A Lot For Us To Learn From Tiny House Living

[SouperGrover]

Recently on FYI channel and HGTV there have been a handful of shows showing a new trend in the US called the Tiny House Movement. The idea is to build a structure to live in that's 400 sq ft or less. Most of them on the shows are between 150 - 300 sq ft. Most of them are also build on a trailer of some kind and can be moved around to wherever you want to put them.

I have a family of 4. There is no way in HELL we would be able to live that way. But, being in such small quarters causes the designers to have to make areas multipurpose and utilize vertical storage solutions. A lot of swing out counter spaces, foldable tables, fold up desks/work areas.

Anyone wanting to get some inspiration for this kind of stuff should definitely check it out. And anyone who just appreciates good design and ingenuity will get hooked in a heartbeat

 

[LAROKE]

Some good ideas but I think it works better for singles. No matter how close people are socially, they need personal space to be alone at times.

 

[LXCam]

This is all well and good, but anytime you're considered a hoarder because you have two boxes of cereal ain't gonna work for me.

 

[Moose97]

I love these shows and seeing the homes. I have a family of 5 so I don't know how it would work for us either but it does speak to something I think will happen eventually in housing. I'm the chief building official for an affluent suburb (I drive 57 miles one way to work each day) with upward middle class citizens. The average size home here is somewhere in the 2500 - 3500 sq. feet range. I've thought for quite some time that eventually we would go back to smaller home living. Between upkeep, expense and cost of energy I've always assumed we would get down to an 1800 - 2200 sq. ft. size and stay there.

I was raised in a 1650 sq. ft. house. I currently live in a 1900 sq.ft. house (me, wife and 3 kids) but we live out on land and wanted to spend our money there. It seems now that the houses get bigger while the lots get smaller.

 

[SouperGrover]

Some good ideas but I think it works better for singles. No matter how close people are socially, they need personal space to be alone at times.

For sure. Every person they have shown on the shows are either single or a young couple with no kids. The biggest "family" was a couple with 3 cats . In the long run, they are completely impractical. But I still love seeing some of the ideas they come up with and have found a lot of that kind of thinking transfers into designing an efficient and space saving shop

 

[SouperGrover]

This is all well and good, but anytime you're considered a hoarder because you have two boxes of cereal ain't gonna work for me.

One of the things that I always think about is where do they store the holiday decorations? You couldn't even find a spot to keep your Charlie Brown sized Christmas tree! While most of us could probably do with getting rid of a lot of stuff, we still need to store seasonal items.

I had a great idea for a new reality show. Tiny House Extreme Couponers. Where does the stockpile go?

 

[SouperGrover]

I love these shows and seeing the homes. I have a family of 5 so I don't know how it would work for us either but it does speak to something I think will happen eventually in housing. I'm the chief building official for an affluent suburb (I drive 57 miles one way to work each day) with upward middle class citizens. The average size home here is somewhere in the 2500 - 3500 sq. feet range. I've thought for quite some time that eventually we would go back to smaller home living. Between upkeep, expense and cost of energy I've always assumed we would get down to an 1800 - 2200 sq. ft. size and stay there.

I was raised in a 1650 sq. ft. house. I currently live in a 1900 sq.ft. house (me, wife and 3 kids) but we live out on land and wanted to spend our money there. It seems now that the houses get bigger while the lots get smaller.

I think you're right that we don't need as much as we have. I grew up in a small house, too. Under 1400 sq ft I'd say. But I had a big yard to play in. And there is something to be said for that I think.

A lot of people say they do it so they can pay for the house outright (they usually cost around $25k - $60k) and not have a mortgage to deal with. This lets them spend money on more activities that enhance the quality of their lives. It also means they have to work less because the bills are less

 

[taumac]

It's definitely for some but lately I'm seeing bigger units that seem less mobile. They're more like a mobile home where the set it on a lot in more permanent fashion more then the idea of hook it up and drive to next place. I believe I could do it IF I had a second one for storage and a mobile shop. I can't get rid of MY TOOLS.

 

[SouperGrover]

I believe I could do it IF I had a second one for storage and a mobile shop. I can't get rid of MY TOOLS.

I know RIGHT!!!

I would TOTALLY have done one of these before I got married. When I'm at home by myself, I usually stick to one or two rooms anyway. But now that we have a family each person really does need a spot to call their own.

I think I heard there are financial benefits to keeping them on wheels as well as opposed to making them permanent. Some kind of tax break or property thing... not sure

 

[Voi]

I have a family of 4. There is no way in HELL we would be able to live that way.

