Today we delve into the story of a listener turned tiny home owner, Maegan Bell. Maegan is an active duty Army logistics officer who's going to share with us how she exchanged the blueprints of a traditional house for the compact efficiency of a custom-built tiny home in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. We'll explore the challenges of setting up utilities, the joys of bringing family closer together, and how tiny homes can offer a unique solution for military families on the move. Maegan's journey is filled with insights and practical advice for anyone considering this lifestyle. So if you're curious about the tiny house movement or looking for tips on how to make it work for your family, stay tuned for this fascinating conversation.
In This Episode:
- 🏡 Embracing Tiny House Living: Maegan and her husband discovered the comfort and functionality of a tiny house.
- 💵 Military Financial Strategy: How living in an RV or a tiny house can be a clever financial decision for military families due to housing allowances.
- 🏞️ Wildlife and Remote Habitats: Maegan shares stories of wildlife encounters and her expertise in making remote locations livable from her military logistics background.
- 🔨 Smart Contractor Selection: The need to carefully vet contractors by checking credentials and reviews for building or developing a tiny house.
- 🕒 Land Development Patience: She advises taking time to understand the land before rushing into development.
- 🌄 Vacation Home to Tiny House: Faced with high building costs, Maegan chose to build a custom tiny house on her Virginia property as a nature-connected family retreat.
- 🛠️ Design Choices and Regrets: Maegan discusses aspects that worked out really well, but also shared certain regrets.
- 🛖 Multi-Use Property Planning: With the flexibility tiny houses offer, her family enjoys a stable vacation home that could also be rented out or moved if needed.
- 🌞 Off-Grid Living Exploration: Due to the high cost of setting up grid electricity, she considered off-grid solutions, such as solar panels, for their tiny house.
Visit the show notes page for more photos, links, and resources.
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Today we're exploring the cozy nooks of park model tiny homes with Cindy Ballaro. Cindy is not only a resident of a charming tiny home, but also a multipreneur who wears many hats including that of a publisher and marketer. Living in the picturesque mountains of North Carolina, Cindy has turned her sunflower-themed tiny house into a haven for both living and Airbnb guests. She's going to share with us the unique benefits and challenges of choosing a park model over a traditional towable tiny house, and how this lifestyle complements her entrepreneurial endeavors. So if you're intrigued by the community living aspect of tiny houses or are considering a park model for your own downsized life, this episode is for you.
In This Episode:
- 🏡 Park Model Tiny Homes: The differentiation between park models and towable tiny homes, including key factors that were important to Cindy when selecting her park model home.
- 🌐 Tiny House Communities: Cindy shares what it’s like to live in her tiny home community
- 🛠 Customization and Choice: Insight into the process of customization when purchasing a new build.
- 💲 Financial Aspects: Conversation on costs, value appreciation, and the advantage of selling property to finance the tiny house without needing a loan.
- 🌦️ Climate Management: The unexpected challenge of moisture control in a tiny house.
- 🛏️ Airbnb Hosting: Benefits of renting out the tiny home, managing personal space, and creating an additional income stream.
- 💵 Cost of Living: Sharing the expense of renting a lot in the tiny house community and how it supports her entrepreneurial lifestyle.
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I am thrilled to introduce our guest, Mike Crowhurst, a seasoned tiny house dweller and the creative mind behind one of the most unique tiny homes I’ve seen in a while! Mike and his wife Heidi spent three years crafting a 45-foot ex-refrigerated semi-trailer into a gorgeous tiny home. Throughout this episode, we'll dive into Mike's journey of tiny house living, exploring not just the practical aspects like custom cabinetry and space-saving features like an innovative elevator bed, but also the sustainable lifestyle that drives him. We'll also get into the nitty-gritty of converting a semi-trailer into a comfortable and functional living space, addressing the challenges and rewards such a project brings. So buckle up as we get a tour of Mike’s impressive tiny house and learn how he has optimized every inch of his home for maximum living.
In This Episode:
- 🚚 Tiny House Towing Challenges: The intricacies involved in transporting a tiny house safely, including the type of vehicle required and the importance of professional trucking expertise to avoid potential hazards.
- 🏠 Semi-Trailer Conversion Journey: Mike's personal adventure of converting a 45-foot refrigerated semi-trailer into a sustainable and innovative tiny home.
- ❄️☀️ Insulation and Climate Adaptation: The insulation options used in the semi-trailer, Mike's additional insulation efforts, and adaptation to the Adelaide climate.
- 💡 Procuring a Trailer: Insight into the process of acquiring a semi-trailer, highlighting considerations like checking for rust, maintenance history, and tips on where to find decommissioned trailers.
- 🗄️ Tiny House Storage Solutions: Mike outlines the storage enhancements in his tiny home, describing various built-in options that maximize space without creating a cramped feeling.
- 🛏️ Elevator Bed Innovation: The unique design and functionality of the elevator bed in the tiny house are explained, showcasing how space-saving features contribute to the minimalist lifestyle.
