Lusby
117 square feet  Ready made: $49,997 Build it yourself: $21,250 | slideshow |
| House width: | 8′ | Porch: | 7 ½’ x 3′ |
| House length: | 19′ | Main Room: | 6 ½’ x 6 ½’ |
Trailer Size:  | 7′ x 18′ | Kitchen: | In main room |
| Road Height: | 13′ 5″ | Bathroom: | 3′ x 6′ |
| Dry Weight: | 5400 lbs | Ceiling height: | 6′ 3″ |
| all measurements are approximate | Loft height: | 3′ 8″ | |
The Lusby
The Lusby is popular for its downstairs bedroom with extra loft sleeping above. The kitchen/main room has vaulted ceilings which make this tiny house feel much larger than it really is. The outside can be finished with board and baton siding, cedar plank (shown above) or corrugated aluminum (see Tarleton). The roof is covered with corrugated aluminum – and yes, you can hear the rain. The interior is completely finished in pine with stainless steel counters. The bathroom has a full shower, toilet and sink.
Living Room
The “living room” is shared with the kitchen, and is warmed by the stainless steel fireplace. The open ceiling above makes the space feel very roomy. The entry to the living room is flanked by two full size closets perfect for storing clothes.
Kitchen
The custom built kitchenette runs the length of the living room and features a sink, 2 burner stove top, and refrigerator. Below the sink, there is a small water heater.
Can I add a dishwasher or laundry to the kitchen?
The kitchen is too small to add any more appliances.
Bedroom
The main downstairs bedroom is a little less than 4′ wide. It is great for sleeping one person, but a tight fit for two people. The loft can also be used for sleeping and comfortably fits a queen sized mattress. Because the loft is open, a conventional mattress can be easily put inside. At its peak, the loft height is 3′-8″.
Bathroom
The Lusby is our only house on wheels that features a full bathroom with shower, toilet and hand sink. The small water heater allows one to take a warm 5 minute shower. The toilet is a low flush RV toilet designed to conserve water. You can easily substitute a composting toilet.
Efficient and Warm
The Lusby features a stainless steel fireplace which keeps this house warm in temperatures -35 F. Because of its small size, its 16R insulation is sufficient to keep this house warm in the harshest of climates of the continental US and Southern Canada. Heading north of Southern Canada? You can easily install a larger heater, or second heater. All four walls, the floor and the roof are insulated using polystyrene foam board which can withstand the rigors of road travel.
Can I add air conditioning?
Yes, a small ceiling a/c unit can be added to keep the house cool in any climate within the US.
Trailer
This house is built on an 7′ x 18′ utility trailer. See spec sheet.
To learn more about utility trailers, read this…
Here is a list of stores that sell the trailer needed to build the Lusby.
Do I have to build it on a trailer?
Because of its tiny size, it doesn’t meet the minimum size standards required for houses on a foundation. That said, it can be built as a shed (without a kitchen) on a foundation.
Learn more: Connecting to utilities, Purchasing a house, Building a house
 | Building Plans: $859 I have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions Includes 1 set of plans printed on 11×17 paper |
| Add 2 additional copies of the plans: $10 |
| Add 4 additional copies of the plans: $15 |
| Add 1 hour of consultation with Jay Shafer: $49 (save $50) |
| Add 3 hours of consultation with Jay Shafer: $99 (save $200) |
| Add 2 tickets for the tiny house workshop: $99 (Save $475) | |
Comments
524 Responses to “Lusby”
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Two quick questions: does the Lusby have the tiny fireplace featured in many of the other homes? Also, the plans seem to indicate that the bathroom wall is flush with the downstairs bedroom but the photos show a short hallway leading to the bathroom. Is there a hallway? Thanks!
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 1st, 2008 5:10 pm:
The Lusby comes with a forced air heater. The little fireplace can be put in the Lusby if you choose. There is no hallway to the bathroom.
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Todd reply on July 21st, 2008 2:35 pm:
what is the differences between the little fireplaces and a forced air heater?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 22nd, 2008 12:44 am:
The forced air heater can fit underneath the bed. However, you can choose whichever heater you prefer.
teri reply on December 20th, 2008 8:45 pm:
I notice that none of the moving houses have ovens. Why? Don’t you bake?
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Andrew J reply on December 21st, 2008 3:37 am:
I think Jay said he would be including a small oven from now on.
Which brings up an interesting question I have…my wife and I have a cake business, and we want to build a Lusby/Tarelton as a mobile bakery. It would need to have a full-size oven and refrigerator, and three sinks, as health safety rules would go. I wonder how feasible this is.
Jay Shafer reply on December 21st, 2008 6:15 pm:
I see no problem. It will fit all of that and more.
Jay Shafer reply on December 21st, 2008 6:42 pm:
We’ve started including this one in the tiny houses we build.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0055417518463a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=oven&Ntk=Products&sort=all&Go.y=0&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=0&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1
Stephanie reply on January 11th, 2009 2:01 am:
Or better yet, save more space with an Apollo half-time (half the space too!) convection oven/microwave for around $200, depending on where you shop. It bakes meatloaf, brownies, anything you bake in a regular oven, except in half the time. I found out about it while searching through RVs for useful appliances. I also saw a commercial for this: http://www.lgwasherdryer.com/ which uses a standard plug, can hook up to your kitchen sink (with an attachment sold by someone else), and doesn’t need a vent. I think it would fit well into a house like Lusby. Perhaps you could offer the appliances that need to be designed into the house (like the washer/dryer) as options.
Jay Shafer reply on January 13th, 2009 6:35 pm:
Thanks for the great links, Stephanie. The washer/dryer you site is already standard in the Enesti and B-53.
Joaquin Trevino reply on June 6th, 2009 11:03 am:
I thought the same thing. Why no ovens? and alot of these also lack washer/dryer unit(s). It would be a definite plus to have a washer/dryer combo unit. Is it possible to make these additions?
Jay Shafer reply on June 7th, 2009 5:52 am:
I recommend either the small propane range from Cabella’s for the tiny mobile units or a dutch oven that sets on the stove (that’s what I use). The stationary houses all have ovens and W/Ds under the counters.
Cathleen Witt reply on May 18th, 2010 2:54 pm:
I am not a baker, but I do broil meat and bake a few small things. I have found a toaster oven by Hamilton Beach that has a narrow profile and fits quite well on my counter top. It works well for all my needs and priced around $30-$40, so it’s not a huge investment.
delbruegge reply on August 28th, 2009 8:03 am:
i think what you are seeing as a hallway is actually the bathroom. the bathroom door appears to be wide open and you are looking through the bathroom to the wall of the shower. the toilet and sink are not visable…they are on the right, hidden by the wall that you can see behind the ladder that goes up to the loft.
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Roberta R. Boyd reply on January 14th, 2010 3:14 am:
Which changes if any would incur additional charges in your building?
Feasibility of moving sink to enabling placement
of washer/dryer in shelving unit @ entry? Next would be
placement of oven/stove discussed.
Possibility shelves be lowered for 5′2″ 65 yr senior? Windows located above shelves. Wall mount drop table ?
Feasible to obtain/install some type fiberglass round soaking
tub with surround/or curtain allowing option to shower or soak?
Recommend location to wall mount flat screen TV.
Which changes if any would incur additional charges?
On site there was mention of a “tub” please provide info.
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killera reply on January 15th, 2010 11:57 am:
I have a solar panel on my house and i build it with this great method just try it http://www.squidoo.com/dontbuysolarpanels
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It almost looks like the storage loft above the closets in the Lusby and Tarleton is large enough for a twin bed (39″ by 75″ or 80″ for a twin extra long). Would this loft area work for extra sleeping space?
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Daniel reply on June 20th, 2008 4:44 pm:
I think it could be a bed, and perhaps the lower part can be either a closet like you mentioned or even some time of office space too.
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Valerie reply on June 22nd, 2008 9:08 pm:
I did a mock-up of the loft space in my living room so I could see what a 3′ 8″ ceiling height felt like. I’m 5′ 7″ and found that, though a mattress would fit in the space you’re suggesting, if I stretched out on the bed my feet would hit the ceiling where it slopes to meet the wall. It could work for a child, though.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 24th, 2008 11:00 am:
Try lying the other direction. Your body should be parrallel to the ridge beam.
Valerie reply on June 24th, 2008 11:29 am:
Exactly. Which is why the storage loft in the Lusby, though technically big enough for a bed, isn’t big enough for an adult to lie in the bed…
Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 25th, 2008 6:21 am:
Yes, the storage loft is not large enough for an adult. However, if you wanted to extend the loft over the porch, you can do that. You can see an example here. Doing that would make the loft longer. In fact, you’re probably the third person I’ve discussed this with in the past couple months. After Jay’s tour, I’ll talk to him about creating a supplemental Lusby design with two sleeping lofts.
gerrie r. reply on July 27th, 2008 3:47 am:
Hi Valerie, I know what you mean. Here is what I posted on the TARLETON page.
The DOUBLE LOFT idea:
Don’t build inward and lose floor space and ceiling height! Build outward and increase the front porch space.
If you added an additional 12” to 18”, extending the depth of the front porch, you could have an extra, full, sleeping loft (or for storage) and have a usable porch that would accommodate two chairs or rockers, comfortably, and extend the outdoor living space, which, to me, is as important as the inside! The porches on some models are very narrow and I am a porch lover! Extra support would have to be added to the porch to support the new loft but it probably wouldn’t add to much weight, I don’t think.
This idea is for the TARLETON and the LUSBY models.
Another idea:
The LADDER! If you look at the photos of both of the models, that ladder takes up a lot of floor space (I am estimating close to 3’)! Especially, if you have two sleeping lofts with two ladders or WORSE sharing one ladder at night, this could be hard, OR WAR!
Suggestions: Both models have an interior wall (similar in both designs, the TARLETON has a large wall separating the kitchen/bath from the main room and the LUSBY has a tiny, interior wall separating the lower bed and bath from the main room).
These walls could be used to support a permanent, fixed ladder (like the kind that some office buildings attach to the wall for access to the roof) to get to the original lofts. If supported properly and given adequate, larger rungs, one could do away with ladders altogether and gain more permanent floor space. The bookshelf area, on both models, could be strengthened to support a similar ladder to the new, second, “guest loft” side.
These Permanent ladders, that I suggest, take more arm strength and coordination to climb so a portable ladder could always be on hand if needed.
Gerrie
Comments?
I can’t get these tiny houses out of my mind
I love the style of the WeeBee (the bump-out windows), but the Lusby has the interior space (1st floor room) that I need (and the open ceiling that I really like)
I looked across the website, and I might have missed it, but will it be possible to make changes? For me, a Lusby house with a WeeBee front would be incredible. Alas, I am not an architect.
Thanks! I love the site, and the houses! (I have a tumbleweed image as the desktop on my work computer. I swear it helps reduce my stress just LOOKING at a Tumbleweed house. I can’t wait to get started on one)
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Tracy reply on June 23rd, 2008 1:10 am:
I have been thinking the same thing, Nate!
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 24th, 2008 11:08 am:
We are working on the design you have suggested, and it will be available in about 1 month.
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Lisa reply on June 24th, 2008 10:34 pm:
I am so excited to read this. I have been thinking the same thing since I first discovered your homes.. I can not wait to see the plans. If it includes shelving space and a closet it is exactly the plan I want. I will be keeping an eye out for it.
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Michelle Rhodes reply on September 30th, 2009 11:53 am:
I also love the screen door on the Tarleton! Can this be custom ordered on any model?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:42 pm:
It is an option.
Jason reply on August 23rd, 2008 1:57 pm:
YES! I have been thinking the same thing. In fact, I got online to order the weebee plans the other day, but decided to take another look at the Lusby, where I saw these comments. I’m now waiting for the new design before I decide which plans to go with! So, ya know, the sooner the better!!!!
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Jack reply on September 10th, 2008 5:23 pm:
Has the design for Lusby with Weebee front been completed? I would like to scope it out.
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on September 11th, 2008 4:30 pm:
The plans are done, and we’ll be adding it to the site ASAP. The tank will fit in the Lusby closet.
Scott Hines reply on October 31st, 2008 12:05 am:
You mentioned the lusby plans with the wesby front are done but I don’t see them on the website yet. When will they be posted and what is the new model name? Thanks
Michelle Rhodes reply on September 30th, 2009 10:27 am:
I have been obesessed with your houses over the past few days! My mind has been processing plans, concepts, lifestyle and personal practicality. I am a divorced mother of 4, however my older 3 are on their own leaving me with just a preschooler ( who would LOVE to have a “fort” as a bedroom). In the interest of my own economic stability as well as the nation’s, I started researching rvs a few months ago. Renting provides a lack of stability, and owning is too big of a financial commitment. Your houses have that cozy, warm, solid feel of a home, unlike the plastic temporary feel of even the finest rvs. I am an artist, so these things.
Okay- specifics of what I have descovered as our needs (taking into account the previous discussions of combining designs):
1) I would love to extend the 2nd loft over the porch (only needs a twin bed ), and enclose both lofts (adding storage and privacy) as with other models.
2) love the idea of bumping out one part of the porch to accomodate an “office nook” for computer, with built-in shelves keeping the door and kitchen the same.
3) how about pocket doors for the bedroom (studio space for me) and the bathroom?
4) I would totally opt for one of the tubs discussed!
5)love the drop down table I saw in other pics
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Michelle Rhodes reply on September 30th, 2009 10:33 am:
eeek…technical probs. to finish a sentence: “these things are important to me”.
I also considered a drop down “bench” to compensate for a smaller porch.
The flexibility of combining your brilliant plans is very appealing, as is the concept. I am a minimulist already, and these houses add a dimention of freedom that is very appealing.
Thank you~
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Michelle Rhodes reply on September 30th, 2009 11:56 am:
Sorry for all the type-os and misspelled words…I was distracted by a little guy climbing on me~
Kae reply on March 1st, 2010 1:32 pm:
I am with Nate! I can’t get these tiny houses out of my mind…
I keep mulling over plans that I could do the interior for myself because I understand that a small business can’t accommodate the individual needs of so many people.
I am thinking of some combination of a Lusby (for the full bath and the combo kitchen/great room), a Bienci (for the loft that extends over the porch and open floor plan), and a New Popomo (for the big windows which could be sliding doors to a deck). Because I have a little girl, I have also been trying to design a two bath option and include a tub, a stackable washer and dryer, and a dishwasher.
Miele has a product line of ’slimline’ appliances such as this dishwasher:
http://miele.com/usa/dishwashers/product.asp?cat=2&model=499&series=120&nav=20&snav=70&tnav=73&oT=125
In my home in Berlin I have all Miele appliances and I swear by them!
And Bosch has slimmer washing machines that are stackable.
http://www.bosch-home.com/us/products/laundry/washers/compact/WAS24460UC.html?source=browse
Then there is also this really cool portable/compact shower thing:
http://www.bodyshower.com/uk/uk_bodyshower.html
(I love Danish design)
Hope these ideas are interesting for others!
)
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I love these houses i want to own one so i can have a smaller impact on the envioroment.
But can these come with composting toilets.
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Nate reply on July 1st, 2008 1:05 am:
Evan, yeah, they can. The FAQ page has this info, and other questions answered, here’s the link:
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/faq/whats-inside/
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 3:42 pm:
Absolutly. We can make them with a composting toilet, conventional RV toilet or insinerating toilet. (Although the insinerating toilet doesn’t smell too good).
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David Lutz reply on July 21st, 2008 10:54 pm:
I just completed the Humanure Handbook by Joe Jenkins and it is quite easy to simply create a 5 gallon bucket toilet that you empty after a number of uses into a compost pile. There is no smell as you cover each elimination with a number of handfuls of sawdust. I wouldn’t have guessed this is possible without many flies or smell but it works as I’ve used such a compost setup at Solarfest in Tinmouth, VT and was thoroughly impressed. Cheap and provides an excellent resource for your garden!
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Jessica Bauer reply on September 23rd, 2008 6:16 pm:
You’re absolutely right! Solarfest in Tinmouth had these toilets and they worked wonderfully for all 5 days that I stayed there to volunteer! They didn’t smell at all and there were so many people using them!
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I thought the same thing reguarding the WeeBee’s design and the Lusby’s space, if a new design comes out combining the two, please let me know, I plan on building one very soon!
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 3:46 pm:
The new design will be available relatively soon.
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As a lanscape artist I see your faboulous homes as a base of operations away from the hystle and bustle. However,
shipping from California is costly. Any companies that you can recommend that might build theses homes on this side of the Mississippi? Did you ever consider starting another base of operations in the scenic Shenandoah Valley?
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I am from Ontario and also would love to have one of these tiny homes. I too am looking for someone closer to home. If anyone knows of anyone.
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Have you ever considered making an off the grid version of the lusby?
You could easily place a small rainwater catch tank and small filter in just part of the upper spare loft of the lusby. Additionally you could even fit all of the systems you needed to have an all solar electric home (inverters, batteries, and charge controllers) in that space above as well. Maybe placing the batteries and charge controller in that spare loft above the closets if needed.
Using the simple propane air and water heating systems already in place and throwing in energy efficient lighting and refrigerator
Then there you have it..
an off the grid home.
And even if you get creative enough and still want that loft, you could build small boxes at the bottom of each closet and place the rainwater catch in one and the solar equipment in the other. Thus freeing up the above loft for further use.
And even further if you wanted a more water storage for longer more permeant use, you could completely substitute one of the closets for a tall rainwater storage tank.
Either way this could provide both free water for additional or sole usage.
just an idea.
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Jack reply on September 10th, 2008 6:29 pm:
I am considering a Lusby-Weebee combo with solar panels, simple composting toilet, and a water catch. I have listed a link to a rainwater storage tank that I think may fit inside one of the Lusby closets? Does anyone have the dimensions or know if this would fit? 75 gallon storage capacity: foot print 20″ x 24″ x 42″. Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on September 11th, 2008 4:26 pm:
I’m sorry, Ada, but I think that Lusby already sold. We need to remove the posting.
