Purchasing a Tumbleweed Home
Yes, Tumbleweed can build it for you!
Our pre-built houses on wheels can be delivered to you ready to be lived-in immediately.
They do not require any assembly and are road-worthy upon arrival.
House choices
The houses available for purchase are: XS-house, Epu, Weebee, Lusby, Tarleton, and the Fencl.
Other houses featured on our website and in our Portfolio are only available as plans for the homebuilder.
Lead time and shipping
It will take us 3 months to build and deliver your home. The house is built locally and can be shipped from Sebastopol, CA. You can also pick it up yourself to save on delivery costs.
Financing
With the current banking crisis, we do not know of any lenders willing and able to lend money for the purchase of our portable homes. However, it is possible to obtain construction loans to build any of our designs that are larger than 250 square feet.
Payment
Payment is ½ upfront and ½ upon completion. Payment must be by cashiers check.
Moving ahead
If you’d like to move forward, please contact us by email and we’ll get back to you.
Comments
176 Responses to “Purchasing a Tumbleweed Home”
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Hi
Do any of your houses reside in Canada? How do they withstand Canadian winters? Do they have to be moveable, or can they be standalone houses on a lot with septic?
Wow! I’d really like one…
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Jean reply on July 1st, 2008 10:37 pm:
I would like to know this too. I’d love to have two or three of these as guest-houses for our kids returned from college or MIL visits, so that we all have our own space for those longer extended visits. But I wouldn’t want them on wheels, I would want to hook them up to water/sewer/power.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 11:25 pm:
To my knowledge one person is building a tiny house in Canada, and several others are about to start. They can withstand the Canadian winters. Our tiny homes are incredibly warm.
They don’t need to be on wheels. However, because of building codes, it’s often necessary to have a house this size on a temporary foundation.
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brian reply on July 15th, 2008 8:17 pm:
Are any of your houses in western Michigan?
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Wouter reply on August 25th, 2008 9:35 am:
I would love for them to send some of their houses to South Africa
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I second Sally’s questions and could offer downtown Toronto space for a Tumbleweed Tiny House workshop at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at Bloor and Avenue Road in the heart of the city and on public transport. We could advertise through the Transformative Learning Centre’s listserves.
eimear
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Aaron reply on September 11th, 2008 10:55 pm:
i am around corner from OISE and if there is update on your efforts would like to hear about it
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Alex Wilmot reply on September 30th, 2008 6:38 pm:
Please let me know if you do manage to locate a tiny house on OISE property, or anywhere else in TO. I would be happy to assist in any way. Thanks.
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David reply on October 1st, 2008 12:52 am:
I too would love to attend T.O. workshop.
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Carol reply on May 9th, 2009 9:23 am:
I too, would definietly attend a workshop in Toronto. And I would probably bring a guest.
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My husband and I are from Kitchener Ontario and if there were a workshop in Toronto we would definitely sign up. Great idea for young adult singles or retirees too.
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Cathie reply on July 12th, 2009 12:09 pm:
My husband and I are retiring soon, and have three kids spread out across canada - what a great way to spend time with each of them and travel on the way (four months with each of them and their families, what a thought, and it sure bears some consideration!)
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These little houses could do so much for the working poor. There are so many homeless families, who are working but just cant keep their heads above water. If someplace like Habitat and local city governments would just set aside some land, with a good bus schedule and public washrooms/laundry. People could be given the Hand Up that they need.
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Molly Vladika reply on June 30th, 2008 3:15 am:
I love the house plans and the ideas behind them. However, I don’t see anyone who is considered one of the “working poor” being able to afford 40,000 or more for a house. Especially when financing for them is non-existant. I know I can’t afford one, although I would dearly love one.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 3:38 pm:
Take a look at http://www.turnbulltinyhouse.blogspot.com/. She attended the workshop and is brilliantly creative in pulling people and resources together to build her tiny house for pennies on the dollar.
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Daniel reply on July 2nd, 2008 9:19 am:
That’s what I like seeing… Pictures and info of others that are building their own. Looks like it’s going well. On the FAQ’s page, with the “building your own” there’s a picture of what Steve N. is building. Is there also a blog with his or was that sent directly?
Well, I got about 7 more months before I get back from deployment, then I can start collecting materials.
~Dan
Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 2nd, 2008 12:56 pm:
Steve’s picture was sent directly. I don’t believe he has a blog.
I second Darlene’s wish for a workshop in Toronto or Kingston or Ottawa. I would be there in a second. Any chances of this happening?
Sally
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Hi!
I adore these houses! I live in New Jersey presently….I have lived in Washington State and New England. Is there anyone on the East Coast that has experience with these homes? I would love to build or have one delivered.
Thanks!
Letitia
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with these homes on wheels(the one on the picture), are they already put together when delivered to you or do have to assemble them yourself?
at the cost of this home, do you have to pay rent on it monthly,yearly? or do you buy it at a flat rate?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 18th, 2008 8:57 pm:
We sell them fully assembled and ready to live in. You can also buy plans and build it yourself. The cost is a flat fee, there are no recurring payments.
