Family Builds "Tiny House" for $12,000

[KnightoftheRoc]

For what it is, it's pretty nice, seems well put together. But, for anyone wanting to prep for something long term, the only answer I can see is a storage unit, either on-site, or a rental (which would blow the saving the small house provides) unit- which means your preps are where you aren't. Buying in bulk, another savings method for the fiscally minded, is right out- where would you even put the big package of toilet paper? Never mind canned goods- the shelves don't look that extensive to me. A freezer to compliment the fridge would mean selling the kids, or getting a divorce, just for the floor space.

Having a garage/workshop and storage shed helps a lot with this. I loved my 300 sq ft place. Yet I needed a workshop. That workshop doesn't need plumbing or even insulation. Just needs to be dry and fairly rodent resistant. I can keep the freezer in it and a lot of my bulk preps. Even people with large houses often have separate garages and storage sheds.

I also really wanted a bit of garden space.

OK, since you've done this, let me ask you- if you keep your preps out in the shed, what do you do if leaving the house isn't an option, say, the yard is full of zombies, and you've run out of ammo. How do you plan to get to the stash of extras out in the shed, without being eaten? Aside from the whole living like it's a pup tent thing, I don't see having a whole lot of anything inside the house with you as being much of an option- what can you do, create a tunnel network between outbuildings? If you're going to go that far, why not just have an underground house, and make it adult sized- that would give you the entire yard above you for gardening.

[RoneKiln]

OK, since you've done this, let me ask you- if you keep your preps out in the shed, what do you do if leaving the house isn't an option, say, the yard is full of zombies, and you've run out of ammo. How do you plan to get to the stash of extras out in the shed, without being eaten? Aside from the whole living like it's a pup tent thing, I don't see having a whole lot of anything inside the house with you as being much of an option- what can you do, create a tunnel network between outbuildings? If you're going to go that far, why not just have an underground house, and make it adult sized- that would give you the entire yard above you for gardening.

I don't prep for true Zombie invasion. If zombies besieged me in my home or RV, I'm eventually done for.

In my place I easily kept 6 to 8 weeks of food in my pantry and had cupboard space left over. Yes, 300 sq ft. It was an opened floor 5th wheel RV with an upgraded pantry option. The amount of stuff you can store when every bit of wall is cupboard or shelf is amazing. Now if I had a family, we wouldn't have lasted as long. But honestly, when it came to kitchen stuff, I noticed no difference when I moved from my 1100 sq ft apartment into the 300 sq ft space. Except I couldn't run the popcorn popper at the same time as the little electric fireplace. That was annoying. Also had space for lots of ammo, though I only kept a few thousand rounds total then. Most of it went under the daybed I built to fit in a little alcove. There were curtains across the alcove that could be closed so it could double as both couch and "guest room." I hosted quite a few people from around the world in there.

I had a lot of empty cupboards, but still not near the space to store the quantities of TP or paper towels that I'd like to. I really did need a good storage unit, and I didn't have one. Nor could I have stored a year's worth of food, or keep a full size freezer. Most of these things don't really require being inside my home though, no matter how big of a house I'm in.

Also, I am semi-homeless right now. I always have a roof over my head and a warm dry bed, but I don't truly have my own space, and 80% of my stuff is in storage. Having a tiny house is nowhere near homeless. It is all the home many people really need. I want to build my own tiny home some day. The biggest difference is I also want the workshop, storage space, and my own garden and fruit trees. The only things I missed after I moved into the tiny space was my woodshop, gardens and fruit trees. None of that was really relevant to the size of the space I was in. I missed those things just the same when I had a nice apartment all to myself in the middle of Seattle last summer. Though I admit to loving that apartment and I regret work taking me away from it.

What's wierd to me when staying in "normal" sized houses now, is how much more work they are to keep clean. They also waste tons of space. Whole walls are empty. Entire rooms sit unused, filled with furniture solely for the sake of filling them. I had a very similar conversation about this with my Uncle recently. The next day he calls me and admits that he realized after talking to me that he has a spare bedroom in the back of the house that he doesn't think he's entered in over a year. I have friends with Dining rooms they only use once or twice a year. Many homes have foyers the size of the room I'm in right now that are solely for appearance and to take your shoes off in. My parents are at the other end of the house right now watching a giant TV from 18 feet away. I used to have the same exact experience watching a computer screen a third the size from 7 feet away. 12 of the 18 feet to their TV is completely useless wasted space that they paid for and continue to pay to heat or cool yet never use except to look across at the TV.