We are finishing up site and septic work at a cabin site we have and I record four of the tiny house shows currently on TV. I mostly watch them and freeze frame shots of the lofts and get out a cloth measuring tape and try to estimate loft sizes, roof pitches, etc.

Our cabin will be more like 450 to 550 square feet, not including the sleeping lofts, so I'm hoping to avoid too many things that require setup time, like fold down tables, etc. But we'll have some of that.

I watched an episode on DVR last night that looks remarkably similar to what I have in mind. The one with the zip line and bike track. My wife says I should sue them for obviously reading my mind, lol.

If things go well I'd like to live there next summer. We'll see how soon we get sick of each other. Family of four with a 150 pound dog, btw.

My boys are a year apart and share a small room in our current house and they only sleep and change their clothes in there. Now that I don't work from home as much our home office is basically a 120 square foot laptop charging room. We have two bathrooms on our main floor but my boys shower in our shower. Our hallway bath is basically a backup toilet. I don't know what our downstairs is for. We have a theater room we love but haven't used in many months.

 

[hdossett]

We lived in the RV for five years, about 300 sq ft. Living was comfortable enough, but you had to decide what you wanted to give up in order to have something new. I also missed my garage and tools and have in the 10 years since collected enough to have to build a 200 sq ft shed, in addition to my 576 ft garage and 1800 sq ft house, just to keep my junk in!

H

 

[SouperGrover]

We are finishing up site and septic work at a cabin site we have and I record four of the tiny house shows currently on TV. I mostly watch them and freeze frame shots of the lofts and get out a cloth measuring tape and try to estimate loft sizes, roof pitches, etc.

Our cabin will be more like 450 to 550 square feet, not including the sleeping lofts, so I'm hoping to avoid too many things that require setup time, like fold down tables, etc. But we'll have some of that.

I watched an episode on DVR last night that looks remarkably similar to what I have in mind. The one with the zip line and bike track. My wife says I should sue them for obviously reading my mind, lol.

If things go well I'd like to live there next summer. We'll see how soon we get sick of each other. Family of four with a 150 pound dog, btw.

My boys are a year apart and share a small room in our current house and they only sleep and change their clothes in there. Now that I don't work from home as much our home office is basically a 120 square foot laptop charging room. We have two bathrooms on our main floor but my boys shower in our shower. Our hallway bath is basically a backup toilet. I don't know what our downstairs is for. We have a theater room we love but haven't used in many months.

I think the lesson here is the term "more" is relative to kids. If they don't know "a LOT more" they are just as happy with what they have or a little more.

We are in a 1350 sq ft townhouse. Small patio, no yard. But every time we have talked to the kids about getting a house so they have more room and a yard to play in they always tells us they love where they live and don't want to go anywhere else. They are happy with their living arrangement.

I bet your boys are gonna be stoked. I would have loved to sleep in a loft as a kid.

 

[SouperGrover]

but you had to decide what you wanted to give up in order to have something new.

^^^^^^
THIS!

I always tell my wife... I don't care if you buy more towels/rugs/kitchen miracle devices. Just git rid of the ones we don't use any more or it's replacing.

 

[Jagmandave]

I also had to institute a rule of "If something comes in , something has to go out" with my bride.

We still have way too much ****, which I am slowly winnowing out....including garage stuff.

The thing about these tiny houses they don't discuss is that these are not free camp places, they have to be hooked up to water, electricity and sewage, just like a home, so the idea that you can pick up and move any time you want isn't quite true - you also need something to haul these places, as they're quite heavy.

But some of them do have some interesting engineering in them - the one I liked was the guy who did design his to be off the grid, with solar panels, rainwater collection, composting toilet and so on - but he was a single guy who lived outdoor sports.

I also wonder what some of these out in the middle of nowhere folks do for internet access?

 

[SouperGrover]

I also had to institute a rule of "If something comes in , something has to go out" with my bride.

We still have way too much ****, which I am slowly winnowing out....including garage stuff.

The thing about these tiny houses they don't discuss is that these are not free camp places, they have to be hooked up to water, electricity and sewage, just like a home, so the idea that you can pick up and move any time you want isn't quite true - you also need something to haul these places, as they're quite heavy.

But some of them do have some interesting engineering in them - the one I liked was the guy who did design his to be off the grid, with solar panels, rainwater collection, composting toilet and so on - but he was a single guy who lived outdoor sports.

I also wonder what some of these out in the middle of nowhere folks do for internet access?