- 🤝 Online and Real-Life Communities: Encouragement for listeners to seek advice and share experiences within the tiny house community, both in-person and online, to foster collective wisdom and support.
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Judy comes to us with 36 years of experience as a custom builder and remodeler, with a passion for well-appointed, smaller living spaces. We'll dive into her expert advice on maximizing functionality without sacrificing style and comfort, and explore her journey from a 4,000 square foot dwelling to her favorite 1,100 square foot home. From Murphy beds to curated maximalism, Judy is here to share her wealth of knowledge on living intentionally within our means. So get ready to learn from Judy's inspiring experiences and practical tips on downsizing your space, but not your life.
In This Episode:
- 🏡 Judy shares her journey of downsizing and creating a simplified lifestyle by decluttering and being intentional about possessions.
- 📏 Designing small living spaces that are functional without sacrificing style or comfort.
- 🗑️ The negative effects of clutter on well-being and relationships, providing strategies for effective decluttering.
- 🤏 The distinction between minimalism and living small, stressing on the value of personal preference in arranging living spaces.
- 🛋️ Judy highlights the importance and benefits of furniture that serves multiple purposes in tiny homes.
- 💌 Advice on managing sentimental items, encouraging repurposing, donating, or letting go rather than keeping out of obligation.
- 📊 Tackling one space at a time and organizing one zone at a time instead of trying to do it all at once.
- 🚀 Judy introduces "resizing" as a way to reassess and clear out home spaces, making room for what truly matters.
- ⛓️ The common mistake of buying organizing tools before actually decluttering.
- 📚 Judy recommends books for design inspiration and discusses her own book, "Bigger Living, Smaller Space."
Full show notes, photos, links and resources available at www.thetinyhouse.net/judy-granlee-gates
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Today, I'll be talking with Elizabeth, one of the team members behind a new and innovative entry into the world of compost toilets, the Throne Composting Toilet. Throne offers both a ready made AND DIY solution to the traditional compost toilet that promises ease and simplicity. We'll delve into the nuts and bolts of building your own compost toilet using Throne’s DIY kit, tackle common problems with existing designs, and explore the benefits and drawbacks of different styles of compost toilet. Our guest Elizabeth lived full time with her family in their self-built skoolie, and went through three different compost toilet designs before finally settling on the Throne. Whether or not you’re currently in the market for a compost toilet, Stay tuned as Elizabeth shares wisdom from life on the road, and the do’s and don’ts for successful compost toilet in your home.
In This Episode:
- 🚽 Maintaining the right level of contents in the compost toilet is crucial to prevent overflow and the need to interrupt a good night's sleep.
- 💚 Elizabeth's innovative approach for urine showcases a creative way to recycle waste products sustainably.
- 🌾 Her personal trial and error with using hay and eventually sawdust in her compost pile, highlighting the necessity of finding the right balance.
- 🏡 Elizabeth's experience designing a timber frame home that included a creatively signed compost toilet offers insights on how to incorporate eco-friendly practices into residential architecture.
- 🎨 The exciting launch of Throne compost toilets, their pre-order specials, and how customers can personalize their purchases with special color options.
- ✂️ Elizabeth addresses common compost toilet complications through simplicity with a straightforward, cleanable design.
For full show notes, photos, links and resources visit https://www.thetinyhouse.net/elizabeth
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I'm thrilled to have you join us for another adventure into the fascinating world of compact and conscious living. Today we're venturing off the beaten path and into the realm of off-grid living with our inspiring guest, Reesa, who has carved out her own piece of paradise on a multi-generational homestead. Throughout our conversation, we'll uncover the nuts and bolts of Reesa's journey, from the inspirations that sparked her transition to a scaled-down, sustainable lifestyle, to the practicalities of building an affordable tiny home from an Amish-built shed shell. We'll dive into her low-tech solutions for heating, water storage, and even delve into the world of humanure composting. Get ready to be enlightened and maybe even a bit envious of the simplicity and beauty that off-grid living can offer, as we explore how Reesa and her son make the most out of their tiny house and the land they call home.
In This Episode:
- 🌞 Innovative Lighting Solutions: Reesa describes the practicality of solar lights in an off-grid setting and offers insight into her personal lighting setup with multiple charging methods.
- 💧 Water Collection and Usage: An important aspect of self-sufficient living, Reesa shares future plans for a 250-gallon water tank to aid in watering her garden and livestock, demonstrating resourceful strategies for managing water resources in an off-grid lifestyle.
- 🔥 Wood Heating and Lifestyle: She speaks to the benefits of traditional heat sources and how they support her simpler off-grid lifestyle.
- 🐝 Self-Sustainable Food Sources: Reesa highlights beekeeping and gardening as integral parts of their food source, emphasizing the benefits of self-sustainability.
- 🏡 Home Design Inspiration: Reesa shares where she finds inspiration for her home's aesthetic and functionality for off-grid living
- .🛠️ Affordable and Resourceful Construction: Reesa discusses the costs associated with installing her off-grid system, while also highlighting her thriftiness when it comes to home furnishings.
