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He built his tiny house for less than $500…


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This is the story of a man who built his own tiny house for less than $500.

His name is Scott and he calls it his transforming tiny home because it has a custom and very simple fold-out bed. And here’s what’s really interesting. This is the biggest house he’s had in almost 3 years because before this he lived in a dome-tent, and before that, out of a backpack. So for him, the 83 sq. ft. cabin is roomy. Scott and his friends designed and built the simple tiny shelter for less than $500. It’s located on a friend’s 20-acre plot of land. Enjoy the full tour below. Can you imagine building a house for only $500 in materials? Talk about life-changing…

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How he built a $500 tiny cabin with help from friends

youtu.be-92ppQNuMqeI

It’s far from fancy… But it’s better than you might think for a $500 home. Let’s go inside…

It’s a one-room transforming tiny house design… So this area serves as the living area (couch), kitchen, office, and storage.

Here’s how it works with the bed folded down.

Pretty nice tiny house for only $500 and the fun of building it with your friends.

Video: Scott’s 83 Sq. Ft. Transforming Tiny House Tour

Pretty inspiring, right? I think it’s awesome. How about you? Would you live in a tiny cabin like this too if you had the chance? Let me know in the comments down below if you want to.

How Does One Get An Opportunity To Do Something Like This?

How do you get a chance to do something like this? I think it takes getting out there and doing interesting things and meeting interesting people. I suppose sometimes it takes being interesting enough that others welcome you to build a cabin on their property. That’s one thing I’ve noticed in common with just about everyone who gets to do something like this. They’re interesting and quite adventurous. What do you think?

Learn more: http://scottsnextadventure.blogspot.com/

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 140 comments… add one }
  • Cahow
    February 11, 2015, 1:48 pm

    This man and his story will certainly be an inspiration to many.

  • Ralph Sly
    February 11, 2015, 2:22 pm

    For many years I barked this couldn’t be done and the quote to me was thinking it was “stone stupid”. Well, 11 months in a high top camper van, now enduring a Canada winter in some pretty cold -30 40 weather ans it is so very doable. I am sidelined with repairs for the next couple of months but can’t wait to get back at it and a couple of modified adjustments for a bit more convience and I will be off again. “Stone Stupid” possibly but the great outdoor livingroom and benefit of leaving where I would rather not be without packing a suitcase or going someplace neet and interesting is a blast. I put no one out when I go visiting and don’t sleep in someone elses bed. A whole new meaning to BYOB in my case its Being Your Own Bed. I haven’t given up on my 250′ apt in the shack because I am getting age on this extremely cute chassis and am not tough anymore but damn this is fun and I’m getting a chance to prove a theory that was just words written on this site a year or so ago. If I with age, health issues which are getting better every day can do this in Canada, Any One Can!!!! Just Do It… no matter how small or grand you can afford, go for it.

    • Dee
      February 12, 2015, 8:12 pm

      I think it’s great!! My hubby and I are rolling and pretty much living in our 18-wheel Swift truck. Drivers have been living in tiny houses for years. We find the experience to be very liberating. And honestly, we are closer than we’ve ever been. We gave up our loft apartment, put our things in storage and we stay out 2 months at a time. We travel all 48 states. And when we do take our home time, we have a 97 Winnabego Warrior and that’s home. We remain mobile, even when we aren’t in the truck. I love tiny house living for all the above and the freedom.

      • Karyn
        February 15, 2015, 12:44 pm

        Dee, I’ve always wondered…to where do you send mail? Do you list a family member’s address or keep a Post office box in some town?

        • Michele
          February 22, 2015, 7:55 am

          I still live in a full sized house, but I only get junk mail. I do everything important online, paying bills etc. Packages you could probably send to family or friends. Not everyone gets alot of mail 🙂

        • Carol Winick
          May 29, 2016, 1:49 pm

          Hi Karyn,
          It’s been a year (Feb 15, 2015) since you posted but just in case you are still getting comments. — We have a large post office box. But when we are staying awhile in another town we can request our mail to be temporarily sent to our current post office to “General Delivery.”

        • Larry B.
          October 15, 2019, 11:48 pm

          I used to manage a UPS Store before I retired and we had customers that didn’t own a home at all they lived on a boat in the harbor or they traveled full time in an RV. They would have us send their mail and packages to wherever they were staying, in the case of boat people what ever marina they were staying on the west coast all the way up to Alaska. Some had us do it every week.

    • Marcia
      March 19, 2016, 7:53 pm

      I am decidedly excited hearing of others living this small and someone else with a
      box truck Ralph. Mine is 8×12 with a Mom’s attic. It’s a 96 so the sleep area attic is 32 inches deep and 37 high. I live in it now but it has much more to be done before hitting the road. Getting close tho and excited. Mine had a bathroom.

