XS-House
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65 square feet  Ready made: $38,997 Build it yourself: $16,000 Buy the plans on sale: $99 |
| House width: | 7′ | Porch: | 2′ x 1½’ |
| House length: | 11′ | Main Room: | 4 ½’ x 5 ½’ |
Trailer Size:  |
7′ x 10′ | Kitchen: | 4′ x 4′ |
| Road Height: | 12′ 9″ | Bathroom: | 3 ½’ x 2′ |
| Dry Weight: |
4000 lbs | Ceiling height: | 6′ 2″ |
| all measurements are approximate | Loft height: | 3′ 2″ | |
The XS-House is the smallest house we offer. The “XS” stands for extra small and excessively efficient. Tumbleweed founder, Jay Shafer, built his own XS-House and lived in it for 1 year before selling it to John Friedman and Kristin Shepherd
Learn more: Connecting to utilities, Purchasing a house, Building a house
Comments
198 Responses to “XS-House”
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Please send me info. about buying plans
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Jay Shafer reply on May 27th, 2008 7:28 pm:
If you click on the plans tab at the top of any page you will find all of the information we have.
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Kate reply on September 17th, 2008 11:23 am:
Hi Jay,
I love these houses. After being stationed away from home and sharing an 8 man tent for close to a year. I have learned to use space very wisely. I can see that you really put thought into every feature. I wish the military had these when I was there! lol
I just wanted to thank you, and tell you that I look forward to seeing one in person.
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Daniel reply on September 17th, 2008 1:09 pm:
I agree about the military having stuff like this… Right now, I’m in one of those shipping container rooms… A bed, a desk and not much room because of equipment boxes… small yes, but not designed well.
Jay Shafer reply on September 20th, 2008 4:03 pm:
Thanks, Kate. I look forward to it too.
Kate reply on September 22nd, 2008 12:25 pm:
Daniel, I bet Jay could come up with a design for those CLU’s. LOL… I have to say that I really would have liked to get into one of those but, wasn’t worth the move when one came available. Also, I have turn all of the Marines and Army I know on to this site. Because of constant deployments many are considering these as a permenant home. I guess when you are only home for four months out of the year, it really seems crazy to keep getting apartments and moving in and out of storage facilities for your belongings. I am almost ready to buy the plans. Good Luck, Brother, God Speed on your next trip down range, keep your head down & thoughts positive. Ooooh Rah
NUS reply on November 22nd, 2008 3:41 pm:
HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR WASTE AND STORAGE
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Jay Shafer reply on November 23rd, 2008 1:46 pm:
I personally compost, but I generally instal more standard sewer systems for others.
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Dave reply on July 8th, 2009 11:18 am:
I’m curious if anyone has put these on a foundation with a small basement to maximize efficiency?
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Jay Shafer reply on July 12th, 2009 1:58 pm:
I don’t know, but it’s a great idea.
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Peggy reply on December 30th, 2009 9:31 am:
Hey Jay! Love your houses, the design and the less is more concept. Great! Are you by chance, going to be anywhere near Studio City anytime soon? About 6 hours south of you now. Would love to see your place – and I will keep up with you. Debt free so far, would love to own my own “dwelling”. And get a solar panel for energy. Thanks for the inspiration!
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This model looks like an outhouse. I like th eother models better.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 11th, 2008 4:35 pm:
My favorite is the Weebee, but I like this one too.
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Donna F. reply on February 25th, 2009 6:38 am:
If it were just me…this is the one I would want! This one feels like that quilt over the table that Cathy of MY LUSBY wrote of. It’s perfect!
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Samantha Benton reply on December 6th, 2009 9:25 pm:
I never saw a 6×10 outhouse before, this is far more spacious. But seriously, the one I first noticed was the Vargo, but I don’t see it in the list. I was saving up to get one, to take to SCA events (I’m not much of a camper). Where’s the link for it?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 13th, 2009 1:29 am:
We still don’t have it on the site (only the book). Send $495 for plans. They are ready to be sent out.
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This house used to be around $7,000, and look at the price now, wow it would of been a great investment. Totally regret not getting it. As a college student I would love to live in one of these and it would be way cheaper.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 24th, 2008 10:53 am:
The $7,000 was the cost of the materials and not the cost of the house. That was some time ago, and the material cost has almost doubled since then. It really goes to show how much inflation there really is.
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Arden Singletary reply on June 25th, 2008 10:40 pm:
In my area, building costs are around $100.00 per square foot. I am VERY interested in building a tiny house. Is there any reason that your buildings would cost more than the average to build?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 26th, 2008 10:17 am:
As the house becomes smaller, typically the cost per square foot increases (especially if you hire someone else to do it). That’s because empty space is very inexpensive to build. When the house is shrunk down, the cost of appliances are proportionally more, and the cost of the kitchen and bathroom are basically the same whether the house is 100 square feet or 1000 square feet. Additionally, if include electric hookups and sewer hookups to the cost, they are basically a flat fee irregardless of the house size.
Hank reply on July 14th, 2008 11:12 am:
Well, it’s 2 grand just for the trailer and plans. And that’s if you get the trailer used.
does this model not have a stove top?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 27th, 2008 1:53 am:
No it does not have a stove top. However, you can find a great electric burner/over at compactappliance.com that can easily be stored in a cabinet.
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I am just curious if hybrids of these houses could be sent with the plans. Perhaps the xs house with a front porch/desk over head included?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 5th, 2008 8:57 pm:
We can and do make adjustments to plans for people. Adding the porch to the plans is something we can do pretty easily. We’ve added skylights to plans, and have had really tall people request higher ceilings. Those are all relatively easy adjustments/additions.