- 🚿 Innovative Water Systems: Discussing water collection and usage methods, Reesa gives a perspective on managing necessities without modern plumbing.
- 🍂 Natural Waste Management: She provides a detailed insight into her humanure composting system, reflecting an eco-friendly approach to sanitation.
For full show notes, photos, links and resources visit https://www.thetinyhouse.net/reesa
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Over the past five years, Kim DeLaney has made strides in transforming the traditional housing model by utilizing her business savvy and passion for sustainability to champion tiny home communities. Kim DeLaney is the Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of HaZi Enterprises and the Executive Director of Tiny House Big Movement.
From changing municipal ordinances to negotiating real estate development deals, she's on the forefront of creating affordable equitable housing solutions. We're going to dive into her journey exploring how a crisis during the pandemic turned into an innovative approach to housing and her ambitious plans for the future, including her work with sustainable materials like hemp and bamboo, and the upcoming Carolina Tiny House Festival, which is April 12 through 14th that Kim is organizing.
In This Episode:
- 🏘️ Affordable Housing Solutions: Kim’s inspiration and efforts to create equitable tiny home communities aim to address the high cost of traditional housing models.
- 📜 Policy Change Triumphs: Successful ordinance amendment in Concord, NC, spotlighting the potential for reform in local housing policies.
- 🏡 Tiny Home Community Impact: Discussion on how these communities benefit various demographics and the local housing market, enhancing diversity and inclusivity in living options.
- 🎉 Festive Funding: Preview of the Carolina Tiny House Festival as a means to promote, educate, and fundraise for the tiny house movement.
- 🌱 Sustainable Building Practices: Emphasis on environmental consciousness in these innovative tiny home communities and exploring alternative building materials such as hemp and bamboo.
- 👩💼 Women in Development: Kim's proactive stance and advice for women, especially women of color in real estate development and entrepreneurship.
- 🛠️ Home Building Affordability: A focus on cost-efficient home building through wholesale purchasing knowledge and partnerships.
- 💼 Community Networking: The importance of local connections, events, and programs to propel the initiative.
- 📣 Calling All Participants: An invitation for dwellers, builders, and volunteers to contribute to the festival and movement, showcasing a collaborative community ethos.
- 📚 Education and Outreach: Kim discusses the need for educating officials and the public about tiny house livability and sustainability, aiming to mainstream tiny living.
Visit the website for the full show notes, photos, links and resources www.thetinyhouse.net/289
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Sophia and Henry self-designed and built their 28′ THOW in Northern Minnesota, where they experience a full range of seasons, including a very cold and long winter. We start with an in-depth discussion of how they are staying warm in their tiny house and preventing their water from freezing on the way in and the way out. If you're thinking of living in a cold climate, this is not to be missed. From there, we turn to rethinking the American dream and a discussion about values, lifestyles, and where a tiny house fits in for a young couple. Don't miss this interview with Sophia and Henry Jungbauer!
In This Episode:
- The first winter in the Jungbauer tiny house
- How to keep water from freezing in the Minnesota winter
- Legality in MN
- How the Jungbauers decided to live tiny and their goals for the future
- The Jungbauers' response to criticism of the tiny house movemen
- Tips for examining cultural influences
- Plans vs Reality: working on the tiny house in the winter and the dark
Get the full show notes, photos, links and resources on the website: www.thetinyhouse.net/107
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Erin Maile O'Keefe is a talented designer who designed and built the Paper Boat tiny house for herself and her husband, where they live in the backyard of a house that they own. In this conversation we'll break down the Paper Boat design and share some of the ways that Erin thinks about designing tiny spaces so that they work for the occupants in the process.
In This Episode:
- A brief history of Yestermorrow and teaching the class
- The Paper Boat house: how it got its name and the way that function inspired design.
- Erin’s design approach that allowed her to fit everything she needs into her space
- How custom cabinetry stores things with beauty and function
- Erin’s journey into the tiny house movement
- What’s Tiny House Fest Vermont all about and how is it unique?
- Erin discusses Creative Placemaking and how she uses her Master Certificate
Visit the website for full show notes, photos, links and resources.
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Get inspired to build with repurposed materials and introduce yourself to the world of food freedom. Rob Greenfield is not a conventional kind of guy. He’s currently living in a tiny house that he built with 99% repurposed materials. He doesn’t have running water in the house and his current project is called food freedom. He’s growing and foraging for 100% of his food for an entire year.
Even if you don’t plan on living off grid or foraging for your own food, this is a really unique and interesting interview. Rob’s mindset, enthusiasm, and positivity is much needed and will inspire you on whatever tiny house journey you are planning to embark on.
In This Episode:
- What is the story of your first tiny house?
- What it was like living in a 50sf tiny house? 📦
- What’s the connection between bicycle travel and tiny houses 🚴🏼♂️ ➡️ 🏡
- How Rob found a place to “park” his tiny house in the city of Orlando 🌴
- How and WHY to build a nearly 100% repurposed tiny house 💯
- How to bust through the excuses so that you can make REAL change in your life.
