exactly what I was looking at doing with one of the smaller trailer sized homes. I’m 6′5″ so I would have to raise it an inch or two, at least.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 5th, 2008 3:36 pm:
We actually have two customers who are about to begin building tiny houses with raised ceilings. Since they are both over 6′3″, each one is making their house slightly custom. In fact, it’s very easy to do. The only consideration would be total road height if you intend to drive the house on the road. Our homes are designed to achieve the heighest maximum height for American roadways. The main drawback is that altering the height may prevent you from driving under low bridges. This tends to be more of an East Coast problem as they have older, lower bridges.
Lina reply on July 1st, 2008 4:16 pm:
A lower ceiling actually gives a more cozy feeling to a small dwelling.
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Michael, WA reply on July 7th, 2008 7:26 am:
According to the highway Dept of Transportation people, max height allowance for normal travel is 14ft - that said, there are several railroad overpasses near my house that post 13′5″max clearance.
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dan reply on August 17th, 2008 2:03 pm:
call your hyway dept. and see if they measure from the road surface or the top of the curb which would give you an extra
6 inches
Spuffler reply on August 27th, 2008 2:11 am:
If a state hiway department refer clearances as being measured to pavement height, there is an additional, hidden danger: How many paving layers ago did they measure the actual clearance? Locally, accumulated height issues forced a complete tear-down of an existing overpass (steel girder with concrete abutments), because the current bridge clearance data neglected 25+ years of paving (1″ of pavement added every 3 years will add up). More, when initially built, the bridge was several inches lower than specified, for some reason unknown to me, and thus the overpass was ultimately over 12″ lower than stated!
Is this the next generation of the B-52 bungalow from your old website? I kept coming back to look at that one and now it’s gone. I recall its living room having more clear wall space.
I agree that the ceiling height would need to cheated up a little in the loft area — since it’s a stationary design, highway transport isn’t really an issue.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 9th, 2008 7:29 pm:
Actually, the follow up to the B-52 is the B-53. It will be released in one month. We are no longer selling the B-52. The B-53 looks almost the same as teh Loring, but is substantially larger.
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Lina reply on June 13th, 2008 7:31 pm:
Will the B-53 be in the new brochure?
Who makes the doors and windows for these?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 13th, 2008 9:27 pm:
Yet, it will be in the new portfolio. The windows are standard sizes. The doors for the homes above 200 sq feet are standard sizes. The doors for the tiny houses (less than 150 sq feet) are hand made.
Am pleasantly surprised with the Loring’s design. Am a HUGE fan of the bungalow design and this is absolutely great! Good for you!
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This is beautiful. I just pre-ordered the newest portfolio and I can’t wait to see how an additional bedroom has been added to this and some of the other models. I also noticed the price for the plans has gone down. Is this permanent?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 13th, 2008 3:31 pm:
The prices shouldn’t be changing anytime soon.
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Are there more views of the Loring available, besides the face and floorplan? It’d be great to see the interior and more outside shots (maybe with a person or something for scale)?
Lovely buildings, all!
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I have just been fascinated with these homes. Following your company for about 3 years. The Loring has everything. I love the porch! It just looks like a really livable space. I can’t wait to see more shots of the interior if they are available.
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Do you have interior pictures of the Lording?
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I have been dreaming about designing a small community where we could place these small homes with small shops, etc. Have recently bought property that would allow for this and am very excited how many folks are wising up to this kind of living.
You guys are way ahead of what lies ahead in the future.
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Courtney reply on June 24th, 2008 4:03 pm:
I have also seen this kind of living as a wave of the future. Possibly homes placed sparsely on the land and a community center in the middle for exercise, gaming (pool, ping pong) ice cream/coffee shop, restaurant/bar, yoga, spirituality, green learning (etc.). Just a place to go and get out of the smaller space and be a social part of the small community around you.
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Bill Burgess reply on October 22nd, 2008 10:54 pm:
I live in Washington State. The Cottage Company built a pilot program on Widbey Island.(www.thecottagecompany.com)
The problem is zoning and the cost of land. Even though most counties preach about Urban Sprawl, when it comes time to utilize areas serviced with community sewers, unless the city passes an amendment to allow them to be built, most counties do not allow cluster type pocket neighborhoods. As the county commissioners agree sprawl needs to be addressed, they don’t want small homes near their McMansions.
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Ken reply on February 10th, 2009 3:29 am:
Your website link is to a vacation rental company. I think you want http://www.cottagecompany.com/
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Jay Shafer reply on February 11th, 2009 1:28 am:
Thanks, Ken. You are, of course, right.
Lori Jones reply on May 25th, 2009 7:00 pm:
I would love to live in a small house community!! …East Coast??
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jim willeford reply on June 21st, 2009 9:22 am:
Amen……….Now, this is forward thinking on an over populated earth. Also a way to guarantee less consumption. One could fit into these houses only the things actually needed and used regularly. Perhaps a small outbuilding or shop for the handy or artistically inclined. Plus deck, including a summer kitchen for outside living.
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Where does the water heater go?
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I really love all of the designs. Have any been built with cellars? Any gone through the permit /Building & Safety process in Los Angeles?
Scott
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 24th, 2008 10:59 am:
Hi, I don’t know about anyone adding a basement yet. But many people have suggested it. No reason it can’t be done. None of the houses have been built in LA yet. Sounds like you might need an engineer to design the basement to meet you local codes. In many areas of California, you are also required to have a soils report and earthquake engineering.
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My dream for a while has been to plop myself down in a little house right smack in the center of 10 acres. No neighbors, no noise, no fuss! I have two indoor cats, so that would take consideration, but it’s a good brain teaser. If anything, a unit like this makes a wonderful guest (or Grandma) cottage. Or even build several (on each of the 4 corners of my imaginary 10 acres, lol) and rent them out to single people. With solar panels and some other green features, these units could easily be self-sustaining. Just dig a well. Hmmmm….
As far as space goes, how much do I really need? Not as much as I’ve got now in my small apartment. Bedrooms always seem too big to me, since all I ever do in there is sleep. Bathrooms don’t need to be big, either.
Someday, I’ll have my huge chunk of land with my teeny tiny house on it…..
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Phillip reply on June 30th, 2008 3:18 am:
Tonya,
I like your idea for the multiple cottages on 10 acres - I’ve had the same idea. If you are interested in creating an intentional community drop me a line at pdxppea@gmail.com.