  • Ralph Sly
    February 11, 2015, 2:28 pm

    By the way, this guys little house is great and it might just be duplicate in a 8×18 cube van I have. The opulence, man, i’ll really be living on the dog in that thing. At least I would be able to have a wood stove…

    • Eunice wise
      March 25, 2015, 9:03 pm

      I love that you can do this! And the stove idea is great, like the chassis part, made me giggle.

  • Ralph Sly
    February 11, 2015, 2:31 pm

    Hi Cahow, now, don’t you wish you had not woke the old dog up. LOL. Big huggs.

    • Cahow
      February 11, 2015, 5:43 pm

      “Don’t you wish you had not woke the old dog up?”

      NEVER!!!

      Old Dogs know the BEST ‘tricks’! 😉

      (((Hugg-zees, back at ya)))

  • Karen R
    February 11, 2015, 2:35 pm

    It works!

  • Lucy
    February 11, 2015, 2:35 pm

    WOW! I LOVE IT!!! What is the make of the stove? and the wood burning heater?

    • Megan
      February 11, 2015, 2:45 pm

      From his blog…
      It is made by Camp Chef and is intended to be an outdoor camp oven, but it was the smallest (and most shallow) range I could find, so I gave it a try. Overall it works pretty well and for $175 I’m happy with it. My gripe are that it’s too hot. For one, the burners are so large even at their lowest setting it is often hard to simply let something simmer at a low heat, and more serious than that is that the oven seems to run wild. Even at it’s lowest setting, it hits 350 degrees, then keeps creeping up towards 400+. If you wanted to say, bake a cake at a steady 350 degrees you are going to have a hard time. That said, I’m not much of a cook and it works great for me 90% of the time.
      …this wood stove, a Waterford 104 MKII, only 13” wide and 19” deep,…

      • Roy
        February 14, 2015, 7:51 am

        I am very excited to see this tiny home. You have built it surpurb.
        I would love to build something small for my family to live in. Thank you for sharing.

      • PJ
        March 28, 2015, 10:43 am

        Gray’s stoveworks make a very tiny stove at around 12×12. I ordered one for my very small house. They are American made, folks, one at a time. A little pricy, yes, but American made!

  • Megan
    February 11, 2015, 2:42 pm

    Awesome. Not sure how I’d do without a bathroom, but very cool. Looks like a great group of friends to hang out with!

  • Susan
    February 11, 2015, 2:45 pm

    Bathroom? Shower?

    • Ge0ld0re
      August 2, 2019, 8:01 pm

      Single-use space drives me nuts! For a ‘bathroom’ consider a closet between couch and stove; hang clothes when not using 5-gallon pail toilet; the floor being a shower base. With clothes & pail removed, hang a portable shower.

  • Bev
    February 11, 2015, 2:46 pm

    I would want a bathroom, however, this is a great, no frills tiny house with all of the other stuff needed. I especially enjoyed the calm, non-nervous tour! Easy to understand and to see how he made this home. Even no frills living, he has managed to decorate nicely with sky lights, and flag–loved that! Thanks for sharing!

  • paul lukas
    February 11, 2015, 2:47 pm

    Living this way after getting rid of all that isn’t necessary is easier than most think. If you had property, if possible one community shower and toilet facility along with even a 10×10 as personnel space, life would be much simpler and enjoyable. This isn’t as easy with a family, nor do I recommend putting kids through it because of ones beliefs, but for a single person or even couple it’s a great way to figure life out.

    • Andy Hawkins
      March 27, 2015, 12:14 pm

      One thing I always want to ask when people say things about not putting children through something because of ones own beliefs is why not? Do we not put our children through EVERYTHING ELSE because of our beliefs? We school, homeschool or unschool them because of our beliefs, we take them to church or not, because of our beliefs, we create their tolerances and intolerances because of our beliefs so why not encourage them to embrace a simple life?

      • Alex
        March 27, 2015, 4:28 pm

        Great points, Andy, thanks and great to see you here 🙂

      • Rebecca
        November 21, 2015, 6:54 pm

        I agree with raising your children simply. My son and I lived in a standard one bedroom apartment for a while. I put him and his stuff in the bedroom and slept in the living room. Not that small but some others thought so

    • Diana
      October 15, 2019, 1:25 pm

      I agree. I would love to get together like minded folks onto a property where you would have a community area and then everyone had their own tiny house to stay in. With or without kitchen/baths as that could be included in the communal area and everyone could do a garden together to grow our own food. That is my dream. Would like to do one around a healing center theme…

      • Renee
        December 2, 2019, 1:36 pm

        Where are you located?