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Mary reply on January 20th, 2009 12:44 am:
Regarding the idea of putting your off-grid electrical system in the loft of a tiny house…
I have lived off-grid for eight years, solar/wind combo. You need to be realistic and think it through. Inverters buzz and hum, are distracting in your immediate living space. Some people would be concerned with EM vibes. Batteries are very very heavy to lug around, also need good venting, messy maintenance, and periodic replacement. Personally I would not want to live with all this over my head. I’ve seen mention of wind power here too. To be cost effective, wind generators need a very windy location, which is not best place to park a tiny house perched on wheels (unless you have a serious tie-down system). Wind generators are also surprisingly loud in a big storm — gave me middle-of-the-night dreams of an oncoming locomotive. I sold mine.
Myself, I’m working on a little house on wheels plus an even smaller separate, matching, utility/storage shed on wheels, parked to the side. I consulted with Jay awhile back. Now building. Whew!
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Jay Shafer reply on January 21st, 2009 12:47 am:
How exciting, Mary!
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john reply on July 9th, 2010 2:15 pm:
a Lusby with solar panels would be great. since there’s a bedroom on the first floor the top part (or the spare loft) could have space for the solar inverter. Is it possible to offer a solar version that powers all an electric heater and ALL the other appliances (heating water too)?. I would really like to have a rainwater harvesting system in place too, and might even be able to fit the water barrels inside the 1st floor bedroom (along w/ storage, such as a couple bikes, one electric) and instead sleep in the loft.
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john reply on July 9th, 2010 2:30 pm:
I would also be interested in adding an efficient clothes washer/dryer-in-one that could be run inside the bedroom (if solar can run from the battery or power directly the washer dryer for a couple hours, what washer/dryers available could use less than the solar capacity?. Does the bedroom have any outlets (for a harvester and washer, and also for an electric stovetop)? Water could be tubed from the harvester stored there to the washer and another one right into the kitchen sink right next door.
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Oh also mounting the solar panels to one side of the roof would do it.. maybe 3? of them would fit all of your electric needs and it being a moveable home, you can orientate the solar side of the roof to south to optimize performance..
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Any setups with solar panels?
Seems all that roof space could be used.
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Nina reply on June 23rd, 2010 3:47 pm:
I can understand the idea of putting solarpanels on the roof, but then you always have to park in the sun. By having a seperate solar panel/ battery shed, you can place the panels in the sun and keep the house in the shade. You also don’t have to worry about the batteries humming in the house by having them in the shed. I would think it would be possible to build a portable unit that could be wheeled into the house for moving purposes. This blog has an easy to follow plan to build your own. http://www.ehow.com/how_4435110_build-portable-solar-panel-system.html
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Chris, I was just thinking that same thing as I was looking over this fantastic site. If you could work in a solar power supply (I hadn’t even thought about the rain water catch. Brilliant)… off the grid!
Oh, I think I might have to find a nice 5 acres some place and plant one of these right in the middle and call it heaven on earth
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Jacquelyn F. reply on December 20th, 2008 9:32 pm:
I found a great website about solar panels. Build your own 60 watts solar panel from scratch. http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_60_Watt_Solar_Panel/
I am also very very interested in these tiny houses and can’t wait to start work on building my own. Then I will be living off the grid as much as possible, compost toilet, wash/dryer combo (if needed), solar power, rain catch, etc. So great to know there are so many like-minded people out there too.
Thanks to the Tumbleweed Tiny Houses. Great IDEA!!
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I’ve been turning the Tarleton design over & over in my mind today and I just can’t quite make it work the way I want it to. Perhaps the Lusby would be a better option, if I could put the toilet against the exterior wall (I’m planning to use a composting toilet anyway), use a non-swinging bathroom door, and eliminate the bathroom sink (the kitchen sink is enough sinks for one tiny house, I think!). Would doing all of that give me just enough room to stuff a King size mattress into the bedroom?
From reading the dimensions, it sounds like there’s a maximum of 60″ available for the bedroom, but the drawing shows what looks like a little room for a night stand on one side of the bed. Might that give me the 16″ I need for a 76″ wide mattress?
Would I have to shove the kitchen down into the closet space (and move the closet into the bedroom) in order to leave enough room for the shower and the intermediate wall?
What are the shower dimensions? What are the options for handling shower flows if we’re not hooked up to public sewers?
Also, I looked on the What’s Inside page and a few others, but I don’t see anything on tiny fireplaces. Where can I get more info on them? Can I substitute a tiny woodstove for the stove? Wood is a lot more accessible than propane in the places where I’m planning to go, though a small propane-powered hot water system will probably be necessary to use the shower.
Thanks!
~ Crystal
P.S. Chris, I was thinking the exact same thing — rainwater catchment and solar electrics in the loft space!
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PJ reply on November 9th, 2008 11:43 pm:
I have found two sites with great small stoves that would be perfect for tiny houses. http://www.marinestove.com, woodstoves and Dickenson marine these are the propane stoves you see on the tumbleweed site. Good luck, PJ
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paul reply on January 25th, 2009 7:04 am:
I took a look at these little wood stoves and think they are really cute. What’s not cute is the price. How about a $150 Vozelgang tiny, cast iron wood stove instead? But it brings up the point of wall clearances with woodstoves. Is there really enough space to provide wall clearance with a woodstove in these tiny houses?
Also, with the tiny marine woodstoves…is it practical to have to insert such small logs? Also, how carefully can you regulate heat output with a woodstove so you dont over heat such a small house?
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Jim Garner reply on January 25th, 2009 9:02 pm:
Just thought that I’d mention that there are lots of small airtight wood stoves made to use in ice fishing shacks that are reasonably priced.
Jay Shafer reply on January 26th, 2009 12:09 am:
All good points and all reasons I go with propane instead.
I wonder…how much would it cost to make an off the grid little house. Since i think solar panals are expencive. And if there is someone who would build it since i think this kind of modification might be to much to ask the tubbleweed company to build for me.
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Linda reply on July 21st, 2008 3:40 pm:
I am sure they are charging you for the plans alone. To build it would be more expensive. Unless I missed the “Cost of building” link or something. I would like to see more pictures of these houses, inside and out. They are very cool.
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Jacquelyn F. reply on December 20th, 2008 9:38 pm:
Linda,
This might help answer your questions about solar panels. Not sure if you want to make your own, but its cheap.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_60_Watt_Solar_Panel/
Hope this helps.
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Hey there, I love your site – who did it if I may ask? -I’m a web developer over at redtiedesigns.com and I was thinking about adding on another excellent wordpress developer to our team.
Thanks,
Ben
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 3:13 am:
I draw ideas up with colored pencils and Steve critiques them and turns them into something digital. But you can’t have him.
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I am in need of a reality check. I’m a mother of 3 boys, and am considering building one of the smaller Tumbleweed homes. I recently ordered the portfolio, and definitely plan to build a Tumbleweed home, but which one will mostly be up to the bank and what exactly they are willing to finance. The more I think about the idea of minimizing, the more I like the idea of the homes less than 150 square feet. I think that having less indoor space will motivate my t.v. and video game loving boys to migrate outdoors during the nice weather (not to mention their bookworm mother). With that being said, I am also somewhat of an extremist and often get carried away. What in your opinion(s) would be the minimum size home for a mother and three boys?
Oh…we are small people also. I’m an even 5 feet, and my sons’ projected heights aren’t more than 5′8-5′10 fully grown. However, I realize that doesn’t matter in the area of rowdiness and horseplay.
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Nicole Marie reply on August 1st, 2008 5:44 pm:
Hi Brandi,
I think you’ve got a great idea but let me share a family story with you. My great aunt raised 5 kids in a 700 sq ft student housing unit in the early 60’s, while my great uncle was in graduate school. In the summer she had an additional 5 kids when my mother and her siblings showed up. That’s right 12 people in a 700 sq ft space! My mother says no one liked it and that her cousins always felt crowded even when the other kids were not around. One of those people grew up and went into design and construction and has a great rule of thumb for designing with families. “A person needs 100-120 sq ft to feel comfortable.” I think the goal of living in a Tarleton is great, but since you’ve got your boys for the sake of familial bliss go with the Loring or Bodega or similar with the extra room. You get your space, the boys get the loft, everyone is happy. You can always move into a Tarleton once they are grown and out of the house. Good luck in what ever you choose!
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Brandi S reply on August 2nd, 2008 11:42 pm:
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I certainly don’t want to make their childhoods miserable by having them always feel cramped. After some reasoning, I agree that one of the larger Tumbleweed homes is also a good idea and would be a better fit.
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Ben Brown reply on August 31st, 2008 5:31 am:
Marie/Brandi,
I know of three interesting housing examples where the family had separate living structures dividing parents, family or functioning. One friend had his own tiny home behind the “main” house where the kids and wife normally resided (until the teens left, then he moved back in) . In another the kids had their separate quarters, in the next building the parlor/kitchen/dining area/bathroom and the parents their own building – these were all connected by very short walkways (the teens walk way was longer 16′). The last example a married couple kept two separate homes on two farms 6 miles apart with their joint children migrating between the two households. Their homes were under 1600 sq ft.
I’ve actually thought if I could convince a partner to have 2-3 tiny “homes” rather than a larger single space to allow me solitude I need to write/practice/study.
Hoole reply on September 12th, 2009 11:37 am:
The Camp Chef outdoor stove/oven combo is available from target/Amazon for forty less. google and shop around. I found that then found this site. love the little homes section, of course small RV stove/rangetop would work. the Camp Chef looks to be 2/3th the size and about the same price range. but RV ovens are not portable. Also look at Engel 45qt for a camper sized deep freeze it really works as good as they say. I would not buy one earlier since I did see how it could only pull 2.5 amps. But I have one for my RV and it does freeze 11% wine solid at 100 deg. outside temp.
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WOW. Keep us posted.
People have raised large famiies in small houses or apartments for generations. And you’d think with the miniturization of appliances, electronics, etc, it would be easier than ever..
But can 3 modern boys overcome the consumerism and privacy demands that are the norm for today? Personally I think your reality doesn’t need as much checking than the standard suburban reality which seems to have gone the way of Disney World and Reality TV. But not sure what 3 young boys would think. It certianly would equip them with some tremendous life lessons and values..
How small? Maybe go rent a small rustic vacation cabin for a few weeks and see how that goes and start from there.
Guess you could also build small modules like a little compound – gets you the feeling of more space and privacy without much more cost or upkeep…
Very ballsy of you to even consider it. Congrats on the thought and good luck. Maybe you will get your own reality show on green tv!
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Brandi S reply on August 2nd, 2008 11:39 pm:
Thank you for your input! We are currently in an 1800 square foot home we have put up for sale. While we are waiting for the house to sell, I’ve been experimenting to see how much space we really need. I’ve put all 3 boys in one very small room, and at bedtime, they seem to feel more secure knowing they are all in the same room.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 2:36 am:
Chris Alexander highly recomends “dorm” sleeping in his “Patern Language” book.
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kootenaymom reply on March 5th, 2009 3:23 am:
I’ve been interested in the small house story for awhile, but have has an awful time convincing my husband to even try it (although we have vacationed in a 500 sq ft condo and were quite comfortable there). I suggest you read Little House on a Small Planet there are several examples of families living in small homes in there (although none in the under 150 sq ft) snd I think there is even a section where they talked to older kids who grew up in a small space.
I also have three kids, and my husbands objection to a small space is that they need more space to play (they don’t play video games, but for tv, they just need a place to sit down).
What we seem to have finally agreed on is looking at a tiny house for weekends and vacations to camp out on the land we’re buying until we can move there full time. I guess we’ll see how that goes and maybe my husband will be more ok with 800 sq ft when we’ve managed in 130 at least part time.
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Could a pop out window/daybed be achieved on the Lusby? I would sacrifice the porch in order to have more inside seating and light.
p.s. Thanks for inspiring so many…I show people pictures and it always amazes me what an excited and happy reaction they receive.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 3:07 am:
I just recently combined the Weebee with the Tarleton and came up with something we’re calling the Fencl. It’s in the new portfolio. The same could be done with the Lusby.
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paul reply on January 25th, 2009 7:18 am:
When is the Fenci coming out on the internet? I have been taking interest in the Tarleton. But one point I wanted to ask was why these houses were designed with a front porch as a standard feature? It seems that, although the porch is pretty, it really doesnt seem practical. I’d rather have the extra interior living space, and skip the porch. Step right out the door, off the back of the trailer onto outside stairs? But I like the design of the Weebee porch-its design is more a quick shelter from the rain, to unlock the front door-more practical!
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Jay Shafer reply on January 26th, 2009 12:08 am:
All of the porches are meant primarily as shelter from the elements. I discovered the value of a transitional area from in to outdoors while living without it for a while.
Has anyone built a tiny house in Hawai’i? If so, what modifications — if any — were necessary? I love the idea of an off-the-grid house, especially for living there (on Hawai’i Island, in particular — and I ADORE the idea of turning one of the closets into a catchment space!).
I was also wondering about modifications to the Lusby, adding more porch space, and maybe even larger windows. My daydream about modifying for Hawai’i includes some kind of added eaves (maybe fold-down?) to keep out rain and provide more shade; perhaps the underside could be screened and become an additional porch or veranda space.
Any thoughts? ideas? suggestions? Mahalo!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 3:04 am:
I did actually customize one of the tiny rolling ones for HI by adding a wrap-around porch once.
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Hoole reply on September 12th, 2009 11:53 am:
got pictures of the wrap-around porch? Texas like HI really need those for sun/rain protection. I’ve drew up a three sided version in-ground, for my RV to back-into but I still can’t correctly manoeuvre backing it up, so that’s on hold. The guy with boys, make two and give them their own. get a outdoor hot tub. No stove or anything that flames-up, including those flaming X-boxs in their version.
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Steve,
I received the portfolio and love it! I really love the Whidbey (the bump out windows are just so incredibly cute on all the houses that have them). I do have a question about the math on the Whidbey. I can’t figure out how the total square feet equals 444 without the extra room, porch, and loft included. When I try to figure the square feet based on the footprint, I get 348 minus the porch. When I add each room, I get a different number. I’m not trying to knitpick, but I am not a math-minded person at all, and I do need a good idea of how big this house is because I am seriously considering it or the B-53 in the (hopefully) near future. I know the B-53 is a sure thing in being big enough, but I like the Whidbey’s style so much that I’d rather have it than the B-53 if possible.
Thanks!
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So I’m convinced that this is the way to go for me…every way i see it. I know a tumbleweed would make me happy the only question on my mind is for people like me that live in south Florida, a hot and humid state, not only do i not need a fireplace but would benefit from air conditioning… so would the tumbleweed company design for customer that live in such places? would I be better off on planning how i can add air conditioning? perhaps one that feeds hopefully from solar panels? any ideas? exactly what how are the homes ventilated? maybe the answer is somewhere in the site but i haven’t seen it yet. Thanks : )
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Hunter reply on August 13th, 2008 9:01 pm:
i’d like to build a tumbleweed house in Tampa and will definitely have A/C. Any luck discovering any options?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 1:22 am:
A small window unit works on most houses.
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Christopher reply on August 16th, 2008 1:12 am:
I had the same concern about the A/C, so I went to Home Depot for some ideas and saw these portable air conditioners. The sit on the floor on four wheels and have an air hose running out of them (similar to ones on dryers). You put the hose out the window like you would a window A/C but this way you wouldn’t have a large thing blocking your light. Plus, it can then be rolled around easily. I have never seen one of these houses except in pictures, but maybe, for example, you could put the portable A/C in the storage loft. This would not only blow the air on you while you’re sleeping, but it would keep the main room free from obtrusion and keep the unsightly hose up in the window of the storage loft.
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Miller reply on August 16th, 2008 1:41 pm:
Have you considered the “Mr. Slim” option from Mitsubishi? It is a ductless system that has an external condenser. The blower could be mounted high on a wall and cool the entire house. I believe this system will cool up to 500 s.f.
Link: http://www.mrslim.com/Products/Category.asp?ProductCategoryID=24
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 2:29 am:
A widow unit will fit in pretty much all of them.
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has anyone ever bought an already built tiny house and then attatched solar panels to it.
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Is it possible to use the downstairs sleeping area as a den/ office?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 19th, 2008 8:38 pm:
Yup. The last one we made had a sewing room in there.
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My wife and I have figured out all but where this thing would go. Does anyone have some good ideas about where you would live that would allow you to have easy access to water and sewage…and possibly an electrical hook-up?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 19th, 2008 8:42 pm:
I rent a spot in an orchard and hook up to my landlord’s house w/ an extension cord. I use a composting toilet and I get wifi.
I also used to live in my own backyard and rent out the big house to cover mortgage and taxes.
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Hi Jay! Curious: in the loft of the tiny houses, or maybe the extra bedroom of the lusby: can you fit a KING size bed/mattress? Slowly saving our pennies…
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Jay Shafer reply on September 1st, 2008 8:31 pm:
Just barely, but yes.
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none of these have ovens do they? just a two burner stove?
I love the concept, but I can’t quite wrap my mind around actually living in one… maybe for a single person, or a couple with no kids… but add even one child into the mix (let alone pets – we have 3 indoor only cats as well as our daughter) and I can’t really see it working. I would love to hear first hand from any families successfully living in one of these teeny homes though. It really does appeal to me. I look around here and we have soooo much stuff… some of it I wouldn’t want to get rid of, like the computer, can’t imagine where we’d set that up in something like the Lusby, other than the extra loft (maybe do the extension over a slightly enlarged porch like I saw in one example)… I’d love to live in that I think, though my husband wouldn’t be able to let go of his need for ’space’ I think. ah well, I’ll continue to dream.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 12th, 2008 3:37 pm:
Frankly, I can’t wrap my mind around that idea either. I think more than one or two people living in one of our Teeny houses would be difficult for most people. I’d bump up to a Tiny with no less than 2 bed rooms or maybe just 2+ Teennies.
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Romney reply on September 14th, 2008 6:18 pm:
I can’t imagine permanent living in a Teeny house, but we are considering extending the little loft in the Tarleton over the porch, and using the house for vacationing with our 2 boys. Once the boys have left home, perhaps we will be comfortable enough that we can rent our house and live in the Tarleton all year round.