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You have a video tour of ur Epu home (on youtube) but no other home. Can you make video tours of all your houses such as this one?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 9th, 2008 6:18 pm:
Thanks for the suggestion. We’ll do that in the future as we build more homes.
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Joaquin reply on June 29th, 2009 7:41 am:
Absolutely! I coulden’t tell you how many times I’ve watched that same tour video over and over again. The concept STILL blows my mind, and i’ve been looking at these works of art for quite some time with intent in absolution of building my own. I Admit, I’m only 18, and I’ll have to move out soon, and I could never quite see myself in the socio-dwelling norm. When I came across this site, I sat in shock, looking through every house, every detail, and it still amazes me to the day.
Oh yeah, the reply…
Well, yes, Video content would be fantastic =)
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Ellie reply on July 1st, 2009 9:41 pm:
Wow, your reaction sounds just like mine. I absolutely love these houses, and I can’t wait until I’m able to have my own… I’m 17 and have yet to get a job but these houses are my strongest dream at the moment. I just need to decide which one I want.
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michael King reply on August 29th, 2009 12:49 am:
There is an old video tour of this house online that is worth looking for if you are thinking about this model, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdDYkJ3_wo0
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Would it be possible to change the kitchen so that the sink only took up half of the area and you had some counterspace. Also to make the desk smaller to make room for a pantry just to the right of the kitchen?
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AC reply on November 1st, 2008 10:41 pm:
Dude, you could just get like a board and stick it in the sink, like a cutting board. For the pantry thing, buy like a storage cabinet from Target, etc. and stick it on the desk. It’s cheap!
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Are you planning on bringing one of your houses with you to NC when you have the workshop this fall?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 14th, 2008 8:07 pm:
No, Jay will be flying to NC.
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I would love to live in the XS, but I have a small dog (18ib.). Has anyone ever done this? Do you think it would be possible?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 14th, 2008 8:07 pm:
Possible, but never tried before. You’d be the first.
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But wait…. where do I park my Hummer??
Seriously, keep up the good work. If I didn’t have a wife & kids I’d do it.
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AC reply on November 1st, 2008 10:42 pm:
You could park your hummer next to the house…
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Does the XS have a shower and fridge?
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Ivan reply on August 12th, 2008 7:48 am:
I’m also curious if the XS includes a shower and fridge. Also, can the sink be moved to the right (in front of the window) to free up counter space?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 1:24 am:
Yup, yup & yup.
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Wow – this would make a fantastic treehouse!
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Hey I was wondering something about the trailered models. What keeps someone from just ripping it off? Seems they could just hook up and drive off while you were away at work all day. These are so nice – I’m sure it would be a concern.
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Daniel reply on August 29th, 2008 4:06 pm:
you could always get a trailer lock that covers the hitch mount.
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Colin reply on August 29th, 2008 10:28 pm:
Might help but thieves can simply attach the “locked” trailer coupler to their vehicle with chain or rope and pull the trailer away.
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Matt reply on November 6th, 2008 2:30 pm:
who would steal it? I mean it be hard to sell quickly plus it might be hard to hide it. What would the call the crime Grand house theft , teeny house theft, or just theft. besides a trailer lock you could get some wheel locks to prevent the trailer from being towed away.
Joaquin reply on June 29th, 2009 7:57 am:
Hahah! Grand Theft Dwelling
Richie reply on October 26th, 2009 2:57 pm:
You could bring it to work with you!
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I will be investing in Lojack once my tumble weed is built. If it ever gets stolen. The police can pin point its location.
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They’d be best for people who work from home or would have a secure parking area.
(Maybe in front of the police station? ; > )
One’s home and transportation would probably occupy the same footprint as a large truck or RV so a slot in a parking garage,etc. that fit them would work for a tiny house on a trailer.
Such a house would be great to take on vacation,to festivals,craft fairs,cons,
tours,revivals,etc. when one might need to work on the open road.
(If it could hold the business and any inventory,why not?)
One would need to be VERY careful not to have debt collectors,law enforcement officials,etc. confiscate your towing vehicle.
That could leave you stranded or they might take your diminutive domicile with it.
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Joaquin reply on June 29th, 2009 8:07 am:
With the money and time you save simply OWNING one of these houses, debt would clear up on its own. Its not that one would have to be careful, one would have to be SMART. In other terms, you would have to be very naive to have such a very open opportunity to turn things around and don’t. That’s the beauty of these homes. No mortgage, no (bad) debt, and more time and money while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle (to a degree).
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cole reply on August 17th, 2009 8:07 am:
well….i’m 11. Its not just me so it would kida stink for my pareents… they live in the house, and i live in there…
we don’t have debt, but we still wouldn,t be morgage free.
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This is a cool, but not often used (yet) site…www.tinyhouseforum.com
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Your tiny homes are fascinating! Tiny has intrigued me ever since I viewed a friend’s dorm room, but I have never seen it done any better than you do it. Efficient use of space is so beautiful! More indoor pics of your houses would be welcome. Is the couch in the XS built in and have storage underneath, perhaps? I like the suggestion someone made to move the sink in front of the window to free up more counter space.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 4:12 am:
Thanks, Melanie. The couch is built in.
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Greetings!
Desiring to know if a person, such as myself can make payments towards one of the houses? Such as the Teeny one for instance?