  • Susan
    February 11, 2015, 2:48 pm

    Oh, I see — from his blog: ” Because it’s on a large piece of property and doesn’t expect to move, it didn’t need to be designed with all it’s own systems. Prior to my return from Africa, my friends built their own (larger) cabin on the property and the infrastructure to support it. The result of that is that the property already had a flushing outhouse and outdoor shower, meaning I didn’t need to take up space in this home including those features.”

    Nice friends to have!

  • Mr_Camera71
    February 11, 2015, 2:52 pm

    I like the concept and enjoy seeing the videos. In addition to seeing how the space is used, it would be helpful to get some information on how they get their utilities such as power, water, sewage, etc.

  • Rebecca
    February 11, 2015, 3:16 pm

    Wonderful house. I imagine the longer he lives there, the better it will get. Do I need a small house or can I just make my 10×12 shed work? I have water and electricity both… what the heck am I waiting for?

    • Diane
      February 12, 2015, 12:14 am

      I would love to help you figure out that shed for a living space. Best part is I don’t charge anything to inspire you in the right direction.

      • Rebecca
        March 26, 2015, 12:35 am

        Thank you for the offer. My problem is living in Santa Fe County and fear they will not allow it. Don’t think I could get it under the radar. I am nervous to ask for it…

        • Diane
          March 26, 2015, 12:51 am

          An old man once told me………..never ask for permission……..ask for forgiveness. Just do it and see what happens. You don’t have to go around telling everyone that you are afraid…….don’t be. If you keep the yard and grounds nice who is it bothering? As long as it is not an eye sore that people complain about. Also don’t tell people how much you are saving in rent as that might be a bur in their saddle but otherwise………..my gosh just do it. What is the worst thing that could happen? Believe me people have more important problems to worry about than going after someone living in a tiny house. Go for it.

      • Rebecca
        October 15, 2019, 3:50 pm

        You are so brave when it is not your arse! What a marvel of broken laws you must be in your own life, a thing for others to admire and emulate!

  • chris
    February 11, 2015, 3:41 pm

    Have been interested in tny hoes for some time now as we near retirement age, but this is too little – there would be 2 of us and I need some “me” space. Also am not going outside in middle of night to go to the bathroom.

    • seth
      March 25, 2015, 7:29 pm

      I hope u meant “tiny homes” LOL!

  • sally
    February 11, 2015, 4:00 pm

    I am interested in starting a community of people who would want to be on the same property, and all share in the expense of the property to have their own tiny house and live off the grid and grow our own food and live simple. Anybody interested? I am all for cutting the government out and living the life we were meant to live. ….

    • barb
      February 11, 2015, 5:38 pm

      Where?

      • sally
        February 12, 2015, 1:27 am

        Colorado or where we can all get together.

        • barb
          February 12, 2015, 3:45 am

          I’ll be ready in a few years. Let’s keep in touch.

        • sally
          February 15, 2015, 1:52 pm

          Barb, please keep my number for future reference, 970 – 712 – 35 10 . Sally

        • Lannette
          February 12, 2015, 3:13 pm

          Sally, I’m in Denver, and am very interested in intentional community and tiny homes.

        • sally
          February 15, 2015, 1:51 pm

          Lannette, please contact me at 970 712 – 35 10 and let me know what your thoughts are on this subject. Thank you, Sally

        • Mary
          March 25, 2015, 8:49 pm

          I am very much interested. It has been a dream of mine for many years and am feeling like now is the time.

          Let’s talk
          Mary

        • Rebecca
          November 21, 2015, 6:58 pm

          Don’t know if you did create a community but recently read it is illegal to collect rainwater in Colorado. Say it isn’t so.

        • Andrew Miller
          March 19, 2016, 5:46 pm

          I’d commit to this. Contact me at andrew.miller @g reenmail.net

    • Wenonah
      February 11, 2015, 5:49 pm

      Sally, I too would like to ask the “where” question?

      • sally
        February 15, 2015, 1:34 pm

        Western slope of Colorado.

    • dad
      February 11, 2015, 8:11 pm

      Wow

    • Diane
      February 12, 2015, 12:18 am

      I am interested and I have the homes. I want to live surrounded by intelligence and wit and I want to avoid the bag people or transient types. I think there are successful people who just want to live more simply and in community. I would like to find them.

      • sally
        February 12, 2015, 1:25 am

        Diane where do you live? I am 52 years old and want to live in this community. I would really like to talk to you. My phone number is 970 – 712 – 3510. Sally

      • sun sim
        February 12, 2015, 3:05 am

        Sally and Dianne, I am very interested in the community. I’d be willing to leave Texas for Colorado.

        • sally
          February 15, 2015, 1:37 pm

          I live in whitewater Colorado by grand junction .I am thinking about delta Colorado or Pueblo, the property is reasonable.

