Long overdue update!

Wow, I really haven't posted any updates since February!  For shame.  I promise to do better.  So much time gets eaten up just hunting down hardware and parts.   In reading other blogs and articles on Tiny House construction, I'm often frustrated that they never tell you where to find anything!  So I've decided to start embedding links to hardware and such so that other builders can save some pain.

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.

February update! Roof, Siding and Door

Life and winter have made progress slow - but there has been progress nonetheless!  It's been a long while since I put out an update, so here are some pics of the roof and siding going up, and the door going in.  Four of the loft windows are installed, with two more to go.

I used metal ridged roofing - but somehow forgot to take pics of it.  I do have pics of one of my helpers.  The siding is T11, going over R13 Thermasheath.

Door rough opening and siding going up:

French doors installed!

Walls up!

Finally there was a break in the rain for a few days.  I got the trailer uncovered and started putting up some walls!

Subfloor, and front wall frame

Short days have been an added challenge, a lot of work has been done by headlamp.

I went with metal studs for the weight savings.  Plus, they are a breeze to install with as they are uniform in size, unlike wood studs.  I've worked with metal in the past so I didn't have to contend with the usual learning curve.

Wall framed!

The exterior sheathing up.  I used R-13 thermasheath.  On the interior of the walls, I plan to apply a layer of spray foam, and then another layer of R-13 insulation in the walls.  This should add up to a total of R-33 and some change.

The dogs have been no help, whatsoever!

The local Home Depots are out of 10' metal studs which I'll need for the roof (note to self, next time just source a building supplier), so I won't get started on that until next week or the week after.  The roof design I'm planning is inspired by Bret Sutherland's tiny house, and not the standard gable design.

At least now it's enclosed so I can do some work on the interior during inclement weather!

Trailer mods and subfloor done!

So I had a long chunk of time where I couldn't get any work done on the Tiny House project - but finally there is progress to report.

Last week I finished the welding and painting portions of the trailer modifications.  The new angles for carrying the walls are ready to go!  I also installed the subfloor.  The very bottom is sheathing sealed with elastomeric paint to give some protection from road debris and moisture.  At some point I'm thinking of obtaining a polyurethane spray kit so I can add some bonus insulation and protection to bottom - that way there won't be a need for additional skirting around the trailer to stop convective heat loss.

I used wood 2x4 for the floor support, and 3/4" tongue and groove board for the subfloor itself.  For the walls, I'm going to be using all metal studs however.

Shortly after finishing the floor, I had to cover everything up in a hurry for an impending rain storm - I'll post some more pics once work resumes this week!

Trailer Modification and Flooring

It's been a busy few weeks, but I finally got started on the trailer modifications.  First off, I wanted to remove anything I didn't need.  I started with the 2x8 deck boards.  I was initially just going to build directly on these, but it would be a lot of unnecessary weight.  I had to cut of a 1/4" piece of steel strapping trim from the front.  Quick work with a grinder (Bosch 1380) and cutoff wheel.

 Then it was just a matter of unscrewing all the boards and slipping them out of the rear groove.  These things were a big chunk of the total trailer weight!

Next on the chopping block:  the front bracket.  Totally unneeded dead weight, and it would just be in the way.

I'll also be moving the tail lights, and removing the rear bar that supports the car ramps.  For now I'm leaving the ramp holders underneath - I have an idea for a roll out porch.  Finally I've started putting stuff onto the trailer!  Sheathing sealed with elastomeric paint will provide bottom protection from moisture and road debris.  I'll also be adding steel angle to the sides (outside the existing frame) to carry the walls and save some interior space.

Free time is seriously lacking, but hopefully I can make some real progress soon!

The Beginning - Trailer Procured!

You know I just don't have enough projects going on...

After years of brainstorming and research, my Mom decided she wanted a Tiny House for her future home.  If you have never heard of the Tiny House Movement, give it a quick Google.  Essentially, it is a rebellion against the ever increasing size of homes (and their mortgages). 

 I was more than a little dubious at first, but eventually (and after much research) came to like the idea.  You have all the benefits of a mobile home or trailer, while actually looking good!  I also really liked the off-grid possibilities, and I'm and minimalist at heart.  Plus the fact that this was something I could build myself in my own backyard - golden.

After tinkering with many designs I found online, I decided to design it from scratch myself.  Of course, the design was dependent on what kind and size of trailer could be found.  So began the shopping.  Hard to believe, but it is dang hard to fight a flat deck trailer around here.  I would find a likely candidate, call or email the dealer, only to be told it wasn't really in-stock.  "Oh, but we have this other trailer - that is totally different from what you are asking for in stock!  Want it?"  No.

Eventually I found an 7x18, all the way up in PA.  I contacted the dealer, verified they really actually had it in stock - then headed up there in my worn but steady Dodge Ram 1500.  When I arrived, low and behold, they had just sold my trailer to someone else.  Wow.

After almost an hour of scrambling, they came up with a 7x16.  Way shorter than the 20' my mom really wanted.  But everything else was good, it was actually a flat deck car hauler (whereas all the ones I had seen had some sort of beaver tail).  Being frustrated and not wanted to make the 3 hour drive back home empty handed I went ahead and bought it.  I saw some trailer modification in my future.

Of course, the difficulties weren't quite over!  They brought out the trailer - with a beaver tail.  Sigh.  Back inside for another pow-wow.  Finally, the flat deck was produced.  I hooked it up and got the hell out of there before I lost my mind.  Then I heard an odd noise from below the hood - and just before turning onto the I-83 south exit, it become a load grinding screech.  Idle pulley disentegration.

Luckily, Advanced Auto Parts have propagated everywhere, and I quickly Googled one on my phone.  Wincing from the metal screeching, I squeezed the truck and trailer into the parking lot.  It was gonna be fun getting back out again.  After an interminable wait, a new idle pulley was located.  I whipped it on, checked the belt was still in good shape (it was!).  And headed for home at last.

I have the modifications all laid out, and some steel on it's way.  I'll start stripping down the stuff I don't need this week, and if all goes according to plan shortly the trailer will be transformed into a 7.6 x 20' flat deck ready for a house.