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“This house used to be around $7,000, and look at the price now, wow it would of been a great investment. Totally regret not getting it. As a college student I would love to live in one of these and it would be way cheaper.”
tumblweed reply:
“The $7,000 was the cost of the materials and not the cost of the house. That was some time ago, and the material cost has almost doubled since then. It really goes to show how much inflation there really is.”
so material cost have doubled from roughly $7,000 to $14,000?
that means you are charging an OUTRAGEOUS cost of $350/sqft for construction. this house is only 65sqft how can it possibly cost that much to build?
I realize you need to make a profit, but that seems a bit over-kill to me. Why not buy a 90sq/ft shed from home depot for $6,000, and design it to be livable for less than HALF THE PRICE!
GREAT HOMES, however DELUSIONAL PRICES
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Garry Byrne reply on April 20th, 2009 7:29 am:
Yes, it does seem as though there is a huge profit margin on these. I’m guessing part of the problem is the degree of fit and finish carpentry. These are very nicely detailed homes. Your Home Depot idea is sound. I had a client who bought a 775 sq. ft. shed and had a builder finish it out for him as a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home. His total cost, including purchase of the shed and all materials and labor was 27,000. That was three years ago.
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i have noticed that the tiny houses featuring the newport gas heater have the stove pipe running right up in front of the center of the window which would block a view to the outside. why is that? i know a tiny house is TINY, but is that the standard placement of that particular stove—or can it be place so that the stove pipe isn’t ‘blocking’ window??
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Jay Shafer reply on November 1st, 2008 4:29 pm:
One could move the heater to any position along any side wall where there is space (see Lusby).
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Can the XS-House be attached to a vehicle, like a Ford Super Duty?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 2nd, 2008 5:05 pm:
With ease.
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Having just driven back down the Saw Mill just North of Manhattan and seeing the scarily low bridges that go over that road. What is the height of a house like a Weebee or Lusby, as I have a feeling that if I were to build one, it would find itself being towed a couple of times in the next few years.
Also, in your experience, how have you avoided the problem of “low clearances”.
Cheers,
JT
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Jay Shafer reply on November 2nd, 2008 5:05 pm:
13′-6″ is the standard height allowable in the US. That’s how high our tallest portable houses are. Extra low clearances should be avoided.
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John Tompkins reply on November 2nd, 2008 6:25 pm:
Thanks Jay,
Yes I found a link to a trucking website that provided some insight into particularly low bridges State by State.
http://www.aitaonline.com/Info/Road/Low%20Clearances.html
To avoid anyone turning their homes into convertibles.
Thanks again,
JT
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2008 5:40 pm:
Thanks for the great link.
Hi, just wanted to start out by saying that i love your houses. There are other small home manfactures, but they lack the quality and efficient layout that your houses provide. I feel that the xs-house is clearly the most efficient house layout that you have to offer, especially with the built in couch and desk. My only concern is the xs bathroom and kitchen are just slighty too small for me. I think you should design a home with the xs-house layout but stretch the bathroom to include a private shower and stretch the kitchen to include a stove top burner. I think that would create your best house yet. The Tarleton is similar but does not have the built in couch and desk. Plus the Tarleton has poor placement of the heater and a total rap around kitchen. Best wishes, Paul
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I understand that the Tarleton is a much larger house than the xs as well. My point being is that if you stretched the kitchen and bathroom of the xs house you would have a house that could use a similar size if not the exact frame as the Epu but also provide better layout while incorporating a private shower. Not to mention the gain of an additional model at a feasible price point (est.$43,000). Best Wishes, Paul
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Jay Shafer reply on November 8th, 2008 4:17 pm:
Thanks, Paul. I’m always looking for ways to tweak the designs.
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I understand the Tarleton is a larger house but it has a similar layout. I think that if you stretched the kitchen and bath in the xs house it would provide you with a house similar in size as the Epu but offer more content for the money. I think this would create a house that is somewhat feasible (est.$43,000) all while offering the features and comforts of your $47,000 houses.
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Great minds think alike?
I’ve also been thinking about a Tumbleweed with the Epu’s 8×15 foot print, and the XS layout. While the two upholstered chairs on either side of the fireplace are really appealing, the built in sofa affords more storage, and even a place to stretch out. A very skinny place, but fine for a nap, or place to lay down if one wasn’t feeling well and wanting to stay, um, closer to the bathroom.
And I like a simple galley station with sink in the middle, flanked by stove (RV or the one Jay mentioned finding a few weeks ago) and fridge. When you have an “L” arrangement, there is always “that” space in the corner that can be hard to reach and get full use of.
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Could this XS house be attached to and towed around by my ‘94 Toyota Corolla?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 10th, 2008 3:12 pm:
It weighs about 4000 pounds. Your owner’s manual should tell you if it’s a go. I have never owned a car that will pull my house. When I need to move I just rent a U-Haul or pick-up.
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With a house on wheels how do you deal with waste water?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 10th, 2008 3:06 pm:
An RV toilet comes standard in our little ones, but I prefer a composting toilet. this option comes at no extra charge.
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I am interested in your homes. Can I come see one. Where are they manufatured and how long would it take to get one.
Thanks
Rob
970 846 8786
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Jay Shafer reply on November 11th, 2008 8:36 pm:
We’re in Sebastopol, CA. I give a tour of my 100 square foot house once a month (usuallly the first Saturday). To sign up visit… http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/openhouse/#faq
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What do you do with the used water from the shower and sink? Is it filitered and reused?
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I want to see some more pictures (Interior) of the Vardo, it’s so cute.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 21st, 2008 6:27 pm:
I think you can still see some at Greg Johnson’s resourcesforlife.com in his photos of our July West Coast trip. There are also some in my portfolio.
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Hello Jay,
Has anyone lived in any of your tiny houses during the full winter of Quebec? I know some do it in the north of the US. But I am wondering about Quebec winters.