        • Diane
          March 26, 2015, 12:59 am

          Mine is in Scottsdale Arizona. I like warm climate as it is more conducive to enjoying outdoor activities like the big gorgeous pool and the barbeque. Bad mitten anyone? I share with intelligent people. I like to be around successful people who have manners and are not loud. I have no interest in being a very low rental property. It is not a fit for me. My Estate is like a European Village and I want to keep it safe and quiet.

      • Donna Hubscher
        February 13, 2015, 6:51 pm

        Diane,

        Where are you located? My partner and I are planning to build a smaller home in NW Houston on a 1 acre parcel we own. We would also like to travel and have a second home. I am an artist. My partner is a singer and an Amazon book dealer.

        We would love to hear more about this venture and adventure in sane living.

        Smile,
        Donna

        • Diane
          March 26, 2015, 1:04 am

          I am in Scottsdale Arizona

    • Billie crone
      February 12, 2015, 1:55 am

      I’m interested. Where

      • sally
        February 15, 2015, 1:38 pm

        I am in Colorado on the western slope.

    • Dave charnigo
      February 12, 2015, 12:17 pm

      Hi Sally , great idea I’ve also been thinking about this. I’m in so. Ca right now. Retired and just sold my house and almost everything I own. Ready for a more simple but still comfortable life
      Dave

      • sally
        February 15, 2015, 1:42 pm

        Dave, here’s my email address sallyakokes at yahoo.com, let me know what your thoughts are on this subject. Thank you. Sally

    • michelle
      February 12, 2015, 5:48 pm

      I’m intereste

      • sally
        February 15, 2015, 1:44 pm

        Michelle, email me and let me know what your thoughts are on this subject, sallyakokes at yahoo.com

    • Sandi B
      February 14, 2015, 11:52 pm

      I would certainly be interested in getting together with others of like mind and forming a little community and sharing the land cost etc. No problem with Colorado. I currently live in Southern California — Inland Empire. Let us know how to contact you.
      Sandi

      • sally
        February 15, 2015, 1:45 pm

        Sandi, please contact me at sallyakokes at yahoo.com, let me know what your thoughts are on this subject. Thank you, Sally

      • Sally
        November 30, 2019, 9:46 pm

        I am also in the Inland Empire of So Cal. Just found this thread.

    • Dawn
      March 26, 2015, 10:32 am

      I’m very interested in this sort of arrangement. I’m 8 years from retirement but, I know it will go by in a flash.

      • Deb
        January 27, 2016, 6:27 pm

        I am also about 8 out from retirement and have been dreaming about a tiny home community for years. Already working on downsizing. I would definitely be interested in hearing if this comes to be.

    • Giselle
      July 29, 2019, 8:59 pm

      I’m interested… details, please?

  • Elle
    February 11, 2015, 4:26 pm

    Wow! Really, reeeeally nicely done. It’s attractive, cozy and very well designed for organization and plenty of extra counter space when needed. It even has a loft bed! This looks like a beautiful location as well.

    Yes it’s very inspiring! And thanks for the info Megan. I too like that oven and range. You can have more control over the heat with one of those iron/fire proof racks made to stand over a burner so your cookware isn’t in direct contact with the burner or fire, and crack the oven door to control the temperature a bit -use a good oven thermometer!

  • CathyAnn
    February 11, 2015, 5:02 pm

    I also really like this. He has everything he needs right there. If he felt the need, it would be easy to add on to it.

    The Murphy bed is ingenious. The cooking situation is just right for minimal cooking, and the wood stove could easily be used for cooking too. Being able to hang that table, chairs and steps on the wall… What a great idea!

    I could live in such a place except for a toilet at night, and that could be taken care of by a bucket, toilet seat and some sawdust.

    Everything in there, from the layout to the efficient use of space… Well done!

    • anne
      July 29, 2019, 5:33 pm

      When i had a studio separate from my house, I often slept there overnight. No bathroom, but a gallon plastic gesso (or ice cream!) bucket with a tight fitting lid and a handle worked fine, no need for toilet seat, sawdust, etc. Just visit the nearest government building on your way to work!

  • Brian
    February 11, 2015, 5:10 pm

    Wow Scott your tiny house is truly awesome. You keep it so organised and spotless I found myself smiling all through the video. You obviously have a very tidy mind and I thank you for sharing your TH with us all. Cheers from Australia

  • 2BarA
    February 11, 2015, 5:46 pm

    That is a very clever use of space and well organized. I would want a porta-potty and sink but the loft bed looks much more convenient and easy to access than in most tiny houses. I like all the natural light. All in all, this is an incredible space for an investment of $500. Bravo!