- About Rob’s food freedom project 🍽️
- What are the utilities like (water, power, etc.) at Rob’s off grid tiny house? 🚰🔌
- About Rob’s sawdust/bucket composting toilet system 🚽
Visit the website for full show notes, photos, links and resources.
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Malissa and Chris Tack did one of the first tiny house builds to be fully documented in photographs every day. I remember poring through their daily time-lapses to figure out how they did certain things. Their beautiful design included dormers in the loft, which inspired my tiny house and countless others. Malissa is here to tell us the story of her tiny house journey and how the house has continued to support their family as it has grown.
In This Episode:
- How the Tiny Tack House came to be
- Having space to offer up to others
- Plans change and tiny houses adapt
- Malissa's systems set-up
- The Tiny Tack House on Airbnb
- What would we do differently?
- Tiny house design and plans
Links and Resources:
- https://www.thetinytackhouse.com/
- Dee Williams
- Stay in the Tiny Tack House
- Tiny House Magazine
- Leave a review
For full show notes, links and photos visit the show notes page: https://www.thetinyhouse.net/malissa-tack/
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This episode features Jody Brady. In 2014, after living in a series of traditionally scaled houses, Jody and her husband Bill decided it was time to "right-size" their living space. They designed and built their tiny home in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia, and they've been living tiny for two and a half years.
In this interview, we get into what it’s like to go tiny as a couple at retirement age, but who certainly aren’t “retired” in the traditional sense. We’ll talk about what “rightsizing” is and how you can get rid of things that you no longer need that are standing in your way.
For complete show notes, transcript and images, visit https://www.thetinyhouse.net/jody
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It’s not just about finances. Though many people are drawn to tiny house living for the financial benefits, living tiny has a way of changing the way you look at everything in your life.
Living tiny for 3.5 years has had a lasting impact on my guest, Alek Lisefski. In this conversation, we’ll talk about those changes, plus what Alek learned from having two significant relationships in a tiny house.
For complete show notes, transcript and images, visit https://www.thetinyhouse.net/alek
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This episode features an incredible guest. Joining me is Kai, who's not only living in a house truck but has a wealth of knowledge about the ins and outs of this unique lifestyle. We'll explore Kai's journey, from finding and customizing a commercial truck to navigating the practical challenges of living in her unique tiny home. Kai will share their experiences with insulation, maintenance, and the daily joys and hardships of the tiny life. Get ready to be inspired and informed by Kai's fascinating insights into the world of house trucks and the tiny house movement.
In This Episode:
- DIY Living 🛠️: Living sustainably in a self-built, off-grid house truck
- Tiny House Insulation 🏠: Tales of insulating a homemade house truck
- Off-Grid Heating 🔥: Using diesel and wood for sustainable heat
- Legalities of Mobile Living 🚚: Navigating RV insurance and vehicle classification
- DIY Business 💼: Earning income through social media and sponsorships
- Life in Rural Canada 🌲: Living off-grid and the challenges it brings
- Tiny House Mobility 🚛: The advantages and challenges of moving a tiny house
- Retro Living Inspiration 📚: Drawing inspiration from vintage house truck designs
Links and Resources:
- Builders of the Pacific Coast
- Some Turtles Have Nice Shells
- Rolling Homes
- The Half Acre Homestead
- Roll Your Own
- Lloyd Kahn’s Half-Acre Homestead: Building, Gardening and Getting Started – #130
- Sign up for the Tiny House Newsletter
For complete show notes, transcript and images, visit www.thetinyhouse.net/288
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Tiffany DaSilva is a passionate real estate investor and loan officer with a love for tiny living. She's here to share her incredible journey of building her own twenty by eight and a half foot handcrafted tiny house while she was still in high school. Tiffany's story is truly inspiring from learning carpentry, plumbing and electrical work to overcoming challenges and societal prejudice as a young female builder. Her perseverance and dedication to tiny living are sure to inspire and educate us all.
In This Episode:
- 🏡 Tiffany discusses the benefits of tiny living such as custom builds, lower mortgage payments, and the freedom to relocate.
- 🛠️ She learned valuable skills through her experience: carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and problem-solving.
- 💸 Through using a variety of materials, DIY projects, and budget-conscious choices Tiffany's tiny home build was very cost-effective.
- 👩👧 She hopes to inspire more young women to take on similar projects, proving skeptics wrong.
- 🤝 Tiffany highlights the importance of accepting help and support and the role of online tutorials throughout her building process.
- 🌿 Tiffany discusses living a more sustainable lifestyle through downsizing, living with less, highlighting the importance of affordable housing.
- 🌟 She shares her persistence and dedication, juggling multiple jobs, investing in real estate, and managing a lengthy build.