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i love these houses! i really adore the lusby! i was wondering if there was a way to hook one of these homes up to water/sewage/electricity. also has anyone lived in one of these tiny homes with children?
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I adore these houses! I live in Georgia and Ive never seen one, so i was wondering can you get an air conditioner instead of a heater?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 1:40 am:
Yup.
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Love thew idea of a workshop in Toronto. Just sent this site to my son there who is thinking about a house in the near future. Looks like the workshop site is sooo available. Go for it.
Barbara Andrew
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i missed the workshop in seattle and was wondering if you would ever come back. i want to build my own off the grid tiny house, i have soo many idias and have about 50,000.00 budget to build one. also, i have many friends in seattle who want to build one too.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on August 22nd, 2008 10:23 pm:
We’ll be in Portland in October, and we do plan on going back to Seattle again.
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When is the next workshop in the Seattle area? What does it cost? Where can I sign up?
JK
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Jay Shafer reply on August 26th, 2008 10:26 pm:
Portland, October 18-19. See you there!
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I too would like to see a Toronto workshop
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Do you still offer plans for the Biensi and the Vardo?
I like these small ones as my mini van could pull them.
Do you make them with steel studs to make them even lighter?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 1st, 2008 8:24 pm:
Yes. They’re in the new portfolio and will be posted on our site soon.
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Now, I need to know where in Portland the workshop will be given and how do I sign up for it and what does it cost.
Thanks so much
JK
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Jay Shafer reply on September 1st, 2008 8:27 pm:
See Steve’s updates to our “Workshops” page.
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I was wondering how they might handle large amounts of snow fall. I live in Alaska and the cost of housing and upkeep is unreasonable. I would be interested in building a low impact and self sufficient home, using what little space I truly need, but would want to make sure they will hold up to our winters. Thanks.
Nate
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Jay Shafer reply on September 4th, 2008 10:32 pm:
They are all designed for 50 lbs. p.s.f. or more on the roof.
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wow… I guess there is nothing like this in Australia. I wonder how much it would cost here in Australia(brisbane) I’m not sure about the regulations. Would be great on my moms backyard.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 11th, 2008 5:34 pm:
The delivery cost might be prohibitive. I’d buy plans and build it there or hire a local carpenter.
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Dion reply on December 10th, 2008 4:51 pm:
I would love to have one of the mobile houses: I have to wonder how much the materials would cost in Australia, if I got the plans? Have you guys heard anything back from Australian customers?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 12th, 2008 3:46 pm:
I’m sorry that I haven’t. If anyone out there has any ideas feel free to chime in.
why so expendsive? plans for this also when you need quick temporary shelter while waiting 2 get houseing and weather about to change if you are homeless person in need’.no agency in ohio hely out with shelter needs and i dont like going to a public shelter to dangerous in a group of strangers fights stealing etc. need a housing solution of my own mr jesse styles thank you
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Jay Shafer reply on September 11th, 2008 5:08 pm:
One could actually build one of my designs for a lot less than the price we have listed. Take the Epu model for example. Instead of spending $1000 on stainless steel counters, another thousand on the Dickinson Marine boat heater, a thousand to have the custom gothic window built, and two thousand for a utility trailer before going out to spend another ten to fifteen grand on lumber, etc., one could save a bundle by using Formica, making a heater from an old mailbox, getting all factory-built (vinyl?) windows, buying a used trailer, and/or using reclaimed building materials.
Just yesterday I read two separate You-Tube comments from people claiming that they could (or, in one case, had) built our houses for less than $5,000 including the cost of plans. Regardless of the validity of these claims, I can safely say that with not all that much cash, some sweat and no small amount of ingenuity one can own their own home.
That said, we will only build houses with what we consider to be the highest quality sustainable materials, and we pay our builders a living wage here at Tumbleweed.
Thanks for asking, Jesse. I am happy to address this important question.
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Guy reply on October 20th, 2009 7:36 am:
Jay, I gotta say you nailed this one!
I used to own a construction company, realized the exesses of my life. Found a passion in an art, make less, live happier, experience life to the fullest!
Im buying your plans, will build, and send pictures. Im using new and recycled material from all the beautiful historic homes that are being demolished, (sadly) here in houston, TX.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 20th, 2009 7:34 pm:
Thanks! Great!
I’m curious, what’s the total weight of a ready-to-live-in Lusby, and what kind of vehicle would you need to tow it?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 12th, 2008 3:20 pm:
It’s 5400 lbs. A strong pick-up or U-Haul rental will tow it. Google for tow ratings on particular vehicles.
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Hi.
What wonderful concepts. Does anyone have creative ideas about obtaining affordable building sites for these houses? I’m looking for housing in Ann Arbor, but property values are sky high. Any thoughts?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:20 pm:
I have never had any problems finding a property owner who is delighted to have me on their land/yard. Towing my house downtown and waiting for someone to come along and offer has worked very well. “House seeks Home” signs work well too.
