Work has certainly continued however, if in fits and starts. I've only had small pockets of time to get anything done - plus the oppressive heat has made working outside unappealing. To that end, I finally got a portable A/C unit on the way that I think will do the job. I've had a temporary window unit in place, but it draws too much power and isn't ideal as a final solution from an install perspective.
But anyway - the outside, aside from a small bit a trim, a few more splashes of paint, and of course the rest of the windows, is DONE.
Over the door is an Outsunny awning. I looked at fancy (and expensive) retractable-awnings. But finding one small enough was a challenge - and they are all absurdly over-priced. Some hunting about turned up these simple window awnings which were just the right width. A little modification and presto, a simple porch covering. If you can't find the one you want on Amazon - try eBay also.
The utility closet is enclosed, situated over the trailer tongue. I installed a shore-power/rv 30 amp outlet, to go with a 30amp cord, so at last I have dedicated power to the tiny-house instead of a standard extension cord. The big black box is one of the storage water tanks. I'll be putting the water system together soon.
Inside the closet, I have a simple two breaker box. My plan for now is two run everything off a single 30 amp breaker. That should meet the needs for the current plan. But just in case, I'll have room to expand. I spent a stupid amount of time looking for a manual power transfer switch to alternate between 'shore power' and solar power system. In the end, I ran across this gem, an Automatic Power Transfer Switch. It was actually cheaper than most of the manual switches I found (makes no sense, I know). It's also much more ideal. If your batteries are running low, it will automatically switch over to shore power (if available) without user intervention. It seemed complicated when I first popped off the cover, but install was actually super easy.
Moving on the to the inside: the bathroom wall is framed out, and a pocket sliding door installed. I had never done a pocket door before, so I grabbed a kit from Home Depot which includes all the hardware you need as well as low-profile studs. This is a big space saver! After a little modification, the install was a cinch.
The plan is for a shower head and stall, with the addition of a Japanese style soaking tub. My mom wants a tub for sure - and I simply couldn't find any commercial unit that had what she wanted (or that fit the available space). So, when all else fails, just make it yourself!
I have my eye on a couple of different very compact, wall mounting sinks, but haven't pulled the trigger on one yet. I went with the Nature's Head Toilet. After exhaustive research of reviews, I couldn't find a better until for the price that offered easier use. The only con I can see with it so far - there isn't a removal bin for the solid waste. You essentially much un-clip the entire unit from the floor to dump it. Not a deal breaker, but maybe too awkward for some users (the lid does detach, at least to make it easier). Maybe I'll make a bin for that purpose...other than that, it's ideal. I couldn't justify the extra money for pricier competitors that essentially do the exact same thing.
Also in the above picture is the mock-up of the stairs - thanks to my dear friend Iru for the suggestion of split-steps! Mega space saver, and also allows my 6' 5" frame to go upstairs without cracking open my skull on the ceiling.
Finally for this update, I'm going with birch wood panels for the ceiling treatment. For lights, I chose cheap to operate 11w LED recessed lights. These are designed to work with existing standard recessed light fixtures. But all you have to do is reverse the springs, and they can be easily attached to panels! You can find them at Home Depot or Lowes - they worked out perfectly due to their low profile. More then enough light for very little power consumption, and a life span greater than 20 years.
That's all I've got for now. I'm resolved to making more regular posts (and getting this project DONE), so stay tuned! If you have any questions feel free to send 'em.