  • FRESHroyal
    February 11, 2015, 5:54 pm

    This is my plan for the future, I want to invest in a little bit of property with some woods, build a 8×10 trailer camper and live in it while I build a log cabin

  • Nicole
    February 11, 2015, 5:58 pm

    just love seing these tiny houses, greatly appreciate your sharing. Gives me a chance to dream. Won’t be able to live in one but sure would have loved to! ENJOY…

  • Janet
    February 11, 2015, 6:26 pm

    Too tiny and no bathroom. Great for a single person who doesn’t care about having indoor bathroom.

    • Rebecca
      March 26, 2015, 12:40 am

      Folks make too much of a bathroom. A bucket sawdust or dirt and seat are enough. I lived 8 months with that. It was cleaner than my current low (no) flow toilet. And made compost.

  • Suze O
    February 11, 2015, 7:06 pm

    For $500 he’s done quite a nice job. Lots of shelf space – the one thing I have to have in a small house is lots of storage. Yeah, I could pare things down, but even then I would want space for doing some drawing and painting. The skylights really make it roomy-looking. Were the windows and the door recycled?

  • Rich
    February 11, 2015, 7:48 pm

    elegant!

  • Linda
    February 11, 2015, 7:53 pm

    Nifty little place. It’s all I’d need. I think, though, I would have covered the bottom of the murphy bed so that it becomes a wall mural when it’s lifted up out of the way.

  • Diane
    February 11, 2015, 9:03 pm

    I think about building my own tiny house all the time. I would love to live that way.

  • Billy
    February 12, 2015, 1:54 am

    I feel that he isn’t being entirely truthful about the price as a house like this most certainly cost at least $350,000. He’s probably being modest in order to avoid nasty comments from jealous poor people who are only mad because they will never be able to afford luxury like this. 😉

    • Rebecca
      March 26, 2015, 12:50 am

      If you include 20 acres of beautiful woodland, for sure. They don’t have utilities, though.

    • Alan Moorhouse
      March 27, 2015, 1:03 pm

      I’d question the $500 price tag as well, unless he had all the materials, furniture, etc. beforehand. I bet the cooking stove and wood stove together were around $500 at least. I do like the arrangement though, my fiancé probably couldn’t live without a flush toilet and shower.

      • Alex
        March 27, 2015, 4:27 pm

        I don’t blame you for questioning it but like you said it’s possible to do with enough freebies 😀

  • Miguel Blanco
    February 12, 2015, 9:19 am

    Great job! This is pretty much what I’ve wanted to do for years so i can put away my pension instead of wasting it on a home thats too big and impractical for us. Im imagining the money i can save!

  • Sally
    February 12, 2015, 9:30 am

    Talk about priorities. Not to intrude on his privacy, but if only he could stand field trips from classes. Kids need to see this, and understand what’s possible. Incredible use of space! I love the two bed concept, and the higher ceiling and skylight give the place a lift. Great front window, too, it looks like a beautiful piece of property to enjoy. I’m very happy for him. Thanks for sharing.

    • Cahow
      February 13, 2015, 4:58 pm

      Hi, Sal, ol’ pal,

      You have a GREAT idea regarding kids/teens/adults seeing how well this man maximized his space and resources.

      But, rather then buggin’ the heck outta him and intruding on his privacy, this idea would be incredible if it was a permanent fixture at a high school’s shop class and/or a trade-vocational school.

      That way, students could actually try living in this home for an extended period of time as part of their grading and the entire class could build one home per year and donate it to a person via a lottery. There would need to have Rules in place, of course, such as the winner could NOT “flip” it and sell it or use it as income producing property. It would have to go to someone who would benefit from actually living in it.

      By instituting a lottery with tickets that were sold, the money could be turned around and put back into the school budget for creating another home like this and maintaining the on-site home on campus.

      Good idea, Sally, as usual! 😀

  • Ralph Sly
    February 12, 2015, 9:48 pm

    All the talk about bathrooms, what a bunch of sissies didn’t you know to adopt this lifestyle you had to give up all creature what we called requirements in our old lives of opulence. Go on, buy depends, get used to that warm feeling, pick a tree, buy bug spray, a wildlife photographer I met said it works better than bear spray, so there you go all the big and little critters taken care of. What a crock of nonsense. If you’re going to build a tiny home it should give you all the amenities. Even picking this Van I made sure it had a toilet and a shower. I actually have two bathrooms if you consider the Porta Potty I use in the winter time and go to a community center everyday for a shower. (In winter) Yes, when planning these homes you want to plan in a usable suitable bathroom and one that you don’t have to climb a million stairs to get to in a hurry. The geriatric generation will know what I mean by in a hurry. This little place could have contained a shower and toilet. in my BC shack I have a couple of options, a gravity fed thing that’s a pain in the posterior and I also have the Coleman portable shower but nothing beats just walking in turning on the tap and showering. these things should be considered total necessities. And I agree with everyone who noticed what I missed.