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Matt Arthurs reply on October 18th, 2008 1:28 am:
I am reserching the ordinances in my hometown. I want to build in my parents backyard. There is a city ordinace that says you can park an rv in a yard but you are not supposed to live in it. Also anything over 2,000 pounds requires a slab. They also say you can have an accesary building in the yard but are not supposed to live in it. Should i be concerned? Am i looking at the right things? Have you run into these rules before?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 4:53 am:
Hi Matt. Forgive me for simply copying and pasting the response I sent to Frank just a few minutes ago, but it seems to fit…
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 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 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 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 situation to their local municipality (or the rest of the world) as openly as I have. The housing departments I have spoken with would rather not be put in the position of upholding or refuting unconstitutional and/or unpopular laws. For most jurisdictions small housing regulation and its enforcement has 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.
Nicholas, one way, if you didn’t mind living close to other tiny-housers may be to purchase a lot collectively and cluster the units together something like a co-housing community. Could be set up legally as a co-op in some states or a limited partnership in others. We’re actually working on plans to test this out. K
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Victoria reply on October 3rd, 2008 4:02 am:
Kerry, I am interested in co-housing and would be interested in hearing about your progress. Do you have a website or yahoo group that one can visit/join? I do think that this is a good alternative for folks interested in co-housing but cannot afford to buy into a “conventional co-housing community” or “intentional neighborhood”. With the current credit and mortgage crisis, I think more people will be interested in living in downsized housing of this sort. Such a community could still have a communal building for neighborhood shared meals, parties, laundry, workshop, etc. I’ve visited several co-housing communities in Northern California; they have a lot of appeal.
Jay: do you have any plans to provide a forum on your website for exchanging ideas on creating such communities? I know there is a website about tiny houses that has such a forum, but maybe this website could have one, too. Just a thought.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 5:29 pm:
Steve actually proposed that very idea just a week ago.
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Karin reply on October 22nd, 2008 5:19 am:
These types of co-housing communities that you’re talking about, with all the perks you mentioned already exist. They’re called “trailer parks.”
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Victoria reply on October 22nd, 2008 6:16 am:
If a “trailer park” has the major characteristics of a cohousing community, then I would agree. Below are the “6 defining characteristics” as described on the website, http://www.cohousing.org:
What are the 6 Defining Characteristics of Cohousing?
While these characteristics aren’t always true of every cohousing community, together they serve to distinguish cohousing from other types of collaborative housing:
1. Participatory process. Future residents participate in the design of the community so that it meets their needs. Some cohousing communities are initiated or driven by a developer. In those cases, if the developer brings the future resident group into the process late in the planning, the residents will have less input into the design. A well-designed, pedestrian-oriented community without significant resident participation in the planning may be “cohousing-inspired,” but it is not a cohousing community.
2. Neighborhood design. The physical layout and orientation of the buildings (the site plan) encourage a sense of community. For example, the private residences are clustered on the site, leaving more shared open space. The dwellings typically face each other across a pedestrian street or courtyard, with cars parked on the periphery. Often, the front doorway of every home affords a view of the common house. What far outweighs any specifics, however, is the intention to create a strong sense of community, with design as one of the facilitators.
3. Common facilities. Common facilities are designed for daily use, are an integral part of the community, and are always supplemental to the private residences. The common house typically includes a common kitchen, dining area, sitting area, children’s playroom and laundry, and also may contain a workshop, library, exercise room, crafts room and/or one or two guest rooms. Except on very tight urban sites, cohousing communities often have playground equipment, lawns and gardens as well. Since the buildings are clustered, larger sites may retain several or many acres of undeveloped shared open space.
4. Resident management. Residents manage their own cohousing communities, and also perform much of the work required to maintain the property. They participate in the preparation of common meals, and meet regularly to solve problems and develop policies for the community.
5. Non-hierarchical structure and decision-making. Leadership roles naturally exist in cohousing communities, however no one person (or persons) has authority over others. Most groups start with one or two “burning souls.” As people join the group, each person takes on one or more roles consistent with his or her skills, abilities or interests. Most cohousing groups make all of their decisions by consensus, and, although many groups have a policy for voting if the group cannot reach consensus after a number of attempts, it is rarely or never necessary to resort to voting.
6. No shared community economy. The community is not a source of income for its members. Occasionally, a cohousing community will pay one of its residents to do a specific (usually time-limited) task, but more typically the work will be considered that member’s contribution to the shared responsibilities.
I live in the UK and I’m wondering what kind of take up you have had for your houses here? I’d love to live in a tiny house but I’m not sure if it’s so easy in the UK.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:26 pm:
I wish I knew more about UK codes and zoning, Tessa. In any case, you will presumably be able to park this “travel trailer” anywhere you would park any other (assuming you’re refering to our homes on wheels.
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Daniel, you purchasing yours after a sea deployment or a nice trip in the Middle East? I’m to be back from sunny Mesopotamia myself in a month or three. Wouldn’t it be a trip if soldiers started little camps of these up, or veterans did?
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Daniel reply on September 17th, 2008 1:58 am:
Ruanne, I bought planns last year and hope to build one sometime. Not sure it’ll be right after I get back, but I would like to build soon.
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Does anyone have any experience living in any of these houses with one or two little children? (2 adults and 2 little ones)
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How would one be able to have and live in one of these in Southern California? A friend recently found out that it was illegal in a certain city to have someone living in a trailer on their drive way on their home. (Not apartment)
Would you need to somehow take it to someones back yard and park it there? Have you ever had to park on the street and spend a night and then drive around the next day and find somewhere else and spend a night there etc?