Phillip
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Fred reply on October 12th, 2008 3:59 pm:
My dream is to plop one of these down in an urban infill lot close to all the urban amenities- a great library, museums, laundry, jobs. Then improve the lot to include outdoor living space, garden, maybe a pool (I live in Arizona). Seems that the tiny house/trailer model to really facilitate a community building with full kitchen/storage/workshop and satellite structures like these.
F
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jim willeford reply on June 21st, 2009 9:27 am:
I am curious as to what one would run up against in a metropolitan area. Could one get by with building on wheels after buying a small lot in a desirable irban area like San Francisco? Any ideas?
Jim
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:07 pm:
The easiest way I’ve found is to put them in the back or side yards of code-compliant houses. See my blog entry, “Camping Out”.
Bree reply on November 3rd, 2008 6:03 am:
Tonya, more info might come your way if you would say where you live - you never know…that 10 acres may just need to know where you are (or would like to be), to find you. That was how I got my 10 acres… Best of luck to you! Bree
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Jenny Slagle reply on November 3rd, 2008 10:33 pm:
I’m in Central Oklahoma and am very interested in helping establish an intentional community. I see a place very cooperatively oriented and committed to minimal impact, with a central laundry facility and group equipment share (mowers, weedeaters, chainsaws, etc.) - and expansive garden
I can be reached at slaglejen@aol.com, should you be in the area and have the same interest.
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Victoria reply on November 5th, 2008 12:55 am:
I have this same interest. It would be nice to see a Forum on this site for intentional small home communities.
I agree with the above comment of Clint. The B52 design was, I think, your best stationary house. I’ve had this website as one of my bookmarks for 3 years now. Thank you for your efforts and may your business thrive!
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 3:31 pm:
We have a new design called the B-53, which is an updated version of the B-52. It will be released in a couple weeks.
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jim willeford reply on June 21st, 2009 9:28 am:
Will the B-53 be on the site?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:07 pm:
I think we’ll post it soon.
I, too, have been thinking about the creation of intentional communities of tiny houses, and would like to communicate with others with a similar interest. I am in south central PA at present, and my e-mail address is marc_robin@juno.com if anyone would like to get in touch.
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Victoria reply on May 18th, 2009 4:56 am:
website is in the works …….
where are you in S. Central PA????> and has there been any progress. Hope So!
you can contact me at vmowrer@gmail as well.
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Michelle reply on June 11th, 2009 11:42 am:
I’d be interested in knowing where in S Central PA. And what progress is being made.
funinpennsylvania@comcast.net
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Hi, we just moved to Marlton, NJ from Austin, TX and in the process cut down our square footage by half. I am amazed at how much happier I am in this smaller space and I think we can go smaller. I really don’t miss any of the things I gave away or sold, and it is very liberating to have less space to clean.
I hope there will be a workshop again in NY or nearby and please let me know so I can attend. I’m thinking of starting a local group for minimalist moms (those who want to raise their kids without all the stuff). I really like having my kids closer so that I can hear them at night, which big houses don’t allow for. Alas, legally, we have to have a three bedroom since we have both a girl and boy, but these rooms could be very small, just enough space for a single bed and storage underneath for clothes. I hope you will consider making such a tiny house. I think it could be done in less than 800 square feet with the attention to detail and use of space you have.
Thanks, and please let me know if you start a branch on this side of the states.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 3:33 pm:
We have just designed several 3 bedroom homes. Please see the Enesti for an example. The others will be added to the website soon.
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Deann reply on August 30th, 2008 10:41 pm:
Can you come up with 4bedrooms? I have 3 children, who each want their own space… However, I have been thinking that smaller is better too. If it was just designed well, for storage, I think we would all be happier in our own little spaces
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Jay Shafer reply on September 1st, 2008 8:06 pm:
The 8×12 bed room addition pictured for the Enesti actually works really well on the sides of the house too… especially with a big wrap-around porch pulling it all together. Two on the sides plus one out back plus the two pre-existing upstairs = 5 BRs in just under 1000 sf. I’d take off the back one for 4 BRs. I have been meaning to post these options for a while, but time has been so limited.
bob reply on February 25th, 2009 3:37 pm:
i think this house is amazing and me and my wify have great memorys in the bedrooms of are house we love
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 3:40 pm:
We are in North Carolina in September and will return to the New York area next year.
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This is exactly what we have been looking for for a backyard guest house. I am curious how tall is the house on a slab foundation? How did you come up with 251 square feet? The 14 x 18 is 252.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 2nd, 2008 12:58 pm:
The exact measurements are 13′11″ x 18′. We round off on the overall dimensions for the sake of simplicity. The house is about 18′ tall.
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Naomi Mojica reply on July 2nd, 2008 5:03 pm:
18′ on a raised foundation or a slab? We were hoping to build something 250 square feet or under and not more than 15ft high to meet local codes for a guest house.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 2nd, 2008 9:09 pm:
It 18′ from the slab. It’s also 251 sqauare feet.
I have had the same idea as Tonya. A plot of land, with some of these smaller houses as a small (pun!) community. This is my dream. I keep the link to this website in a “dreams” folder. LOL At some point when life gets a bit simpler, I will be working hard towards accomplishing this! Thank you for creating these beautiful homes that seem so attainable. They truely are beautiful.
PS: I agree with others, some interior shots of your new homes will be welcome when them come!
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I have been dreaming of building a tiny house community on a few acres, complete with sidewalks, gardens, and a small community room w/kitchen for family/community gatherings, and I, too, have thoughts of making this a “green” community. Great minds…!
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Definately! I love this.. perfect for the green community I also have been planning in my head. Jeeze.. I wish someone would build it already..
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I’d love to be in touch with anybody considering a tiny house community in central or southern NH or northern Mass….. I love this idea and have been tracking it for awhile. Maybe we could import some of the principals of cohousing and working together?
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Robin Bobula reply on July 16th, 2008 1:22 pm:
There might be a lot of folks from the Free State Project who would like to move to NH into a community such as the one to which you are referring. From the discussion on that forum, it seems that a shortage of affordable housing options may be delaying some people’s move to NH.
Just a thought. Something I might definitely consider for the future, but not for the next five years, as that is when my youngest graduates from high school.
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How much would the Loring cost?
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Christy reply on August 3rd, 2008 10:15 pm:
i was wondering that my self…
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Hi! I noticed someone had asked this before, but where does the hot water heater go? Thanks!
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 18th, 2008 9:00 pm:
It’s an on-demand water heater, which means that it has no tank. It’s under the sink cabinets.