A lot of them have composting toilets, but you're right. They still have to hook up somehow for other stuff. Internet would be easy enough. As long as you have cell coverage most phone plans now allow you to turn your phone into a wireless hotspot and connect your devices to that. They work really well for most people's needs

 

[MisterMike]

The thing about these tiny houses they don't discuss is that these are not free camp places, they have to be hooked up to water, electricity and sewage, just like a home, so the idea that you can pick up and move any time you want isn't quite true - you also need something to haul these places, as they're quite heavy.

There are undoubtedly many variations of these homes, but the idea of putting them on wheels usually results from the desire to avoid zoning mandates or other building requirements that would be applicable to a "permanent" structure.

I find these homes appealing, but unless everyone in my life abandons me I don't see it being feasible. But, you're right in noting that you still need some way to hook up to basic utilities.

Some of these homes have no showers and use composting toilets. No thanks.

 

[SouperGrover]

Some of these homes have no showers and use composting toilets. No thanks.

Definitely not ideal for some people. I'm the resident Toilet Unplugger in my house and I used to work on a hog farm growing up (cleaning out a farrowing barn puts all other jobs you will ever have into perspective). And I'm in IT. So dealing with other peoples **** doesn't bother me

 

[DocsMachine]

My idea of a "tiny house" would be a small efficiency apartment built into a corner of a large shop.

Personally, yeah- I could make do with a bed, a shower, and a table for my computers. But I have- and use for a living- 20,000 pounds of machine tools, and another 10,000 in assorted other tools. Kind of hard to fit all that and a grease pit into a home you're supposed to be able to tow around with an F250.
Doc.

 

[rsanter]

I could likely live in 450 sq ft, as long as I have a 4500sqft shop.

I have though it would be cool to put one of those tiny houses on a piece of vacation property. I could do it for the weekends

a friend of mine in Hawaii has about three of those tiny houses he build on his property. they are behind his house and he uses them for friends that come by and sometimes rents them out to people who want to go to Hawaii for a week or a couple of months

bob

 

[evildky]

The problem I have with those shows is cost. They talk about how much cheaper it is than a traditional house but still not cheap. They spend some big money on those little houses. And If you're gonna stick it on wheels why not just buy a camper or a mobile home? They do come up with some interesting uses of space. But if you want a small house there are lots of small houses many of which aren't in terrible areas in most markets that can be bought for what some of these people are spending on a purpose built trailer.

 

[Bronson]

I am a confirmed Bachelor, and have been thinking a lot about building a Tiny House on My (town) lot. I have a 1200 sq ft home already in place, comfortable for Me and occasional gf staying for a few days. It is, however more than I need.
I have more than ample room for a tiny house in the back. I have thought of building one and renting out My main house. I would definitely build it on a heavy trailer, so it could be moved.
I haven't figured out how to put wheels under My 30 x 40 Mueller, however....

 

[Voi]

The problem I have with those shows is cost.

Somebody local to me built one and advertised it on CL. I never called to look at it but did stop by and measure it. The asking price was $261 per square foot. It was only 7'4" wide so take away 2x4 construction from both walls, OSB and siding and it was probably only 6'5" or so from wall to wall on the inside.

 

[d.mcfarland]

It seems now that the houses get bigger while the lots get smaller.

The average homeowner considers property to be a hassle and "work".

 

[Zeke]

I could live in a trailer if I was single. Friends of mine built a 5000 sq ft house starting with the 3 car garage. They moved a trailer up to one of the bay doors and more or less sealed it off and lived in there until they could move into the house.

I thought all along, that would be heaven if I were single. Screw the house.

But to do life in 300 sq feet? NO!

 

[Paco Pena]

The reason they are often built on a trailer frame is so the local building codes do not apply. Its not a dwelling, its a trailer.

Paco

 

[SouperGrover]

I could likely live in 450 sq ft, as long as I have a 4500sqft shop.

I have though it would be cool to put one of those tiny houses on a piece of vacation property. I could do it for the weekends

a friend of mine in Hawaii has about three of those tiny houses he build on his property. they are behind his house and he uses them for friends that come by and sometimes rents them out to people who want to go to Hawaii for a week or a couple of months

bob

For my family, I think they would make for a perfect vacation type spot. Someplace we could go for a few weeks or months. Renting them out like that is a great idea, too.

 

[SouperGrover]

I am a confirmed Bachelor, and have been thinking a lot about building a Tiny House on My (town) lot. I have a 1200 sq ft home already in place, comfortable for Me and occasional gf staying for a few days. It is, however more than I need.
I have more than ample room for a tiny house in the back. I have thought of building one and renting out My main house. I would definitely build it on a heavy trailer, so it could be moved.
I haven't figured out how to put wheels under My 30 x 40 Mueller, however....

See, you're the perfect target for one. They definitely aren't for everyone.

