A Closer Look at the Tiny Living

I purchased the plans for Tiny Living with a 25% discount for buying their trailer. Even so, these plans cost $260. They came with a materials list, pdf, and Sketchup file.

I really like the appearance of this design. The framing design has some nice features. The loft joists actually lie on a lower plate in the walls, making for a very solid loft. But I wish they would include some possible floor layouts -  although there really aren't too many options I suppose. The materials list is thorough, although sometimes it isn't clear to me yet what various materials are for. I think it would be really helpful to say things like, 400 sq. ft. of wall, 200 sq. ft. of ceiling, rather than specify lengths of various material, so that the builder can choose a different material. Over time the SKUs change, so they are of limited use.

These plans appear to be made prior to Tiny Home Builders having their own trailers. The materials list shows lag bolts for attaching the house to the trailer, rather than the hex bolts and nuts shown in the drawing. The information sent regarding the trailer has detailed instructions on attaching the floor, but suggests using roofing material, rather than flashing, between the trailer and the floor framing.

 Having looked more closely at the design in Sketchup, I wish the entire end over the loft had dormers to provide a bit more head room there. It looks a little tight.

With the sketchup file, this design can be modified to put the door on the side and to extend the dormer completely over the loft. Modifications are necessary anyway, since the actual height of the house can vary depending on the axles used on the trailer. I'm told that the trailer bed height varies from 26" with 7,000 lb. axles, 24" with 5,000 lb. axles, and perhaps 21" with the 5,000 lb. drop axles.

My next step is to try my hand at Sketchup, to see if I can modify the Tiny Living plan to suit my needs, or perhaps come up with my own design based on ideas I've seen in other houses.

A Closer Look at the Talmage 20

I purchased the plans for the Talmage 20 for $29. Nice plans, detailed plan for framing and sheathing, and a good buy for the price. This one has the central kitchen and bath, but I think it breaks up the remaining space too much. There isn't much room for storage and a stairway. If I decide to run the stairs and a landing to the side of the bed, I doubt this plan would accommodate that at all.

As an off-grid house, I need a place to put a water tank inside. With the loft over the small kitchen are, there really isn't a good spot for one. Propane and electricity require a utility cabinet, and this plan uses the ends, one for the porch and the other for a bay window.

One really nice idea is that the walls are framed in small section which are easy to handle by one person.

This plan starts with the Tiny Home Builders trailer that I have ordered.