Find complete show notes, transcript, and photos at www.thetinyhouse.net/287
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I’m sharing my own captivating [and slightly humorous] tale of dealing with unexpected visitors in my tiny house. It all starting with light scratching sounds, which led to the shocking discovery of these unexpected guests. In this episode, I am walking you through the entire process of diagnosing, cleaning, and ultimately sealing off the entry points for these tiny intruders. With valuable lessons and practical advice for both builders and current tiny house dwellers, let’s explore the importance of preemptive measures and the necessity of addressing pest issues promptly. Stay tuned for helpful insights and a real-life tale of tiny house pest control adventure.
In This Episode:
- House maintenance: 🏠 Ethan's experience emphasizes the importance of inspecting and maintaining tiny houses to prevent critters from entering and causing issues.
- DIY building tips: 🔨 For DIY builders, it's essential to prioritize properly constructing soffits and fascia to ensure they are effective barriers against critters.
- Early pest control: ⏱️ Being proactive when signs of critters are noticed can prevent a minor issue from escalating into a major infestation.
- Infestation aftermath: 🐭 Even after addressing the initial infestation, hidden traps are an additional precaution.
- Prevention as a priority: 🚪 Highlighting the need for immediate action and the importance of not delaying pest control measures.
Links and Resources
Visit www.thetinyhouse.net/286 for full show notes, links and resources.
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As the president of THIA and the director of Government relations for the American Tiny House Association, Dan Fitzpatrick is at the forefront of the movement to legalize tiny homes as a viable housing option in the United States. In this episode, we'll dive into the progress being made in legalizing tiny homes, the collaboration between Tiny Home Industry Association and the International Code Council, and the challenges faced in navigating zoning constraints for placing tiny houses. We'll also discuss the importance of working with local leaders to bring about change, as well as Dan's work with Vera Struck and the introduction of a bill to legalize tiny homes in Massachusetts. Whether you're a tiny house enthusiast or simply curious about the movement, this episode will provide valuable insights into the future of legal tiny homes.
In This Episode:
🏠 Legalizing Tiny Homes: Dan has been working with state and municipalities to legalize tiny homes
- 💡 Collaboration and Advocacy: The episode highlights the importance of working with local organizations and leaders to drive change in building and zoning laws.
- 📈 Scaling Up: Scaling up in the tiny home industry is crucial to meet the growing demand and drive down costs.
- 🏢 Building Codes: Dan discusses the collaboration between the Tiny Home Industry Association and the ICC, including the creation of a handbook called "The Tiny House Building It Right".
- 🏘️ Zoning Constraints: Zoning regulations are currently a major constraint for the tiny home industry.
- 💼 Government Relations: Dan highlights the importance of connecting with officials as peers and actively engaging with elected officials at the local level.
- 🌍 National Impact: The significance of a national standard for tiny homes in driving industry growth and helping municipalities legalize tiny homes.
This Week's Sponsor:
PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Visit www.thetinyhouse.net/285 for full show notes, links and resources.
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Nate Murphy is an adventurous builder and filmmaker who has taken on not just one, but countless incredible projects, converting several vans into cozy living spaces and renovating a centuries old house in the beautiful Pyrenees Mountains. In our conversation, Nate shares his experience of building a van from scratch, documenting every step of the process with over 100 hours of footage. Nate also opens up about the intense filming process, and the unique aspects of van conversion that make it both intimidating and incredibly cool. But that's not all, Nate goes beyond the van, sharing the captivating story of renovating a 250 year old house in the scenic Pyrenees, we'll hear about the demanding and rewarding journey of bringing new life to this historical gem. Whether you're curious about van conversions, tiny house living, or the challenges of renovating an old house, this episode has something for everyone.
In This Episode:
- 🏡 Customization and enjoyment: The value of a van conversion lies in the personalization and satisfaction of the build.
- 🌍 Van life vs. tiny houses: Younger people prefer the flexibility of van life, while older individuals are drawn to tiny houses for retirement and cost-cutting.
- 🏢 Housing affordability crisis: Limited options in the UK and high prices in areas with economic opportunity.
- ⚖️ Laws and restrictions: Living in a van is tolerated in many countries, but regulations vary.
- 🛠️ DIY resources: How Nate unexpectedly turned into a van conversion educator.
- 🕑 Time commitment: Building a van or a house takes time and dedication.
- 🔌 Learning new skills: DIYing a van conversion involves mastering electrical, plumbing, gas line hookups, carpentry, and more.
- 🏠 Renovating old houses: Nate Murphy shares his experience and challenges of renovating a 250-year-old house in Spain.
This Week's Sponsor:
PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Visit www.thetinyhouse.net/nate-murphy for full show notes, links and resources.
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I met Vera a decade ago and we were both invited to speak at Deek Diedrickson's Tiny House workshop in Connecticut. She explained that my first pictures of my tiny house that I built in 2012 with rain screen inspired her to deep dive into everything from thermal bridging to mold mitigation for the build of her silver bullet tiny house.