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Carrie reply on July 18th, 2008 9:21 pm:
How much hot water can it put out? What I mean is, what kind of time frame are you looking at shower wise? Is it a problem if multiple people are taking showers back to back? Just curious
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Newton reply on July 18th, 2008 10:45 pm:
You can get 2-5 gallons of hot water per minute from an electric on-demand water heater and the heating is continuous as long as the unit is switched on. The initial heating time is quite short. You get hot water as long as you need it but you don’t want to leave the unit running if you are not using the hot water.
When you say multiple showers back to back…there should be plenty of hot water for the number of people that would be in a Tumbleweed Tiny House.
Are your stationary houses engineered for snow loads?
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Could you use this as a houseboat on a pontoon deck?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 3:09 am:
Yes! I dream about this idea a lot.
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Umm, how much does the loring cost? This only says the price to build it your self… can’t you buy it just like that??? :-\
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Heidi reply on August 7th, 2008 3:28 am:
The Loring must be built on site. So you have to built it yourself or have a local contractor build it. That’s why they only gave you an estimated $ per square foot. Final cost would depend on what you put in the structure.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 2:32 am:
Oh, same as the Tarleton.
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What are the prices of the Tiny homes?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 2:19 am:
All of the prices are listed on the HOUSES page.
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Will the B-53 be coming to the site soon?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 19th, 2008 8:45 pm:
We hope to post virtually all of the new designs from the new portfoio within the next few months.
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glad to see this info about tiny houses…i just started pondering putting a large one room in rear of my house for me as a senior citizen…this sounds like a good idea. my area can take a tiny house about 14 x 14.
good luck with you business.
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Does this fit a large refrigerator?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 7:36 pm:
Yes.
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[...] small space desire where she linked to a company called “Tumblewood Tiny Houses”. (I want this one. ) Mom was a Level 1 packrat, a product of coming to age during the war years. Cleaning out her [...]
I am wondering about heating/cooling this house and how insulated is it? I’m very seriously considering building this house on several acres after I sell my too-large house, and I’m very concerned about the heating bills. I intend to have a full basement.
Thanks for this wonderful company. May you have brilliant success!
Sharon
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Jay Shafer reply on September 1st, 2008 8:23 pm:
I design them with lots of insulation. If utility bills are a concern, then a tiny house may be exactly what you need.
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Oh, I also want to know how difficult would it be to put a fireplace in this house, or should I just be happy with a firepit outside?
Sharon
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Jay Shafer reply on September 1st, 2008 8:19 pm:
A fireplace poses no foreseeable design problem.
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Jill reply on September 11th, 2008 8:05 pm:
I like the idea of have the x-small as a guess house/ sauna in our backyard. Would it be possible to adapt the x-small house to have a wood-fired sauna and ditch the kitchen? How do building permits work with a portable structure like this?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 12th, 2008 3:29 pm:
You need no permit for such small/mobile structures. The sauna idea could work well in there.
I really, really wish you would post some interior shots of this tiny house. I LOVE this one best. In fact, my papa’s are planning to add several guest houses at their mansion in Arizona. I suggested these houses because they are designed for single-person living, but also they are energy efficient and easier to heat/cool.
I’d like to see some interior photos for sure. Where I’m thinking to put these babies, the building department requires that all “homes” need to be set on a permanent foundation. Thus, the reason why I like this one best. It’s still tiny, but it’s also designed to be permanent.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 11th, 2008 5:28 pm:
As soon as we get some we’ll post ‘em, Tonya. Thanks.
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I love your designs, and hope I’ll be in a position to build one in the next few years. By then I’ll know whether I’ll be going “teeny” (if I’m living alone) or “tiny” (for two, or for two planning to adopt kids), and might even be able to do my own earthquake engineering check if I’m still in Southern California.
I have two questions about the designs, though, specifically the built-on-foundation ones.
First, are the designs adaptable for local styles of finish? Around here, a stucco-and-tile approach blends in well with the surroundings (high-desert scrubland), but I don’t know how much alteration this might require in the plans. The somewhat bigger designs, especially the Loring and B-53, seem like they’d look excellent in this style.
Second, can the extensions shown for the Enesti be added at a later date, and are similar extensions available for the Loring or Harbinger? It would be nice to be able to plan for the possibility of a growing family while still only building enough space for one or two at first.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 11th, 2008 5:15 pm:
A lot of people have bought my designs then modified them a bit to suit their personal/local needs, and it can work out pretty well in some cases. I think the B-53 and Loring would look fine in stucco. There are a lot of bungalow style houses clad in just that.
The read extension, and, for that matter, one on each side can be added at any time.
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Wow, how appealing. My family of 5 (husband, 2 young sons, a large dog and myself) currently live in aprox. 1750 sq ft. But as we simplify more and more, we find the space is in fact more than we need. And I prefer not to think about the mortgage!
One real question in regards to all this tiny living is how the kitchen does not really fit what I have come consider an important part of living simply. We cook just about everything from scratch. Between wanting all our foods to be fresh AND free of things that are NOT really food, the one room I don’t see functioning well as small in our lives is the kitchen. We are expanding our own gardening each year and belong to a farm share in the interim while we get ourselves established in the homesteading lifestyle. Gardening, “orcharding” and CSA’s have one thing in common, the food all seems to come at once and on natures own schedule. With an urgent need to be frozen, canned, dried or preserved in some fashion, space becomes precious even in our almost 14 by 22 eat-in kitchen. I cannot imagine functioning in less than that on a day to day basis from late spring through fall. We need space for processing large volumes of fresh picked produce. As you look towards developing homes that are more family sized, like the Enesti, I would encourage you to think back to the earlier days when the kitchen was actually the focal point of the entire house. It was the gathering place since the stove kept it warm in the cool and colder months. A location that was large enough not just for general meal preparation and eating but for dealing with lots of fresh foods. Before the day of transfer trailer trucking, foods did not come from afar and they flooded in during the growing season all begging to be preserved at once. The full basement idea would be key to the homestead lifestyle so that there could be canning storage, bulk dry goods storage, dug out root celler, freezer space etc and while you are down there… a full size washer and dryer. As many have pointed out, we do TONS of laundry and my boys might love mud even more than most!
I applaud your efforts and commitment to tiny living. We would really like to be able to look at the B53 that I read about in the thread but don’t seem to be able to find on your site. LOVE the craftman home but would need the Enesti size and would likely modify that 3rd room on the back to be integrated into the kitchen space to end up with something more like a “country” kitchen. I hope you will consider the needs of the “urban homesteader” to future plans. Maybe that could be a specific plan even, and in a craftsman style please;)
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Jay Shafer reply on September 11th, 2008 4:05 pm:
Great points, Laura. I especially like your idea of making the back addition additional kitchen space.