The question I have is about trailers. it looks like the trailer used for the Tarleton is 7′ x 18′ on a 8′ x 19′ house size. If I extend the porch out another foot are there structural issues I should be concerned about?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:55 pm:
Hang all the extra off the back and you will be fine.
Shouldn’t there be blinker lights on the end of the house/trailer, so that people, know when and where you are turning? I don’t see them in the picture, but seems kind of unsafe if there aren’t any…
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Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:21 pm:
The removable lights are put back on for travel.
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I’m a few years off from being able to consider owning a home, but building a Lusby (or something similar that may come along in following years) is on the top of my list when the time for home ownership comes. But I also love to bake, and as Kristi pointed out, I haven’t seen or read anything about them having ovens. With all the other features these homes come with for such a small space, why not an oven (nothing big, but maybe able to hold a casserole dish, banking sheet, etc)? Thanks!
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Daniel reply on September 14th, 2008 7:43 am:
If you’re interested in having an oven, you should look into ones made for boats. They’re a little smaller than a standard houshold Stove/oven, but can be a bit more expensive too.
Here’s an example for propane:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|406|694|319790&id=105734
Here’s an example for electric:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|406|694|319790&id=60194
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Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:54 pm:
Behold the new oven we will be including… http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp;jsessionid=P5K3GRLL4BJN1LAQBBICCN3MCAEFCIWE?id=0060715517180a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=stove%2Foven&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=stove%2Foven&noImage=0&_requestid=30598
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Mary reply on October 13th, 2008 1:59 am:
Oh my gosh—that stove is wonderful! This had been driving me nuts—how to have a small oven to go with the 2-burner cook top, without going to microwave/toaster ovens, which aren’t really practical with a small solar electric set up. The RV stoves I found were 3-burner models and just too big.
This is perfect (doing happy dance.)
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Michelle Rhodes reply on September 30th, 2009 10:01 am:
I had considered a toaster oven, as some of the new models can roast a chicken! Then there is the microwave to consider. Some others have posted about convection ovens that can be used as microwaves too…it’s good to have choices! I think what I will miss most, and the hardest to configure, would be a washer/dryer. I have a preschooler, who creates his own laundry situation! lol!
Celeste reply on October 20th, 2008 5:30 pm:
With that oven, I’m sold!
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Freth reply on February 22nd, 2009 11:20 pm:
A nice feature to have would be a solar oven …
http://www.solarovens.org/
no indoor heat in the summer … no utility costs.
I would love to attend one of your building & design workshops. Do you have any plans to hold something in British Columbia or maybe even Seattle area. Oregon is a bit too far, but these little houses are perfect for west coast Canadian living.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 20th, 2008 3:54 pm:
I hope to hit B.C. someday. But, for now, the closest spot we have planed in Portland.
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This is definitely my future home, these things are so amazing and perfect for people on the road. few questions though.
First off: Plumbing, how dose that work for these houses? where if at all would you get or store the water? and is water heated by gas or electricity? In fact what do these things run on!? Don’t know much about these things, as you can see, heck I’m still a student in High school, but I’d like to know as much as I can about these because I’ve been seriously considering buying one.
Second: you can hitch these up to average cars right? like a trailer?
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Michelle Rhodes reply on September 30th, 2009 10:03 am:
I believe you would need an 8cyl vehicle to have the ability to pull one. At least this model. one of the tiny-er homes might not need that much power to trailor.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:39 pm:
True. I rent a U-Haul or pickup.
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Two questions:
I just bought a California King (I am 6′ 4″ and have never slept better) bed and wonder if any of the houses can accomodate one?
Also, do you ship to Hawaii?
Philip
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Jay Shafer reply on September 28th, 2008 5:31 am:
1. All of the stationary houses will fit a California king. The Epu and Weebee will too.
2. Yes, but it would get expensive. I recomend hiring a local builder.
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Jay – Any chance of posting some plans or pix of the Lusby/Weebe combo? Also, what is the longest flatbed trailer out there? Considering a longer Lusby design with the bathroom in the very rear, like some RVs. Lets go for 25′ as a “family model”. May need a semi to pull it …
Later – A
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Jay Shafer reply on September 28th, 2008 5:10 am:
All will be revealed as soon as I learn how to do the web updates. I’m looking for a tutor in the North Bay area.
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jay, are there places in the lower 48 that are tumbleweed friendly? meaning a place were the building codes acomadate these small homes.a KOA camp is verry exspensive and a trailer park they will not let you bye your lot..in central florida you are reqwired to have 5 acers or more to live in one of these..i want to live in a house that i can pay off in my lifetime and not have my house enslave me till the day i die.if you are fimillure with sutch a place please let me know becaus i want to go there. FRANK.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 3:53 am:
Hi Frank. All of our midsize houses (250s.f.- 800s.f.) should meet all IBC size restrictions, and the little ones should get around such building codes because they are not buildings. They are vehicles. Beyond that, your question does provide me with the perfect opportunity to get up on my newly enlarged soapbox. Thank you for the opportunity, and please bear with me.
Laws dictating how small our homes can be were introduced back in the 70s and 80s by lobbyists from the housing industry. It had become clear that, as the number of houses being sold by the industry leveled off, fiscal growth would remain possible only so long as the size of their product was increased. Size restrictions were thus written into building code at the federal level and adopted by municipalities throughout the US. Banks quickly followed suit by providing loans only for houses large enough to warrant the cost of the land on which they would sit. Local zoning, in turn, ensured exorbitant land costs by generally demanding that each little house sit on a parcel no smaller than one required for a large structure.
It is now literally illegal to build a new small home in most populated areas of the United States. And, even if it weren’t, financing the construction of such a dwelling is all but impossible.
Our socialist economy cannot sustain the burden of imposed excess in the same way that we were told the capitalist model would. American citizens cannot be expected to buy more house than they need solely for the purpose of padding the pockets of our banks and industries then be expected to provide more padding for those same pockets when this unviable system fails. 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 see fit. More house than one needs means more time spent on maintenance, more money spent on a mortgage or rent and more greenhouse gasses and senseless consumption of fossil fuels and other vital resources. It also means more foreclosures and more bailouts in our future. The only entities minimum size standards seem to have served are the housing industry and the banks that pushed for them in the first place. Now, even they are reaping the consequences of their actions (albeit consequences dramatically lessened by subsidies so generously provided by American taxpayers).
As long as the law ignores justice and reason, then just and reasonable people will ignore the law. At this point civil disobedience is not only justified, for many it is the only option. The people of this purportedly free country will live in houses of any size that suits them whenever reasonable egress and land ownership or a landowner will allow. Thousands are already living beneath the radar in structures commonly regarded as too small to meet code. These folks live largely outside the system of imposed excess, and they do so within the rights granted to all of us by the Constitution of the United States. It now remains for our banks, zoning and building codes to catch up.
While it may still be illegal to live in a small house throughout many parts of this country, most areas do allow you to store a trailer in your yard. If someone wants to camp out in it on occasion, that’s fine too. I believe code makes no official distinction between “inhabiting” a structure and “napping” in it. I bought a house in 2000 and camped out in my own backyard for years with the City’s blessing. The rent collected on the front house covered the mortgage payments.
That said, most people do not advertise their borderline-illegal living situation to their local municipality (or the rest of the world) as openly as I have. It seems most officials would rather not be put in the position of upholding or refuting unconstitutional and/or unpopular laws. Small housing regulation and its enforcement has, for most jurisdictions, become a matter of don’t ask don’t tell.
It is sometimes easier to ask for forgiveness than permission… and put some wheels on your house just in case some official starts thinking his rules trump reason.
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Mary reply on October 23rd, 2008 2:37 am:
There’s always a place for a good rant.
Increasingly, I suspect it’s not so much the size of these homes that bothers some folks the most. It’s the freedom they represent. If one does not have to grind 40+ hours a week at a job one doesn’t much care for to pay the bills; then easing one’s stress with shopping, high priced vacations and so on—why the wheels might just fall off the economy.
Last time I checked, wheels seemed to be falling off pretty good right now—and it’s not because millions have suddenly moved into small homes and boycotted the shopping malls. The system is being crushed under the weight of it’s own arrogance, stupidity, and greed.
Mary
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Kathy reply on May 10th, 2009 8:14 pm:
These are all GREAT points and I agree wholeheartedly with Jay and Mary. Mary, you bring up what I always suspected was behind most of the laws and regulations in this country: blocking our freedom. Freedom from forced excess, freedom from debt enslavement, freedom from being wage-slaves, freedom from enriching bloated corporations, freedom from the forced status quo. The first thing I thought of, when I discovered Jay’s tiny houses, was freedom. Without a crushing 30-year mortgage debt, without the enslavement of property taxes that continue to rise, and without total dependence on anonymous providers of power, I could truly live free, retire early, and not have to work full-time anymore. That is the gift of these little houses and it’s a tremendous gift. I, being somewhat of a Thoreauian radical, grin at the thought of being able to beat the so-called system.
frank beifus reply on July 20th, 2009 8:33 am:
mary , you hit the nail right on the head.its so refreshing to know that there are still some americans that are not liveing in a haze of consumerisum . i call them sheepople.
what are the actual dimensions of each room in the Lusby? Especially the ‘main floor’ bedroom area? but wanting to know all individual room sizes….
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 3:41 am:
Click on “more dimensions” on the Lusby page.
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So, how to the bathrooms, water, and heating work in these places if they are not on the ground? Can I just buy land somewhere and have this there without plumbing on the land? Thanks! Michele
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Can a queen sized bed fit in the downstairs bedroom of the Lusby?
If not, what is potentially the largest size?
Thanks. I love these things. /:)
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OH I HAVE AN IDEA…..
Also if someone didn’t want to utilize the trundle/bed it could be used as additional storage/shelving.
I noticed there were some concerns with the loft space not having enough room for adults to stretch out for sleeping. I also noted the suggestions were to extend out over the porch. Instead of adding square footage which defeats the purpose in design what if you created some type of a Trundle mechanism, instead of sliding/swinging out from underneath like traditional trundles – have it slide down from above making a larger sleeping surface, two twins make a king sized bed
I have the design drawn out already
10/24/2008
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Hi,
I was trying to find the Lusby bedroom dimensions too, they aren’t listed in the dimensions, but I am guessing from the other dimensions that the bedroom and bathroom are about the same size and run parallel to each other – is that correct? Could you eliminate the wall between the kitchen and bedroom area without effecting the structural integrity, and make the bedroom into a couch/bed/living area?
Nancy
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Johanna reply on October 27th, 2008 4:38 am:
I was thinking the exact same thing, would this be possible? Also, what is the height of the loft? Would I be able to make the loft a comfortable office area with a normal desk and chair or is it too short to sit up on a chair in? Thanks! I love your houses, I just wish I had the money to pay for it all at once.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 8:11 pm:
It is not only possible, it would be easier and cheaper.
Better skip the loft chair and sit on the floor though. Your feet could stick thru the floor to make it more cozy.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 8:59 pm:
That BR is about 3′ W x 6′-2″ L. Taller folks have to sleep side-ways. Taking out that wall poses no problem whatsoever.
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why does your blue prints cost so much i do like the lusby very much but one question could the upper loft be made a little bigger and could your blue prints be change
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TommyO reply on October 29th, 2008 12:26 am:
Architectural designs are always pricey, frequently far more for stock plans than the Tumbleweed House home plans.
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I really like the design of the Lusby but wonder how someone could live in a home like this in more of an urban area where there are various zoning laws, codes, etc. I would also like to know if your only options for places to live would be a trailer park or campground.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 30th, 2008 9:54 pm:
There are so many restrictions and so many more loopholes. I advise just asking your local officials if you are concerned. I’ll cut and paste this response from last week in too for what it’s worth…
Laws dictating how small our homes can be were introduced back in the 70s and 80s by lobbyists from the housing industry. It had become clear that, as the number of houses being sold by the industry leveled off, fiscal growth would remain possible only so long as the size of its product was increased. Size restrictions were thus written into building code at the federal level and adopted by municipalities throughout the US. Banks quickly followed suit by providing loans only for houses large enough to warrant the cost of the land on which they would sit. Local zoning, in turn, ensured exorbitant land costs by generally demanding that each little house sit on a parcel no smaller than one required for a large structure.
It is now literally illegal to build a new small home in most populated areas of the United States. And, even if it weren’t, financing the construction of such a dwelling would still be all but impossible. We have thus become the most over-housed, mortgage-bound country in the world. The median American house measures in at about four times as big as the international average.
Our new nationalized economy cannot sustain the burden of imposed excess in the same way that we had hoped the capitalist model would. American citizens can no longer be expected to buy more house than they need solely for the purpose of padding the pockets of their banks and industries then be expected to provide more padding for those same pockets when this unviable system fails. Allowing citizens to live beyond their means is one thing. Mandating that citizens live beyond their means then taxing them again at the back end to cover the inevitable damage caused by such unsustainable policy is quite another.
Americans should be allowed to live as simply as they see fit. More house than one needs means more time spent on maintenance, more money spent on a mortgage or rent and more greenhouse gasses and senseless consumption of fossil fuels and other vital resources. It also means more foreclosures and more bailouts in our future. The only entities minimum size standards seem to serve are the housing industry and the banks that pushed for them in the first place. Now, even they are reaping the consequences of their actions (albeit, consequences dramatically lessened by subsidies so generously provided by American taxpayers).
As long as the law ignores justice and reason, then just and reasonable people will ignore the law. At this point civil disobedience is not only justified, for many it remains the only option. The people of this purportedly free country will live in houses of any size that suits them whenever reasonable egress and land ownership or a landowner will allow. Thousands of Americans are already living beneath the radar in structures commonly regarded as too small to meet code. These folks live largely outside the system of imposed excess, and they do so within the rights granted to all of us by the Constitution of the United States. It now remains for our banks, zoning and codes to catch up.
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I really like the idea of the two bedrooms, but we have two kids, a boy and a girl, so they need separate beds. They’re also too little to really sleep in a loft area without being tempted to jump off. We really like the idea of having our house portable since we plan on moving in the next year or two and it would be nice to bring our house along. Is there a way for one of these houses to be a little bigger but still be road-friendly?
What kind of trailer or wheels would be needed for one of these houses and how would we go about getting them?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2008 5:25 pm:
Bigger is not a problem. I suggest connecting two end-to-end with a shared porch (breezeway) between. This is what the settlers called a dogtrot. A local utility trailer dealer will sell you the foundation.
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[...] in year round. We got ourselves really excited and ended up falling in love with the Lusby. It’s this absolutely adorable tiny house on wheels that’s only 117sqft, not [...]
jay, you are brilliant.
im anxious to be living in one on these beautiful homes. when ever i talk to my friends and family of the idea, they look at me like im crasy. hopefully in a year or soo, ill be ready to take this big step in my life. and im soo exited that when ever i think about it, i cant even sleep. i would love to be able to see one of these tiny homes first hand. i know that johnson lives is iowa city and you live in california. i live in missouri and would not mind at all to be able to drive to iowa and look at johnsons home first hand. is this at all possible or am i just too exited and asking too much from you guys?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 5th, 2008 3:24 pm:
Greg is a very hospitable guy. I’d bet if you contacted him at resourcesforlife.com and offered to buy him lunch in exchange for a tour he would be happy to show you his house.
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Lynn reply on November 6th, 2008 1:40 am:
I’m not one to reply to comments, I’m a “lurker” instead. However, Saul, I just have to reply…
I, too, have been awake nights, not being able to get these houses out of my head. As a 44-year-old teacher, going through a female mid-life crisis where I’m questioning my life and choices, I can really see myself living in one of these.
I always wanted a RV, and to travel the US in the summer months, but, alas, that has yet to come to fruition…
I’m actually glad it hasn’t, because the idea of towing a tiny house across the country is absolutely amazing.
I can go and live in all the places I’ve always wanted – on the beach, in the mountains, on a cliff on the West Coast, etc. I can do this without having to make huge life changes, which are, quite frankly, impossible within my current marriage.
I am assuming that the actual living space would feel bigger than the RV I’ve always wanted – having only stayed in my brother’s for short periods of time, I’m not sure. Also, the ability to “park” the house in my own backyard is also very intriguing.
Finally, a space that would be my own, and only my own (well, I’d take the Golden Retriever with me, but…) So, don’t be upset that you can’t get them out of your brain – neither can I!
Jay, can you envision a way to possibly combine the Lusby and Weebee designs to have a “bump out” sitting area and a porch at the same time? Like others, I, too, enjoy sitting outside as much as inside, but would also like the extra seating/sleeping space.
Having only my dreams, and no actual knowledge (said with a smile), I also know nothing about discharging grey water. I really want to live “off the grid” and can see myself with solar panels, composting toilets and rainwater catchbasins, but can’t imagine where you would put the grey water. Don’t communities have laws against releasing it?
I would really like to be involved in the actual construction, but there goes that “too little knowledge” thing. Do you have any wild guesses as to how much one could expect to pay a builder?
What is a ballpark estimate for a flatbed trailer?
Keep up the comments, and good work. I’ll just “lurk” out here and keep an eye on what’s up.
P.S. For those with questions regarding computers, etc. you can now get a machine from Dell that fits into a space about the size of two hardcover books and runs only on a HDTV – not a monitor. This would allow for combining a TV and monitor, and, with a wireless keyboard and mouse, you’d be all set. Plus, the system takes up much less power and has fewer moving parts, for those of us looking to go as green as possible.
I don’t work for Dell, I’m a Computer Teacher. I’m just planning on picking up the computer and thought people might want to incorporate the idea into plans if keeping in touch is necessary.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 6th, 2008 2:51 pm:
Nothing comes to mind as far as porch/bump out combos, Lynn, but when there’s a will….
A new trailer costs about $2,000. If I were building for myself I’d go used for $500.
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hi lynn, thank you, i feel alot better knowing im not the only crasy adult around here. i try not too get too exited, but i cant help myself. today i asked a friend of mine who builds homes for a living and he thinks the estimate to build one is roughly 4 to 5 thousand dollars not including trailer or appliances. im estimating alittle more than that for myself because i want a skylight, washer/dryer combo unit, and a double loft to be able to acomodate my two kids and myself (im divorced, soo no wife included). ANYWAY, like i said im exited and hope to build this dream small home in about a year.im hoping it wont go over 10 thousand. it just tickles me to death to think that i wont have to worry about a mortgage.