When Vera takes on a project or issue you can bet she's thorough, persistent, and resilient. Vera has been on our podcast twice before, last time she discussed pandemic tiny house living at the very beginning of 2020. Today, she will help us learn about her process of becoming an active participant in democracy to legalize the very housing product she's lived in for over a decade in Massachusetts.
In This Episode:
- 🔎 Advocacy in the democratic process: Vera shares her her process of becoming a lobbyist, advocating for tiny houses and engaging with legislators.
- 📋 Forming a task force: It takes a time and a team to advocate for and develop tiny house building code.
- 💰 Affordable housing solutions: The important role of tiny houses as a response to the growing housing crisis.
- 🌍 Sustainability and environmental advocacy: Vera’s commitment to a sustainable lifestyle through her tiny house lifestyle.
- 📰 Media engagement: Vera explains her strategy for making progress now and handling press later.
- 🧩 Standards and certifications: The debate within the tiny house community and the benefits of the Massachusetts bill.
- 🏡 Tiny house maintenance: How does a tiny house hold up a decade after going tiny? Vera discusses her silver bullet tiny house and the maintenance requirements she has encountered over the years.
This Week's Sponsor:
PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Visit www.thetinyhouse.net/verastruck for full show notes, links and resources.
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Pamela has a fascinating story to share about her life aboard a 100 year old tugboat called the Zenia Sophia. From the day before she got married, Pamela and her husband Ulrich have made this boat their home, raising their two daughters on board, creating a unique and adventurous lifestyle. We'll dive into their journey from the challenges of finding moorage for their 65 foot long boat, to the exhilaration of a rocky crossing. We'll also learn about the importance of supervising children around bodies of water and get a glimpse into the vibrant liveaboard community on the Pacific Northwest Coast.
In This Episode:
- Living on a boat ⛵️: Pamela and her family have lived a unique and vibrant liveaboard lifestyle for more than 30 years.
- Challenges of finding moorage 🚢: The difficulties of finding a place to dock their 65-foot long boat.
- Raising children around water 🚸: Pamela reflects on the responsibility of supervising kids on a liveaboard.
- Community and support 🤝: The liveaboard community is close-knit, looking out for one another.
- Challenges of boat maintenance and repairs 🛠️: Pamela discusses the work involved in maintaining a 100-year-old boat, including unexpected repairs and highlighting the complexities of working on a wooden vessel.
- Unique experiences and interests 🌍: Pamela shares the unique experiences that living on a boat brings, including a rocky crossing.
- Importance of air circulation and temperature control 🌬️: Pamela shares how they maintain comfortable temperatures and humidity levels onboard.
- Port Townsend as a hub for wooden boats 🌲: The speaker discusses Port Townsend's reputation as a dreamland for wooden boat owners.
Visit thetinyhouse.net/282 for full show notes and additional photos.
This Week's Sponsor:
You might be looking for more support, more information, and more interaction on your tiny house journey. My online community called Tiny House Engage is going to be opening for registration for the first time since June. That is coming Tuesday, October 10. Inside of the community, I am there answering questions, there are people living in tiny houses answering questions, people who are currently building or buying tiny houses, and tiny dreamers who are just starting their journeys. All getting together, supporting each other, talking tiny and hanging out at some really cool weekly live events that we host inside the community. If you think this might be of interest to you, you can head over to thetinyhouse.net/engage to get on the waitlist and I will send you an email as soon as everything opens up again. I'm looking forward to meeting you inside of the community.
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The type of toilet you choose to install in your tiny home will definitely affect things like your budget, your other systems, and your ability to travel. It's a question that I get from time to time, so I thought I would share this short and informational session with you. I am talking through what I chose for my tiny house, the different types of toilets that exist, how they work, and the pros and cons of each.
In This Episode:
- Water usage and flush toilets in a tiny home environment
- Waste water tanks and weight impacts
- Alternative solutions to flush and compost toilets
- Breaking down the pros and cons of commercial compost toilets
- All about bucket-style compost toilets
Links and Resources
- Tiny House Summit
- All Access Pass
- Humanure Handbook by Joseph Jenkins
- There’s No Such Thing as a Composting Toilet with Humanure Handbook Author Joe Jenkins on the Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast
Full show notes, links and resources can be found at https://www.thetinyhouse.net/toilet-types
This Week's Sponsor:
Tiny House Engage brings together tiny house hopefuls and DIYers to share plans and resources, learn from each other’s challenges and mistakes, and celebrate our successes so that we can feel less alone while we build faster, safer, smarter, cheaper homes and embrace the tiny house lifestyle. Whether you’re a tiny house dreamer who is still figuring out all the systems, plans, and everything you need to go into your tiny house, or if you’re actively building, Tiny House Engage has the resources for you. There are professional contractors in the community here to answer your questions about plumbing, electricity, and ventilation, and there’s also plenty of interaction between members. If you need some encouragement or just need to know how someone else solved a problem, you’ll get those answers in Tiny House Engage. I’m also very active in the community, answering questions and keeping an eye on things, so if you want to interact with me, this is a great way to do it. To learn more and register for Tiny House Engage, go to thetinyhouse.net/engage.