Thanks.
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Bree reply on November 3rd, 2008 6:25 am:
Laura, Please check this out: Mel Bartholomew has authored “Square Foot Gardening” - with progressive planting, processing crops is much easier on you and you get the benefit of fresh produce mostly year round (depending on where you live). His website can be reached at info@squarefootgardening.com, although they tend to shut down for the late fall/early winter. There is still excellent reading you can do there. His book is excellent: it is designed to grow the same amount of crops as one would in row planting, but the space requirements are reduced by 80%. Planting ornamentals is also discussed and encouraged. Good Luck! Bree
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Joan Cole reply on December 20th, 2008 2:00 am:
During the growing season when you have so much fresh produce to process, you could do what used to be done in some areas - an outdoor canning kitchen - to keep the mess and heat generated from all that boiling from making the house unbearable. As for the cold weather food storage, as you say, a full basement is a possibility. But a root cellar and lacto-fermenting are ideally different temperatures than a laundry room - they would be sensible to be a separate dug-out space. So for the ultimate in traditional food processing, you may really be talking about three structures - the tiny house where sleeping happens (and that is as tiny as possible for minimizing heating in the winter), the outdoor kitchen, and the root cellar.
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I ve been looking at your houses. The one thing that I am not seeing is a house with a circular feel or some more geometery. Kind of like the houses you find on the cape. Also I was wondering how easy would these house be to convert into other building methods like concrete, and can these house support solar panels?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 20th, 2008 4:20 pm:
I see no problem with using other materials in the case of the stationary houses ( I suppose it’s obvious that concrete would be less than ideal on wheels).
People put solar panels on the houses (stationary and mobile) all the time.
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After seeing the article in the New York Times, I was fascinated and showed it to my 22 year old son who now keeps thinking about a “tiny house” - the price of acreage, building permits, etc.
One thing I would like to see as an “addition” to a tiny house is a stall/slot for bicycles. Currently, our bicycles get wheeled into the library. We bought an old house in the city of Chicago and gutted it down to the brick and dirt, but we didn’t think of a bicycle “garage” or stall at the time. Yep, you can hang your bike from the rafters or stick it behind the sofa, but a bike should be easily asessible, warmed up and ready to go.
Nancy L. Fagin
Ronald L. Weber
Nathan L. Weber
Brit, Luke, Fence & Murphy
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Jay Shafer reply on September 22nd, 2008 5:55 am:
I”m there with you, my cycling friends! More bike storage… less car parking! I provide plans for a 100 s.f. addition that could easily be used as a rather huge bike garage. I keep my bike and Vespa out and away from my place in a 32 s.f. garage.
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Your designs don’t include a secondary exit. What’s your thoughts on escaping in the event of fire, esp from a loft.
Thanks, BM
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 5:11 pm:
I make the loft windows just big enough for a bigger than average person to get thru. I’ve jumped from there to the ground a few times during construction, and while I would hate to do it every day, I haven’t broken my ankle yet.
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It’s a smart idea (even in a “normal” built house) to have a folding fire escape ladder near any window in a bedroom. You’re not going to find a whole lot of bedrooms with multiple exit points so it makes sense to either ensure that you can safely get through the window and to the ground without breaking your neck or for a second floor/loft buy a ladder for each window. You can find them at hundreds of places online and at brick & mortar stores for as little as $30 each.
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I have been wanting a tiny house for so long now. Being single and no children at home, it just makes sense to me to do this. In reading through these posts, it was amazing to find other people who would actually like to form tiny house communities - count me in!
My problem is zoning. They will never allow anything this small. I can’t even put one in the back yard at my daughter’s house - we’re not even allowed in-law apartments.
With times as bad as they are, I think the powers that be should allow people to build more responsibly and really allow us the freedom to choose our style and stop the cookie cutter homes that now line every street.
Where can people build these efficient little homes without the zoning restrictions?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 8th, 2008 11:48 pm:
It seems like the time for reclaiming common sense is upon us. If we can’t see the downside of excessive consumption now, then it is unlikely that we ever will. Allowing citizens to live beyond their means is one thing. Mandating that citizens live beyond their means then taxing them again to cover the inevitable damage caused by such unsustainable policy is quite another.
Americans should be allowed to live as simply as they please. The only entities minimum size standards seemed to serve were the housing industry and the banks that pushed for them back in the 70s and 80s. Now, even they are reaping the consequences.
As long as the law ignores justice and reason, then just and reasonable people will ignore the law. A little civil disobedience may be in order. I suggest you live in a small house where ever land ownership or a land owner will allow.
P.S. Putting your house on wheels so you can evacuate if things get too sticky might not be a bad idea.
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Very well said, Jay.
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Yes, I agree. Jay, do you plan to attend the Bioneers conference in Marin County next weekend? http://www.bioneers.org I will be going for the first time. I would love to connect with folks interested in permaculture and small homes co-housing/intentional neighborhoods. I have friends who are really into permaculture but they don’t know of anyone interested in permaculture with co-housing. I think they are a perfect fit. BTW, I found a Japanese company that makes a small acrylic single person soaking tub, perfect for the tiny home. Go to: http://www.at-house.com
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Chris and John Guilbeault reply on March 7th, 2009 8:31 pm:
Hi, all. We are a small ecovillage in western Canada interested in permaculture and small houses. We are zoned for unlimited houses on wheels less than 500sf and we have have 78 acres. We are in our third year of permaculture and this year are building a pyramid greenhouse, cold room, pond with aquaculture and addtional forest gardens. The main house which is 3500 sf is set up as the common house with laundry, kitchen, dining, guest rooms, workshop spaces (if you want to teach classes) and/or treatment rooms (if you are a holistic practioner). Come and see for yourself what is it like to live under the stars with 500′ trees surrounding you. The only sound we hear at night may be coyotes if they are singing, otherwise, nothing. It is beautiful….
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I really like the Loring. I cannot tell from the floorplan if a full size keyboard or digital piano (such as a Clavinova) could be fit into the bump out in the loft. So, my question is; is that possible?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 4:28 am:
It’s about 4′ wide up there. It could also be widened without hurting the aesthetics or structure of the house.
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Theresa reply on December 31st, 2008 6:30 pm:
I’d like to widen it to fit a full (54″) or queen (60″) mattress. I’d put my bed there, so I didn’t feel like I was gonna roll down the stairs!