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Jay: how is the structure connected to the trailer….and are the plumbing and gas issues part of the house plan if one purchases same? I just love the idea of building one of these houses.
M
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Jay Shafer reply on November 11th, 2008 9:01 pm:
Lag bolts and lock washers do most of the connecting. While we do include gas and electric plans, but the plumbing is so localized and simple that we don’t include any drawings for that other than what’s pictured in the floor plans.
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When you purchase plans are they designed to be built on a trailer, and if you purchase a house directly are they built on a trailer? If so what size trailer?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 13th, 2008 5:08 pm:
The smaller designs are meant to be placed on 12′,14′ or 16′ trailer, though some folks choose to put them on a foundation.
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I notice everything in in natural (Pine is it?) woudl it add so much to the cost to have the interior wood stained???
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Jay Shafer reply on November 14th, 2008 2:50 pm:
$20 per hour plus about $60 for the stain… or you could do it yourself to save money.
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hi there was wondering if i buy the plan for the lusby can i make changes myself as i am building the lusby or do things all have to be exactly according to the plan???
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Jay Shafer reply on November 15th, 2008 3:46 pm:
Copyright law says not unless I say so, and I say why not? All of the houses pictured in the “houses built by our customers” link are customized. You can build your house as you please, but thanks for asking.
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I love these little houses, especially the Lusby. Is it possible to get a bathtub in any of the models? I’ve looked at the Japanese style baths that are a small box that you sit in or slightly recline in. They are very comfortable and could also be used as a shower.
Thank you.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 16th, 2008 3:29 pm:
I love those tubs. I’m putting them into a lot of the designns I’m working on right now.
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nancy reply on June 15th, 2009 2:06 am:
Not sure if this helps, but Kohler makes a 48″ long soaking tub. It’s 48″ x 32″ x 23-3/8″ . A trim kit can be purchased to cover the front. I have included the website link.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 12:14 pm:
That’s the one I designed into the mid-size houses! Nice.
Ben Brown reply on May 30th, 2010 6:41 pm:
I wondered the same. Dorothy Marie. I’m glad to see the answer…
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Ben Brown reply on May 30th, 2010 6:41 pm:
I wondered the same. Dorothy Marie. I’m glad to see the answer…
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Hey Jay,
Does the dry weight include the trailer? Any reason I couldn’t buy a trailer a little longer and make a bigger porch?
thanks,
david scheffler
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Jay Shafer reply on November 19th, 2008 8:57 pm:
Yes it does, and yes you can, but you might want to carry the 2nd loft out over the porch to put some weight at the back end.
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David Scheffler reply on November 20th, 2008 3:05 am:
Even better!!
thanks
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Hi Jay,
I have been looking for a trailer and have found some but I am not sure they are selling the right size. Theirs are 8 ft wide from outer fender to outer fender but the bed (inner fender to inner fender) is 6′4″. You figures look like the bed needs to be exactly 7′. Can you clarify/verify the exact trailer dimensions?
thanks,
david scheffler
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Jay Shafer reply on November 21st, 2008 6:12 pm:
Hi, David. You have 3 hours of consultation time included with your plans. Give me a call. My number is at the bottom of every drawing.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on November 26th, 2008 2:10 am:
Read http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/build-it-yourself/trailers/
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Thanks Jay. I haven’t bought one yet because I can’t decide which one I want. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Decisions. decisions. Some of my trepidation is also because I am going to be putting this in the desert and I would really like to have something modern. Last question i promise; Are you planning any modern designs on wheels?
thanks for you patience,
David
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Jay Shafer reply on November 23rd, 2008 1:53 pm:
The Z-Glass and the New Popomo, pictured in the portfolio and soon to be pictured on the website, are both modern ones that can be put on wheels.
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Hey Jay,
I have been thinking of making a house, I just don’t have the money for it. Is there any way I could give you a call and talk to you about it?
-Connor
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Jay Shafer reply on November 23rd, 2008 1:29 pm:
Yes, Connor. I do consultations for $100 per hour. If you only need a half hour, I’d be happy to do that too. Just let me know a time that works well for you, send me a check, and I’m all yours.
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hi there this question is to all i am looking at the lusby and want to go solar as much as possible am trying to figure out the size i need the costs and companys any help would be good loved the stove oven combo i want to live completely off grid will shower at the gym or work but need elec ideas
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Jay Shafer reply on November 27th, 2008 5:06 pm:
I suggest you put your panels off to the side and not on the roof so that you can keep your house in the shade all Summer. Two 50 Wish panels and two boat batteries will probably do.
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kevin keasling reply on November 28th, 2008 2:00 am:
hi there sounds like a good idea also will you eventually have the new fencel on the website soon??? also are you working on any designs???? i tried to contact gregg but no reply but gonna read his new book though thanks jay
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Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2008 5:47 pm:
New designs including the Fencl are on their way.
Gregory Paul Johnson reply on March 27th, 2009 11:05 am:
This is a response to Kevin Keasling and others who might be interested in viewing my home.
Back in 2003, when I worked with Jay to construct my home, I had no idea how popular it would become. I’m currently responding to over 2000 e-mails in my inbox, and have thousands of visitors to the website every week from over 100 countries! I’m regularly responding to journalists and people in the media from around the world. So, I apologize if it sometimes takes me a while to get back to you. I’m expanding my website infrastructure and content to handle all the interest, and recently launched an online community to handle the influx of interest.
Also, as an effort to help answer the thousands of inquiries, I’ve written a book about my experience living in my Tumbleweed house. My book is, Put Your Life on a Diet: Lessons Learned Living in 140 Square Feet. You can learn more at:
http://www.PutYourLifeOnADiet.com
I’d never before experienced life in a zero-maintenance home. I never thought a house could be so interesting that I’d be able to write a book about it!
This has been an amazing journey so far.
You can learn more about my house here:
http://www.resourcesforlife.com/mobile-hermitage
Best of luck to all of you who are on the journey to a simpler, smaller, and more sustainable life.
Onward together toward a better future,
Gregory
http://www.resourcesforlife.com/g
Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 12:28 pm:
Oh, Greg. Don’t you know that you’re my hero.
Elizabeth Connor reply on December 14th, 2008 3:28 pm:
What does “off to the side” mean? Literally replacing the sides of the house? The idea of solar panels is very intriguing, as I would be living in this house in Florida and Georgia.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 18th, 2008 4:52 pm:
I mean not attached to the house. Mine were 15′ away.
also i am planning on putting a murphy bed in the lower bedroom of the lusby i can have more room when the bed is up and not used
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Jay,
Much props for living an authentic existence!
Many of your Tiny Homes are designed for “mobility”. Since many of your prospective clients are probably environmentalists and likely do not own massive V8 Diesel Trucks, what suggestions or alternatives are there for lugging these wonderful gems around?
I own a Saab 9-3 but I highly doubt it could pull the weight of a say a Lugsby.
Also, have you considered an East Coast foray? I live in New England.
Thanks,
Drew
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Jay Shafer reply on November 27th, 2008 5:03 pm:
I’m so glad you asked. I just rent a U-Haul whenever I need to move my house. My scooter doesn’t do the job either.
We’ll be building on the East Coast someday, and, until then, I will be visiting to do a workshop in New York next Summer.
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Drew reply on November 28th, 2008 6:06 pm:
Thanks Jay!
With Peter King in Vermont coupled with the high-cost of living in the Northeast, the possibilities and potential is endless.
In Boston, a small Studio Apartment in trendy Beacon Hill could cost as much as $2,300.00 per month! And this doesn’t even include utilities.
There are enough clear-minded people in this part of the country who would be very open to your business and philosophy. I believe they would be even more inclined to “just do it” if your vision of “villages” come to fruition.
Drew
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Hello from Russia
It is very difficult to read in English, but we try:)
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Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2008 5:46 pm:
Welcome, Russia.
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hi jay whats it like to live in your small space
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 10:08 pm:
I love it. It’s liberating. Only making my bed has been harder. Check out the “Confessions of a Claustrphile” chapter in my book for details.
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Jay~ I am so inspired by your designs. Having raised 4 kids in homes that were disgustingly piggy on the carbon footprint, I want to show them that there is another way now that they are all out of the house.
When you say that it is $22,000. to build myself, does that mean just the materials or ME actually building it? What if I hired contractors?
I only wish my highlander could pull one. Thanks so much!
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 10:06 pm:
It would be about $22,000 for materials alone (perhaps a bit less now that material prices are falling).
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what about a stackable washer and dryer i have never built anything like this what do you think
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 10:04 pm:
It could fit in the kitchen area.
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Tracy Miller reply on December 24th, 2008 7:41 am:
I would suggest looking at a clothes “processor”. It both washes and dries in one unit that would fit under a counter.
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I love the Lusby, but with children I need a little more space. I need something that has a loft on each end with space for four single beds for my kids, I am a single mom with four children. I plan on building another tiny house in two years or so to have on our land with a patio joining them both, so as my children grow my two older children can move into their own tiny house. I live in a climate that gets well below freezing in the winter, so a garden hose will not cut it for the water system, but I still need to be on wheels due to zoning. My oldest son has asthma and multiple chemical sensitivities so I need to build us a small, healthy home, on a very low fixed budget. Is there anyway to achieve this?
Regards,
MoonMama
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 9:53 pm:
I recommend extending the porch and extending the loft over it for two sleeping lofts. If you build yourself and use recycled materials you can do it cheap. See http://www.nofreezewaterhose.com/index.html about the hose.
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Can a queen size bed fit in the lusby floor level bedroom?
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Michael reply on December 4th, 2008 12:23 am:
Clint,
The downstairs bedroom isn’t large enough for a queen bed. The room is listed as approx. 4′ wide, making it even a bit small for a regular double bed.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 4th, 2008 1:52 am:
It’s true. I generally have a custom bed made for that room from high-density foam.
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Clint reply on December 13th, 2008 9:51 pm:
Can the lusby be made to accommodate a queen zise bed in that room? Or would it then not fit on the trailer? My wife and I are crazy about each other, but when it’s time to sleep. It’s time to Sleep! Thanks.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 18th, 2008 4:56 pm:
I suppose one could modify it with a RV style retractable bump out.
hey jay do your plans include a material list i sen in the news letter the average cost but when i buy plans will there be a material list???
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Jay Shafer reply on December 6th, 2008 6:11 pm:
Yes. The list is included.
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I was wondering if on the Lusby if you I would be able to delete the bed in the downstairs bedroom and put a couch in there? I s there enough room? Also am I able to put a dishwasher in there?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 6th, 2008 6:01 pm:
No problem! Instal both. There’s plenty of room.
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Hey Jay, Can we put a heated floor under bamboo flooring in any of the towables? It just seems like it would make it so much more cozy in the winter, but I’m not sure how that whole electrical thing would work out.–Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on December 12th, 2008 4:10 pm:
I see no reason why not.
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Michelle Rhodes reply on September 30th, 2009 10:57 am:
I like that idea! more living space!
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Here is the website for heated floors that I found: http://www.kitchensource.com/heatedfloors/welcome.html
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hi jay what kind of windows are they i know you said one time very insulated i am sure and they were a high cost in the estimate for the building costs what type are they and can you get them at a local building store???
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Jay Shafer reply on December 12th, 2008 3:48 pm:
They are Jeld-wen windows, and you can order them thru most Home Depots and Lowe’s.
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I am fascinated with the theory AND the reality of the tiny houses the LUSBY being my all time favorite- I have shown my entire family and we are all engrossed. I can even picture tiny house communities – and especially the mobile seniors (my family is 50s and late 40s and sometimes tired of hauling everything we ever owned around!) Ha even hubby and I thought that we could each have our OWN house LOL for those times when you “need your own space” just put em side by side! Great awesome idea!
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i understand you will be in altlanta feb i am on the s side griffin area u will pass rigt by me i am builing a mini home similiar to yours out of landscape timbers like for u to see it
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Jay Shafer reply on December 18th, 2008 4:54 pm:
I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
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Brah this is great I am so stoked to find this info and know that there are so many people excited about living this way . This is soo Hawaiian keep it simple so that we can enjoy each other and life ,ie fishing ,diving , surfing, and relationships . Please send me info and have any tiny homes been done on any of the Hawaiian islands ? big mahalos to you Aloha Jimmy ps mele kalikimaka
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Jay Shafer reply on December 18th, 2008 4:38 pm:
I think we have sold plans to some folks out there. Aloha.
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hey jay just wondering how long the propane tanks last with the marine heater in the winters???? its 5 below now does it take alot of propane????
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Jay Shafer reply on December 21st, 2008 6:13 pm:
I go out to get about 15 gal. three times per winter in N. CA. I went about five times per winter in Iowa.
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Hi Jay – I almost placed an order for the Lusby plans but thankfully I read this blog and realized you are coming up with a new design that combines the Lusby and the Weebee. Do you know when I’ll be able to order the plans for that new design? Do you know when we can expect to see pictures of it on your website? I can’t believe how excited I am about this. I live in New Hampshire and want to start building right now but it’s kind of hard to do with over a foot of snow on the ground. Thanks for your help. – Grant McComb
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on December 23rd, 2008 3:32 pm:
Hi Grant,
The plans are complete and can be purchased. Since it’s brand new we don’t have any pictures yet.
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Ben reply on January 10th, 2009 11:42 pm:
When will photos of the Lusby/WeeBee combination be available?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 13th, 2009 6:28 pm:
They are already in the portfolio and will be posted on the site as soon as Steve can find the time. Unfortunately, he only works part time and has a lot of other stuff on his plate right now. Sorry for the delay, and thanks for your patience.
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If there’s anyone in New Hampshire or the New England area thinking about building or already has a tiny house please call me so I can stop by and meet you. It would be great to have other people in my area who’s also doing this. I won’t be able to start building mine until April (or whenever it’s not freezing out). My email is grant.mccomb@gmail.com. Happy living! – Grant
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Steve or Jay – Are the people living out of these tiny homes (including yourself) living without insurance on them? I’m referring to the smaller homes like the Lusby. I called my insurance company and they said they will insure me only during the time I’m building it, but once it’s built (regardless of whether or not I live in it) they will not insure it. What are your thoughts on this? I’ve decided that whether or not I can get it insured I’m still going to build one.
Thanks – Grant
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Grant McComb reply on December 27th, 2008 2:03 pm:
Nevermind…I just found out I can insure it as a travel trailer.
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If a person can’t make it to your workshop (due to location), do we have the option of paying for the workshop materials? I’m assuming that you pass out some sort of workbook materials at the workshops that provide instructional steps and tips for building these houses. If you don’t have instructional workbooks then maybe it would be a good idea for you to create them and sell them. I’m sure a lot of people would buy them. This could significantly increase your earning potential. I look forward to your response.
Thanks – Grant
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Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 4:53 pm:
I am planning to film our next build and turn the footage into an instructional video. It will be done before Sept.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 5:04 pm:
In the mean time, the plans do have some simple instructions regarding putting the houses on trailers.
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I found this page by using http://megauploadfiles.com/- it is easy to find everything, especially direct links to download mp3s, films and soft!
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Me and a friend of mine are considering building a lusby.
Were currently music students and we are going to travel around quite a lot with our music so we find this housing ideal.
but we have a few questions
Is this house friendly to tall people? I see the ceiling height is 6′ 3″ and i am 6′ 4″. is this easily adjusted?
and also, do you have any information on solar energy and rainwater catch tanks, prices and such?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 2:00 am:
Yes. We can stretch out the Lusby to 6′ 6″ for tall folks like you. We just had a woman named Kelly write up a bunch of information for us about solar set-ups last week. We’ll post it soon.
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Jeremy reply on April 21st, 2009 7:10 am:
I had the same question regarding the ceiling height. I am 6′4″, and was wondering how this was doable.
When you say “stretch”, what does this mean? A lower pitch on the roof leading to a shorter loft ceiling? I don’t see how the entire house can stretch up with it being right at the 13′ 6″ legal road height.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 25th, 2009 6:39 pm:
We increase the downstairs while decreasing the loft. It seems to suit tall folks well.
Do the homes come with a title or some type of registration?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 1:49 am:
Yes.
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I live in a very cold climate. Can these designs be made to be super-insulated—R-40+ in the walls/ floors and R-60+ in the ceiling—without losing easy trailer-ability and air quality? Additionally, are there any Energy Recovery Units for ventilation and water usage that are this small and could run well off grid? I am curious if it is possible to make these into a nearly zero-energy house. Thanks for all you do and any insights you might be able to share on this.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 1:48 am:
You would have to beef up your walls from 6″ to something like 10″, David. It could be done, but even the best windows are still going to be a chink in your armor. I would consider designing from scratch.
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David reply on January 4th, 2009 4:57 pm:
Thanks Jay. And your point about designing from scratch is well taken, especially for creating an optimal plan. I was thinking that window losses might be combatted with interior and maybe exterior insulating shields at night (winter nights are long here) and door losses can be reduced with insulated doors and an airlock. However, I am concerned that there are no appropriate ventilation and energy recovery mechanicals to make a tiny super-insulated house trailer functional/ possible. Do you know of any HVAC manufacturer you could suggest so that pursuing a super-insulated design might seem realistic?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 4th, 2009 11:06 pm:
Not right off hand.
Jay – Once I start living out of my tiny house I’m trying to figure out where I’m going to empty the toilet at. After reviewing the “Loveable Loo” toilet (by Joseph Jenkins) it appears you have to create your own compost bin somewhere on your property. I’m not going to have property. I’ll be living in someone’s back yard and I already know they won’t agree to let me make a compost bin. Do you have any suggestions. How do you do it? I was going to ask Dee Williams for her advise since I know she’s located in someone’s backyard but I can’t find her email address. I’d rather not spend $1500 on a Biolet compost toilet when I can purchase the Lovable Loo for $180 (or make my own). I appreciate all of your help and your wonderful website.
Thanks,
Grant
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Jay Shafer reply on January 2nd, 2009 5:08 pm:
I lived in a friend’s field for a while and took my toilet to the city’s treatment plant about once a month. It was easy and free.