    • Cahow
      February 13, 2015, 5:23 pm

      Ralph wrote: “what a bunch of sissies” & “Yes, when planning these homes you want to plan in a usable suitable bathroom and one that you don’t have to climb a million stairs to get to in a hurry.”

      Aw, come on, Ralph! A shower…complete with running water?!? You pansy-arse, you! We should all jump buck-nekkid into streams and ponds or ‘warsh’ up by the fire hydrants that the fire department has dog water bowls beside!

      Leading by example, my dear husband and I went down to the shores of Lake Michigan today, scrambled over the ice flows and chopped a big hole into the lake so we could bath at leisure in the balmy 30 degrees of the lake. Of course, wouldn’t you know it, some nosy busy-body walking their pooch along the lake called 911 and said “Two people have fallen into the lake!” After the fire department came out and fished us out of our private bliss, they then refused to believe that we were leading a movement of refusing to use one.tablespoon.of.running.water and now the evil government has us under a 48 hour observation psych eval on a ‘suicide watch.” pffffffft!

      • Susanne Boyd
        December 3, 2018, 10:31 am

        That’s hilarious!!!! I laughed all the way through your funny story!!! I can see it now!!😂🤣😂

  • drew williams
    February 13, 2015, 3:57 am

    Thanks Alex for putting a catagory list of the houses and other things that one reading your email might be interested in. It’s a great re-design of the page,
    Drew Williams

    • Alex
      February 13, 2015, 7:57 am

      Thanks Drew I’m happy it’s helpful and better! 🙂

  • Roger LaPointe
    February 13, 2015, 11:52 am

    Kudos on the home. I personally think we as a people today have become to soft in our cushy homes. Most could not survive if they were forced to give up those homes. Living like this definitely has it’s advantages. A friend of mine told me that years ago when living off the grid he even had a system that composted his garbage and generated methane gas that he cooked and heated with. I’ve searched but have yet to find info on that system. I think that would be a great convenience and a blessing living off the grid. It certainly would reduce ones monthly outlay for their limited cash flow. If by chance anyone has a source for this system please email me.

    • Cahow
      February 13, 2015, 5:27 pm

      Don’t worry, Roger. When the zombie apocalypse comes about, it will thin out the cushy crowd pretty darn quick. Of course, the survivors might become cannibals but hey, it’s all a trade-off, right? 😉 Bob’s leg sure looked mighty tasty on that grill!

      • Roger LaPointe
        February 13, 2015, 6:51 pm

        That may be true but he will never be able take a case to court after that . . . they will throw his case out because . . . he doesn’t have a LEG to stand on . . barup bump tisssh

        • Cahow
          February 13, 2015, 9:18 pm

          ROGER!!!

          You, Sir, win my “2015 Award” for “BEST & LONGEST LAUGH AT A RESPONSE.”

          I couldn’t stop laughing at your “leg” joke and the ‘barup-bump-tisssh’!

          “Try the liver; I’ll be here all week!” Brilliant sense of humour! LOL

    • Toni Benton
      October 20, 2017, 12:02 am

      Try Mother Earth News…once had every hard copy magazine from beginning to the 80s and I think there was an article or 2 in there somewhere. You can now get the entire run on thumb drive or CD. Good luck!

  • Marsha Cowan
    February 13, 2015, 12:26 pm

    Oh my gosh! I have never seen so much practicality packed into such a small (but apparently totally adequate) space! And done so attractively! You are very organized and aesthetic (in a rustic sort of way! Lol!). Thanks for sharing this…lots of good ideas!

    • Alex
      February 15, 2015, 10:01 am

      Thanks Marsha!

  • Sandi B
    February 15, 2015, 1:12 am

    A wonderful cabin in the woods. So well thought out, great use of space, awesome place to be and very workable. I love the islands — Seattle being my home town. Have to say this made me miss my “roots”.

  • Jean
    February 17, 2015, 12:48 am

    Very Groovy space. It is great for a young one. Not great for us seniors.
    Love and Peace to this young man.

  • Anita
    February 19, 2015, 11:56 am

    Scott you are amazing ! I am constantly looking a tiny home videos because my dream is to build one someday.My husband & I have been living tiny four 6 years now first in a 22 ft camper 1 yr, then we upgraded to a 32ft RV 5yrs now. When I look at most of the videos I say to myself “obviously the person who designed this has never lived tiny because they waste space everywhere”. You have come up with some of the most ingenious space savers I have ever seen. Windows,warmth, space saving & storage are the key to happiness when living tiny and you have incorporated all these elements in your design. My hat is off to you. I will be stealing some of your ideas if my tiny home dream ever comes true. Thanks for the inspiration & sharing. Anita

  • vince
    March 3, 2015, 9:38 am

    thats awesome

  • Joe A. Frankie
    March 23, 2015, 6:02 pm

    I just bought a mansion (1400 sq/ft) for my wife and 2 young children. I have been looking for a way to build a small, functional cabin for my kids (or when my wife throws me out for a night), and I stumbled on this site. WOW!!!! The is absolutely inspiring. You sold me on this house. Keep up the great work! Just wondering if it has electricity and if that wood burning stove keeps it warm enough?