BTW love the signature. You'd be interested to know my full name is David Gilmore. And I have a little Pink Folyd ink on my body of course ;P

 

[djjsr]

I have a little claustrophobia. I'm having an anxiety attack just reading this thread.

 

[SouperGrover]

My reason for starting the thread wasn't to be for or against tiny houses. Like I said in the beginning - they aren't for me or my family. But they are for some. The reason for starting the thread was to show people some inspirational new ways to creatively make use of the space in their shops and garages.

It's still nice to hear everyone's take on the whole movement, though. So it's cool

 

[SouperGrover]

I have a little claustrophobia. I'm having an anxiety attack just reading this thread.

Dude, I get it. I can't even find peace in my house when I shut the door to the Throne Room. I can't even imagine being in one big room with a tiny sliding door for the potty

 

[Bronson]

See, you're the perfect target for one. They definitely aren't for everyone.

BTW love the signature. You'd be interested to know my full name is David Gilmore. And I have a little Pink Folyd ink on my body of course ;P

Cool!
I had free tickets to see The Wall, live in LA , back in the day, the first show...
I couldn't get off work, Family company, right in the middle of a very big job.

 

[ddawg16]

It's TV.....nothing to do with reality.....nuff said

 

[78C-10]

I am single but I live with my girlfriend of ten years. If I was not attached to anybody I'd love to have a 40x60 building with living quarters and a small basement under the living quarters. I've been getting rid of a lot of **** over the last few years both house and garage. Most seem to have too much stuff. I kind of envy those Tiny House folks. Little to no clutter. I'm the opposite, I start to have anxiety attacks when there is too much stuff around me. Just because there is an empty corner doesn't mean something has to be put there.

 

[T_R]

We have 5 people in 780 sq feet. It's not so bad, you get used to it. We are at 3 bedrooms now, but are going to split one in half this winter to make it 4 bedrooms so the kids all have their own small rooms. Pretty much enough room for a bed and a dresser. As long as you have a door to close for privacy it's no big deal.

I just kind of laugh when I hear tiny home. It's just a fancy pants name for mobile home, trailer or manufactured home. If it makes them feel better about it then great.

Mine is just a single wide trailer. It serves it's purpouse for now. My garage is almost finished and I will start on the house probably in 2 years. I'm sticking with small, it's easy to keep up with and heat. Will probably stay around 800-1000 sq feet.

 

[TheEquineFencer]

Some good ideas but I think it works better for singles. No matter how close people are socially, they need personal space to be alone at times.

LOL... that's why they have a door.

 

[tdkkart]

So why not just live in a camper?? The prices i see them getting for the tiny houses are astronomical, $60k for basically a 1-1/2 story 8 x 16 trailer?? I think not.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I'd be fine with a tiny house.
I grew up in family of 9 living in a 2200 sqft house.
For a couple of years I lived with 3 other guys in an efficiency apartment that was about 250 sqft. From there I moved to a small house about the same size for about a year.
I then bought a huge 750 sqft house and lived there for 20 years, mostly by myself. I didn't use half of the rooms.
Now I'm married and have a 1500 sqft house that is over half filled with her "stuff".

As far as garages I had a 1 car garage at the 750 sqft house. It was full, but I could work in there if I had to.
At my current house I have a 2 car garage and a 30x40 shop/shed. Neither has any unused space. I also built (and still finishing) a 30x60 shed. I'm hoping it will be enough.

 

[gregtwojeeps]

They do come in handy I suppose for one person. Watched a show where the Dad had a daughter headed off to college. I supposed Dad thought the TH would solve two issues, his daughter wanted her independence and privacy and Dad wanted her safe on the farm rather than living in the city or a dorm while schooling. So, he and his daughter built one on the farm for her to live in. A win/win, daughter learned to be a home/ handy person, plus Dad has a rental income unit when she moves out.

 

[LEVE]

Here's my idea of a wonderful "Tiny House"....

Mobile home - EBS block-expandable building system block

I've always loved shipping containers...

 

[jives]

In the 1950s the average new home size was about 1200 sq ft, now it is about 2200 sq ft; and one less kid. I could easily live in tiny house, but not sure my wife, 6 kids, and two dogs would agree. Right now all my kids share rooms and they don't know the difference of having a room to themselves.

A tiny house would not allow one of the great benefits of families, and that is having other families over. Our house is an anchor for other kids, the boy's girlfriends, church youth group meetings, extended family get togethers, impromptu basketball games. No small house would be hospitable for this.

I have plans to build a shepherds hut on a hay wagon. . . basically the small house old European style. Use it for guests off in the corner of the land.