What if you have no place to really put it, would it be illegal?
I recently read that someone needed to get a living certificate deeming that it was a liveable dwelling (not sure if city or state).
Thanks a lot.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 5:35 pm:
My understanding is that you can park your tiny house on wheels virtually anywhere you can park a trailer (legally or illegally). Whether or not you can live in it (legally or illegally) will depend on local zoning.
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I have a little cottage thats needs to find a new home.
it is 1940’s vintage and measures 8×14feet. we are going to
build a garage where this is. I would hate to tear this cute
little shed down. for pictures go to gtimberline@hotmail.com
thanks
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suzanne smith reply on October 5th, 2008 4:27 pm:
can you send me some pics. Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 4:48 pm:
We have a portfolio of houses. See the books link.
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Hello!
I really love the “B-53″ model, but how can I purchase the plans? I don’t see that particular house anywhere on this website…
Best,
Valora
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 4:55 pm:
Sorry about that, Valora. That’s one of the new houses in the portfolio that we haven’t posted yet. You can either send a check for $695 to Tumbleweed Tiny House Co., P.O. Box 941, Sebastopol, CA 95473, or place an order on line for the Enesti and include a note saying you want the B-53.
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Melissa Bayer reply on October 8th, 2008 5:16 pm:
Hi Jay!
I would like to purchase the Fencl plans featured in the portfolio. I emailed you recently but I understand you are loaded down with emails to respond to. Can I send a check to the address above too? Is it the same price for the Fencl plans?
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on October 8th, 2008 10:47 pm:
Yup! Same address. Same amount.
Thanks, Melissa.
On your website you say, “Yes, Tumbleweed can built it for you!” I think you probably meant to spell “build” instead.
I think it’s a great idea on many levels. I am in a one bedroom apartment and would love to get a tiny house. I hope to be able to do that one day.
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I live in Concord, Massachusetts, home of the original ‘tiny house’ that Henry David Thoreau lived in, while at Walden Pond. He would have loved it! Do you have any plans to visit the Northeast to do workshops?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 8th, 2008 11:53 pm:
I visited Concord and Walden a few years ago and loved it. I think we were talking about a workshop in Boston. We’ll post it when we are certain.
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I’m seconding the north east! Got a great spot in Vermont right now on which I have a 12 x 12 where I spend a great deal of time. I know it could be so much more efficiently used with your help! Would love to know when you are in the North East!!!!
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I was sold on the Weebee when i seen that first picture of it, at night with the lights on. It is gorgeous!!! im only 16 but I plan on saving up for it. When I hit 18 and i move out of my parents house, I plan on moving into a Weebee =] I have a Few questions though. I live in Florida, are they durable during a hurricane??
Is it safe to paint the interior?
Would it be safe to drill inside?? Say like i wanted to hang a picture.
Lights, are they on the ceiling or will i need a lamp??
Thank you.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 14th, 2008 4:30 pm:
Just use tie downs (cork screws that connect your house to the ground) and you will be safer than most of your neighbors. That said, if you see a Katrina-sized gale coming, I recommend heading north-west for a short vacation in your house.
Painting’s fine.
Drilling’s fine.
No lamps required.
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I have yet another question. I didnt notice any cabinets in the kitchen, would i be able to include them in a design?
And say i wanted to put in a compact washer/dryer set., would i be able to hook up the water to the washer/dryer??
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Jay Shafer reply on October 14th, 2008 4:25 pm:
There is over-counter storage in most of the models, but it doesn’t show up very well in the on-line plans.
I see no problem with hooking up a W/D.
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Another question: do you think a Jeep Wrangler would be able to tow a WeeBee??
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Jay Shafer reply on October 14th, 2008 4:21 pm:
Check the tow rating in your owner’s manual or on line. Renting U-Haul or pick-up whenever I want to move works well for me.
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Last question: the teeny homes are on wheels, they dont create a seesaw effect when you walk inside?? Are they sturdy??
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Jay Shafer reply on October 14th, 2008 4:19 pm:
Very sturdy. Just put an RV jack under each corner.
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any plans to come to Texas? specifically San Antonio?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 4:45 am:
Sorry, Chritina. No plans for TX right now.
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Travis reply on February 27th, 2009 12:55 am:
Well, if you ever decide to venture down south, I recommend going in the winter, as this is the temperature most people from the north enjoy. Speaking of which, where does the air conditioner go? This is a big concern for people living in places like Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, etc. And also, have you thought about putting floor heating underneath the floor? (Do you know what I’m talking about? Its like wires in plastic stuff that you purchase by the square foot and place under wood flooring or other flooring. The “layer” heats the floor and the heat travels upward. Its expensive stuff for a house, but would be perfect for a tiny house like this. It runs on electricity.)
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Donna F. reply on February 27th, 2009 3:34 am:
Hi Travis,
I already spoke to Jay about this in a previous blog a while back…..He does not include heated floors, but said that it could be done. (I didn’t ask him to do it for me, however, as I plan to build my own one day) I agree it would be perfect in the tiny home…and I was thinking to put it under cork flooring. But I think it would still need the boat fireplace, too…but I”m no expert on the subject…just been doing a lot of dreaming for a long time now.
Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 6:15 pm:
Thanks, Donna.
Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 6:14 pm:
You can put a window unit in downstairs, but, for very hot climates, I recommend cutting a hole in the back gable to put ac there. Heating the floor is an option, but it doesn’t work so well with wood floors (on a trailer) as it would with a concrete or clay floor (on a foundation).
Any plans on coming to Florida? Also would there be room to install an A/C unit somewhere?
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judy garwood reply on October 19th, 2008 5:34 pm:
is there roon to install a small ac and a rv generator. can i put it on pontoons
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 4:29 am:
Yup.
Yup.
Yup.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 4:34 am:
1. I’ll be in Orlando on Dec. 13 & 14.
2. Mos def.
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I live in Florida and I was wondering, is there only one place that these homes are built or do you have places all around the country? I would love to get one already built, but I don’t want to even attempt to transport something from California to Florida. Also, does it matter what type of windows are installed because due to the heat in Florida my husband and I were discussing building one and putting in a window unit, is there a place where that would be safe? Are there better alternatives to maintain a cooler house that is more environmentally friendly?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 4:17 am:
Sorry. We are keeping the business small in one West Coast location for now. If you can manage to get one. A window unit will work fine in an actual window, or, better yet we can leave a hole in the back gable for one.
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I live in St. Catharines Ontario Canada so I can easily travel anywhere between niagara falls and toronto within an hour. If you travel accross Canada again and stop anywhere in the niagara, hamilton, toronto, barrie and even the guelph, or kitchener-waterloo area, please send me an email I would actually love to see this in person to see if this type of home would work for me. I love the concept, but I do have to see it in person before I could make a 40,000 commitment. Also if you do have places near the boarder I can check out I would be willing to travel or see it on the way of my travels.
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Greetings,
I am debating whether to get a teeny house on wheels or build a tiny house. The house would be off the grid, can the teeny house be made with solar panels on the roof for lights? Could I get it with a propane refrigerator (is that usually under the kitchen cabinet?), and could you use the solid fuel Dickenson stove instead of propane? Do the teeny homes come with on demand water heaters, and is there any problem hooking up to a solar water pump?
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My husband and I are in love with the Lusby model! We live in NH and are definitely looking forward to a workshop in Boston as you’ve mentioned above. So count the 2 of us in when you get that planned! Thanks.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 9:00 pm:
See you there, DeAnne.
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I’m wondering if you have sold any of these, ready-made to people in Canada, and what happens at the border? I would hate to be dinged for a huge duty. Perhaps by picking it up, and living in it on the way up, it would qualify as personal belongings?
Diane
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 8:06 pm:
I typically have to pay about $150 when crossing the US/Canada border.
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I also wanted to know whether you endorse the companies that advertize with links on your website - e.g. does anyone know whether the link to the guy with cheap and easy solar panels is for real?
Diane
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 8:04 pm:
No. We don’t endorse their work any more than they do ours. Many of them are rated independently on line though.
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????? ??????? ???????, ?????????????, ???????????… ???? ?? ????, ??? ???????… ????? ?????, ????? ???????? ???????????.
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I’ve seen a number of people asking about living in a Tumbleweed home with children! Do you have any idea what you’re saying?
Take your kids and go spend a rainy week indoors at a motel. The survivors will have an understanding of trying to live in close quarters!
For one or two adults these are fabulous places; but don’t even think about it with kids!!!
I have lived in a 16×16 room on an island, a 8 x 20 boat cabin and a sub-800sf house. Living small can be a wonderful experience, if you downsize your lifestyle. Throw away everything you have not used more than twice in a year. If you can put everything you absolutely need (minus furniture & appliances) into a 4ft x 4ft x 4ft cube, you can be very happy in a tiny home.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 30th, 2008 10:28 pm:
You’re on to something, Ken. Our experience of a space is often more about social variables than physical ones. I love small spaces, but as soon as any room even comes close to reaching capacity, I am the first to head for the exit. There are ways to make any structure feel more or less crowded, and most are qualitative rather than quantitative. One good rule of thumb is that a house should contain a private room for each member of the household. Like solitude, company is most wecome when it’s optional. The biggest house I have designed is the Enesti with an additional 8×12 bed room tacked onto both sides and a wrap-around-porch connecting them. I think of it as a 960 square foot, 4 occupant house, but it could house more depending on how much you’ll be there, etc….
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Amanda reply on December 7th, 2008 4:09 am:
You’d be astonished how many ways you can create privacy in a small space. Currently I live with my 2 yr old daughter in a converted two car garage (and not even the whole thing). A thick curtain can make a second room and there is always the porch or the car if you need a moment away. Considering the teeny houses have lofts they’re a step up from what I’m currently living in. With the economy in a down slide, sometimes you make do with what you can afford. As a single mom and PhD student I’m making sacrifices, but they are sacrifices I plan to continue to make. Communication is the key to making a living arrangement work, not square feet.