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Gerry Wolter is an inventor and entrepreneur who has revolutionized tankless hot water systems for small and tiny houses. His company, PrecisionTemp, offers innovative and American made water heating solutions for both heat and hot water. From onboard hot water for sailors to portable heaters for firefighters and tiny house tankless heaters, Gerry has done it all. Today, he's here to share his expertise on compact cutting-edge heating solutions for the tiny house movement. We’ll talk through the different models that PrecisionTemp offers and discuss why you might choose one over the other. Plus, we discuss hydronic heat and why it’s an option more people should consider. If you're planning to build a tiny home you won't want to miss this episode. So, let's dive in and learn from Gerry Wolter.
In This Episode:
- 💡 Innovation in tankless hot water systems: How Gerry revolutionized tankless hot water systems for small and tiny houses.
- 🏡 Hydronic heat for tiny houses: The advantages of hydronic heating, including comfort, energy efficiency, and noise reduction.
- 🔥 Safety considerations: The importance of electronic ignition and flame proofing for pilot lights to prevent dangerous situations.
- 🚿 Continuous hot water supply: PrecisionTemp's on-demand hot water heaters provide a continuous and stable hot water supply.
- 🌬️ Cold weather protection: PrecisionTemp's heaters have protective measures to prevent damage from cold temperatures, including additional heating elements and freeze protection settings.
- ⚒️ Proper placement and planning: The importance of properly placing water heaters in a floor plan to optimize accessibility and minimize water usage.
- 💪 PrecisionTemp's commitment to quality and service: PrecisionTemp is known for its innovative, American made products and dedication to providing excellent customer service.
- ⏳ Planning takes time: The importance of planning and designing properly to avoid additional work and complications during installation.
This Week's Sponsor:
PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Full show notes at www.thetinyhouse.net/gerry-wolter
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Laura Lynch is a certified financial planner who specializes in helping people financially execute their plans to go tiny. Laura shares her insights on the unique aspects of tiny living, including the financial considerations and the importance of creating a supportive community for the longterm. She also opens up about her own journey towards embracing the tiny lifestyle and aligning all aspects of her life to her authentic self. We'll discuss the financial questions and challenges that arise when it comes to tiny houses, such as loans, and prioritizing sweat equity. It's going to be an eye-opening conversation, so let's dive in and explore the world of Less House, More Moolah, with Laura Lynch.
In This Episode:
- 📈 Rising Costs: Laura emphasizes the need for legalizing tiny home communities to combat rising prices and build sustainable communities.
- 🏡 Building Community: Laura advocates for connecting with others, legalizing tiny home communities, and fostering relationships within a supportive network.
- 💰 Financial Decision-Making: Why you might consider testing out the desired lifestyle before committing to it.
- ⚒️ Sweat Equity: Building things yourself not only saves money, but also leads to personal growth and the acquisition of valuable skills.
- 🔄 Reassessing Life: Uncertainty can lead to reevaluating one's life and making significant changes, requiring bravery and the willingness to step outside of societal expectations.
- 🤝 Community Advocacy: Raising awareness about the challenges and obstacles faced by people pursuing alternative housing options, such as tiny living, is essential.
- 💡 Financial Security: Reducing living costs through tiny living, creating financial security within the lifestyle.
This Week's Sponsor:
PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Visit www.thetinyhouse.net/laura-lynch for full show notes, links and resources.
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Jinkie Echols is an incredible advocate for affordable housing and the founder of Peace Wind, a successful tiny house community in Cocoa Florida. Jinkie shares her remarkable journey and the lessons she's learned along the way, from buying raw land, to getting codes and zoning changed, all the way to developing the houses and opening for business. With her experience as a builder, developer, and landlord of her own tiny house community, Jinkie has firsthand insights into the challenges and rewards of creating an affordable and diverse community. Jinkie's passion for community building and the unique perspective she brings to this male dominated field make this episode a must listen. Sit back and prepare to be inspired as we explore the world of affordable housing and tiny house communities with Jinkie Echols.
In This Episode:
- 🏡 Out of control housing costs and land development are driving affordable housing projects towards tiny houses for cost efficiency and long-term maintenance.
- 👩🔧 Jinkie discusses the challenges of being a woman in the builder, developer, and government entities sectors.
- 💡 Benefits of living tiny such as low electric bills, spending more time outside, and intentional decision-making.
- 👥 Building close-knit relationships, fostering organic, holistic living, and shared amenities within a tiny community.
- 💪 How Jinkie advocated for the community, through pitching ideas to county officials and leveraging local authorities' motivations.
- 🌎 The importance of diversity in housing options and income groups within a tiny house community.
- ⏰ Jinkie's dedication to finding a property, going through planning and zoning processes, and dealing with infrastructure tasks.
- 📝 As the "Queen of loopholes," Jinkie immersed herself in codes and regulations to find ways to implement plans.