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Victoria reply on January 5th, 2009 11:24 pm:
Jay, could you say more about this? Did you take it to the city’s water treatment plant? If a municipality had curbside pick-up of yard waste for composting, would it be feasible to use their facilities? Would they city have to have separate composting area specific for composting toilets?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 6th, 2009 5:57 pm:
I’m sorry to say that I know nothing beyond my own experience of driving to the Iowa City facility and dumping the bucket in a hole once a month.
Hi, I really like your houses and my friend has built a weebee already. We’re looking to number two for me! I am wondering where you found those cute chairs in the great room (or similar ones). I’ve had a difficult time finding anything that looks that compact.
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Paul Guyon reply on January 10th, 2009 2:11 pm:
I saw them at a IKEA store in Orlando, FL a month or two ago.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 10th, 2009 9:25 pm:
I got mine at Ikea.
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Jay – I’ll be applying for a loan to build the Lusby (or Lusby/Weebee). When I purchase your plans do they come with a VIN number or serial number. I think the bank will ask for this. I also think the insurance company will ask for this when I go to insure it as a travel trailer.
Thanks,
Grant
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Jay Shafer reply on January 10th, 2009 9:32 pm:
You won’t know your VIN until you buy the flatbed trailer to build on. It should come with a VIN.
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what are the pros/cons of the lubsy vs the tarleton? I like the tarleton. is there a sink in the bathroom? is that a composting toilet in the bathroom? can a person put a 20″ stove and 8 cu ft fridge in the kitchen? Get rid of some of the counter space to accomodate these? I wish i had a better picture of the bathroom.
can you insulate floor for winter use? (Double-floor?) can a person run sink water into a greywater landscape bed outside the house? Toilet waste would go into a composing toilet, then. It would be nice to park this on a plot of land in the country. I would just need a cement pad and a well. I live in ny and local laws dont want permanent homes less than 800sq ft. built. I dont want to live in someones backyard. Rv parks are too expensive lot rent here.
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Jay Shafer reply on January 10th, 2009 9:50 pm:
The primary difference is that there is a bed downstairs in the Lusby.
1) No bathroom sink.
2) No, but one will fit.
3) Yes, they will fit, and they will consume some counter space.
4) The floor is insulated.
5) Yes. Grey water can be sent directly outside in many areas.
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Jay – Can I build the lusby on a 20′ trailer with a 4′ porch and an extended loft over the porch? The living space would be 16′ while the overall length would be 20′. My truck can pull up to 8,000lbs and I don’t know if I would be exceeding the weight limit. I’ve used Punch! Home Design software to create pictures of what it looks like; I can email them to you but I don’t know your email address.
Thanks,
Grant
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Donna F. reply on January 10th, 2009 7:33 pm:
Hi Grant,
Jay’s Email address, I believe, is the one that is on the contact page. I saw the “contact us” down at the bottom of the page that lists the houses customers have built. Anyways, here is the contact page’s address: http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/contact/
And I LOVE your idea! I just spent time last night, myself, designing the Lusby on a 20 ft trailer with a 4ft porch and an extended 2nd loft over the porch…but my design modification also put the bathroom at the very back and added a Thor washer/dryer ventless combo on one side directly in front of the bathroom, and a 3 ft desk on the other…both with windows above them.. and I basically kept the kitchen the same as Jay’s in the Lusby. Gotta be sure to keep the shower water coming up an interior wall, though…the shower and washer will share the same side, and the kitchen will be on the opposite side to balance out the load. Oh, and my bathroom has storage cabinets surrounding the toilet and a stained glass effect on the single awning above the medicine cabinet. which is above the wall mount sink, which is the first thing you see when you open the bathroom door. If I”m gonna live in it full time, I need to have a luxurious feel to my bathroom! Even though I might also use a composting toilet!
I figure whenever I get my house built, I’ll just take it to the interstate and have those guys weigh it who weigh the 18 wheelers. I’ll get a temporary tag first with a good guestimate of its weight!
Happy Tumbleweed!
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Grant McComb reply on January 10th, 2009 8:35 pm:
Hi Donna. Thanks for the info. If you send me your email address I can email you these pictures. I think you’ll like them and it’ll let you visually see exactly how it will look. This design software I have is awesome.
It sounds like you’ve got a great set up going. I plan on this being my primary residence and I also want a luxurious feel to the whole thing. I’ll be using the lovable loo compost toilet. It’s freezing here in New Hampshire so I won’t start building for at least another 8 weeks from now. I wish I could start tomorrow. Oh well. What vehicle will you be towing with? Be careful not to exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity. I’m sure you’ve already got that figured out.
See ya.
Grant
grant.mccomb@gmail.com
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Jay Shafer reply on January 10th, 2009 9:52 pm:
It will work, Grant.
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jay, i am interested in the lusby model with the downstairs bedroom option. however, in the book i ordered from you (tumbleweed tiny houses: portfolio of homes), the size of that room is 4′ x 6′ (aka 48″ x 72″). all standard beds are 75″ long. i could use the loft easily but i am thinking that the loft idea is a bit risky for a woman my age, esp at night. i have a select comfort sleep number bed and i don’t plan to give that up anytime soon
) what would your solution be to that problem? i have searched your site for an answer and haven’t found one, but if there is a link with that answer, could you give it to me?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 13th, 2009 7:37 pm:
We could lengthen that room a bit for you, Betsy. It would entail moving the windows and shortening the other room a little, but that’s not a real problem.
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Hey Jay,
I was wondering how you went about asking the Iowa city facility about dumping your compost there. Did you just call HR?
Love your houses!
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Jay Shafer reply on January 15th, 2009 5:08 pm:
I would just drive right up and do it without asking. I think a friend told me it would be ok, and it was.
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Hello Jay,
I would like to buy this house. Is there an e-mail address I can e-mail payment info to?
Connor Sutton
612-718-9416
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Jay,
Should I use black iron pipe for running the propane lines. The lines will be exposed underneath the trailer and black iron seems safer than soft copper when towing it down the road. What are other tiny house builders using?
Thanks for your help,
Grant McComb
New Hampshire
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Jay Shafer reply on February 4th, 2009 7:46 pm:
I’ve never had any trouble with copper, Grant, but black iron might be a nice precaution.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 4th, 2009 7:53 pm:
Come to think of it, I’ve used the rubber hose that comes with the Dickinson. It works great.
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Hello there,
I am a senior in high school, and I am doing a senior project on sustainability. I’ve long looked at your website and admire what you do immensely, and I am wondering if it would be possible to get a scholastic version of the plans for this house, in particular, to use in my senior presentation. My argument is that a house of this design/size could easily encompass one couple’s needs, and I would really like a way to show what you have already created and give you credit for it, of course.
Once again, incredible stuff! And I might be back with just general questions, haha.
–Kate
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Just wondering, what comes with one of the homes? Does it include lighting, furniture, etc? Do you have a list of standard features?
Also was wondering if the bedroom on the first floor of the Lusby could be converted into an office of some type. Do you guys install that bed into the room or will it be an empty space on delivery date?
Thanks for any answers that you can provide.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 6th, 2009 1:35 am:
We would normally instal the bed, but have left it out to make room for an office before.
The mobile houses come with lights, a fan, a sink or two, a toilet, shower, stovetop and oven. There’s also a little gas heater.
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Oh one more question…
Is the water/sewage system similar to a RV?
After purchase does the home come with instructions for these systems and others like heaters, etc?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 6th, 2009 1:36 am:
Yes. They are usually rigged like RVs, and we do include instructions.
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Dear Jay,
I must say I am very much hooked on these little homes too, and have been patiently waiting to see the version of the Lusby with the WeeBee front that you are referring to as the Fenci. I really want to purchase the plans for it. I see lot’s of requests, but apparently one has not been built yet to show us pictures of. I really thought by now you would have had the plans available. Can you give your loyal followers any good news on this?
Thank you, Jamie
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Jay Shafer reply on February 6th, 2009 1:26 am:
It’s for real.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 6th, 2009 1:37 am:
Your wish is my command, Jamie. We posted it today.
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Olivia reply on November 26th, 2009 4:48 pm:
I have “the small house book” but when i read about the Fencl, it says it is the combination of the Tarleton and the WeeBee…Am I missing something? is there a mix between Lusby and WeeBee?
if so, what is the name? Thanks a lot!
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Jay Shafer reply on November 29th, 2009 3:05 pm:
The Fencl has the same front as the Weebee but is closer in scale and layout to the Tarleton.
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I live in Anchorage, Alaska, and am wondering if anyone has lived in any of these houses on wheels in cold climates and how they did?
Secondly, I’m 6′7″ tall and wondering if it would be easy to raise ceiling heights in these tiny houses.
Thanks,
Kevin
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Jay Shafer reply on February 11th, 2009 1:28 am:
1) They work great in cold climates… better than “normal” houses.
2) It would be just an extra $100 for me to re proportion any house. Sorry for the charge, but we have to keep things standardized to keep costs down.
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1) I see that in your Dec. 28 reply to David you suggest that for a very cold climate he (or you?) consider designing something from scratch that has extra insulated walls, and you say even the best windows would be a weak spot (as far as heat loss, I presume). He also expresses concern about air quality in a small, tight house designed to seal out the cold, which would be a concern of mine as well. And he asks about an HVAC (I don’t know what that is–an air exchange system?).
Jay can you say a bit more about how these tiny houses work better in a cold climate than regular houses, especially in light of the concerns David expressed ?
2) An extra charge for design modifications sounds okay. How tall can you make the ceilings? 7″? 8″? higher?
Thanks,
Kevin
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Jay Shafer reply on February 14th, 2009 4:21 pm:
David was striving for a “zero energy” house with very thick walls, etc. I don’t know how that would be done in a cold climate, and I imagine that, even if it is somehow possible, the windows would have to be entirely eliminated to avoid heat loss.
It is true that, if you build small enough and reduce the windows, the resulting house will not require any energy because your body alone will be enough to heat it. But, in the very cold climate David speaks of, the place I’m imagining starts looking a bit like a coffin. I’d bet he can do it better than I am imagining.
2)The taller we make the ground floor, the shorter the loft needs to be. We have about 10′ in total to work with, and the loft needs a minimum of 30″.
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Kevin reply on February 17th, 2009 10:05 am:
Between the ceiling headspace and the loftspace, I think I’d be squeezed for headroom. Is there a reason the house couldn’t be made a bit taller so that there is 12 vertical feet to work with instead of 10 ft.?
Thanks,
Kevin
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 4:41 am:
No. Only if you want to pull it under shorter bridges.
Kevin reply on February 23rd, 2009 10:22 am:
In cold climates houses ideally have good insulation and vapor barrier to prevent heat loss. But the vapor barrier also prevents moisture from escaping and so condensation and mold can be a problem, particularly in small living spaces. Ventilating the house to allow moisture to escape means that the heat also escapes. How could a tiny house function well in regard to moisture and heat loss in a cold climate? Do Tumbleweed houses have any design features or other features that make them efficient to heat and at the same time help mitigate moisture, condensation, and mold problems?
Jay Shafer reply on February 23rd, 2009 2:30 pm:
This is a good question. I just spent nearly an hour explaining different ways to deal with this in yesterday’s workshop. We use insulated windows and foam insulation that acts as it’s own vapor barrier to avoid the problem of condensation entirely. There’s at least one fan (usually at the peak) too.
Hey Jay,
I need to know how to pronounce this…is it the short U sound like in “bus”, with the “s” like and “s”, or is it like a “z”? OR is the U sound like the long “OO” sound like in “loose”
So, is it “Lus-bee” OR “Loos-bee” OR “Luz-bee” OR “Looz-bee”??
Thanks! I hate to mispronounce something.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 14th, 2009 5:04 pm:
It’s “Lus-bee”.
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Donna F. reply on February 17th, 2009 5:51 pm:
Thank you…I was actually pronouncing it right! This from someone who thought as a teenager that “pavilion” was pronounced “pavi-lion”. LOL =-)
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Hi Jay and the Tumbleweed crew! I’ve been mulling over your houses now for almost a year and have met Dee and seen her cute little house creation.
I love this design, but would like a little more indoor space. Is it possible to extend the main room out into the portch space and make the portch and awning foldable (for transit only), thus keeping the same footprint but with an extra folding-out portch and cover?
Also, if I did want to buy this plan with a few modifications, what are your fees for personalizing plans? Thanks so much…keep up the great work!
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined” – Thoreau
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Jay Shafer reply on February 14th, 2009 5:23 pm:
I could do that for an extra $200.
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Hello Jay,
Is their any way I could attach like a shed or two to this house? My wife and I are wondering because we have twins and are expecting a baby. We would use a private office and then another bedroom.
-Connor
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Jay Shafer reply on February 21st, 2009 11:08 am:
That would be fairly easy and smart.
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First off I love ya houses there!! Secondly can anyone create their own lil house???? Thirdly have you created 150 square foot lil house??? I really enjoy coming in here so much since I first saw it somewhere! Keep at it!
Maria P
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Jay Shafer reply on February 21st, 2009 11:11 am:
1) Thanks.
2) Yes.
3) No, only 130 and 240, but no 150.
4) Thanks.
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i am really interested to see the house, and looking forward to june when you will be in chicago.
what is “fuest” status? i notice i can see the house at 5:30 PM, enroll in the workshop, or sign up as a “guest”. What does being a guest entail? more time in the house?
thanks
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Donna F. reply on February 16th, 2009 2:59 am:
Hi Peter,
The guest ticket is for if you bring someone with you to the workshop that you’ve already enrolled in. It is more economical AND more educational, as well, if you go ahead and sign up for both days.
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Joaquin Trevino reply on June 10th, 2009 4:53 am:
I was unable to make the chicago Workshop/Open house because i was coincidentally out of state that weekend. Do you do this every year? I really hope to attend the workshop in the future. Also, will you be touring other homes other than the Fencl and Epu?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 14th, 2009 4:37 am:
I will continue doing the workshops, but it may be a long time before I pull a house across the country again. Come see mine in CA.
I am interested in the Lusby / Tarleton and Fenci…however, if I am a novice builder-(question for Jay Schafer) should I stick with the Lusby / Tarleton design? The Fenci (although nice design) looks like it would be notably harder for a novice to build, mainly the roof levels and front windows/porch-keeping accurate squareness and measurement. Also-wondering if I can totally get rid of the porch on the Lusby /Tarleton and extend the living area to the end of the trailer? Actually for Jays recomondation for transitional space-I could put a small rectangular awning on above the door. It would be cost effective and decorative. Unbolt it for travel.
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Victoria reply on February 16th, 2009 5:10 pm:
I have a similar question for Jay re: Paul’s query about
“eliminating the porch …for transitional space-I could put a small rectangular awning on above the door.”
Could you have the front entrance at the end with the trailer hitch and build a removable deck that would cover (and hide) the triangular metal bars and hitch? If so, one could then attach an awning to the roof and extend it over the deck/porch.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 21st, 2009 1:00 pm:
I see no reason why not, so long as you can work around the jack.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 21st, 2009 11:21 am:
Yes. The straight gable roofs are easier to build. And you could easily enclose that porch area for more indoor space.
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For composting toilets…is there a brand that you recommend for use in a Tumbleweed house? Tried and proven to work well? I mean space effective (small enough) but I am concerned about odor/ smell in such a small area. Also- the bathroom must have a vent fan in the wall? How do you control steam & moisture from the shower, particularily in winter, from mold / blackening the woodwork in the house?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 21st, 2009 12:59 pm:
1. Most of the bathrooms do have vents.
2. I recommend the sawdust toilet described at http://www.jenkinspublishing.com/sawdustoilet.html
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Valerie reply on February 22nd, 2009 3:23 am:
I am going to look into these toilets as they are ecomonically priced, but I actually was thinking about the $1500, plastic, composting toilet models. I cant imagine these simple toilets working well enough. In fact, I toured an abandoned girl scout campground (a friends relative purchased the land at auction) and outhouse toilets like these were used…wood boxes with seats attached, placed over a hole in the ground. They still smelled after 15 years of vacancy.
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Freth reply on February 22nd, 2009 10:03 pm:
We built one of the sawdust toilets and actually used it in our home during an emergency situation (water heater line broke Friday evening … couldn’t get fixed until Monday … no water in house). There was no smell. Stool & urine deposits are covered with sawdust or compost … no smell, no flies. This is different from an outhouse.
If you are NOT in a situation to compost … line the 5-gallon bucket with a plastic trash bag … when it gets about 2/3rd’s full, put a twist tie on it and toss it in the dumpster.
Jay Shafer reply on February 23rd, 2009 2:14 pm:
Exactly.
Shannon Rose reply on March 27th, 2009 6:32 pm:
Yep, my family of 4 has been living full time on a bus for the past year and we built our own sawdust toilet like the one Jay speaks of. Never ever have had the slightest odor! And we happened to be in Austin TX during the hottest part of the summer…still no odor! They’re great!
HI Jay! I am also wondering….. I have RV and I have holding tank in there….. I am wondering where do you put the holding tank for water in Lusby? Is there a place for it?
thanks!
Maria P
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 4:43 am:
We usually include a tank on wheels that stores on the ground under the house. That way you don’t have to pull your house to a dump station every time the tank’s full.
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I just wanted to confirm something.
If you purchase the plans from you, that you get to attend the two day workshop for free?
Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 4:51 am:
That’s the deal.
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blake reply on April 6th, 2009 9:57 pm:
If you attend the two day workshop, do you get the plans in the future at a discount? thanks, great ideas
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Emily Bulmer reply on April 7th, 2009 10:04 pm:
Hi Jay, please email me the answer to the above question too. I’m already signed up in Van. Tx. Emily
Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 4:08 pm:
Yup.
Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 3:53 pm:
Yeah, we allow you 8 weeks after the workshop to buy plans at the discount rate.
I’m in love with the Lusby! But I think I agree that extending the second loft over the porch to make a second sleeping loft would be great, freeing up the downstairs bedroom for a reading nook, storage, or a handball court (kidding, of course).
All of these little houses are great!
Now I want to go out and buy a tiny lot of land to take my tiny house to! What fun!
How does the 13′5″ road height compare with motorhomes?