Anyone would like to share how they manage?
What adaptations or modifications to the hookups would be required? Insulating under the floor?
Many thanks!
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Francis reply on December 1st, 2008 3:45 pm:
Salut Denis !
I’d like to get an idea too! Winters in Quebec are FAR different from the rest of North America ! can you live well at -35 celcius ?
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Denis reply on December 1st, 2008 4:41 pm:
Minus 35 celcius is a rare occurence but we normally get about two very cold periods of 4-5 days of -20 day and -30 night…
One can live very well if the house is well insulated, has winter tires etc. The cities are well prepared for the winters up here. Big difference for example 5cm of snow in Boston is a huge problem while here it’s like nothing. It costs a lot to cities… but there is a price to pay for living up north I guess.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 9:41 pm:
Yes. It’s actually much easier to heat these small houses than it is to heat large ones.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 9:57 pm:
These little houses are actually much easier to heat than big ones. They are fully insulated in the floor, walls ceiling and windows. You may want to get the larger Newport heater from Dickinson though.
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FABULOUS ideas – However, I would like to know more about the problems of properties. Land is the most expensive part of any home. How does one deal with zoning – or building in areas where the other houses in the neighborhood are currently standard size monsters?
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I’m considering building an XS-House and my own trailer. I’ve built mobile units for drive-up coffee sales but the peaks were lower (hiproof). I have 2 Torflex 7000# axles from a unit that were removed when it was placed on a foundation. The hub face to hub face width is 81″. Is that too narrow for the XS-House application? I would only need one axle due to the lesser dry weight you have listed for that house. Wheel wells are manadory but they could be hidden under the couch and desk. The wheel wells could also be built into the frame of the trailer. I’d like your recommendation on my ideas
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Jay Shafer reply on December 12th, 2008 4:29 pm:
I think you’re onto something there, Sy. I don’t have a set of plans for the XS with me as I travel to the Orlando workshop, but I remember it as something like 80″ wide. If you need any more room the wells should fit right under the couch and desk.
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Sy reply on December 16th, 2008 3:12 am:
My main concern was wheel tracking down the road in relationship to the height. Being that the width is narrower on my axle, would that pose a problem with being too top heavy on cornering? Just a thought. Remember my 81″ is hub to hub with extra width with tires which are 16″/8 lug x 6.5″ bolt pattern. I’m thinking that the frame would set lower too because there are no leaf springs. They are torsion leafs like an older VW front suspension beam but only one trail arm set at 10 degrees down. Hope your Orlando workshop is successful and I want to meet you at the end of the Coast-to-Coast tour in Philadelphia. I’m an hour north in Bethlehem.
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[...] you live in a house like this? XS-House | Tumbleweed Tiny House Company It would be very cheap, but I don’t think any furniture would fit in [...]
whoa wait a sec…
There really is a shower in there?
If there is i found my dream.
Good work in creating feasible homes
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Could a marine woodstove be substituted for the propane heater? I’d rather not be tied to using propane. Many tiny marine woodstoves are set up for cooking as well as heat. Thanks.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 31st, 2008 5:20 pm:
No problem.
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Does the fridge really fit under the sink?
Would it be possible to add a small front porch, like on the epu?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 31st, 2008 4:05 pm:
Yes on both counts.
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when you’re towing the trailer, do you have to secure everything (like books and chairs) to keep them from falling?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 2nd, 2009 4:57 pm:
Yes.
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so this is pretty much amazing! it has everything you need , its as small as a house should be and even better it can go on the road with you and be stationed anywhere! waking up and walking out to nature sounds like my kind of deal!
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I’m looking for a xs house shell that I can tow and use for a movable retail store. Know of anyone making those?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 15th, 2009 5:23 pm:
We’ll make you one for about 1/2 the price of the finished model.
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Is it possible to have the XS house built without the extra closet and shelf spaces in the loft and to just have the whole loft left open as one continuous space?
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Jay Shafer reply on January 31st, 2009 6:18 pm:
That’s easy.
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Why hello there. I found this website when I was building my studio apartment and we had already started on it or I would have been extremely delighted to own one of these portable mini houses. I am in college and in speach class we are to do an informative speech on anything of our choice. I would love to spread the news around to people about theses houses and I was just wondering if I could have your permission to take some photos from this site as long as I put where I got them? Thank you so much… Charla.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 4th, 2009 7:23 pm:
Sure, Charla. See the photos on the “press kit” first as they are of the best quality for printing, etc.
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Whether on what weather conditions the house Can be lived in it at temperature – 20
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Jay Shafer reply on February 14th, 2009 4:23 pm:
The houses stay very warm in any winter climate.
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Hello all,
Been looking at the tiny house designs for the past 6 months, dreaming away about how comfortably I could inhabit a lusby (with a grand idea of turning the downstairs bedroom into my own jewellery studio, thus being able to work from home)… however, there is one question that has always been baffling me… in the smaller house designs such as the xs, weebee, and epu…. once the house is built, how on earth do you get your mattress up that tiny ladder hole into the loft?!!! Is the idea to use an inflatable mattress or build it into the loft during construction?. Any feedback on that question would be greatly appreciated.
cheers,
Shell.
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Jay Shafer reply on February 14th, 2009 5:48 pm:
I generally recommend high-density foam. That’s what I use, and it is more comfortable than most other beds I’ve slept on.
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Great, love the concept and keep up the good work!