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I have a newly formed Non-Profit Charity and I will not be residing in the house I will be storing donations and other things. My question is what is you policy when selling say the harbinger in regard to a Non-profit Charity?
Thank You
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Jay Shafer reply on November 1st, 2008 4:51 pm:
We don’t sell the larger stationary houses, only plans for them. The house can then be built for next to nothing if you use reclaimed materials and have friends help with labor.
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Love the houses. I have a question. I see in the portfolio that you have a tiny house called the “New Popomo” that’s a bit larger - is that still on wheels? I’d love to get a tiny house - there’d be just 2 people, but a little extra space would be nice for our 3 dogs and 4 cats!
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2008 5:37 pm:
It is on wheels.
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And would you describe the New Popomo a bit? How is it different?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2008 5:35 pm:
It’s like the Z-Glass but smaller (8×18 I think). It’s in the portfolio and will be added to the site as soon as we find some time to post the next batch.
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Robin Clark reply on June 22nd, 2009 11:41 am:
Hey Jay, When will you be posting plans and pics for the Popomo or other designs intended for an “over the axle” trailer. I’m interested in the wider loftless design. I see you were looking for spare time to post it way back in November. Hang in there…..Great work..!!
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:12 pm:
Thanks for your patience, Robin. Steve and I are both swamped, but I’m sure he’ll get to it someday, and, for that matter we might hire someone. It’s only in the Small House Book for now.
Can all the houses be built with wheels and be towed? Some seem too big for that.
What would a general cost range be for your team to put together a B-53 for example? I realize this will vary depending on features and materials selected but in general do you have a price per square foot for what you charge for building?
I missed your visit to Portland, OR. When do you plan to return?
I agree with everything that you and Dee et al have said about smaller footprint, sustainable, off grid, simple living and you whole explanation about allowing Americans to live as simple and as low cost as they want to/need to. How else are we going to be able to afford retirement? I’ve been looking for some way for my husband and I to downsize into something that max costs 100K including land and preferably new construction. All the houses I see for 100K are inefficient dumps that realestate agents market as fixer-ups! They wait until the house deteriorates into a shell before they devalue it to $0 and then tell you to pay to get rid of it so they can charge you $100K+ for the land it’s on! I think the system is scam that is designed to keep you in debt and I am glad to see that there is a group of you working to overturn the whole thing.
I like the co-op idea where people can subdivide a larger piece of land and just split the cost. Maybe some honest person can just buy a plot of land, divide it up and sell portions at cost to other tiny house dwellers.
Good work- keep it up!
JB
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Jay Shafer reply on November 21st, 2008 6:21 pm:
Only those under 200 s.f. are currently designed to be on wheels. We don’t build the site-built ones. We only sell plans for those.
That said, I am pleased to report that I’ve figured out a way to put all of the mid-size ones on wheels too. They will qualify as RVs and thus avoid expensive permitting costs. I hope to have the modified plans done soon so that we can actually build and deliver these too.
I hope to crate a cluster of these someday soon.
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Kelly Dale reply on December 7th, 2008 7:13 am:
I have been searching and searching for someone who would build a medium size one that would qualify as an RV … You are the answer to prayer !!! I’ll be contacting you soon, as I’m selling the house and downsizing drastically - feels great, doesn’t it ?
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I will like to know if you ship houses to puerto rico
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Jay Shafer reply on December 31st, 2008 4:20 pm:
We’ll ship virtually anywhere with a road or boat.
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I am considering a tumblewood home for my lot in Spirit Lake, ID. There is up to 4 feet of snow (or more) each winter, and i was wondering if the roof would withstand the weight. I have my eye on the Lusby, but it has that flat part over the porch. Would it collapse under the snow?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 4th, 2009 11:16 pm:
The snow won’t be a problem for any of the houses with gabled roofs.
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I am curious if you knew of anyone using a composting toilet in these homes. I’d be interested in installing one, do you think that it would fit? (they can be a bit large)
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Jay Shafer reply on January 10th, 2009 9:24 pm:
I have a very small one and I’ve installed larger ones in some houses.
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I’ve had your site bookmarked for years and check in a couple times a year to see whats new, great to see the business growing!
Jay, my husband and I are looking at purchasing a camper van conversion, I’ve been doing research and it seems that loads of what is built these days is overpriced and of questionable quality. I would love to have a hybrid van and incorporate solar panels into the design and have finishings that are better quality and a little more rustic… I thought of the great character of your homes and wondered if you had ever thought about branching in this direction?
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Jay Shafer reply on February 8th, 2009 3:03 am:
My first building project was renovating an old RV, and it went very well. But, alas, I have too much going on right now to branch out. Thanks, though.
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Hi, Jay,
Maybe I missed it, but can you tell me exactly what is included in the purchase price of the Lusby?
I know that it says that it comes with a 2 burner stove, counter and sink in the kitchen-also aa small refirgerator.
What is include in the bathroom? I would like to order one of the Biolet Compost toilets and I am sure that it is extra. What about the bathroom sink and shower attachments? Is it “wired” or plumbed for these items? How about the shower door?
How about the windows?
I would also like to purchase a solar package and I know that would be extra. But if I purchased these items would you install them as you build the Lusby?