Is there a clearance problem under trees?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 4:56 am:
13′ 6″ is the standard vehicle maximum in most states. That’s how tall semi trailers are.
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A question about plumbing in the Tumbleweed…I think recreational trailers often have “double floors” where heater duct work and the bathtub traps extend into. Tumbleweeds are single floored? Does the shower drain trap hang below the bed of the trailer? How do you protect/redesign it so it doesnt freeze in winter? Wonder why you havent explored the concept of using tiny showers (like found in motorhomes)-especially in Weebee. seems preferable over showering with the toilet. (Water must seep into everything!)
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 5:02 am:
I do use RV showers where space permits. I do prefer them over the wet bath.
The pipes can be insulated and kept warm with heat tape.
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what are the dimensions for the closets?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 22nd, 2009 5:04 am:
Generally 19″ deep x 24″ wide.
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Alex reply on February 22nd, 2009 6:25 am:
do you think it would work to replace one of the closets and shelving with a bathroom similar to the one in the xs-house, and extend the second bedroom?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 23rd, 2009 2:00 pm:
When there’s a will…
Can I build just the structure of the Lusby so that I can live in it (basic shelter from the storm), then add the other details (fridge, stove, etc.) as I have the money to do so? Any guesses about what it would cost to build just the basic structure? Any other suggestions about how to get started as economically as possible, with the idea of finishing it later?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 23rd, 2009 2:11 pm:
That’s a great idea. It would probably be about half as much to build the shell for starters.
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Kootenaymum reply on March 4th, 2009 11:13 pm:
Do you build the shells? Or would this be a scenario in which someone would purchase the plans and build it or have it built?
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Jay Shafer reply on March 5th, 2009 6:10 pm:
We do both. The shell would be a little less than half the price of a completed house.
Jamie reply on May 24th, 2009 2:57 pm:
When you speak of a shell, does that include the interior walls and loft space?
Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 6:44 am:
Yup. And that’s about it.
Would the foam insulation/vapor barrier emit VOCs into the living space? Does your design take into account (and minimize?) environmental toxins that could offgas into the house via the building materials. Does the design incorporate any environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional building materials?
Thanks,
Kevin
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Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 1:12 am:
We do try to keep the off-gassing down and the sustainable materials up. The polystyrene insulation we use contains chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs/HCFCs) that are destructive to the ozone layer, but virtually all of the off-gassing happens before it is ever installed.
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I can’t get these Tumbleweed houses out of my mind. They are exactly the size I’ve been looking for as a small residence on my parents property. I couldnt find any info about insulation….Do these Tiny Houses have insulation? I noticed the heaters and the comment that they do keep the houses warm under extreme weather. It gets really cold here with plenty of snow and I like to keep warm. : )
Thanks,
Kali
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Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 6:10 pm:
They are well insulated, and they do stay toasty in winter.
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Jay, could we please speak of Tiny Houses and a BIG Idea (addressing a major cause….) ; may I reach you by phone? – if so, what would be best number/time to call ??
Thank you!
Dvorit
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Jay Shafer reply on March 3rd, 2009 9:43 pm:
Hi Dvorit. Send me an email via info@tumbleweedhouses that broadly states your ideas, and if my beloved firewall, Steve, deems it mutually beneficial, I’ll get right back to you. Sorry about the fortification, but it has become necessary.
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Hi Jay,
I just wanted to be sure that you are bringing a tiny house to the Boulder, CO workshop in May. I really want to go in one.
Thanks,
Valerie
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Jay Shafer reply on March 3rd, 2009 9:35 pm:
I’ll see you there in a tiny house.
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Hi, Jay,
Ok…I think that what I would like is the Lusby, but I wondered if a few modifications could be made:
- a tub instead of the shower (I think that I read in one of your comments that you had put a tub in a Lusby).
-Can the Lusby be made with a bump-out like in the EPU? (I know that you have the new model that is a combo, but I wanted the downstairs bedroom and sperate shower-tub)
-Can a tiny woodburning stove be put in the Lusby?
APPROXIMATE cost of those modifications, plus I would like a compost toilet, solar panels and 2 portable tanks for water. Do you install these items if they are requested or is it something that I would have to have done by someone else?
Thanks!
Nancy
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Ummm….still no location for the Boulder, CO workshop? (None showing on your workshop info page. ) Yer makin’ me nervous, boys…
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Hi, again, Jay,
I just realized that I made 2 mistakes: first, I referred to the bump-out on the EPU, should have been on the WEEBEE. 2nd is that I then made a correstion on the Weebee site, instead of here on the Lusby sight. Sorry, twice.
Nancy
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Hello Jay,
I’ve wanted to complement you on your designs for years. You have some of the best looking travel homes on the market. I hope to build something like this in the future.
Eric
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Jay Shafer reply on March 15th, 2009 5:18 pm:
Thanks, Eric.
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Hi Tumbleweed crew!
Still trying to decide which plan is best for my needs and preferences. Tough!
I like the Lusby because of the extra bathroom space allowing for a sink in the bathroom as well as a bathroom door that doesn’t open into the kitchen. BUT, could the kitchen be moved into the downstairs bedroom space, thus opening up the main room?
Also, how difficult/costly would it be to add an additional window into the kitchen (under the loft)?
Thanks you guys! Keep up the creative work!
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Jay Shafer reply on March 31st, 2009 11:06 am:
It sounds doable, Brittany. In fact, it sounds a lot like the Tarleton design with an extra window. Check that one out.
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hi;
I think these little houses on wheels is cool. As I read several of the comments I couldn’t help noticing people are a little squeezed just looking. I spend a couple two or three months in my 22ft trailer each summer. But I have this inner need for a cabin. Towing the Tumbleweed the places I like to go won’t work. But is it possible to have a cabin that could be taken to a location where I would want to summer. I would assemble the cabin on site and at the end of my stay dismantle the cabin, take it home and store it until next year.
THe walls, floor, and roof would have to be aluminum stud and light weight materials. In the Navy CBs we build hospitals with stirofoam. Windows and doors could be installed on site, along with appliancies. I would need a trailer large enough to do the job.
I would need something that could be assembled by my wife and I in a day. I think 10 by 16 would be a good size. There would be no need for a loft. Is this a crazy idea or am I on the wrong site. What do you think. Joe
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Paul Guyon reply on April 21st, 2009 5:07 am:
Not sure how a 10X16 cabin would work, try looking up “Yurt” in google.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 25th, 2009 6:35 pm:
Sounds sound to me.
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Jay – Have you ever considered integrating corten steel into one of your designs? After seeing the home in this link I’ve been trying to figure out how it could work without cladding the entire home in it. The natrual rusting and the cedar look great together.
http://blog.michellekaufmann.com/?p=2047
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Jay Shafer reply on May 8th, 2009 3:20 pm:
Thanks, Jason. Tres cool.
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I have found MY American Dream. My American Dream has always been to live simply like Henry David Thoreau. I once thought this idea would not come to fruition when I decided I loved electricity, my cell phone, internet and my computer all too much. Such materialistic, superficial things except when I realized how much more in touch with my family I was when I had them (by losing them all for a while).
This design, the Lusby, with its two sleeping areas, with possible alterations adding a third sleeping area, and more porch is PERFECT! You can even add a bathtub, something I refuse to go without. (thank the shower scene in Psyco).
I have known for a long time that I wanted to give my young family stability and comfort and a feeling of home while still moving from time to time. I eventually want to end up in a tiny town in North Carolina, called Dillsboro with about 200 people in it. I do not have the money or resources to get there and build the horse farm of my dreams anytime soon.
I now have the option of getting a small house and taking it with me when I move with my two children, one boy and one girl who will have to have separate living spaces to make DCF happy.
I realize now that my hippie, environmentalist, motherly self has found her haven. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOFTS!!!! I also love love love the outdoors so having a bigger porch where I can enjoy it, and make that into an outdoor computer nook/eating/socializing area is amazing.
I finally feel that my dream home can come into fruition and that I can have that tiny white picket fence feeling without making a huge impact on the world, while still having a functioning family home.
I cannot wait til I find a better job and find some way to get one of these beautiful creations and have it for my very own.
Jay, you have made my dreams come true.
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Jay Shafer reply on May 16th, 2009 12:25 pm:
I’m so glad, Jennifer. Thanks for the ego food.
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Hello I have enjoyed reading everyone’s posts. I am over fifty not great at climbing ladders. Maybe find some way to install a stairway? I wish I could find a way to finance one of these, only have low social security and not sure what to do. Need to find a way running out of cash for large home in about a year. Need to find small trailer and small land but searching for both over a year. Any suggestions. Take answer off this page and in mailbox. Thanks. Living in New England now and need to get somehow through winters after this happens to me…Thanks.
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Sandra Walker reply on May 16th, 2009 9:24 pm:
Hello Karen,
I just turned 51 so I know what you mean. I live in TX and am taking the class in Boulder. I have an idea for you. Have you seen the inside of gooseneck horse trailer living quarters? The queen bed is in the gooseneck part and there is a gradual stepping up of sitting and storage area to get to it. No ladders; no stairs. Easy to navigate while half asleep to check on horses and go pee. Now, picture yourself walking in the door of one of Jay’s larger tiny homes on trailers. Look down one long side of the trailer and picture gradual steps up of sitting and storage and desk options say 2-3 feet wide that end up with you in a loft area for sleeping. Play around with this on some graph paper and I’ll bet you can come up with a perfect solution for yourself. I may raise the roof a little on a Z-Glass and do something like this to maximize some space. Ladders may make our knees creak but we can still crawl and scoot!!
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Kim reply on June 4th, 2009 3:12 pm:
Hi,
I have been looking at whatever I can find on tiny houses on the web and found one example of a book-case that had extensions to be doubled with a stair-case. It would take up some space, but you would still be getting some storage space out of it.
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Olá! Eu gostaria de saber como é o armazenamento da água e o tipo de energia utilizada.
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Micah reply on June 24th, 2009 6:20 am:
Olá! A fonte de água depende do projeto da casa.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 24th, 2009 11:40 am:
No comprende, Micah.
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Kerr reply on June 24th, 2009 2:19 pm:
Olá Raíza,
Lamento que eu não falam Português.
Você pode se conectar a uma mangueira de água, ou você pode armazenar água em um tanque. Você pode se conectar a uma extensão elétrica a partir de uma tomada elétrica domiciliar em outra casa, ou usar painéis solares fotovoltaicos.
—
I’m sorry that I don’t speak Portuguese.
You can connect to a garden hose for water, or you can store water in a tank. You can connect an electrical extension cord from an electrical outlet in another house, or use solar photovoltaic panels.
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I was wondering whether it is possible to build the Lusby without wheels? If so, what sort of foundation does it require? I know very little about construction, but I am slowly working my way up to building one of these beautiful dream houses!
Thank you,
Ruby
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 6:59 am:
No problem. I recommend a pier foundation.
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I love the Lusby! Can’t wait to order the plans! I especially the little front porch. I noticed the storage seats that you have on your front porch (saw them on your video). Are those free standing or did you build them into the porch? What a great place to put shoes! Also – where would one get that cute little gothic shaped window you have in your loft? I would also like to make the bedroom area a den – but am having trouble finding comfortable furniture (such as a loveseat and tV cabinet) that would fit. I’m sure it would work tho with some creative maneuvering.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 2nd, 2009 4:59 am:
They’re free standing, and they are perfect for shoes.
The window is custom. I built it.
Try Ikea.
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Jared Kalinski reply on June 3rd, 2009 6:12 pm:
I plan on making the bedroom area a den as well. I was thinking of building a storage bench along the long wall, with a flip down shelf/ledge at the end for a laptop and hanging a little 20″ LED flat screen on or build it into the wall that’s against the bathroom.
Today I drew a mock up floor plan with chalk in the driveway. It was fun.
Jared.
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neeteebeebee reply on August 31st, 2009 1:09 am:
If I were you, I would arrange it so that you can see the “TV” from the other room as well.
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Matt reply on November 3rd, 2009 4:23 pm:
Haha, now I know I’m not the only one.
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I have a couple of questions.
If we buy plans, is the building seminar included in the price of the plans, or are they two separate items/purchases? I believe we get three hours of consultation.
When we plan on building the house ourselves, do you give us a list of suppliers for the special order items such as the doors, windows, heater stove, etc.
Thanks,
Jared Kalinski
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Jay Shafer reply on June 5th, 2009 8:07 am:
The plans include the seminar, the 3 hrs. and the materials list.
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I’m also interested in having a tiny house and noticed other people in my area N. Wisconsin who are. Is there any way to connect with people who are interested in our region to share ideas/collaborate, etc.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 5th, 2009 8:11 am:
Check out the Tiny House Blog and its links.
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Hi Jay,
I fell in love with your tiny houses. What a great idea!
Any chance of renting one for 6 months?
I live in Switzerland and will come next year to study in Southern California for 6 months. My husband and our 10 year old daughter will come too and we’d all love to live in a tiny house. But buying one doesn’t make much sense since we won’t be able to take it back with us. Unless, you think we could sell it easily at the end of our stay?
I would really like to attend your workshops too, so I could build one in Switzerland afterwards.
Is it true that you will be coming to the UK this year? And when? Will you give workshops there? What about coming to Switzerland?
You are invited!
Marie
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 12:24 pm:
Thanks, Marie, but I had to postpone even the London and Ireland gigs, as it turns out we’re having a baby in October. I hope you’ll think about coming to one of my U.S. workshops while you’re here.
I’m sorry we don’t have anything for you to rent yet, but I will have to strive towards providing that in the future too.
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Marie reply on August 20th, 2009 3:05 am:
I see. Congratulations!
I will definitely try to come to one of your workshops. But as I’m not sure how everything will turn out, so could you also keep me informed about any workshop you will give in Europe?
As for renting a tiny house next year (February to June), do I have to renounce the idea? Or do you see a possibility … until then?
Thanks for your advice and best wishes to you and your growing family.
Marie
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 3:51 pm:
I’ll keep you abreast of any workshops in Europe. Let me know if you nedd a rental on the East Coast, as we still have a Fenl in Connecticut.
Marie reply on August 24th, 2009 6:14 am:
Since “Reply to this comment” is not availlable after your last message(?!), I post my reply here:
Thank you.
No I won’t be staying on the East Coast. I will be in Southern California (somewhere near Temecula) next year from February to June. Let me know if you see a possibility or if I have to drop the idea completely.
Thanks
Marie
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 10:23 am:
You’d better forget it, Marie, since we don’t have any other houses for rent.
Everyone that is looking to build there own small house is most likely to build on a budget. What and where wouldn’t you worry about spending to much and what would you splurge on?
Jared
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 12:43 pm:
I might get cheaper flooring (laminate?) and get rid of window mullions first, if I was looking to cut costs. This wouldn’t be too much of a sacrifice.
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Jay,
I have noticed that several people have posted that they would love for you to come to some of the Southeastern states. I’m in B’ham, AL and would love to see you come and do a workshop.
I am interested in buying the plans of either the Tarleton or Lusby or maybe combining the two floor plans to fit my family’s needs.
Selling it to my spouse is a little challenging since he cannot walk through one of your models. Please come south sometime!
We’ll show you some down home hospitality and let you park your home a spell!
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:13 pm:
Thanks, Audrey. You’ve planted the seed.
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Hey, Im just wondering what type of wood youre using and i dont know what the area i can build without geting a permit in parry sound, great house.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 24th, 2009 11:39 am:
We usually use certified pine and fir for framing and sometimes Cedar siding outside.
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what do the plans include?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 29th, 2009 1:29 pm:
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/plans/
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felicitaciones, son hermosas y prácticas, ideales para personas, que desean un hogar fácil de mantener con lo estricto y necesario para su confort. Además poseen la ventaja de poder viajar comodamente. Gran idea.
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Donna F. reply on July 1st, 2009 12:05 pm:
translation:
“Greetings, they are beautiful and practical, ideal for people, who desire a place easy to maintain with only what is necessary for your comfort. What’s more, they possess the advantage of the power to travel comfortably. Great idea.”
All you Spanish speakers out there…how did I do?
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Jessica reply on July 10th, 2009 12:18 pm:
Great job!! (Not a native speaker, but I studied Spanish in college).
I plan on building the Lusby or a modified version of it…in Sweden within the next 4 or 5 years. Right now, I am an engaged art student (read: temporarily impoverished)…but the minute I can start building, I will! Less space to pay the heating bills for in winter, and bigger than most Stockholm apartments
. What a BRILLIANT idea! Thanks for your site!!
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My brother built his own home – a cabin on 5 acres. I showed him your tiny houses and have decided to buy plans for the B-53. My brother loved the designs of your houses the best. I’ve been researching for sometime now with my brothers help on building an economy home for me.
We were both wondering with your Fencl though do you have much maintenance with the wood like you do a cabin? Also how does one determine on land space, as I think 5 acres would empower the tiny home feature, do you have any suggestions or is bigger acreage better for attraction to the tiny home?
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Jay Shafer reply on July 4th, 2009 6:11 pm:
1) I only have to clean and re-stain every three years or so. It takes about 6 hours to do it right.
2) I like small parcels, myself. A tenth of an acre would do.
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Michelle Rhodes reply on September 30th, 2009 11:24 am:
do you stain, as opposed to paint, because of the moisture/breathing (of the house) factor?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 2:41 pm:
No. I just like the look sometimes.
Thanks Jay! And Happy 4th to you.
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I am 43 yrs old, a part time single dad and have not a penny to my name. All my life has been spent treading water as my paychecks always matched the cost of living. That stands true even now. So, at a crossroads in my life where I am looking seriously at my retirement and my daughters future (school costs) I am exploring methods of “getting ahead”. I found you. Thanks for your idea. As it stands now, I have analyzed my budget and now my first step is to find a junker of a trailer home that I and my daughter can survive in for at least 12 months. I need to then find someone in the city near her school where I can park it in their back yard and illegally live for that time. I hate city bylaws. Then, over the course of the year, salvage salvage salvage and then combining the salvage materials with money saved, I feel confident I can begin building in spring and be built by winter. Its a major sacrifice for the year but worth it I feel. Then hurdle after the house is built is no different than the parking of the trailer… where? Calgary Alberta is a huge city and I spend most of my time on a bike so I need to park close to work and school for my little one. The challenge will be finding someone willing to risk fines of letting me live in their backyard. At least for another year until which time I can afford a commute if I move the trailer home out of the city limits to someones property. I’m curious, does anybody have experience with Alberta city zoning laws and restrictions? I would love to know more.