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you have to be kidding me! $40,000 for this shed on wheels? do you have any idea how nice of a rv you could buy for $40,000? I’m speechless at the stupidity of this whole idea. PT Barnum was right “there is sucker born every minute”. I guess i am missing the point. good luck . Randy
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Iris Chinook reply on February 26th, 2009 6:36 pm:
Yeah…an RV with nasty glue, VOC’s and every other kind of plastic, vinyl and allergy causing component in it. An RV that is made of cheap, ugly materials.wtih absolutely zero asthetic appeal. No thanks.
Iris
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Jay Shafer reply on February 28th, 2009 3:34 am:
I do have a very specific idea, Randy. A new Airstream trailer with the same amount of usable space, but with less than a quarter the amount of insulation and plenty of toxic VOCs will cost you just a few thousand more than what we sell this house for. There are plenty of other RVs for less or more, depending on what you’re willing to settle for, but none of them have what is generally considered necessary for comfortable full-time occupancy. I think that maybe you have missed the point. We can live in a small spaces and still live very well.
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John reply on February 28th, 2009 7:27 pm:
Having shopped for RVs, I can tell you that $40k is in the mid-range for an RV of livable size. The Tumbleweed homes are smaller, perhaps, but much better built and don’t “wobble” when you walk through them like an RV would.
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Donna F. reply on March 1st, 2009 6:26 am:
What causes that wobble?? Shocks, maybe?
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Jay Shafer reply on March 1st, 2009 6:36 pm:
It’s the shocks. Mine would bounce, too, if you didn’t put an RV jack under each corner.
[...] investigated a lot of potential solutions. I loved the small homes at Tumbleweed houses. Their XS house is , only 65 square feet! But the houses included a kitchen which I really didn’t need. So I [...]
[...] investigated a lot of potential solutions. I loved the small homes at Tumbleweed houses. Their XS house is only 65 square feet! But their houses included a kitchen which I really didn’t need. So I [...]
i love these houses, i’m a big fan of not wasting space or money. i know that some single people cant live without a 2 acre home with white pillars out front, but not for me. also an rv is not really “homey” and has great trailer trash appeal. your houses are beautiful. keep up the good work!
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Jay Shafer reply on March 18th, 2009 8:21 pm:
Gracias, Tim.
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These homes are beautifully made. Part of what you pay for with any builder is that builder’s design and craftsmanship. Jay’s designs seem very well thought out and aesthetically pleasing, more than any other builder in this realm of tiny houses. It seems not very expensive to me, this house is less than double the price of an average car.
I like the XS model best, I like the layout, and the three windows on the sides is very harmonious and in scale. It would be a challenge space wise, but would force a paring down to bare essentials, which seems to be the message of these houses anyway.
I hope to get one of these houses in the next couple of years, in white like a tiny school house.
Thanks Jay for inspiring people with this more honest way of living.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 9th, 2009 4:55 pm:
On some days, flattery (even if it’s not intended as such) is the only thing that gets me by. Thanks, Don.
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moving up from my VW campers, any used small cabins on wheels’ ready to “re-used’ for sale or trade?
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First of all the guy is not being truthful about not needing a building permit. I work for the Building Dept. and I can tell you that you CANNOT live in this legally as a primary residence. You CANNOT get a building permit as it is seen as a travel trailer which is NOT LEGAL TO LIVE IN FULL TIME. You will be in violation of building codes and you will be wasting your money because you cannot permit these buildings!
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Jay Shafer reply on April 29th, 2009 9:54 am:
Before we go calling anyone a liar, Lisa, I think we should get our facts straight.
1) “The” Building Dept. has no jurisdiction over the construction of trailers because (to put it simply) they are not buildings. They are vehicles. Regulation is more likely to come from planning departments who do often have a thing or two to say about how these vehicles get used on a particular property.
2) International Building Codes have been adopted by many (but not all) parts of the US and Canada. Once adopted, the codes are then tailored at the local level. IBC, in general does not require a permit for any building (that is a structure without wheels) under 120 square feet. Some areas have changed this to 150 and others have changed it to 200. In any case, even if you removed the wheels from one of these structures, you’re covered.
3) See my blog entry “Viva La Tiny Revolution” for details and my book for even more.
4) Please refrain from discrediting individuals and from spreading misleading information on this website. If you are unsure of something, pose it as a question.
Thank you, Lisa.
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Lisa, he is not wrong. It depends on where you live. Every state has different rules. Your state you can’t, it’s not like that everywhere. Don’t rain on our parade Lisa.
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Lisa reply on April 28th, 2009 11:33 am:
Ok, if it makes you feel any better to say this: Please be advised on your states building codes as MOST STATES GO BY THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE WHICH DO NOT ALLOW LIVING IN TRAVEL TRAILERS. Is that better and that I didn’t rain on your parade? I would really like to warn/advise people that please, PLEASE check it out before hand because I know of way to many people that were suckered into buying “park models” and travel trailers for a great price only to find out they couldn’t put them on their property.
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Debra Linen reply on April 28th, 2009 11:42 am:
In Alberta, Canada, you are not allowed to live in a trailer of any kind even if it is parked in your own back yard. You must either park at Walmart, or in a trailer park or campground.
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Jay Shafer reply on April 29th, 2009 10:01 am:
You have a good point. Check with the local authorities before buying or building anything.
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Raymond reply on May 30th, 2009 5:57 pm:
In Waldoboro, Maine under 100 sq. ft you don’t need a building permit, so you could do it site build. (they don’t even care whether or not its a main structure or not!!!