Can you give me an estimate on what any additional costs would be?
Thanks!!
Nancy Kaetchen
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Jay Shafer reply on February 11th, 2009 1:55 am:
We got it all, Nancy… a sink in the bathroom, a shower and toilet (Biolet more for material cost), R-10+ insulated walls, roof and floor and a boat heater.
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Hey, Jay,
I also forgot to ask you…how do you set up and stabilize for travel..to make sure that items don’t fall.
Also, if I use propane, does the tank go outside and is that a problem in cold weather?
Nancy
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Jay Shafer reply on February 11th, 2009 1:51 am:
1) I only move my house about once every 18 months. At that point, I just take everything off the shelves and move it to the floor.
2) No problem whatsoever.
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Let me get this right, you are charging over $40,000 for less than 100 sq ft?? Thats a joke! Hell you can buy a 2 bedroom 2 bath 1200 sq ft home in my town for $50,000. Your just another dip shit trying to get rich by over charging people for shit! People like you are what has caused our country to be in the shape its in. I bet you also pay yourself a bonus when you loose money just like the bank execs dont you??
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Paul Guyon reply on March 5th, 2009 6:20 am:
John - I know Jay can defend himself, but it’s tiring to read messages like yours. You complain, but don’t offer solutions. You may be able to find a $50,000 home where you live, but I doubt you’ll find one down here in Southern Florida. Before you continue comparing apples to oranges, you should go to the page:
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/category/build-it-yourself/
He shows a pretty good breakdown of the cost of what goes into building one of these.
Then come back and enlighten all of us on how you would build or buy one of these cheaper and with the same quality Jay provides. We would all like to learn from your expertise.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 5th, 2009 6:01 pm:
No.
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I am a single male who has a dog, would the Fencl model be good for? I really like it alot. And also are there any workshops in the North Carolina area? I would love to be apart of this eco friendly movement.
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Jay Shafer reply on March 13th, 2009 8:08 pm:
I think the Fencl might be perfect. See our blog story of “Cathy’s Lusby” for a better idea.
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Ever considered adapting a design to be amphibious?
Fishing from the porch, no one thought of that?
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Donna F. reply on March 15th, 2009 2:44 am:
I know, the Epu would look so much cuter on water than this…http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2005-Ensign-36-Floating-Condo-94590143
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Jay Shafer reply on March 15th, 2009 5:17 pm:
I do dream of rolling my house onto a raft sometimes.
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how do you get internet connection?
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Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 1:30 am:
A wire leads out to my house from my landlord’s place.
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hallelujah reply on August 22nd, 2009 3:00 pm:
I’m from a third world country, as some americans would label our people, however we have no problem with internet access. Worst case scenario you buy yourself a GSM2USB interface with 6 GB of traffic @ around 17 USD VAT included and you’re set. How complicated can stuff get?
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Hi, im over in the UK, and i stumbled upon this site (somehow) whilst looking for caravans!
Jay, you the man!
you funny too…
at first i couldnt believe these houses existed, but they are like a dream come true for me!
My wife and i come from a camping family background, and love the outdoors, and when i showed her these houses she said: “where, when, and how much?! i want one now!”
You see we are about to loose the roof over our head because of this economic problem (loss of job etc)… and are considering moving into a caravan to save on rent and council taxes, and pay our debts.
i realise that you will not know all the laws in every contry, but do you have any advice (anyone on the blog) for us, as time is short, and money even more so?! and did i mention we have a small baby, and can still be put in the street? (not that that will suprise anyone rite?)
sorry for rambling… and thanks in advance!
Dan, UK
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Jay Shafer reply on April 10th, 2009 1:41 am:
In a real pinch I’d recommend living in a used RV, so long as it doesn’t get too cold where you are.
On the other hand, if you can muster the money for materials, build one of my houses from the plans. It will be better for year-round comfort and space-efficiency.
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Daniel reply on April 13th, 2009 4:49 pm:
Thanks Jay.
Listen, I know you’re coming over to UK in September, but by then it will be too late for us - house wise.
Now, which of your designs would you say would suit us best: myself wife and small baby. We are fine with small spaces, and have started selling off our stuff to move into a caravan whilst we build a house: a tumbleweed house! So which would be best suited to both be modified and used for a small family?
I was an architecture student and CAD grad, so I want to add my own flare to my house.
We really like the Lusby. What you think?
And can you come to UK earlier or maybe give us a crash course on building? We have 6 weeks before we have to move out.
Oh, and happy belayed Easter everyone!
Thanks and keep doing what you’re doing!
Daniel
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Jay Shafer reply on April 16th, 2009 9:56 am:
It really depends on the family dynamics, Daniel. The Lusby will work fine. If it were me, I’d connect two Epus or two XS House at the fronts and connect the roofs and porches to create a dogtrot (google “dogtrot images” for ideas). I’ve been dreaming of this one for a while, and I’d love to see it done. Of course, one of the two houses could be little more than a shell without plumbing.
Sorry I can’t come out earlier. I hope my new building video is done soodn. I’ll post it on the site when it is.
Naomi reply on June 22nd, 2009 11:02 am:
Tumbleweed in UK in September? Is it for a workshop? I can’t see it on the workshop page- hope its not sold out.
Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:09 pm:
Sorry, Naomi. I’ve had to postpone it due to family matters. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Europe has such inspiring built environments.
What forms of payment do you accept for let’s say, a Lusby? I’d love to put $20,000 on my Delta AMEX Platinum to get the miles, then the balance out of my checking. Is this possible?
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Yolanda White reply on May 6th, 2009 1:33 pm:
Hi I would like to know if your book is hard copy or paper back would like a hard copy?
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Jay Shafer reply on May 8th, 2009 10:04 am:
It’s all paper. Sorry.
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Jay Shafer reply on May 8th, 2009 10:15 am:
I’m pretty sure we could take that, but Steve’s the real business side of the business. Try asking him at info@tumbleweedhouses.com
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Michael Fine reply on May 8th, 2009 1:10 pm:
I’ll do that Jay, thanks a lot!
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Hi I am planning to go to your NY show in Queens NY but would like to know do I have to go to a work shop or can I just come and if so what is the admission. Also your sight say New York NewYork which is considered to be manhattan to a new Yorker so I want to make sure you means Queens.
Thank you
Yolanda White
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Jay Shafer reply on May 8th, 2009 10:07 am:
I mean Queens, and you’re more than welcome to tour the house free of charge.
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betsy mccullen reply on May 23rd, 2009 12:17 pm:
this is the link to the ny workshop location: http://www.hamptonjfk.com/ - Jamaica New York
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Would like to know how to purchase a home.
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Jay Shafer reply on May 16th, 2009 12:00 pm:
We sell all the tiny, mobile houses. Send an email to info@tumbleweedhouses specifying which house you are interested in, and Steve will get right back to you with details. We’ll have a house built for you within a couple months thereafter.
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Hi Jay, What do you know about building the larger model in San Diego or Poway? Affordable land is a problem; what about laws, etc. for a large city like this? I love these homes, but not sure I could make it work. I have 2 teens and a dog so do need a larger unit… is this possible?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 14th, 2009 4:39 am:
I’d have to ask you local housing dept.
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Jay I love these houses! But I have a few questions. Do you think that a washer/dryer unit could be installed in a lubsy? if so could it be placed in the storage loft? Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on June 14th, 2009 5:01 am:
When there’s a will…
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i would like to ask whether the house can be shipped to another country and dose all country allow that house?
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teo yi xuan reply on June 25th, 2009 9:21 pm:
to the question i would like to add it is either epu or lusby
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Jay Shafer reply on June 29th, 2009 1:21 pm:
We can ship nearly anywhere, but, if you live far away, it’s cheaper to just buy the plans and build locally.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 29th, 2009 1:22 pm:
Regulations vary from area to area, so you’d have to ask your local officials.
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Lo felicito por sus diseños, son hermosas casas y muy prácticas,
sobretodo para las personas, que quieren deshacerse de lo superfluo, vivir una vida más ligera, sólo con lo necesario, y a la vez poder viajar con comodidad, si así lo deseara. Una gran idea.
Mi pregunta es pueden exportarlas a Venezuela? y cual sería su costo puesta en puerto de la Guaira?.
Gracias, le agradezco si me envía la respuesta a mi dirección de correo eléctronico.
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Jay can a air-conditioner fit into the loft and what about the wiring would we have to pay extra?
i like the epu and lusby very much is it allowed in all countries?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 29th, 2009 1:38 pm:
It could be done, and it wouldn’t cost anything extra, as there is already wiring up there.
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Hello from South Carolina,
I am 58 years old, female, and think one of your houses would suit me very well now that I am alone and on SSI. Was wondering if these houses can be placed in any State Parks around here or in fact, any State Park? Do you know the specifications for that?
Also, is the bed on first floor of least expensive of your homes. I can’t do steps very well.
Thak you, I love the houses!
Charli
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Jay Shafer reply on August 4th, 2009 10:22 am:
I know of one of our tiny portable houses in a California State Park. It belongs to a ranger there. Check out the Lusby with a bed downstairs.
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Hello from the Mid-Hudson Valley on New York State! I just LOVE these houses. I am single, with 2 beautiful greyhounds. Are there any of these houses on the (North) east coast? I would love to walk through a couple.
Thank you so much for your wonderful ideas!
Nancy
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betsy mccullen reply on August 5th, 2009 1:08 pm:
i would like to know that too
i am in the albany, ny area…thanx, betsy
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 5:51 pm:
Right now we have one in Madison, CT, but we won’t be showing it to folks for a while in the interest of protecting privacy. We’ll post any open house dates as they come.
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Hi-
The Fencl is my favorite. Is the one you drove across country still available?
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 6:25 pm:
Yup. It’s in Madison, CT, and it’s ready to go.
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Ever think of doing a workshop in Vancouver, BC? Lotsa green minded people up here would be interested in it, i am sure.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 22nd, 2009 9:32 am:
We did one there last year, and the turn-out was great.
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First I think your Idea is Amazing, I’m definitely going to build my own.
If your planning to come to florida again I would appreciate an e-mail.
How come the New Popomo Plans are not for sale?
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