I will keep you updated if I can.
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Jay Shafer reply on July 12th, 2009 1:36 pm:
It sounds like a sound plan, Scott. Used RVs are the cheapest way to live until you’re ready.
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Do the trailer houses come with the two little stairs for the porch that are shown in some of these pictures?
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Jay Shafer reply on July 12th, 2009 1:48 pm:
Yes, they do.
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I’m trying to estimate how much it would cost to move a Lusby, say 1000 miles. The reason is that I could build while staying with a relative, but expect that I will probably move at some point to settle somewhere else. Would the cost of moving it defeat the cost of building it? For example, say I could build the house for 20,000 or less and it costs 10,000 to move it. Should I just figure on finding where I’m going to live first and then build there. Do you have some rough estimate of what it takes to move the house from your trips.
Thank you for your insight with this!
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chesapeake reply on July 19th, 2009 8:49 am:
Kim,
I’m not with Tumbleweed, but I’m a huge fan and have been following this company for years. The Lusby is built attached to a utility trailer, so you just need a truck with a hitch to move it. I know that Jay, on his most recent tour of the US, rented a U-Haul to move it. These trucks are rented by the day, and you have to pay for gas like with a rental car, but there’s no way (unless it took you several months to get to your destination) that you would be paying even close to $10,000 for a U-Haul rental. You can check on the U-Haul website for more specifics, like location, dates, and cost.
These houses are about as portable as it gets, which is why I love them so much!
Hope this helps,
chesapeake
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Kim reply on July 21st, 2009 8:15 am:
I see. I saw that a UHaul big enough to haul it would be about $30 per day and about 1.00 per mile. Then I would have to figure out how many miles to the gallon hauling such a house would cost. So, I figure say 1000 miles, about $1000 for mileage and about $120-150 for rental plus gas? If I don’t have much in the UHaul could I say I would get 15 miles per gallon? Or more or less?
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chesapeake reply on July 23rd, 2009 3:43 pm:
I’m not certain. I’m sure you would be using more gas than a normal car because of the weight of the house. Plus, who knows what gas prices will do between now and the time that you move your tiny home.
If I were you, I would over-estimate to be safe. It’s always better to have a little bit of financial padding in situations like that. Good luck!
I was wondering how you get to the other part of the loft. Not the bed side the other side. Thank you!
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Kim reply on July 20th, 2009 9:59 am:
You would just move the ladder to the other side. It’s not likely that you would need to be on both sides at once, but if so, you might want to get another ladder or fold up ladder.
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Where would you get insurance for such a house. I’ve been checking with my insurance company USAA and they aren’t able to cover it, because it falls outside the description of all the categories. I’m going to buy your book to see if you have any information on this, but imagine, once it’s built and you need to move it to another location, it needs to be insured. Do you have any references? I want to get some quotes on what the insurance costs would be.
Thank You. I’m making progress on making this come to fruition, but need am committing all the information on paper first.
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chesapeake reply on July 23rd, 2009 3:44 pm:
I think I read somewhere about insuring the houses as an RV. You might try calling USAA and saying that is an RV (since that is how your house would be registered for tag purposes). Let me know what you find!
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CJ Pearson reply on October 31st, 2009 5:02 pm:
I have lived small a couple of times & ways. I designed & built on the Vineyard back in 1982. a 825 sq ft. passtive solar, heated by wood, demand Hot H2O, front loading washer, etc. 2 people lived easyly for 25 yrs.
But, These are somewhat like a very small “Park Model” Mobil Homes,( they were designed to fit in a “RV Trailer” spot, but fullsized appliances) I had one custom built in 1990, to my plans in Ocala FL. 410 sq ft. They are then somewhat considered a “RV Trailer”, and Yes, then DID have a Lic Plate on it! But If kept in one place, like I had it on 3 acres. So I was able to then insured it as a Mobil home. UP SIDE? I slipped through a Tax Crack somehow, and never paid taxes for a “Home”, I pull all the right permits for sepic, well, etc.?……. Pd $225 per year
The second time I bought a RV Trailer to live in for a year while I built a house. If you plan on traveling with it, It IS an RV Trailer with plates & INSURED by the coverage carried on the tow vehile (so carry it all) I’m selling out & moving south, still have the RV Trailer to it again, as this time home needs to be for aging people with 7 dogs! So these are too small for me, but my house plan is 900 sq ft, as my mother will have to come live with us, and to be fully handicap..
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 10:07 am:
It is my understanding that U-Haul insures what you’re towing as part of the contract.
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I was wondering how you fit a full size bed in the bedroom of the Lusby. I think the width of a full size bed is 54″ and the bedroom is only 4ft (48″) according to the floor plan at the top. Could you let me know because I would like to put a sleeper loveseat in that room if I could fit it, and the smallest that I can find is 55″. I think this would be great for me and my son if we could extend that second loft above the porch. I like the idea of water by gravity also. Living off the grid is becoming increasingly more attractive to me. At least people should know how to live off the grid if necessary. Thanks!
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betsy mccullen reply on July 23rd, 2009 12:54 pm:
somewhere on here (but i can’t find it!) i asked jay that same question and he said he’d fix it for me when i ordered the plans. he says it is an easy fix. most full size beds are 54″ x 75″ and a 4′ x 6′ room only measures 48″ x 72″ so the room won’t be long enough either. you could probably squish just a mattress or futon in there, but still keep in mind that you won’t have room to make the bed or walk around it. i have a full size sleep number bed and it will not fit without jay’s adjustments to the plans.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:59 am:
Please let me know if and where we claimed you could fit a full in there. We should change that right away.
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betsy mccullen reply on August 7th, 2009 2:31 am:
betsy on January 12th, 2009 4:19 pm
jay, i am interested in the lusby model with the downstairs bedroom option. however, in the book i ordered from you (tumbleweed tiny houses: portfolio of homes), the size of that room is 4? x 6? (aka 48? x 72?). all standard beds are 75? long. i could use the loft easily but i am thinking that the loft idea is a bit risky for a woman my age, esp at night. i have a select comfort sleep number bed and i don’t plan to give that up anytime soon
) what would your solution be to that problem? i have searched your site for an answer and haven’t found one, but if there is a link with that answer, could you give it to me?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 13th, 2009 7:37 pm:
We could lengthen that room a bit for you, Betsy. It would entail moving the windows and shortening the other room a little, but that’s not a real problem.
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I have one more question. I live in Georgia and we have lots of high wind storms. Is it dangerous to have a house on wheels in this climate? Is there a way to connect the house to the ground for stabilization during high winds? I don’t want to own land, so I need something portable, but I also don’t want my house to blow over which one of the many reasons I don’t like RVs. Thanks again.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 10:00 am:
Just be sure to use tie-downs. They’re like big corkscrews that connect the house to the ground.
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Hi, I’m 14 and I’ve been looking at houses lately for no particular reason. This one looked great. I love it. It’s eco-friendly, comes has a decent bathroom, kitchen, lots of room for books and two bed rooms (I’d plan on having people over sometimes).
Anyways, I have a couple questions:
Would there be any electrical sockets in the mobile home I could use? If not how would I be able to charge a laptop in there.
Would I be able to attach solar panels to the roof somehow? That seems cheaper in the long run.
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:20 am:
Hi Michael.
1) There are outlets in all of the houses.
2) You can put panels on the roof, but I like to keep mine off to the side so that I can keep my house shaded during the winter.
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I love this idea!
Do any of your customers live in this modular home?
I am considering it, would it be expensize?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 5:58 pm:
There are a few folks living in these. The prices are on the houses page.
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one more question:
are there any place around Missouri where I could see how it personally was inside?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 5:59 pm:
Sorry. I don’t know.
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I love your houses Jay, and this is my favorite model!
Would it be possible to convert the first floor bedroom into a mini library with built in bookshelves?
Keep up the good work!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 6:17 pm:
Yup. Thanks.
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Can these models be made “luxury” as in granite countertops and a higher grade wood for the woodwork? Can it have one of those boat fireplaces, and as for the bathroom will it work the “conventional” way if you were to have it at an RV park. If you wanted it parked, like you do Jay, behind a house you are renting out how do the hook ups work (water, electric, sewer, cable/internet)
Will the small bedroom downstairs fit a desk, chair and an nice wing backed leather chair in the corner? I am a writer and was thinking about utilizing the room this way – is there a window in the room? Can we use the gothic window in the loft area?
M
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 6:37 pm:
Yes to all of the above.
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could you please tell me what company makes that sleek looking light fixture in the main room? and what kind of bulbs does it use? i want to install it in my tiny house too!!
thanks.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 11:28 am:
I’m sorry I don’t remember the name or even where we got them. Probably Freedmans Hardware.
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While I really like the idea of these small houses, there is no way I could ever convince my 6′4″ husband to live in one. At first I was excited by the Lusby model having a main level bedroom, but then realised that not only would my husband not be able to lie down in that room, he also could not stand up straight in the majority of the main floor. (The ceiling height is listed as 6′3″, but I’m thinking this is for the area underneath the loft.)
Maybe if the loft areas were removed and the kitchen was shifted more toward the front to elongate the bedroom…
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Kim reply on August 19th, 2009 9:33 am:
From reading the FAQ, it would appear that increasing ceiling height would be an acceptable change. Would this affect: (a) the loft space (i.e. is space being “stolen” from the loft) or (b) the ability to transport it?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 12:42 pm:
It wold reduce the loft space unless you live in CA, OR or WA where 14′ tall trailers are allowed. Then we’d just make the whole thing 6″ taller.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 12:39 pm:
We have stretched these out for tall folks before. It’s not a problem.
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Hi Jay,
It was great to see you in Olympia last year with Dee Williams and I am still excited and ready to do this! My question concerns the Lusby; would bunk beds fit in the room downstairs? I think perhaps, they’d have to be custom made, but would this work?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2009 3:58 pm:
We could squeeze bunks in that room, no problem.
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I have a interest in the Lusby as a mobile film headquarters, and editing studio , I would like to know is it possible to reduce the kitchen down considerability and be able to put in a dedicated Imac work station, and a 20 to 40 tb raid server. I would also like to know is it possible to turn the downstairs bedroom into a cold or chill room for film stock, and video tape storage. I was thinking connections in the lofts for hammocks. lastly could the bathroom be made into a wetbath to save a bit more space?
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Thomas Gray reply on August 23rd, 2009 3:53 pm:
I forgot to say also I like the little sitting/sunroom that you have on the fencl, and weebee is that possible for the Lusby?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 10:20 am:
Yup. It is.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 10:19 am:
Great ideas… totally doable.
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what about a small washer dry unit in the loft?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 12:49 pm:
When there is a will…
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I’ve been reading many of the comments and questions/answers, but I still have one. What are the advantages one of these tiny houses has when compared to a simple pulled-behind RV? Is it just the look?
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Nancy Mihlon reply on August 31st, 2009 12:45 pm:
It is no coincidence that many of Jay’s designs reference architecture of the arts and crafts tradition. One of that movement’s founders, William Morris, encouraged people to “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Jay has extended that to the houses themselves, with great success. They appeal to the senses. Not just the look of them, but I imagine, the feel and smell of them is far superior to a lot of the spaces we inhabit. This sensory richness makes up for their smallness (when compared to regular house) and their awkwardness (when compared with an RV. Their beauty also has the potential to endear them to neighbors who might object to an motor home or trailer. Our modern moral education, too often stresses the superficiality of physical beauty “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” is a fine sentiment, but why shouldn’t a great book have a beautiful cover?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 1:06 pm:
I like the way you think, Nancy… especially when you think of my work in such a flattering light.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 12:54 pm:
There’s more insulation in the walls, floor, roof and windows; the design is more about full-time living than part-time recreating; and there is, of course, the looks. If you don’t need these elements, I recommend a used RV. They’re cheaper.
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Anyone have any ideas about this problem?…
If I could help my sister get into a Lusby I would be a happy, happy woman, but…she is 57 and living in Kerrville, TX on $600 a month in an RV Park, in a borrowed van converted into an RV.
We have no one to help us, I don’t have two nickels to rub together, I am $60k in debt and live in a room in someone elses’ house in another state. My income covers my debt basically.
She was living with a Vietnam Veteran for 14 years that is no longer safe to be with because of physical abuse. She was born a premie at two pounds and has always been a little slow, but, she was given shock therapy treatments after child birth at a military hospital and was only able to sort hangers for Goodwill then had to go on disability. Now she functions on her own, pays her bills, grew a small garden, rides a bike to get groceries. She loves to go fishing in her kayak and oddly, camps out as often as possible.
Is there any kind of grant or Habitat for Humanity program that could help her get a Tiny Home she can call her own? The RV she is in belongs to the perp and I am trying to get her free of his control.
She is happy in a small place and would most likely live in it forever so the bedroom downstairs is probably best.
I dream of having a retirement community of tiny houses that are spaced like bungalows along a garden path about six to eight an acre. It would give the folks some autonomy and afordable living.
I really, really don’t like asking for help, but, I need information and I feel like I must try to help my sister somehow, someway. Thank you!~n
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neeteebeebee reply on August 31st, 2009 1:06 am:
I am wondering if purchasing a kit to be built as a high school project would work…hmmm…still need some kind of grant for my sister.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2009 1:04 pm:
I’d love to see an affordable community of tiny houses in which all of one’s talents are of service and all of one’s needs are served. Until then, I do know that I was able to retrofit an old Airstream for less than $5000 and 100 hours labor (including purchase price). I lived without any utility bills, as I’d built in a composting toilet, solar panel and water catchment system. I lived in a friend’s yard for $50 per month.
Good luck and insight to you.
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Great houses! I’ve wanted to build a very small house for years- searching for tiny home plans… even in today’s day age of the internet, information is few/far between. Thanks!
I would love to see a photo of how you incorpore the stove/oven from Cabelas in the houses you are currently building. Curious to see if it is built in or on the counter.
I own the same stove, and love it!
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Jay Shafer reply on September 22nd, 2009 9:31 am:
Thanks. I intend it to be built-in.
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Oops! I meant to say: “… incorporate …”
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I’m determined I’m going to go small. I know this is at least 1 year off for me. I like the Lusby due to the downstairs bedroom (I’m mobility impaired) and leave the loft for occasional guests. I’m thinking of possible ways to build in things like a built in climbing cat tree. I’m concerned about the bathroom facilities though. For medical reasons, a regular flushing toilet is probably best. But I note that you advocate the composting variety. Have you had any experience with people who want the regular flush type? what difficulties/downsides presented themselves?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 20th, 2009 7:33 pm:
We actually build more with flushers than composters.
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[...] Most people say “Calgon take me away” but I’d rather think about this: [...]
What are the dimensions for the kitchen counter in this model? And, how wide is the door?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 10:11 pm:
1. About 22″ x 84″.
2. About 30″.
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Hi, Jay,
These dwellings are brilliant – I’ve been daydreaming about something like these for ages.
I know you’re a M Python fan (having read another post by you), so this might take your fancy – look up Lusby in http://folk.uio.no/alied/TMoL.html#anchorL
Regards,
Phil.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2009 10:19 pm:
For the first and, perhaps, last time ever, I say LOL!
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Re: post above – take time to read the intro at the top of the page first! All will become clear.
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Can the Lusby downstairs bedroom be converted to a lving room? A love seat and small coffee table and a small flat screen TV mounted on the wall?
Second, I’ve read about people wanting to go off grid and I am too. but I have heard of the noise of the converter equipment. I have been thinking about building the Lusby with a basement where I could store all the solar equipment even the washer/dryer combo Plus I would have just double the size of the floor space
Am I out of my mind? Or does this sound like a nicely added touch. So basically no trailer, but a small basement. Thoughts? Espically from Jay or another staff member. But others welcome too. 
The only down side I see is only being able to acess the basement from outside. But that’s all I see.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 11:53 am:
1) Yes. Sounds nice.
2) Oh, very nice. The sound won’t be a problem.
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How large are those closets?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 7:28 pm:
almost exactly 2′x2′.
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1. Is it possible to install and hookup an LG washer and dryer combo in the Lusby?
2. Is it possible to install an electric stove top instead of a gas one in the Lusby?
3. Is it possible to install a water heater for the shower, and sinks in the Lusby?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 8:00 pm:
1) Yup. See my answer a few posts back.
2) Yup.
3) There already is one.
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In the loft are there any electrical plugs for say an alarm clock?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2009 4:20 pm:
Yup. At the head of the bed.
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I am planning on building this as a stationary cabin on a large mountain property in eastern Tennessee or Western North Carolina and was wondering if anyone would have any ideas on building permits. Because it would be stationary, I could no longer use the trailer loophole, so what are my options? I am hoping because I would be building it in the mountains, building codes wouldn’t be so strict and I can bypass all the red tape of permits. After all, people build small hunting cabins all the time, and they don’t need permits for those, right? Are building codes, county or state specific?
Thanks,
Eric
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Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2009 4:53 pm:
You can usually use the loop hole that allows folks to build structures of less than 120 s.f. without a permit. No permit… no restrictions (except set-backs).
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eric reply on November 30th, 2009 5:25 pm:
is it the footprint, or the livable space that must be under 120 sq ft? Would the lusby with 117 sq feet fall under the guidelines and allow me to build without obtaining permits?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 12th, 2009 12:06 pm:
It varies from county to county. Some say it’s from exterior wall to exterior wall. Some say it’s everything within the roofline but grant you 200 s.f. total. The Lusby meets this later restriction, but not the first. Ask your local officials what they require and get back to me for details.
The only problem I see with a perminate ladder is, how would you get to the storage over the door and closets? I suppose you could make a ladder that’s more flush and hook some how onto the loft.
Chelsea
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I think that home looks so cute ……if I brought one we should definitly pack it was small appliances – even better buy small appliances like the wonder washer http://www.washing-machine-wizard.com/wonder-washer.html – able to do the laundry so quickly with that machine
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I would love to know if there’s a way of doing a Gambrel roof for a Lusby? if so, do you think this would significantly increase the amount of material needed for construction? Any cons about having this type of roof? pleas let me know what you think!