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Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 1:32 am:
The loft will currently fit a 70″ wide mattress.
For any seniors who may have doubts about downsizing, I just wish to say, from my own experience, “It’s been a blessing”. Five years ago I decided to take early retirement, at age 60, so that I could enjoy the outdoors while I’m still spunky. I moved to N. Calif.,as it was always my dream, to live in a cabin, in the mountains. I found my “dream”, in a 12′ x 18′ cabin, in a canyon, in the Sierra’s. It’s 1 room,plus a small pantry kitchen, off the back, and a modern bath with a double size shower.
I’ve owned 5 houses in the past; each bigger than the last. But for retirement, I wanted to simplify my life, and only keep the things that really were important to me.At first I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing, but today I only wish I’d done it years ago.
My retirement is meager, at best. But my upkeep is so very low, I live very comfortble. My grand daughter calls it “Grampy’s dollhouse”. Now I’m off to go fishing, or maybe put a few miles on the hammock ! Remember that “less IS more” !
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Your links on your website are not working well. I keep getting a webmaster error message and I dont think it is on our end. I have no problems with any other websites.
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It’s unfortunate to read that Jay is no longer doing custom plans. I would have liked to challenge him to design a functional home for my family of 8. We currently live in about 800sqft, and love it. The only problem is that this space was not designed with so many people in mind, so organization and clutter are constant challenges. Perhaps he can recommend another micro-home designer?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 29th, 2008 2:53 am:
Try the Enesti with an additional BR on each side and the back plus a porch that wraps around to each. Of course, that’s only 5 BR in total, but if you could put 3 tiny houses on wheels out back you would have my dream cluster.
Of course a bunch of separate houses could get kind of pricey.
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What is the largest size bed that can fit in the designated bed area in the Loring loft? A queen size bed?
Thanks.
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I love these homes, but would like to see more pictures of the insides (not just the plans!)
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Jay Shafer reply on October 28th, 2008 3:01 am:
Send photos of your finished Tumbleweeds, everyone.
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I have been retired for 5 years now and have been thinking about down sizing for some time. I came across your site this morning and fell inlove with the idea of living in a small place. I have been thinking about it for a long time. I was thinking about getting one and traveling but I am ready to stay at home now, so I guess I will get one perm. So I am selling my place and doing just that, as soon as my daughter fines out what is allow to be built on her 1 1/2 acre lot. Course my other daughter doesn’t like the idea, cause now she has to come and get all her stuff that has been stored in my shed for 2 years that I have to step over everytime I go in there. This would be a nice change to only have to worry about my own things. So I am having a yard sale and give away and I will be contacting you about the 3 homes I am interested in. Oh and I wanted to know if the Black Metel box I saw hanging on the wall in one of the interior pictures is the heater for the home?
Love Your Homes
Nickie
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Jay Shafer reply on October 28th, 2008 3:05 am:
That must be the stainless steel heater, Nickie.
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Your Web Site is really wonderful and I bookmarked it. Thank your for the hard work you must have put in to create this wonderful facility. Keep up the excellent work!
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Why are there two different square footages for the Loring? (251, and 345)? Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 8:28 pm:
One price is standard and the other would be with the bed room addition.
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Hm. Ok. I thought it was 251, and then over 400 usable space, with the bedroom? Where does the 345 fit in? Sorry!
J.
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Lori Jones reply on May 25th, 2009 8:45 pm:
The square footage doesn’t include the “livable space” in the loft. Could that be it?
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 6:51 am:
You guessed it, Lori.
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I would love to see one of your tiny houses in person. I live in Albany Newyork. Where could I go to see one near by?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 30th, 2008 9:38 pm:
Sorry to say I don’t know.
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Jay and Tumbleweed Company,
I really admire what your creative mind has done with the tiny houses. We are a family of 7(5 small children) living in Jamaica West Indies and are about to downsize in square footage in a move to the countryside. Obviously we won’t need heating but I’m wondering if the low ceilings make the houses,especially the lofts hot? We have already dug the foundation for our version of the tiny house so any input on this front would be appreciated
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Is it just me, or is this the wrong photo for the blueprints? In the blueprints, the loft doesn’t extend over the whole porch, the window’s different, and the roof is angled the other direction. Also, it’s the exact same house as in the B-53 photo.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 12th, 2008 1:39 pm:
You’re right about the window. I need to update the presentation plan on our site soon to match the new and improved design. If you look carefully though, you’ll see that the house pictured here has different proportions than the B-53.
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Clicking on The Harbinger picture gives me a strange page with odd characters. The other houses links work fine. What’s different about Harbinger ?
My browser is Firefox. Windows XP SP3.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 16th, 2008 3:19 pm:
Thanks for the notice. I’ve sent this along to Steve.
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[...] For me, this is the ultimate house because it’ll just be me and my dog when I grow up - I won’t need the space a regular house provides but I don’t want to pay forever on an apartment. Also, as a child I always used to design homes for myself in minuscule buildings, so this is like my childhood dream :] This is the house I want. [...]
the loring
can you buy the staircase or the real question is how does it work…ie building codes problems
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Jay Shafer reply on November 19th, 2008 8:52 pm:
It seems that you can usually just use a ladder so long as the loft is 200 s.f. or less. We also don’t count the upstairs as habitable space, so it wouldn’t need anything more than any other attic would for access. This attic is totally insulated though.
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Does the Loring come with an actual staircase, or do you have to use a ladder? Also, do you have prices posted somewhere of the larger homes (i.e, not “Tiny”)?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 21st, 2008 6:23 pm:
It’s designed for a ladder.
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For the Loring, is that a ladder to the loft or stairs? If it’s a ladder, would it be possible to alter the plan to make it stairs if this were built on a basement foundation? I’m thinking of a full basement, with a garage door on one side and inside space on the other for laundry, water heater, storage.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 23rd, 2008 1:19 pm:
It’s a ladder, but when there’s a will there’s a way.
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this house is just perfect, I love the smaller ones but was always concerned with how they may make cooking impossible, pie making is my primary stress reliever! but this has room enough for everything, I could even have guests. now I just have to find a place to build it.
PS. I have a huge crush on jay, just had to get that off my chest. how many wonderful ideas come from people who are also adorable?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 6th, 2008 5:58 pm:
You are too kind, Nick.
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Is anybody interested in clustering small homes in Northern Illinois…sort of a little community?
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Donna reply on December 15th, 2008 12:55 am:
I read your comment of Dec 5. Please get back to me. I am interested . I am in Wisconsin.