Granted, if you're claustrophobic, NEVER get a tiny house unless it's sitting on a hill with lots of windows and an amazing view.

[HKTackDriver]

10 reasons it's ridiculous:
1) You cannot entertain normal people.
2) You're forced into the outdoors in order to have any space.
3) Sewage is a major and expensive problem, even with this midget house. You cannot just "dig a hole" and squat over it in most places.
4) Kids? No fucking way in that house.
5) Living the American dream is more like a pipe dream in that house.
6) It's one step better than a tiny apartment, which is one step better than being homeless.
7) You still need water and electric run to it.
8) You cannot "prep" since you have NO storage to do so. That means more frequent trips to the supermarket and more of a reliance on the grid and transportation systems for survival.
9) A fire would gut the house very quickly, it's a trap with the kids up in that attic.
10) If you're not married, you won't be able to bring a significant other back to this "house" without having most average women (and men) run for the hills.

I think 168 sq ft is too tight. But 200 to 300 ft is easy, especially if a sleeping loft is added.

1) I did all the time, as did many other people I know that have or do live in tiny houses.
2) That may be differing personal needs for space. I was fine as were my many guests.
3) Agreed. Only relevance I see to this is the claim of how cheap it was to build. Doesn't really affect the function of the home.4) I know young adults raised in similar spaces that seem just fine to me. I have friends raising kids in them right now. I myself would not want 3+ kids in that home.
5) Depends on your view of the American Dream. I think many people have distorted the American Dream in an unhealthy manner. If it doesn't fit your dream, I understand.
6)I think that ties into your conception of the American Dream. Obviously we disagree on that.
7) Yes, you're right. Doesn't change the function of the house.
8) If that little 168 sq ft space is all you have, you're mostly correct. It is very hard to prep with that as most of us define prepping. I can have an unconditioned garage and massive garden that allows me to prep just as effectively as anyone else and still live in a 200 sq ft home. Their specific living set-up may not allow our style of prepping, but many of the principles of their "living small" lifestyle can be adopted to make prepping even more effective.
9) Possibly. Mine was not, nor are most I have seen. I have seen a few that you would be correct about.
10) Myself, and others I have known have had little trouble bringing people back to tiny homes. In fact, I have had many friends living in "McMansions" whining about how they like some of our tiny homes better after coming for dinner. I had several girlfriends prefer staying at my tiny, cozy, easy to keep clean place than their larger more expensive places. While I have a number of "hippy" friends, I also have a lot of friends in engineering, software development, project management, and other professional jobs. I'm also well into middle age now. These tiny homes don't just appeal to college kids. I was having many people over in their 30's or 40's. One of my best friends is now looking at trading his 5000+ sq ft house for a 500 to 600 sq ft home (granted, still far bigger than 168). It's not like he can't afford the massive house either. He's just tired of feeling lost in a huge house.

I respect this may not appeal to you. There are a lot of advantages for some people's lifestyle.

I'm commenting on your portions in red: The function of the house includes electric, sewage and water. Without being "on grid" or having investments into a well, solar array, digging equipment for a cesspool or sewer hookup, that house is non functional, unless you're looking for an insulated sleeping hut. So as far as function - it doesn't - at that $12,000 price. But that's already been mentioned. So you tack on property costs (higher for grid access, less for off grid). Then you tack on electric hookup, sewage hookup and of course water and I'd say that unless you're sticking this in a trailer park, you're looking at $40-80k more. And at that price, I can find something already done with more room - and again, something that would increase in value.

I agree with a lot of the remainder of your remarks. It is preference and what you're used to. As far as my comment on establishing equity, I do disagree completely. Unless you jumped on the housing bubble, you'll still see equity as you pay down your mortgage. I'm getting 3.5% conventional 30 year rates for my clients and the houses are closing at very reasonable prices. In my AO, the housing market is again stable and the market has come down to where 1st time buyers aren't getting raped. So if you buy now, you'll see your mortgage paid down much quicker and you'll see equity build.

Know what "underwater" means? It means if you continue paying your mortgage, you'll own the house you bought. Just because you're underwater, that doesn't mean your house is suddenly worthless. It just means no home equity loans for awhile!