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Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2009 5:00 pm:
It’s doable, but I prefer the idea of simply reducing the roof pitch and increasing the height of the walls. Then you get even more headroom below without an extra break in the roof.
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All of your houses have the porch/entrance with their backs to the hitch. Is there anything that would make having the entrance facing the hitch a bad idea?
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Ben reply on November 23rd, 2009 7:21 pm:
I think that the hitch would get in the way of the front door.
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ryan baer reply on November 24th, 2009 7:39 pm:
if the hitch got in the way o well it is cheap and great im planning on getting on when i turn 18.
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hank reply on November 26th, 2009 5:11 pm:
Well the trailer I want to use has a fairly broad hitch that is a triangle shape with the hitch at the end. I was thinking I could put a stair unit on either side of the triangle and have an extension of the porch. Besides the hitch the way is there anything else that could make this a problem? Thanks for feedback.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 29th, 2009 3:07 pm:
Not that I can see. In fact, I saw this done once on a portable hot dog stand and it looked fine.
Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2009 5:03 pm:
It’s a bit harder to work around the tongue and get to the door without aesthetic problems.
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i think it is a great ideal for a teen just moved out that there job calls for moving. like me im into taking photos and need to have great pics. so i think that it would be a good thing for him. but how do you get to run things in it like charger something and if it is ran by somthing can you put a solar pannel on it.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 29th, 2009 2:30 pm:
Solar, wind or any old outlet will do.
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[...] you to one of my tiny home heroes–Zoey. Zoey is in the process of building her own Tumbleweed Lusby. She writes about her experiences on her blog, [...]
Hello, I am under the impression that this would be considered a “trailer home”. Is it true that you must have a Federal License in order to be a trailer home manufacturer? I asked about this once in my State of Florida and they said that I could NOT build a trailer home for myself because of safety and licensing issues??
Thanks, JJ
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Ginny reply on December 16th, 2009 10:17 am:
Double check the Florida statues. There is a fed law concerning the construction on manufactured homes. The way I an reading this, the Lusby would not qualify due to its small size. I’ll let Jay have the final say.
By the fed definition –
Manufacturer means any person engaged in manufacturing or assembling manufactured homes, including any person engaged in importing manufactured homes for resale.
Manufactured home means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or forty body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is three hundred twenty or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. Calculations used to determine the number of square feet in a structure will be based on the structure’s exterior dimensions measured at the largest horizontal projections when erected on site. These dimensions will include all expandable rooms, cabinets, and other projections containing interior space, but do not include bay windows. This term includes all structures which meet the above requirements except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer
voluntarily files a certification pursuant to Sec. 3282.13 and complies with the standards set forth in part 3280. Nothing in this subsection should be interpreted to mean that a manufactured home necessarily meets the requirements of HUD’s Minimum Property Standards (HUD Handbook 4900.1) or that it is automatically eligible for financing under 12
U.S.C. 1709(b).
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Ginny reply on December 16th, 2009 10:18 am:
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2006/aprqtr/24cfr3280.2.htm website for reference
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I love the idea of small houses. I’ve looked into building something similar on an unimproved lot but have run up against building departments that won’t allow this. So I’m just wondering if you had any issues in Sebastapol– was it difficult to get approval? Thanks for any feedback on this.
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Lusby
I have dreams of owning this unit. I would like for you to make it – if I had it done; however, I would want a fireplace and “old english style” paneled walls, greenish/black granite sinks,, etc. A granite bathroom with expensive fixtures. A truly luxurious tiny abode. Is this possible?
I’d like to use the bedroom as a writing/library study. and the upstairs loft as the bedroom with a shaffmin mattress instead of a futon.
What cost are we looking at here for you to do this. What was the most expensive Lusby you;ve made? What is the best pick up truck to pull it with. And, most importantly, WHERE can you live in these homes? I’m just in the dreaming state here – who knows how quickly this dream will come true.
Please reply.
M
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P.S.
If you do not make luxury models (making tthe inside with “old english style” paneled walls, greenish/black granite sinks,, etc. A granite bathroom with expensive fixtures. A truly luxurious tiny abode) – do you have a list of contractors that will?
Also, do you have a list yet of places Tiny Home owners can live?
M
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A granite bathroom and granite sinks in a structure designed for towing behind a personal vehicle? Is this a tongue-in-cheek jest? Anyway, it gave me my chuckle for the day. Jay, this website is an excellent clearinghouse for diverse ideas and experiences. Thanks so much for producing it.
My current project in small housing does not have wheels; it is structurally similar to some temporary storage buildings I furnished to a grocery retail chain years ago. They were built and placed without the required permits, but had skids and tow hooks, so when they had to be removed they were pulled onto a flatbed trailer and trucked away for re-use on nearby farms. I will continue to noisily fight the zoning laws which require 1000 sf dwellings, but the reality is that we builders of 120 sf structures are faced with periodic forced relocations.
Your design of the triangular attic for a bedspace, including the ceiling void and ladder access at the foot end is top-notch. My previous projects have typically used variants of a Murphy bed, but I will now copy your attic design. Thanks.
A slight advantage to my skidded design over your towable design is that I can better handle greater weights. Perhaps I’ll consider using some granite also.
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Jay, I recently took one of your classes and wonderd if that makes
me eligible for a discount on house plans. I noticed a discount code
box at checkout for the Lusby.
Thank you
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I’m thinking of buying the Lusby model to build myself, and I would like to know if it’s practical for a 17-18 year old girl (possibly with help) to build. As in, are the instrucions fairly user friendly and clear, without requiring a terrible amount of construction knowledge?
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This is a question for Jay. Is it possible for you to come up with a design to park (2) Tumbleweeds side by side (preferably) and link them together to join interiors? This would be a form of interior walkway less than 6 feet long. Plans for the modified Tumbleweeds could omit windows on the walls which face each other. I would keep the plumbing…a larger kitchen, bathroom and even laundry in one tumbleweed. The other tumbleweed would be basically open room-enough space for a bigger bed or something like a very small woodstove. I could keep lofts in each tumbleweed for extra sleeping space or storage. This Tumbleweed set up would be designed to park on your own land. I have to be honest about the space I need to live in. I need some “walk-room” and space for an apartment size stove and maybe 8 cu ft fridge.
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I have a few general questions:
If I need a design to build the house, but I want to modify the design to suit myself, how do I do that? Do I need to talk to you first or do I just buy a design and then modify it somehow with the builder before building?
(I have been told by a trailer builder in Australia that my trailer bed can be 8 feet wide here: I would like to mix a couple of designs to my liking and needs so there are quite some changes)
When it comes to the design, do I already have to have a door and windows bought so the design fits exactly to details like that? or can I change detials like that before building starts?
Is there anybody you know of who has built a tiny house in Australia yet? There are so many regulations and restrictions, I’d like to talk to somebody here who could advise me on what’s do-able in Australia.
When it comes to window glass, do you have to have a special shatter-proof glass for travel?
Is it possible to build the house and place it on a trailer at a later date? or is this extremely problematic? (a trailer here costs around $5,000 2nd hand and brand new $7,800 to specifications, so when it comes to financing building, the largest cost here by far is the actual trailer).
Many thanks
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on March 5th, 2010 8:15 pm:
We use double paned glass. Are the window sizes different down under? The house is designed to be built into the trailer.
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These are beautiful! I am seriously thinking about buying the Lusby after I sell my current home. It would be awesome if, instead of the two day workshop, you could have a complete build-a-tumbleweed workshop of x days (or weeks) with the electricians, plumbers, etc. on site. Then multiple people could come and make them all at the same time (and maybe get a discount on lumber, etc.?). Sort of like a barn raising, times the number of houses being built. If someone was willing to help me with the tricky bits, I’d be happy to trade free labor with theirs. =)
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Nicki reply on June 11th, 2010 8:04 am:
I think this is a great idea! I’d definitely sign up for this. It’s those areas that make me apprehensive to build my own house.
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Do you with it would be possible for this to be built with sheetrock on the walls so it could be painted? Or do you have any other comparable models that are/ can be?
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on February 27th, 2010 9:21 pm:
It can be done with hot mud. Otherwise the joint compound can crack on the road.
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Is the ladder atteched to the wall? Or is it just placed on an angle? Is the space bear/cyote proof?
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on March 5th, 2010 8:49 pm:
The ladder is not attached to the wall to create more space, it can be placed on the side after using.
For the bear/coyote proof,as what Steve said “depends on the type of bear”
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I think that to receive the business loans from creditors you ought to present a good reason. Nevertheless, one time I’ve received a student loan, just because I was willing to buy a building.
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Would I need a propane tank to heat this or electricity? Can it be hooked up to a water pump system? Seeing this is like finding a missing puzzle piece to my life. I can finally live simply and not have to sell my soul or go into massive debt to buy a house with space I don’t need. Thank you.
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Two questions. Is renting a truck or van a good way to go to transport these houses? I don’t know if I want to spend 30k on buying a truck.
also
I read above that incerator toilets smell bad, but I read online that if properly vented they are not that offensive. Anyone had experience with this as I want to put in a propane incinerator toilet.
Thanks
Ted
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What about the use of solar shingles to give this great tiny home a better green footprint. My big concern would be the wires that would have to come thru the ceiling to make the connection to the power inverter that changes the DC to AC household current.
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Hi,
I was just curious as to what is included in the current build-it-yourself package? I’m assuming windows, doors, and lumber are included but I’m not entirely sure what else is. I’m also curious as to what you think of getting rid of the vaulted ceilings by connecting the storage and sleeping loft to make room for my work. Thank you,
-Alex
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Hi Jay. I am interrested in purchasing/building a tiny home but had a few questions. Could one sleep in the loft and use the downstairs bedroom for water storage, storage of batteries for a solar panel hookup and for a place to put a washer and dryer unit? How large is the propane tank yo uuse to heat your home? How long does a tank of propaane last you? Has your home ever been used anywhere that is abnormally cold? I am single with no pets and have no intention of changing such. I live in Northern BC Canada and was wondering what the insulation value was. We have -40 degree celsius winters and plus 40 summers. Please let me know your thoughts. -Trevor
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I was also wondering if it would be feasible to use the Lusby plans and place it on a foundation? It is the perfect size and has everything that I need. Thanks -Trevor
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Did you think about making your own solar water heater, like passive batch?
The existing water heater, is it tankless or tank type. Did you try to use the portable water heater, like L5 EccoTemp?
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Like many others, I’m trying to figure out how to get under from the debt associated with a traditional home (which I own). I really, really love the ideas of these homes, but not having been in a Lusby, wondered if 1) the loft can sleep a couple and 2) if anyone has feedback on if it can accomodate 3 people (I have a 3 year old son). Thanks!
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on May 7th, 2010 3:33 am:
The loft can fit a queen size bed and there’s another bedroom below, fitting a family of 3 wouldn’t have any problems.
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I’ve read through the comments and perhaps I’m still missing something, but for zoning purposes, would this be considered an RV?
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on May 13th, 2010 10:14 pm:
The Tiny houses can be an RV, but usually are not. The law states that an RV can only be made by a licensed manufacturer, but some people have built our houses themselves and licensed them as RV’s.
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I apologize if this has been asked before and I missed it. I am looking to build a version of the Lusby that I will modify for my own needs (such as a three bedroom type space home for me, my husband, my daughter who has yet to be here and an additional space just in case. My question is about height however.
I’ve noticed that the tallest cieling that is built on the first floor is 6′3″. What would it take to heighten that cieling? You see, I am 6′1″ and my husband is 6′6″. 2″ of space above my head would be very confined feeling and to have to see my husband bend over to use a house we built would not be good. Is there a way to make it 7′ tall on the bottom floor? Would doing this make the loft height have to be reduced? This is a huge logistical problem for both of us in every way but I desperately want to live in a home like a Lusby!
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on May 13th, 2010 10:15 pm:
I hear your concerns. That house probably wont work with a 7′ ceiling. If you did that, it wouldn’t fit under any bridges, and if you take it out of the loft, you wont be able to really fit in there. The Lusby does have a cathedral ceiling with the loft only over the kitchen and bathroom.
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Dawn reply on May 14th, 2010 12:55 pm:
I’ll have to work through the design a bit more in my head. I hope you don’t mind if I use the Lusby configuration as a basis for my design and then make a tangent off of it. Thanks for the advice.
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Doug reply on June 13th, 2010 6:37 pm:
I am 6′ 5″ I too am concerned about the ceiling height in the bath and shower becauseof the loft. I am playing witht the idea of eliminating the loft, and some how design a couch/bed in the main room. maybe the design of a futon couch???? you would have to be able to move what is on the opposite wall. maybe a dropdown tabletop.
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Are the closets part of the square footage of the main room, or is it really space in addition to the 6 1/2″ X 6 1/2″?
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on May 25th, 2010 7:20 am:
It gets an additional space other than the 6 1/2? X 6 1/2?
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I want to build the Lusby extended (no porch) on an 18″ trailer. Since it will take me a long time, due to my circumstances, I need to take one bite at a time. Knowing me I will have it packed full as can be. Please tell me the difference between me having an 18′ or 20′ (laws, etc), and having 9600 GW and 14000 GW. I understand the dual wheels must come above the trailer bed. Does it matter if the bed is wood or metal? What else do I need to know about trailer requirements? Thanks!
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on May 27th, 2010 1:12 am:
Kindly check this page:
tumbleweedhouses.com/build-it-yourself/trailers/
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I just found your trailer specs and am reading them, so you won’t need to answer up above. But I have another question. In the videos I have seen I can’t tell what you see when you lay on the ground and look up at the bottom. From watching videos, it looks like it is the white insulation. What actually is on the very bottom that gets all the road grime on it? Thanks for a such a fun and informative site!
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Dear Jay:
Last year I bought your book and loved it(my family too!!!) and we were wondering if you could do an enclosed porch,but with that in mind I wanted to know if the attic/bed(Lusby) above it could be extended to take the whole ceiling of the porch as part of the room????I have no idea how architecture/design works on that specific situation…so I need some guidance, if this could be done, then I’ll be buying the plans for a Lusby with additional hours if needed of consultation!
Thanks for your advice in advance and hope this is not a repeat question!…have a wonderful Week!
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I may have missed it somewhere. Do you have any idea what the range of time for building the Lusby has been. I imagine 4 months to 3 years. I’m thinking build as you go… at a $3k-$4k a year budget. We’ve a local sawmill here from whom I can buy wood. In the past I helped a friend build a solar kiln to dry his wood… That could save money too… The largest cost would be the frig, heater, Japanese soaking tub… I hope I understand it right that the walls are made up of 2×6’s?
Having a home like this would so exceed my life dream of home ownership! Stay tuned!
Ben Brown
ps.. congrats on the family and new son..
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Clint, for electric power, because you wanted minimum noise as much as possible, solar or wind generators are probably best options for long term stability – and they are eco-friendly as well.
Relying on gas might be good short term solution, but it really ads up in your bill, considering all other things you have to pay for the off the grid lusby.
Btw, here is a nice article and video discussing whether a home built wind power generator is a good choice for off the grid living: http://www.bestbuyereviews.com/home-wind-generator.html
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I want to build the Lusby extended (no porch) on an 18? trailer. Since it will take me a long time, due to my circumstances, I need to take one bite at a time. Knowing me I will have it packed full as can be. Please tell me the difference between me having an 18? or 20? (laws, etc), and having 9600 GW and 14000 GW. I understand the dual wheels must come above the trailer bed. Does it matter if the bed is wood or metal? What else do I need to know about trailer requirements? Thanks!
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on June 14th, 2010 1:19 am:
Check this page:
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/build-it-yourself/trailers/
GVWR would basically mean the higher the value the more things you can put inside the tumbleweed house, which is a good thing. Yet, there are also downsides to it, the trailer will cost a lot more and finding a truck or a car to tow a heavier house would be tricky. (Unless you wanna rent U-Haul)
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What is the best, longest lasting truck made to pull this??? All costs aside – the best and what is it a 150-250-350- diesel – green?
Where are the best, “luxury” low crime RV parks to spend 1/2 the year in (the winters) that will allow this tiny home(RV) to be parked there?
Please email me at maryccharest@yahoo.com
M
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I’d like to live in a Tiny House community that facilitates the social mobility and permanent residence establishment of “tiny” homes by constituting a MAXimum square-footage limit of 176 square feet or so (so the Popomo could fit). That is, all the beautiful Tumbleweed tiny homes listed here and other brands/homemade ones considered aesthetically, environmentally and culturally sound, to be decided by a committee, with each tiny home owner being on it, each owning their share of the purchased, shared land (ideally from disused land that is restored/converted), and appropriate monthly or annual fees paid by each owner (or renter, albeit a larger sum) for maintenance of any shared public space. I envision many communities of 10-25 tiny houses around the United States, that give preference to those who have decided to live within the strict standards that tiny homes under this limit have qualified for, and thus be granted the privilege to move with greater ease among the other tiny communities, each under the same organization that would link these homes. This idea is based on Couchsurfing website, except, that instead of letting others stay at their “place”, they let others stay at their “parking spot” in such a mobile home-like community. Members of such a community could be open to non-members/campers (after committee voting), but the principles of energy conservation, environmental preservation, and aesthetically appealing homes should always be maintained. Like Burning Man, with vehicles approved based on their artistic merit, but also much more practical and green whilst remaining artistic as they.
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Can changes be made, by request, to this lusby style tiny house? I really would like an oven, shelves in both lofts, washer and drier and as much shelves, closet spaces as possible.
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on July 28th, 2010 12:40 am:
Please check here:
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/faq/custom-plans/
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What can you do for electricity?
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Tumbleweed Houses reply on July 28th, 2010 6:06 am:
The houses are built to easily plug electricity and water. A solar power is also an alternative. You can choose for a standard, compost or RV type toilet.
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Can you carpet the Tiny Houses and Do they come pre-furnished?
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very intriguing blog. I will definitely forward this link to my friends.
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Of course they can be carpeted! The interior is as YOU wish it to be. They do not, however, come pre-furnished.
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