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Lindy reply on February 8th, 2009 5:04 pm:
I would be interested. However, I currently live in Northwest Ohio and plan on moving to Western North Carolina within the next 7-10 years. I’m anxious to find a warmer climate. I can’t take the cold winters! Is anyone interested in that area?
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Lori Jones reply on May 25th, 2009 8:03 pm:
NC would be a great place for a small house community!
How far North? It gets pretty cold up there, would you consider the St. Louis area?
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I don’t own a Tumbleweed or an RV, but I s’pose the big difference is style: it is cool to live in a tiny home and not so much to live in a trailer. There may be an advantage in terms of health if you consider the materials, and associated leachables (eg. formaldehyde), that are used to construct an RV. I would like to build a Tumbleweed on my own and know that only quality materials have been used. It would not be more than an RV in monetary terms although there would be a significant investment of time.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 8th, 2008 3:37 am:
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Dave.
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It looks as though the roof style in front is a hip style, but the loft floorplan shows the rear to be roomier than hip would allow. Is is a rear of the roof a gable end style?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 19th, 2008 10:21 pm:
The rear is pitched much like the front, but without the dormer.
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Planning on coming to workshop in Atlanta. Can one attendee bring more than one guest?
I live in Birmingham and have 55 acres with a man-made lake about 16 miles from downtown. Am very interested in building a tiny home for myself and possibly adding onto it for my parents. Was thinking of building a few vacation homes to sell, but a community of small homes sounds intriguing. Many friends in my “girls group” have joked around for years about setting up a circle of house trailers for community living and just “circling the wagons” tighter as we died off. This might be a way to actually make the joke a reality. Jay, are you interested in working with me to make this tiny tumbleweed community happen???
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Jay Shafer reply on December 20th, 2008 5:02 pm:
I would be happy to help you make the village happen. Bring as many guests as you wish at the discount rate. I look forward to meeting you, Cheryl.
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Do you still build homes and if so, what would be the off-the-top-of-the-head figure for coming down and building a home like the Loring in Lubbock Texas if the land was already owned?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 4:38 pm:
We’re only building the tiny ones on wheels now, but we do have plans available on our website.
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i love the design for the loring and want to built it for my mother in law. i live in northwestern ontario canada. do these designs come with winterized versions? i have an exisiting barn that will be “renovated” that measures approxametly 15 * 18 feet.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 4th, 2009 11:03 pm:
All of the houses are winterized. Tweaking the barn to fit the plans might pose quite a challenge, but any thing’s possible.
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I noticed somewhere on the website that you sometimes use composting toilets. Could you tell me what type they are?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 6th, 2009 5:55 pm:
We’ve used several kinds. It depends on what the customer wants. Google the Humanure Handbook for ideas.
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I want to buy a small house at low price on mortgage
S.T.Raja daniel
January 20. 2009
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How much would this house cost to build on Long Island?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 31st, 2009 5:29 pm:
I don’t know exactly, but it would be close to $21,000 if you buy everything new.
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Michelle reply on February 4th, 2009 7:55 pm:
hmm….. if i buy everything new? What if i were to reuse building materials (in good condition, obviously) or use salvaged materials for construction? Im interested in using sustainable / reusable materials, and want to keep this house a green/eco- friendly place. Im also interested in adding solar panels on the roof… depending on the costs. Any ideas?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 6th, 2009 1:28 am:
If you’re a good hunter, you could build for next to nothing.
I like this plan, but I noticed that on the picture that the front upstairs dormer has 3 windows. But on the floorplan it shows just one window. also, is the rear loft window standard size, or is it a small window. If i built this plan, i would want the rear loft window large enough for an air conditioning unit, as without a/c the loft would probably get too hot, especially down south.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 31st, 2009 7:12 pm:
I need to update the plan that is pictured, Joe. That should be three windows in front and, now, no windows in back (though one could be easily added). I recently simplified the design, and I am improving it once again to be portable. It seems I am better at updating the houses than keeping the site current. I believe all of the other houses should be up-to-date.
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Okay, thanks (c:
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I bet you could eliminate the upstairs storage on both sides and put a standard window on each wall at the peaks. I probably would enclose the front porch with windows, like the harbinger bump out with a door in the center and make that liveable space as well to increase the size of the foot plan.
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Do you have any modular homes that you could situate in Berkeley, California? I am building a cottage on my lot in Berkeley.
Please let me know if you do and/or, if you don’t, can you recommend any modular homebuilders located in the Bay Area or within 200 miles of Berkeley?
Thank you,
Diana Wood
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Jay Shafer reply on February 11th, 2009 1:44 am:
For you, Diana… we do. Choose a house design, and we’ll build it modular. You are just 40 miles away, after all.
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The sentiments have been expressed that you can build the same eco friendly homes, for much lower prices. Spending all that paper certainly doesnt help the environment, if they really cared Im sure they would be affordable for everyone. Im not trying to badmouth, just trying to get by.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 11th, 2009 1:23 am:
Who are “they” and what “paper” do you speak of, Blue? Please articulate what is starting to look like a pretty good question.
If you are asking about our prices please see… http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/blog/page/2/
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I’m not sure what you’re talking about. All what paper? The books that explain about the small houses? The plans that show how to build the houses? Or are you refering to the money to build as the paper? $40-50,000 for a well built house is not a bad deal. If you have the skills to build it yourself, the cost is about half that and even less if you scavenge.
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In the conditions of financial crisis likely small houses will be in great demand
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Jay Shafer reply on February 14th, 2009 4:24 pm:
It seems to be the case, so far.
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I would love to see more pictures of the interiors of your homes. Is there any website I can go to see what other people have done with their Tumbleweed homes?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 4:57 am:
Not yet, but that would be nice.
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I praise this design, I see a closet near the bathroom which could easily become a stacked washer/dryer. With all of these houses I have the same question, how do you replace your bed if you can’t fit it through the loft? Does the roof lift off in one piece with a jack? It could be designed that way.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 1:15 am:
I use high-density foam. It rolls up.
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Juli reply on March 24th, 2009 1:11 am:
Get a Sleep Number bed, they come in pieces.
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I have a question regarding a feature of the bathrooms in the most of the stationary houses (Bodega, Loring, New Vessica, Harbinger, etc.). Is there a small sink above the toilet? The floor plans for these homes appear to show a faucet and hot and cold water valves above the toilet. Please explain. Thank you.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 9th, 2009 4:45 pm:
Yup. Sorry it’s not more clear, but you guessed it, Lester.