[RoneKiln]

I'm commenting on your portions in red: The function of the house includes electric, sewage and water. Without being "on grid" or having investments into a well, solar array, digging equipment for a cesspool or sewer hookup, that house is non functional, unless you're looking for an insulated sleeping hut. So as far as function - it doesn't - at that $12,000 price. But that's already been mentioned. So you tack on property costs (higher for grid access, less for off grid). Then you tack on electric hookup, sewage hookup and of course water and I'd say that unless you're sticking this in a trailer park, you're looking at $40-80k more. And at that price, I can find something already done with more room - and again, something that would increase in value.

I agree for the most part. This has more to do with the price tag than the function of the home though. This is why I don't like how people make misleading claims about the cost of these homes. Unless this is going in as an ADU on property that already has services, it will cost a lot more than many people like to claim. You're right that you can't put in the utilities leading to that home for only 12k.

A lot of people that get tiny homes are using them as a stepping stone somewhere. The video in the original post makes reference to how they're saving to build a more conventional home. The time I spent living in my RV was to allow me to go back to school and make a career change. It contributed to me being able to finish a degree and two University level Certifications debt free and still with a strong savings account. I finally sold it for a nice profit. I actually had 4 different people competing for it, all wanting to live in it. Honestly, were it better insulated, had a workshop and garden space, I'd have never sold it. It was an amazingly comfortable space to live in and I no longer enjoy large homes.

[Polie]

to be completely honest, the cheapest way and super easy way is to buy a shipping container. I know a lot of people who have built one as a hunting camp thats fully insulated, has windows, and lots of really cool storage ideas. Most of these guy (and gals) spend under 5k for everything and built the insides themselves.

EDIT: Although again there's lots of scavenging going on and craigslist hunting.

[DarkAxel]

For 12 grand, I can buy a used house trailer and have money left over to refurb it and hook it up to utilities. A friend of mine (the big guy in the pics of my hog-killing thread) moved his house-trailer, had a septic system installed, and hooked it up to power and water for 6 grand, and he only paid 5K for the trailer itself. Of course, in my AO the cost of doing stuff like that is much lower and there are few building/housing codes to drive up the price.

[jehicks87]

I vow here and now to build a house like this on my property back home. Really really. I LOVE this idea... my host parents had a nice weekend cottage not much larger than some of the houses I'm seeing in this style, and it was GREAT! There's a saying in Germany: "Practisch. Quadratisch. Gut." That translates into "Practical. Square. Good." It's the simple things in life.




































Ok, so that saying is about a German chocolate snack, but I've heard houses referred to in the same light...

[RoneKiln]

For 12 grand, I can buy a used house trailer and have money left over to refurb it and hook it up to utilities. A friend of mine (the big guy in the pics of my hog-killing thread) moved his house-trailer, had a septic system installed, and hooked it up to power and water for 6 grand, and he only paid 5K for the trailer itself. Of course, in my AO the cost of doing stuff like that is much lower and there are few building/housing codes to drive up the price.

Yeah, I got lucky and found my trailer right when gas prices skyrocketed, so everyone was dumping off RVs. I got it for 3200. After a bit of finish carpentry work on my own and living in it for 18 months, I resold it for 6000. Every person making an offer on it intended to live in it. I actually sold it the lowest offer. I just liked the sweet little old lady that obviously fell in love with it and felt I didn't need to squezze every penny out of it.

[Mad_Maxx]

Pretty neat little house, but as others have said, i`d go nuts living in such a small house I paid about 190k dollars for my place here in norway, and with that still being a lot of money, its still really cheap over here. I mean, a 30sq\m apartment is 50% more expensive
Shameless pic whoring



And i have a barn too. (and a shitload of land)

[ntempleton]

I'm considering something similar as retirement housing that I build up over years. The hardest part currently is finding land.

[pahwraith]

I have friends who way more to live in a crappy studio apts that are about the same size and have way worse views. So it doesn't seem too crazy to me. Also growing up in a big city, we could never afford anything larger than a 1 bedroom apt, so I'm used to cramped spaces. But maybe that's just me.

I really like that texas cowboy house, but the girlfriend nixed it, since we have one large rescue dog and she wants another one. The whole "But we can make additions" reasoning didn't work.