  • jdavis417
    March 25, 2015, 7:26 pm

    Scott,

    ♫”You wear it well
    A little old-fashioned but that’s alright”♫

    Keep livin’ the dream! 😉

  • Dalie
    March 25, 2015, 8:28 pm

    I have a cabin the exact dimensions of your house. I’ve learned a lot from your use of wall space to increase floor space. Love what you’ve done!!!! I am going to work on a bed model like the one you installed.

  • Christine
    March 25, 2015, 9:13 pm

    No shower no problem! A shower tent also used to house a sawdust potty and solar bag shower could be housed out back! I lived like that for two years there are no limits when living where there are no limits!

  • roxx
    March 25, 2015, 10:35 pm

    I WOULD TOTALLY!!! This is so cool!!! I’ve been looking into doing something like this I’m so sick of all this unnecessary space who needs all this sq ft any way would much prefer lots of land and a tiny home

  • Casey
    March 26, 2015, 7:30 am

    That’s nice, but it is called a tar paper shack. I am very impressed he got some tail in there though. I had to build a 27×30 house all by myself for that.

  • Peter Piper
    March 26, 2015, 3:11 pm

    Sorry, but without at LEAST an outhouse and shower facility, I can’t do it.

  • Janet
    March 27, 2015, 10:09 am

    Personally I need a small amount of modern convenience in any space I plan to live full time in. Running water and a bathroom would be the two must haves in order for me to take up residence but that is just me. I am not knocking anyone’s way of living small. Love this little house but for me I would have spent a little more and added the bathroom and running water, some of us Ladies need those kinds of things, not to put down any women who feels she does not need or care for such things..

  • Karen
    March 31, 2015, 10:58 am

    I long for that tiny house in the woods and, now that I’m retired, I’m ready! For me, the perfect situation involves a shared shower house (like at summer camp) and a shared art studio. Any artists out there looking for the same? Write me please! karenwilliamsart at gmail.com.

  • Gordon Deisting
    April 8, 2015, 10:55 pm

    So nice with so-o-o many more ideas,A sweet little retreat.Also a nice video also.

  • Virginia
    May 29, 2015, 11:19 am

    Wow! Talk about efficiency! Not a wasted inch!

  • Catherine
    May 30, 2015, 5:51 pm

    I admire his ingenuity and frugality but this is still a tar paper shack in my books and no water would mean no dice for me!

  • Patty
    June 1, 2015, 12:56 am

    My first thought – neat & clean man cave home! Some very innovative ideas and wonderful surroundings. Hope you enjoy; thanks for sharing.

  • SaturdaySportsman
    June 2, 2015, 11:08 pm

    Ah, the classic tar paper shack! I like that little wood stove. I could be quite happy there.

  • Michael
    June 6, 2015, 6:35 pm

    EXCELLENT! How much is utilities per month?

  • Wendy Mosier
    June 15, 2015, 5:20 pm

    I like your house!! You’re sooooo lucky!!
    I want my own Tiny House! I’ve recently realized it would put and end to a lot of my problems.
    I LOVE them and know I could live very happily in one. I’d prefer it to be larger than 200 sq ft but less than 500 sq ft. I know there are Tiny House Communities SOMEWHERE and I’m trying to find a Timy House to rent or buy. If I had the money I’d build one myself but I don’t have the money. Doubt I could get a loan either. It would finally give me my PEACE I need in my life to be able to live on my own in a small house with very little bills and worries!! I think it’s GREAT what you’ve built and I wish someone would build me one!!! Now that my kids are grown and gone I need a place JUST FOR ME!!

  • Steve Armstrong
    July 18, 2015, 11:14 pm

    Am I just not seeing a mini fridge for the milk?

  • Lisa E.
    March 19, 2016, 7:38 pm

    Does anyone have any intel about that stove?

    • Katie
      March 22, 2016, 8:20 am

      Lisa, read comments above.