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Whoops! Sorry for any confusion resulting from my previous post (just above). I was asking about bathrooms shown in the new “Portfolio of Homes,” that I just received. The portfolio shows most of the stationary homes as having bath tubs (not showers) and no obvious sinks. My question was about why a faucet and handles for hot and cold water are situated above these toilet. Thanks.
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Donna F. reply on March 7th, 2009 2:39 am:
Hi Lester,
I believe I can answer your question…take a look at this link http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Toilet-Sink_Combo
This type of toilet/faucet combo arrangement saves both space AND water! That’s what we’re after, right? =-) Reducing our footprints.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 9th, 2009 4:46 pm:
Still, yup.
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Thanks, Donna F. I had never before seen or heard of such thing as a toilet/sink combo. This is quite clever. It doesn’t actually look like the images in the portfolio, but the concept appears similar. Thanks again.
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Have U ever thought of any connection, w/your housing, to berm application, as I’ve been much taken w/thoughts of this concept for some time…warmer, especially re: land I have in Maine, but have to build on & want modest?! Shannon
P.S. Wonder where Bill McKechnie lives (of l0/4/08 comment), as I’m a McKechnie too, in Massachusetts, going back to home State of Maine when can.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 12:30 pm:
I have only done minimal berm design, Shannon. It’s a great idea.
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I am in a lakes region of lower michigan and may have the opportunity to develope a large parcel of land with frontage on a pond and 40+ acre lake.
I am exploring possible ways of doing both a community for small (under 1000sf) arts and crafts style cottages/bungalows and incorporating area(s) for tiny homes also.
My researching these options led me here to this site. should any of you be seriously interested in getting involved and sharing in the designing and creating of an intentional community of this nature, i would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
This has been in my dreams since a child some 45+ years ago, and now i have an opportunity to see these old dreams find reality. I can do this, i can see this become reality for me and for others with similar dreams.
Thank you for this forum and place to share my love and appreciation for ’simplified living’, willy
email me at: slowilly@msn.com
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Alison James reply on April 11th, 2009 7:41 am:
Hi Willy, I’ve had the same dream ever since I spent the summer in Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard in 1979 and saw the campground cottages with no roads, just footpaths. I can’t imagine a more idyllic place to live. If you are looking for some ideas, this would be a good place to visit.
Those cottages of about 400 s.f. are famous and very popular because of the surroundings and quaintness of the town. So your idea for a neighborhood of cottages is the key. It would be in human scale.
Good luck with your endeavor, I’m sure it will be a great success with like minded folk. I wish I could afford one.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 16th, 2009 9:17 am:
I love Oak Bluffs. Third Street Cottages in Langly, WA is another must see.
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I too have had a dream for years to retire and move back to the country (sound familiar?) Three years ago I had an epiphany or divine insight, to change my life completely, which I did. I no longer look for a channel from employers to live. Long, short, my dream has expanded into developing a community of small houses (Katrina Cottages, Tiny Houses, est.) in a poor county that is very rural. A community that can become self-sufficient, limiting the need to depend on the government or outside sources, as much as possible. To establish a community based on the morals, honesty, integrative, as our fore-father. To grow our own food and sell the rest as natural foods, to learn how to manufacture solar, wind and water energy for ourselves the sell the program to other communities or individuals, to have our own source of income produced by the group effort of the community. To come up with a new concept of living that will separate us more from the government. To help others obtain affordable housing base on our help and concepts. To learn how to get grants and 0% loans to grow corn for bio-fuel., est. To establish a new way of life so if the government fails we will survive. And most of all…. In God we Trust and help others, not a religion but spiritual concept of a new way of living. No greed, no getting ahead at any cost, no anger, no judgment, resentment or revenge or at least work toward that concept. No one in charge, everything done by and made by the group conciseness. An independent, self-sufficient community, if works could spread across the country. The whole thing started by low cost small housing, that is very green. Am I a nut? Or just an old crippled man with a dream?
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Darrell De Loach reply on April 3rd, 2009 6:12 am:
I agree with you. I would like very much to live among a community of people that have values in common with one another. People that would work for the common good for all and not just for themselves. I tire of hearing about people that are out just for themselves, those who will lie, cheat, and steal just to get ahead at someone else expense. I would welcome the chance to live in a place where I could trade my skill and production for the skills and goods of others.
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Susan Parran reply on August 19th, 2009 9:02 am:
Hi Stephen,
I believe your talking about a way of life defined as “permaculture;” bascially, sustainable agriculture– off the grid, living harmoniously off the land and within a self-supporting community — it’s own ecosystem, really. It’s living “off the grid” of an increasingly over processed, over-stressed ecosystem. Basically, life the way your grand, or great grand-parents lived it. I belong to a permaculture group here in NH and without sounding trite; well, it’s very, very cool! If you search online I’m sure you can find information on similar groups in your area.
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Hi Jay and Steve~
I was fortunate and traveled to visit your open house in Sebastopol last month (it was my birthday present to myself) and wanted to simply say thank you for following your dream and vision~ as it is so inspiring to me! I am letting all of my ideas and creativity marinate and would love to be a part of this! All in due time! I will be keeping in touch as my ideas emerge!
Thank you
Mitzi
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Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 1:27 am:
It was great meeting you, Mitzy.
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Jay,
I’d like to take a quick second of your time to thank you. After watching the Oprah episode, I was very encouraged. Before that time, I was working in the film industry and traveled extensively throughout the states and Canada for work. No matter where I went, tent camping was my way of simple living! (even in larger cities) I’ll admit I was probably thought of as insane by co-workers and family!
I have always been attracted to simpler living it seems, and I was even more attracted to this way of life after that episode. I promptly found your earlier blueprints and actually incorporated two different sets for my own 216 ft piece of luxury. Living outside Austin, TX cuddled up to a beautiful lake in my simple, yet still pretty awesome small house is pure heaven for me. At the ripe old age of 34 I am basically retired and spend my time doing the things I LOVE and relaxing. not working endlessly for a large mortgage company or bank with monthly worries.
Thank you again for helping open other’s eyes to this QUALITY way of spending one’s life.
p.s. if ever in Austin, drop by for two of your designs smashed into one and ofcourse, some incredible live music by the lake.
JImmy
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Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 1:43 am:
It’s always good to hear a success story around small houses, Jimmy. Thanks for sharing. Post pictures.
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Alison James reply on April 11th, 2009 7:48 am:
oooh, I play the fiddle, can I visit too? (With my tent).