[gunzip]

check out 'tinyhouseblog.com' for further info and ideas along this line , a cool website

[run faster]

For what it is, it's pretty nice, seems well put together. But, for anyone wanting to prep for something long term, the only answer I can see is a storage unit, either on-site, or a rental (which would blow the saving the small house provides) unit- which means your preps are where you aren't. Buying in bulk, another savings method for the fiscally minded, is right out- where would you even put the big package of toilet paper? Never mind canned goods- the shelves don't look that extensive to me. A freezer to compliment the fridge would mean selling the kids, or getting a divorce, just for the floor space.

Having a garage/workshop and storage shed helps a lot with this. I loved my 300 sq ft place. Yet I needed a workshop. That workshop doesn't need plumbing or even insulation. Just needs to be dry and fairly rodent resistant. I can keep the freezer in it and a lot of my bulk preps. Even people with large houses often have seperate garages and storage sheds.

I also really wanted a bit of garden space.

Agreed. Right now we live in a tiny house and we're going insane. Granted we dont not have a shed/shop for me or garden space for my wife, which would help quite a bit but still. It looks fun, and for a weekend outdoors trip, would be. But for long term you will lose your mind. I would invite anybody that disagrees with that, to sell everything and live the tiny life. Seriously, quite yapping about it and do it

[charadeur]

I have investigated this myself. The area I am looking at land has a zoning provision for what they call "Effeciency homes" that allows for homes over 220 square feet but under the normal required 1200 square feet. The homes must have a "bathroom," 30 inches of kitchen area, and only planed for two tennents. I think I can build using craig's list, freecycle, and the Habitat for Humanity recycle store for MUCH less than $12K.

I own my current home so I am not doing it for the cost. I understand a simple truth that my current home is not sustainable. To get my current home off the electric grid would be nearly impossable. Sure I could do solar but the battery storage for a house like this one would just not be practical.

I forsee a root celler for prep storage and smaill out building for a shop. The shop will run on a generator and the house solar. A composting toilet in the bathroom.

I had to laugh at one comment on being "forced into outdoor living." I am outdoors in my back yard right now. I love outdoors and outdoor living. I guess for those who spend all their time on the PC or watching the boobtube that might be a problem. For me it is no real change from what i do now. Only the house will be more effecient, easier to maintain and allow me to rely less on society.

There is nothing about the size that should drive anyone crazy. That is a state of mind on how one chooses to view their conditions.

[PackLemming]

**GRUMBLE**

Tiny house invites MORE tiny houses. This micro-home could well be the start of something that only condenses living standards and diminishes quality of life.

I like the idea of saving money, but lets be honest here. Its inviting major overpopulation per square mile town planning.

[crypto]

**GRUMBLE**

Tiny house invites MORE tiny houses. This micro-home could well be the start of something that only condenses living standards and diminishes quality of life.

I like the idea of saving money, but lets be honest here. Its inviting major overpopulation per square mile town planning.

I cant tell if you're trolling or not.


I'd argue from the other corner: That people have been outlandishly spending money they dont have for nigh on a half-century to buy gigantically oversized plots of land for no good reason, and the economy finally said "hey you know what, maybe thats fuckin stupid"

Every time I see someone who makes under $100K a year living on an acre lot with a 2500sq foot house, I wonder why in gods name they thought they needed that for just a wife and 2 kids.

Apparently I dont have the same kind of American Dream as them, because it sure looks like their version is to spend a ton of money they dont have on shit they dont need.

[PackLemming]

**GRUMBLE**

Tiny house invites MORE tiny houses. This micro-home could well be the start of something that only condenses living standards and diminishes quality of life.

I like the idea of saving money, but lets be honest here. Its inviting major overpopulation per square mile town planning.

I cant tell if you're trolling or not.


I'd argue from the other corner: That people have been outlandishly spending money they dont have for nigh on a half-century to buy gigantically oversized plots of land for no good reason, and the economy finally said "hey you know what, maybe thats fuckin stupid"

Every time I see someone who makes under $100K a year living on an acre lot with a 2500sq foot house, I wonder why in gods name they thought they needed that for just a wife and 2 kids.

Apparently I dont have the same kind of American Dream as them, because it sure looks like their version is to spend a ton of money they dont have on shit they dont need.

When living space in the rural is reduced to lesser than in affordable housing inner city then certainly, there is a problem with the design of the building. Many people try to escape this scenario by living in a mobile home only to realise that where ever they move to, they bring the confinement nightmare with them.