- ✨ Jinkie emphasizes the importance of having passion and determination in overcoming obstacles in community development.
This Week's Sponsor:
PrecisionTemp:
We spoke with John and Fin Kernohan from the United Tiny House Association, they have a total of three PrecisionTemp On Demand hot water heaters. PrecisionTemp professionally installed all three of the Kernohan’s water heaters and now they have an on demand supply of endless hot water. These units are suitable for any tiny lifestyle and are available for propane or natural gas.
PrecisionTemp is offering $100 off any unit plus free shipping when use the coupon code THLP. So head over to precisiontemp.com and use the coupon code THLP at checkout for $100 off any unit. Thank you so much to PrecisionTemp for sponsoring our show.
Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review.
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This episode features special guest, Jason Gastman, the new business development manager for FOTILE America. We discuss Jason's role in bringing FOTILE appliances into the mainstream markets, making them a premier choice for appliances with premium retailers, architects, and builders. Jason has been focusing on providing high quality appliances such as hoods, ovens, and cooktops to the tiny house community and upscale compact living spaces. One of their standout products is the in-sink dishwasher, which has gained popularity in the tiny home and ADU builder markets due to its compact, ergonomic, and energy efficient design. We'll be talking about the challenges of promoting these products and how FOTILE sets itself apart from other brands in terms of quality, design, and innovative features.
In This Episode:
- 🔍 Research and Development: FOTILE’s innovative approach to appliances, focusing on solving kitchen problems and investing in unique product features.
- 🏠 Tiny Home Market: High-quality compact appliances designed specifically for small living spaces.
- 🌍 Global Success: Over 30 million families worldwide enjoying their range of appliances, including the revolutionary in-sink dishwasher.
- 📈 Brand Competition: FOTILE aims to overcome challenges in a competitive market by providing superior products.
- 💡 Unique Features: FOTILE offers innovative features not found in basic competitor models.
- 🚿 Compact Dishwashing: The in-sink dishwasher offers quick, energy-efficient wash cycles, saving space and time in compact kitchens.
- 🗽 Expanding Presence: FOTILE is expanding its presence with a focus on mainstream retailers.
- 🔬 Quality and Design: FOTILE differentiates itself through a commitment to high-quality manufacturing and design.
This Week's Sponsor:
FOLTILE:
FOTILE’s new two-in-one in-sink dishwasher is bringing convenience back into your tiny lifestyle. It's a dishwasher built into a sink and perfect for tiny house living. The efficient design saves cabinet space and fits perfectly into a standard 36 inch cabinet base, making it ideal for tiny homes. But it's not just about saving space, it is also about saving time and water with a quick twenty minute wash cycle, saving nearly 50% of the water a regular dishwasher would consume. FOTILE is offering Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast listeners a special extended five year limited warranty. Visit us.fotileglobal.com/thlp to learn more and purchase your FOTILE two-in-one in-sink dishwasher today.
Disclaimer: 5-Year warranty is exclusive for THLP listeners. To register, customer must register their product warranty on FOTILE website, and enter "thlp" as purchase channel to be eligible.
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How a Military Family Found Connection and Serenity in Tiny House Living
42:12
Introduction to the Park Model Tiny House Lifestyle
29:30
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Transforming a Semi-Trailer into a Stylish Tiny Home
38:52
The Art of Resizing: Living Big in a Smaller Home
43:22
Building and Using Compost Toilets for Tiny Homes
42:18
Tips for Low-Tech Off-Grid Living
30:47
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Breaking Barriers in Affordable Housing with Tiny Home Communities
31:08
107. Rethinking the American Dream
49:26
071. Design a Tiny House To Fit Your Lifestyle
41:02
038. The 99% Repurposed Tiny Homestead in Orlando: Extreme Lifestyle Design
46:40
098. How a Tiny House can Support a Growing Family
43:41
009. How to Rightsize Your Life and Retire to a Tiny House
37:47
014. How Tiny House Living can Shape Your Relationships, Career, and Life
33:10
DIY Living Spaces: Exploring the Creativity and Challenges of House Truck Living
43:42
Building a DIY Tiny House for Under $20k While Still in High School
27:52
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There’s A Mouse in the [Tiny] House!
17:53
The Effort to Legalize Tiny Homes and Create a National Standard
35:38
Investing in Your DIY Skills: Turning Van Life into a Profitable Venture
50:06
Tiny House Dweller Reluctantly Becomes Lobbyist to Legalize Movable Tiny Houses
35:46
Discovering the Joys and Challenges of Living on a Tugboat
46:24
Toilet Types for Tiny Houses
20:47
On Demand Hot Water for Tiny Homes: Discovering PrecisionTemp's Innovative Solutions
42:46
Creating Financial Security in a Tiny House: Insights from a Certified Financial Planner
34:45
The Journey to Building an Affordable Tiny House Community
46:56
Creating the Perfect Tiny Kitchen: FOTILE’s Micro Appliances for the Tiny House Lifestyle
31:39