Cheers, Alison
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Why are there no pictures of the interiors of the “Tiny” homes? Please please please add some more photos! I am so interested but I’d like to see what the interior spaces look like. Its hard to imagine it by just looking at a schematic.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 16th, 2009 10:29 am:
Well post ‘em when we get ‘em.
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say, isn’t this the same picture as the B-53?
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Jay Shafer reply on April 29th, 2009 10:02 am:
No, but they sure are similar. The Loring’s just 2′ narrower.
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[...] love to visit all the Tiny Homes websites to imagine what we could fit into. Personally? I like The Loring. And of course, whenever I get lost on Jay Shaffers website (or video tours), I can’t [...]
Do you have interior pictures of the Loring and other “tiny” houses? Or pictures from people who have purchased the plans and built the homes?
Our current place is under 500 square feet. We never thought it would work for long with 2 adults and a cat. It works and keeps us from acquiring too many things. Plus a house that I can clean without wasting an afternoon? priceless
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Jay Shafer reply on May 16th, 2009 12:17 pm:
Sorry, Kim. No pix yet.
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These tiny home designs are wonderful, thoroughly enjoying your website.
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This size of tiny house-Loring- is the smallest one–I think, in which a small washing machine makes sense. What about this amazing hand powered one? Uses less water! A cupboard could be designed to hold it! Anybody tried one?
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/portable-washing-machine.html
Barb from Van island
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Does your company do custom design (such as making a house design that would be wheelchair accessible)? Or would one have to hire a 3rd party architect to modify your existing plans?
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 7:00 am:
I’m overwhelmed right now. It’d be quicker to hire a third party.
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I recently spent time in a RV trailer about 72sqft with my wife and dog. It was comfortable. I could see the attraction of these especially in these harder economic times. These look perfect for what I had in mind.
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Hi Jay-
You Rock, and I’ll bet that you can help me with this question.
I LOVE these houses and would really like to plan to live in one at some point in the not so distant future.
That being said, I get really claustrophobic in confined sleeping spaces..(oddly, not in tiny living spaces, as that is what I am accustomed to)
is there a way to ‘open up” the loft area or to make it lower to the ground without sacrificing floor space?
blythe
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Jay Shafer reply on July 17th, 2009 10:53 am:
Yes, Blythe. Skylights would open things up nicely as would more windows on the existing gables. You could also make the house taller and put that extra space upstairs.
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blythe reply on July 17th, 2009 1:42 pm:
thanks!!!!
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I live in Florida. How well do you think this little house would weather a storm? I don’t mean one of those city-leveling hurricanes, but a good ole cozy making thunderstorm?
Sturdier than a trailer?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:39 am:
Sturdier, indeed. But don’t forget to tie your house to the ground lest wthe whole thing might fly off to the Gulf or Cuba.
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Nevo M is right, the Loring picture IS the same as the B-53 picture, it’s just been photoshopped with some additional foliage ( about half of the leaves are identical and bits of the pumpkin can still be seen), the house next door has been removed, and, of course, the photo has been flipped.
Do you have any photos of Lorings that have actually been built?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:34 am:
Not yet. All of the images of bigger houses are composites, and all of the small ones on wheels are of actual houses we’ve built.
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I am smitten with these houses and trying to decide on the best plan for my partner and I… did I read somewhere on this site that you were modifying the Loring so it could be put on wheels? Are the modified floor plans available to view? Thanks so much !
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 12:38 pm:
They are, but I haven’t posted them yet ’cause I don’t have any images to accompany them yet. It is 12′x20′ instead of 14′x20′, but it still feels spacious and meets IBC minimum size standards. The bathroom opens into the living room instead of the kitchen, but the design is pretty much the same in every other way. I’ll try to post them soon, but if you are interested before then, just send $995.
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Libby reply on September 10th, 2009 6:05 pm:
Thank you for your response! I am very interested in these plans….just have a couple of questions…Would the change in width affect the height of the loft? Also, if the Loring can now be built on wheels is this a model that you will build and then sell like the other tiny house designs?
I appreciate everything you are doing, Jay!
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Jay Shafer reply on September 22nd, 2009 9:13 am:
I can’t remember, but I do know that I did keep it tall enough up there for anyone to walk around comfortably.
I think we’ll build and sell these eventually, but it may take a while to make it happen.
I’m the Historic Preservation Officer for a small, historic coastal community in Florida. Thank you for your excellent design work in creating beautiful small houses appropriate for historic neighborhoods.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 12:42 pm:
Thanks!
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What would be the most efficient heat source for a house this size if I was interesting in building it off-grid? Would one of those dickinson marine propane heaters cut it?
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Tim reply on August 30th, 2009 10:12 pm:
Sam, from my previous readings, I knew to Google Boat Heater Propane
http://www.boatownersworld.com/heaters.htm
Dickinson Newport Propane Fireplace P9000 , they claim 30/32ft boats, possibly 100sq ft in the cabin. From what I have read, this little heater will “run you out” if you keep it on high.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 12:50 pm:
I suggest the Dickinson that’s listed in the materials list.
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I love the idea of small and efficient houses, but I have an issue with the toilet opening up into the kitchen. I wouldn’t want to be using the kitchen for cooking or eating when someone has to go.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:58 pm:
In my newest version the bath opens to the living room instead. I’ll release them soon.
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Just because these houses are smaller does NOT mean they are more efficient… If you take into account the energy used to build one, you can be just as conscientious and ’simple’ living in an older home that might otherwise sit empty, or be destroyed (using energy)
It’s a misconception that we can buy ’stuff’ to make us more environmentally friendly. For instance, the efficiency of a Prius is completely wasted in it’s production versus keeping an older, less fuel efficient car on the road… Not to mention that if you are like the average person and keep a vehicle for five years you will spend $5,000 MORE on this fuel efficient model all told.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 12:03 pm:
Great point. The best thing we can do is use pre-existing small houses and insulate them well. That said, if you are building a new house, the greenest thing you can do (all else being equal) is build it small.
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I have many questions: Bathroom sink? is there a dormer in the back? when you say $100-$200 per sq. ft. is that the 251 or more than 400? Is the heater the same as in the realy small homes? how thick are the walls? which way does the ladder face?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 7:52 pm:
1) It’s on the back of the toilet.
2) Yes.
3) It’s closer to $100 for the larger and $200 for the smaller.
4) No. It’s bigger.
5) 6″.
6) To the kitchen.
Love the brevity. Thanks.
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These are adorable. Could they be altered so the entrance to the bathroom is not off the kitchen?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 8:15 pm:
I’ve already done it, and it works great.
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