James King reply on November 6th, 2009 7:13 pm:
I don’t know of a single RV park in the country that won’t allow these homes on their lots. And since RV parks are in all of the contiguous 48 states and Alaska, Lisa’s statements about it being illegal to live in a travel trailer must certainly be false. I know of at least 15 RV lots in the Florida Keys that have specifically told me that it would be ok and perfectly legal to move a properly registered and tagged Tumbleweed home there and live full time. And Florida is a state that adheres to the International Building Code. So how can all these RV parks operate in 49 states if Lisa claims that it’s illegal in almost every state to live in a Travel Trailer? It’s my understanding that most mobile home communities in Florida will also allow Tumbleweed-style homes to be set up and lived in on a full time basis. Lisa never stated which county and state she works for, and it would be good to know this so that people would know not to move there, since her community seems very unfriendly to travel trailers, park model RVs, and presumably single-wide mobile homes as well.
I find it fascinating how people try to scare others away from living in small homes with shouts of it being illegal or unsafe.
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Rob reply on November 24th, 2009 1:24 pm:
Alright all, Not to be negative but- Counties don’t work on good intentions and common sense folks, they generate the amount of money they need to support their department’s size by identifying problems ( that are fixed by spending money) for people with enough money to own land.
Here’s generally how it would go in counties with building departments once you own the land and have the trailer/or small house: The land use and planning which is step #1 of a building permit would get you to bond your trailer’s future removal (pre-paid by you to a 3rd party commercial hauler, even though you didn’t need the hauler to get it there), then have you apply for a work site trailer permit ($150), which is generally good for six months.This only allows the plated with current tags trailer to sit on your property, you are not allowed to live in it. You would have to re-apply every 3-6 months($100 again) for some arbitrary maximum (usually a year unless a written extension is applied for, usually with a fee and a possible zoning hearing). Then you would need to apply for a camping permit ( to stay on your own land), and could stay a certain number of weekends( usually a total of 18-20 weekends or no more than 50 nights total), if your plates and tags are good. Please note: you are still not allowed to “Live” in it. This is where I need to point out: In reality, if you are not a civil engineer with a stamp, married to a escrow lawyer and an un-ending supply of money and time, do not expect to walk into a building department asking how to do this correctly; you will never know happiness in your life again on this topic.
But how come almost everyone has a trailer in their yard in the US?
Here’s the secret: Even the most organized, well-funded, overstaffed, and insightful building department (all counties are different, and none have all the qualities I previously just described) are basically complaint based systems. If no one complains to them about you, and you don’t go by, give them your address, and say I want to do this correctly; then county employees won’t come by giving you problems requiring your time and money to solve. Oh, and lie. Tell them repeatedly, “it’s my office, I use it for business”. They will never be able to do anything, they have bigger fish for their retained lawyers to fry. It’s a zero sum to come after you, and if you don’t co-operate in your own demise by being honest and trying to do the right thing, they have easier ways to generate a buck. Oh Cops? Way to busy handing out forclosure notifications now, and not even remotely in the equation if you can just get along with your neighbors.
If the plates are good on the trailer, and you never admit to living in it, no building department employee will ever be by after 4pm during the week or all day on the weekends. Why would they? There’s an un-ending supply of people with money and time walking into the building department every day looking to get out of the problem they probably would admit that they started by walking in and trying to do things right in the first place. And I won’t even go into how many county employees you should record telling you there is “no problem” with what you want to do, until they get you to give up your address. All they need is your name and address to fire up the fully funded “problem making machine”.
Scared yet? Please tell me I’m wrong and what state/county you live in, so I can move there.
Also, if you have to do this correctly in the building department’s eyes, and you have to live in a county with a well-funded building department, check your zoning.
Usually some smart (rich) person with a engineer’s stamp, escrow lawyer, and money spent time changing their personal zoning code to allow them to do what they wanted. I’ve seen zoning restrictions 50 pages thick, noting everything you can’t build, and you can’t have near your setbacks, and somewhere in there is one well hidden paragraph of loopholes. The exception could be as simple as “naming” your purposed structure a “chinchilla hut” on your land use submission and then you can legally make it bigger than a barn and put it anywhere on your property, even in the setbacks, without ever owning one furball. Again, it’s lying but it’s possible.
Experience in 10 counties with permits, problems needing solved for customers ready to kill inspectors compiled the truth noted above. Nothings impossible to accomplish, but not everyone has infinite access to a engineer’s stamp, lawyers, and time/money.
But I can assure you, I have witnessed both rich and poor people accomplishing this exactly as I have described above.
The smartest, most experienced and honest people I have met would only try this in a county that had no building department, or one that the only requirement of a permit is to apply and pay, with no inspectors or code to follow.
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Elaine reply on November 24th, 2009 4:12 pm:
I have to agree to some extent with Rob. My Tumbleweed Lusby has been turned away from every mobile home park and campground in New Hampshire so far (there are a few I haven’t checked with yet) and a couple in West Virginia. If it’s not built by a factory and certified by some sort of association, people tend to distrust it.
On the other hand, in northern California, I’ve found several nice mobile home parks that said they’d be glad to accept my tiny house. The trouble is, I can’t find a job in California. A job and a place to live really need to go together for me at this stage of life.
This week, after searching for a year, I finally found a private recreational site in New Hampshire where people are allowed to live in campers on their own little piece of land for up to 120 days a year. The camper doesn’t have to be certified and can even be hooked up to electricity. Some parcels of land are big enough to add a septic system and build a traditional home. The recreational site was zoned many years ago and the flexible rules preserved intact. With such flexibility and acceptance of alternative structures, I have to confess it’s not pretty. Some people are living in houses that look tied together with a hope and a prayer, and there are many run down, abandoned trailers. But it runs along both sides of a nice little river and it’s going to be my sanctuary.