Im not trolling, but as we all know everyone has opinions, some take opinion one way or the other.

[ZombieGranny]

You may have a climate that lends itself to outdoor living, charadeur.
Many do not.
Living outdoors here means having rain or snow down one's neck at any time of year, except perhaps in August.

[PackLemming]

You may have a climate that lends itself to outdoor living, charadeur.
Many do not.
Living outdoors here means having rain or snow down one's neck at any time of year, except perhaps in August.

Exactly, this is no condition to raise children or support a wife.

[TacAir]

**GRUMBLE**

Tiny house invites MORE tiny houses. This micro-home could well be the start of something that only condenses living standards and diminishes quality of life.

I like the idea of saving money, but lets be honest here. Its inviting major overpopulation per square mile town planning.

I cant tell if you're trolling or not.


I'd argue from the other corner: That people have been outlandishly spending money they dont have for nigh on a half-century to buy gigantically oversized plots of land for no good reason, and the economy finally said "hey you know what, maybe thats fuckin stupid"

Every time I see someone who makes under $100K a year living on an acre lot with a 2500sq foot house, I wonder why in gods name they thought they needed that for just a wife and 2 kids.

Apparently I dont have the same kind of American Dream as them, because it sure looks like their version is to spend a ton of money they dont have on shit they dont need.

Oddly (and after checking) I find that my house is 2024 sq ft on .2 acres - IOW, large enough for a nice large garden. We bought this place for less than what 2 new pickup trucks cost, and it's now paid off - except for paying rent to the Muni, of course.

Since winter means -20 F, snow that can be up to your shoulders, indoor space is nice.

Everybody has a dream, and they may be different. But at least I have done 'better' than or as good as my Great-grandfather, something I doubt my children will be able to say....

(Cue music for Grapes of Wrath...)

[PackLemming]

(Cue music for Grapes of Wrath...)

Bro, we're not infected here. Less the violin act and more the building upwards raa raa pom pom solutions.

Mega Shitty 1 here we come...oh my mouse batteries ar

e reconnected.

The video described that an average underfunded non working family live in about 120square meters. That sir, is damn well sardines and in need of more than good will responses but at the least a 100 years plan.

[Silent Kube]

I have a friend that was looking at buying a house when they were offering the new homeowner bonus but ended up not buying one because she was convinced she needed three bedrooms and at least 2 baths even though she lives alone. SMH

[charadeur]

You may have a climate that lends itself to outdoor living, charadeur.
Many do not.
Living outdoors here means having rain or snow down one's neck at any time of year, except perhaps in August.

I live in Michigan but a little snow does not bother me. I backpack in up to 6 inches. I know some folks can't do that as where we get 6 inches they get 60. In those conditions I would probably not have a 200 square foot home either but you will never convince me that two people require a 10,000 square foot home. Both are extreme examples to be sure. In the 1950s the average home was around 1000 square feet. In 2000 it was 2400 square feet yet people who owned their own home were having fewer children. In the 50s our economy saw a unprecedented growth of the economy and we became a world leader. When smaller homes were the norm in the 50s and 60s we saw the strongest middle class this country has ever seen.

The point that we should all live in houses that are affordable, sustainable, and self sufficient is a valid one. Living within ones means or needs is what everyone should be doing. Not doing that is part of the reason we are in the economic crisis we are in. I do think it is completely hyperbolic to suggest that those who want to live this lifestyle are somehow destroying the American dream. There are many other factors responsible for that none of which has to do with too small a house and everything to do with just the opposite.

[Doctorr Fabulous]

I'd rather have more property than more interior space. I'm living in a cot space right now. My living area is literally a 24"x96" military cot, and I can put stuff on or under it, and that's it. I'd be perfectly comfortable if I could just double this space and get a mattress.

Back in the states, I share a 10x12 room with two other guys, share the bathroom with 5 other guys, and have a microwave, minifridge, and sink to use as a kitchen. My only complaint there is of storage space.

So, a 500 sq ft house for me would be perfect, maybe 750 if I had a room mate. 800 would be nearly roomy, but the standard of a .5 acre lot with a 2500+ square foot house to me is backwards. I'd rather have a small house and some more arable land than a large house with six feet between me and my neighbors, and a yard just big enough to allow the dog to shit on one side and the barbecue to sit on the patio.