  • james
    May 29, 2016, 8:42 pm

    What is the best solar outfit for these types of places? Not that tiny but hunting cabin size

    • Carol
      May 30, 2016, 12:56 pm

      First you need to figure out what wattage you will be using, how many hours per day, & how many hours per day will the panels receive direct sunlight? Are you going to be running your computer all day, a frig, microwave, electric stove, lamp(s), instant hot water heater, & what type of heater – electric/gas/wood? Is this cabin in the woods and trees will block direct sunlight? Once you have this information you can make a more informed decision. I would suggest 2-4 – at least 100 watt panels, 2,000 watt inverter, 2-4 batteries (RV or Marine), charge controller, a service box and a meter (inside the cabin). There are solar panel kits available for sale. But I would also recommend hiring an electrician to put it all together for you or to inspect it.

  • Patty
    May 30, 2016, 2:18 am

    My second look at this and I love the fold down bed. It looks so sturdy, and comfortable!

  • Lisa
    May 30, 2016, 1:23 pm

    I love it!! Just perfect size for me!
    I’m planning on making a tiny home on wheels for myself out of a courier truck.
    About same size as cabin and been looking online for many ideas.
    Great job! Any advice for first time doing this would be awesome too. Also if any Canadians out there give me a shout love to know your ideas too!

  • Beverly
    June 1, 2016, 4:23 pm

    Can you tell me the name brand of the stove/oven I see in the picture.
    I am trying to find appliances and bathroom fixtures for a tiny house.
    Thank you.

  • Andrea
    December 27, 2016, 5:51 pm

    Not too shabby….LOVE it!

    • Natalie
      December 28, 2016, 8:30 am

      🙂 — Tiny House Talk Team

  • Michael
    October 19, 2017, 6:13 pm

    Please send me a link copy of 8×12 tiny cabin (materials, etc) to me. Please have someone to contact me at michael6498 at yahoo.com Thank you very much for your help.

  • Toni Benton
    October 20, 2017, 12:05 am

    I want to know where he got the table and chairs and stepladder, those are sweet!

  • Alex
    October 22, 2017, 11:28 pm

    I’ve been wanting to live in a tiny house fire years but never had the money or the space to do it. I’m finally getting to the point where I feel like I can’t wait any longer. I used to want something in the 18 to 20 fit range now I’m thinking more like 10 or 12, maybe 14. I also wanted a loft but have been thinking about not having my house mute than ten feet high. This house actually answered some design questions that I’ve been knocking around lately. And the price really can’t be beat!

  • Tammi L Brown
    July 28, 2019, 11:59 am

    I would so love to do this! As I am not a skilled carpenter, it is just a dream for my daughter & I.

  • Matt
    July 29, 2019, 4:35 pm

    ::meanwhile, somewhere at the permit office:: QUICK AGENT K! WHAT IS IT AGENT GOLDBERG?! SOMEONE IS OWNING A HOME WITHOUT BEING UP TO THEIR EYES IN DEBT! To the Mortgage-Mobile! Let’s roll!

  • Tammie Parrish Miller
    October 16, 2019, 10:31 am

    I’ve always wanted to get away from it all and I would absolutely live in this tiny house! I would add a bucket for late night bathroom trips, and a simple shower. Other than those two things, this would suit me fine. If I only had a beautiful place to build one, it would become a reality sooner than later. Thanks for sharing!

  • kalena
    January 25, 2020, 6:06 pm

    Very nice! Much better than living out of a backpack or tent, especially up here in the PNW, for $500.00.
    Wonder what the cost would be to build if you did not have friends with smarts and tools?
    Too bad the photographer did not show meadow or the skylights. Thank you for sharing. People are starting to understand that we don’t need all that “stuff” to be happy.

  • May 10, 2020, 5:30 am

    I own a two acre site on a small lake in Wisconsin , close to Wautoma .
    There is room for tiny home on wheels on the land with the fun of fishing or kayaking on the lake ( small lake maybe 5 acres ) but safe .
    Will rent to an environmentally aware individual with a THOW that needs a nice parking spot . Send me an email with a photo of your current THOW and let’s see if we can agree a modest rent for the site . No electricity , well or septic system on the site .

  • Mark Serva
    June 8, 2022, 2:30 pm

    Generally, I’m not moved to comment on people’s homes as it’s just too personal. Years ago I built a shed quite similar with space for a fold-down bed in case the bigger house had a catastrophe. I just had some plywood and framing in there in case I needed a bunk later. I see now, from this build, it would be plenty big enough for an extended period. Niceley and simply, well done.

    P.S. I’ve read that San Francisco or maybe Seattle, I don’t recall, is buying US$500K condos for single homeless folks. I wonder how many more people they could serve AND do right by the taxpayer with such small, well designed homes. As a government build your $500 build be a $5,000 build. Still that’s seems like a hundred to one improvement on what is being done.

    Thanks for posting your build.

  • Sophia
    June 15, 2022, 1:53 pm

    I’d be scared that log would move and I’d come crashing down in the night! I would prefer a couch that unfolds into a bed and thereby eliminates the need for climbing. Then I’d use the wall for shelving and storage.

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