Jay Shafer reply on November 29th, 2009 2:26 pm:
Thanks for your informed contribution, Rob. I’ve found most of this to be true. In the end it has helped me to maintain a code of ethics that puts illegal good behavior before immoral legal behavior. Fortunately, my neighbors love what I’m doing and tend to hold the same moral code. The only real problems I’ve faced with creating common sense housing to better the environment and my fellow man has been faced while trying to work with building and zoning departments. Imagine how much more we could do to improve our built environment and quality of life without extortion and antiquated laws in the way. Most housing officials I’ve talked to agree, but its often the law and not the enforcers that run the show in the end. See the book “The Death of Common Sense” and my blog entry “Viva la Tiny Revolution” if you’re not angry enough already.
Let me clarify my last statement. In most cities what i said is the case. Living in a converted Van is more feasable to get away with than living in a pulled trailer, especially in the city. The rules do vary from county to county and are different for city and country/acreage living. Check it out first with your local county.
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Jay, how much does your vardo weigh?
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Jay Shafer reply on May 8th, 2009 10:29 am:
About 900 pounds.
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I was wondering if the Epu has a washer/dryer,
Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on May 29th, 2009 7:08 am:
It does not.
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Excuse me, where is the fridge?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 2nd, 2009 5:05 am:
It’s under the counter.
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I love these houses. As in I would want one with wheels, and after settlin’ I would seriously consider one without. And since I’m dirt poor, the XS is the only option I could ever really entertain. My one question is, would it be possible to keep the XS basic floorplan, while giving it a bathroom that has a separate toilet and shower? Because … well, actually I feel like that question pretty much speaks for itself.
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Jay Shafer reply on June 14th, 2009 5:00 am:
I think it could be done.
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Great site! Lots of wonderful ideas, and most folks here are so willing to share their experiences!
I’m looking at building just the back half of either the XS or the Epu, and using a tent for living space, when I travel. I may be doing a *lot* of traveling in the next few years, and this would save so much time in setup!
I’ve decided against an entire house, due to concerns about initial cost and gasoline consumption.
My questions follow:
For the best aerodynamics, should something being towed be longer than it is wide? Does this matter? (in other words, would I need to turn my little end of the unit sideways and run the axle and roof ridge at right angles to how these are designed?)
Also, I’m guessing that the current height would not be safe to tow, if the base is half what it is now? 6 feet by 7 feet by almost 13 feet high doesn’t seem right to me
So I’d need to make the walls shorter, and eliminate the loft. Is there a formula for so many square feet in the base requires no more than so many feet high?
Thanks, Gillian
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 12:51 pm:
I’m not the one to ask about the finer points of the physics behind aerodynamic travel, Gillian. All I know is that you don’t want to go over 13′ 6″ tall and it’s nice to keep it less than 8′ 6″ wide. I should say that if you foresee a lot of traveling, you might want to consider a small Airstream retrofitted with extra insulation and insulated windows. You’ll save a lot of gas that way.
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Does the XS have a shower and a two burner stove?
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Jay Shafer reply on June 23rd, 2009 1:14 pm:
Yup. In this very tiny case, there’s a wet bath (bathroom as shower) and a hot plate stored under the counter to save space.
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I live in Northern Arizona and the heat here can get pretty unbearable… I’ve been in worse but I want to know if these houses can also accomodate for hot climates. I would keep the heater, because it can get chilly during winter, so would it be possible to have both heating and cooling systems in one of the Teeny ones?
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Jay Shafer reply on July 5th, 2009 11:52 am:
That works great.
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I would like to see more pictures (inside and out) of some of your larger houses
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Could we see some pictures of the built-in sofa in the XS-House?
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Jay Shafer reply on July 12th, 2009 1:57 pm:
Right now there’s only one in the book, but I’ll try to post some on the site soon.
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Matt reply on July 18th, 2009 3:32 pm:
http://purecontemporary.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/tinyhouse.jpg
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[...] or for only $695 buy the house building plans and do-it-yourself. At only 65 square feet, the XS-House can be bought for $36,997 and then delivered to your property. Or for those of you who are looking [...]
Interesting houses! Doesn’t look like any venting is used in the roof, is insulation not used?
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Jay Shafer reply on July 17th, 2009 10:50 am:
Because the upstairs is finished, we do insulate the roof and we don’t vent it the same way an unfinished attic would be vented.
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Where does the electricity/water come from? You couldn’t just put one of these on bare land could you?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:52 am:
You could if you had solar panels, a composting toilet, grey water and a water collection system.
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Alyssa reply on August 9th, 2009 2:33 pm:
I plan on buying one of these houses (probably the Fencl) when I’ve saved up enough money for it. My fiance and I would use it as our primary home.
We’d like to live entirely off the grid if possible. You say this could be achieved “if you had solar panels, a composting toilet, grey water and a water collection system”. Is it possible for you to install these before they are shipped, Jay? We’re not really interested in or capable of building it ourselves or even remodeling it to suit these needs. Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 12th, 2009 6:17 pm:
That would be easy.
What are the window dimensions?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:16 am:
I think those side ones are just 18″ x24″.
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jay, where did you get that dish rack over the sink in the kitchen? thanx, betsy
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Jay Shafer reply on August 2nd, 2009 9:15 am:
Ikea, as I recall.
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I am becoming more and more interested in the XS-House, when originally I was all about the Lusby. One Question. Is there extra storage space in the loft area across from where the bed would be? It looks that way in the loft picture presented in the slideshow, but I just wanted to be sure. Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2009 3:08 pm:
There is.
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On the costs page, it lists the shower as $1,500. I assume that’s so expensive because it has to be custom made. Approximately how much does it cost to install a gravity fed system, like in Jay’s Epu?
