OT: Tiny house/minimalist living

[54ny77]

^^it's amazing that the company has not only survived, but in recent years, thrived.

[saab2000]

Originally Posted by 54ny77

^^it's amazing that the company has not only survived, but in recent years, thrived.

I think it's a testament to their quality and continuous improvement. They're not cheap, but from everything I've read, they're the highest quality travel trailers and they hold their value well. And if well maintained can be used for decades.

[merlinmurph]

We did a 6-month trip last year circling the USA and living in a 34' trailer. We had absolutely no desire for more space. Never did we say "I wish this were bigger". I will readily admit, though, that we really weren't "living" in it as we had a lot of "stuff" back at home.

We did run into a young couple that were living in their relatively small trailer, (maybe 26') and have been at it for about two years now. He works remotely and is gone a lot while the wife (and dog) move the trailer around. I follow their Instagram and they're still loving it.

So saab2000, give it a shot.

Airstreams are the way to go if the price isn't an issue (note: We don't have an Airstream). They are very well built, built to last, which is why even used ones are quite pricey. Other trailers are built about as cheap as possible. I would like to get an Airstream, but my wife is addicted to the slide-outs we have.

Enjoy your ride,
Murph

[josephr]

Originally Posted by Louis

Some of us are a few more standard deviations from the mean than others. It usually makes for a better or more interesting world. Sometimes it's bad, sometimes it's just harmlessly weird.

have to respect his commitment to the lifestyle!

[seanile]

Originally Posted by Clean39T

...I am getting itchy to cash out our house and do some things differently though. We've stayed in Air BNB tiny-houses and small spaces a few times, and that's where we want to go long term - but it'd be with one for living, another for art/writing, a barn for bikes, and a greenhouse - so, more modular living I guess. Which seems much more sustainable long term. We've lived in 500 sqft condos, and it wasn't the space that was the problem, it was the being 20 stories up with no trees outside and only one wall of windows. That same size would feel entirely different in the woods - as we've learned on a number of vacations.

might i recommend the weehouse..
http://www.weehouse.com/wee/

[William]

Originally Posted by nicrump

Thanks for sharing that William. That is a fantastic house. I spent last summer designing and building a single bed, single bath, 847'sqr home for my wife and I and while it's quite a bit different than this example, I had similar goals(just not his budget).

We started with a 460' design and it kept growing on paper to ensure we'd want to stay a while. Now that we've been in it for 6 months, we know our limits as a couple.

If I ever get the exterior porches and decks done, I'll get some good shots to share.

Would love to see what you've been building. I keep checking these out because the next stage of our life will be to downsize but do it in an organized, useable, and aesthetically pleasing way. I'm not sure we are ready for a true tiny house, but I can see a lot of appeal in how many are organized to optimize the use of space.








William

[cnighbor1]

In living tiny the big problem to solve is a place to put it
Land costs can be upwards of 1/3 the cost of a home
And small house builders our always looking for another lot to start a new home on
So to solve that problem first is a big hindrance to going tiny
some trailer parks will take them in
Zoning also only allows one house per lot

[fuzzalow]

Originally Posted by cnighbor1

In living tiny the big problem to solve is a place to put it
Land costs can be upwards of 1/3 the cost of a home
And small house builders our always looking for another lot to start a new home on
So to solve that problem first is a big hindrance to going tiny
some trailer parks will take them in
Zoning also only allows one house per lot

All true.

Hey, I'm not trying to be a killjoy here about tiny houses. And if the TV show "Tiny Houses" is not representative of the phenomenon then I am incorrect because what I've seen/know of tiny houses is only from what they present in that show.

These builders of tiny houses are scamming their buyers by selling them the illusion that this is a step buyers can build upon as though the tiny house gives them the benefits of real home ownership. But this cannot happen because the tiny house isn't a "house" it is a trailer. A trailer will depreciate like a rock thrown off a cliff.

That show always has young couples with big dreams and less money and the tiny house is dangled as a entry level rung to building real assets and perhaps ownership, as the next step starting from the first step of their tiny house, to something permanent. The freedom of "go where you wanna go, do whatcha wanna do". These tiny houses cost $35K and up, right? Jeebus, even buying a used Airstream trailer makes more financial sense than buying a tiny house. Who's gonna buy that used tiny house when this young couple wakes up and smells the coffee?

Yes, it is hard for anyone to get started in building a life. Buying a home is a big step for anybody. But I honestly see tiny houses as hucksterism in getting people to think there is a lower rung to be achieved that can still be used to work their way up the ladder. Like that grinning builder-guy in the TV show is gonna make everything just perfect, he's helpin' those kids out! Well, there is a lower rung to get into a real house and it is buying a cheaper house. If that can't be done then they gotta save money longer 'till they can - we have all been there. It is not buying into the idea of a inexpensive tiny house - ON WHEELS!

I don't like to see people being taken advantage of.

[William]

Originally Posted by downtube

That would be my dream home, I love everything about it. Thanks for sharing. chuck

More of his work profiled here if you are interested...
http://www.suyamapetersondeguchi.com






William

[cadence90]

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[gopete88]

I once read about a guy who's lived in a dumpster and later came up with a project about small houses that have all the necessities and are affordable. It's becoming quite a trend nowadays. People want to be free of stuff, less restrained and bound but what they own. I think it's a good idea

[54ny77]

And how many bikes do YOU have???

Originally Posted by gopete88

People want to be free of stuff, less restrained and bound but what they own. I think it's a good idea

[Fatty]

Originally Posted by gopete88

I once read about a guy who's lived in a dumpster and later came up with a project about small houses that have all the necessities and are affordable. It's becoming quite a trend nowadays. People want to be free of stuff, less restrained and bound but what they own. I think it's a good idea

Isn't that why you rent an apartment?