P.S. – There seems to be something wrong with the building costs page. I would have posted this there, but I can’t connect to it.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 17th, 2009 7:54 pm:
1) Exactly. Custom’s much more expensive.
2) About $40.
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[...] At 102 sq. ft., Jay Shafer’s Weebee model home, above, is not even the smallest design that he offers through his Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. (That honor goes to his 65 sq. ft. XS-House.) [...]
I am very interested in a tiny home, and I am wondering if your spaces are VOC free, or alright for people with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS.) It seems like sealing the wood inside the home would be the biggest challenge—do you use anything on the furniture and floor, or are they usually just raw wood? Do you know of a VOC free sealer that could be used? Your homes are so beautiful and inspiring on so many levels—thank you so much for your time, and for all that you’re doing!
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Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2009 4:08 pm:
We could use some kind of sealant or even drywall.
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Does the XS house have a shower, or that option?
from,
Chelsea
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Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2009 4:57 pm:
Yes, the whole bathroom is a wet bath.
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I am really liking the house and would like to invest in building one for myself. Before I do I have some concerns about plumbing, electrical, and details about how all of that fits into a little house like the XS? Do the plans include all the details to show how it all goes in?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 29th, 2009 1:15 pm:
An electrical plan is included, but there is no plumbing detail. That’s partly because it seems everyone wants a different type of system and largely because the plumbing in all of my designs is so localized that there really isn’t too much to say. In the case of the XS every pipe, drain and faucet is within an area of about 4′ cubed.
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Does the XS have a water heater of some kind? If so, where does it go?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 29th, 2009 1:17 pm:
Yes. All of the houses do. It’s under the kitchen counter. You could also hang a tankless one outside on the wall over the hitch if you want to conserve more valuable indoor space.
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[...] a video of this house; inside and out. Learn more about the XS-House. Download the plans [...]
Been snooping around your houses for years. Very impressed! The quality of materials showcased is exceptional. Keep up the great work and design. Hope to visit one of your workshops soon!
Cassandra
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[...] Since we last posted about the Tumbleweed tiny house company, they’ve completely revamped their site and they will be adding a whole slew of new tiny houses (can’t wait!). Their biggest house now stands at a majestic 774 sq ft. Their smallest at a proud 65 sq ft. [...]
Will any other plans be going on sale? How Long will the sale on the XS be lasting? I don’t get paid until next week
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Jay Shafer reply on December 13th, 2009 1:14 am:
Those will be on sale for at least 3 more weeks, if not eternally. I don’t foresee any sales any time soon thereafter.
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I was wondering if you ever made one of your bigger models wheelchair accessible?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 13th, 2009 1:41 am:
Not consciously, but the new Whidbey (in book) and Z-Glass might work.
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[...] since the XS tiny house plans have been on sale for $99 I have been tempted to buy. I’m not quite ready to build, but maybe [...]
Is there an ‘optimal’ vehicle for moving the tumbleweed house?
Are there any specifications of options desirable for the truck or SUV recommended?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 13th, 2009 1:46 am:
I like renting a 14′ U-Haul. Works well every time.
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[...] that I bought the XS tiny house plans from Tumbleweed, I’m on the hunt for a trailer. I’m looking for a 10 foot single axle [...]
Beautiful homes, designs and materials, almost if not completely useable! Am an active senior engaged in organic gardening and livestock rearing. Want to downsize to have more time and energy for these pursuits vs. spending money and time on my residence. Currently use composting toliet on my property Amazed at the options available with these tiny homesw.
I’d be interested in hearing from others who take up tiny house living as active seniors. Seems like independent living which is so desirable would work better in a tiny house than a large one for instance.
Thanks!
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Is it necessary to have the entire building sheathed in corrugated metal? The roof is fine but the house would look less industrial with wood siding.
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Jay, will a composting toilet fit in the wet bath?
Just for an example a Biolet
http://www.biolet.com/store/biolet-10-standard-c-4/biolet-10-standard-waterless-toilet-p-4
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Hi Jay,
The Economy has finally brought me to my knees and I’ve surrendered to living a simpler life with less impact on the enviorment. I’m sorry I missed you on your west to east coast tour. I posted here in Dec. 08 about building an X-S house and my own trailer. I found a used car trailer 12′6″ with a 4000 # capacity. I’ve got an extra foot and a half of length on my trailer so I thought about a porch on an X-S. I’m going to buy your plans for the X-S house, but for an extra fee could you add a layout for a porch? Feel free to send me an email or when I make arrangements for payment of the plans we might be able to discuss it then…thanks so much for helping us all liberate from our big homes,
Sy Kipp
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[...] Houses -Z-Glass house -XS house [...]
Dear Sir,
So impressed by the design, China needs such kind of business, people livse in small rooms especially in Shanghai city, China. Will you have any plan to develop the business in China market? I think it will be a very very good business, and big welcome here.
Regards
Shirley from Shanghai, China
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What if someone drives off with your house though?
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sy kipp reply on January 23rd, 2010 6:51 am:
put in a homing devise if you feel that concerned.
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i am going to live in that house when i turn 16 and get imansipated and i am going to move to switserland and live in new zealand in the summer
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Love the plans-is it possible to lengthen the design-I may have located a large trailer to put it on.
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*hopes this isn’t too ridiculous to ask*
Would the tiny homes be good for travelling across country? The plan would be to stay in locations for about a week and then hit the road for the next location before returning home and living full time in the tiny houses. Would it be too much strain on the houses to travel that much? Thanks in advance for your time, your ideas and your committment to the environment!
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