I’m excited to show you how this couple built their own tiny home in 4 months for only $22k.
Back in 2014 I interviewed them and got to show you a photo tour of their tiny house on wheels.
If you already haven’t, meet Andrew and Gabriella Morrison. And check out their tiny “hOMe” on a trailer that they designed and built themselves below. You’ll get to see how they designed and built a tiny house with a relatively big kitchen, an office, two lofts, tons of storage, and more.
And if you like their design enough (it’s pretty well thought out, isn’t it?) they offer a set of plans so you can build it yourself along with a DVD on how to build tiny. Pretty cool, right?
To explore more amazing tiny homes like this, join our Tiny House Newsletter. It’s free and you’ll be glad you did! We even give you free downloadable tiny house plans just for joining!
Couple Builds Tiny Home in 4 Months for $22k
Images © TinyHouseBuild
Images © Gabriella and Andrew Morrison via YouTube
Please enjoy the FULL guided video tour below.
Video Tour: Couple Builds Tiny Home in 4 Months for $22k
Resources (Learn More)
- Interview with the Morrisons
- Andrew’s TEDTalk on Tiny Living
- Get the plans for this Tiny hOMe
- Get the hOMe Tiny House Construction DVD
- Get their FREE 7 day Tiny House Construction eCourse
You can share this amazing tiny house video tour with your friends and family for free using the e-mail and social media re-share buttons below. Thanks.
If you enjoyed this tiny house video you’ll absolutely LOVE our Free Daily Tiny House Newsletter with even more! Thank you!
Alex
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Loved this video and all the reasoning behind the very well thought-out plan. Also loved the articulate, intelligent explanations.
I saw this one last year and it still is one of my favorite designs. And, really well done for the price.
I just love this one…looks like it has more room & storage….
This one’s a real keeper–very well thought out and executed. The space as designed is quite versatile, and I can see where his desk could be another person’s sewing table or the space under the stairs could be utilized for other items (such as a washer/dryer unit as Andrew suggests). I’d also like to mention that the narration was very well done. It’s nice to know the thought process behind the design features. Those are the real take aways when one thinks about how these design elements would work for another tiny home. Bravo on all fronts, Andrew and Gabriella. Resa
The problem with men doing the talking, they get too tecknical and don’t show what really interest women.
Mary:
What interests men? Women.
What interests women? Haven’t a clue, but I suspect it has something to do with a bowl of tiny soaps on the toilet tank lid.
I wish you would not put the “22K” in the title to this article. It’s misleading – in the video, they tell the true cost of the build and it’s significantly higher.
I’ve met these fine people and they are really awesome. Their design is awesome and I enjoyed their presentation a the Tiny Home Conference.
Sorry Cam! So everyone knows, the base of it cost them $22.7k to build. After they did the cabinets (lots of cabinets inside this THOW) and appliances it totaled about $33k.
hi alex
i have been a fan and follower of yours for a few years
i wanted to take a minute to thank you for all that you do
for the tiny house community. you are very much appreciated.
anyone else who feels the same way, let alex know it
light and love to you
prema
I agree with Cam – the headline is pretty disingenuous. $33k is not the same as $22k. In fact, it’s 50% higher. I understand that the $22k is before cabinets and appliances – but that just means they didn’t build a tiny house on wheels, they built a tiny shed on wheels.
Just shows what careful planning can produce. Congratulations! Job well done!
Of course this house is spectacular, but I find this post rather odd because its one of the most famous tiny houses that everyone has already seen, I suspect. It’s nearly 4 MILLION views on youtube, I think. I dont mind the re-visit, but has there been some new changes?
Hi, I think the reason that we periodically see repeat posts of the same tiny houses is that new people sign up for these newsletters every day, and THEY haven’t seen them. Keep up the good work, Alex!
This house is so modern and cool. I could absolutely see myself living in a house like that.
I love that they’re offering a FREE e-course. I’ve just signed up and I’m looking forward to the first lesson.
I wish they had a slideshow. I only get 5 GB/month so can’t really watch videos. Shame…it looks like a really nice design.
Try this link TW: https://tinyhousetalk.com/couple-build-mortgage-free-modern-tiny-house/
This is simply AWESOME! The storage is great, and it doesn’t seem cramped at all. The only thing I noticed is that one would back up to the wondowsill when sitting on the sofa.
Before I saw this house, the idea of living in one didn’t appeal to me. This is the first tiny house that I think I could live comfortably in. So now I’m excited by the possibility of giving up our mortgage and changing our lifestyles. Andrew and Gabrielle are very personable and kind. I had the privilege of meeting them and learning from Andrew at the tiny home convention in Portland.
Very Nice~! My only question, where are you going to hang up long clothes if you eventually get a washer/dryer ??
This is really beautiful but I have a question. How come so many of the tiny/small/houses on wheels homes I see have such uncomfortable looking furniture? Chairs very stiff, couches don’t look cozy……. The couch looks to be up against a window ledge that sticks out and I imagine that would poke into your neck, no? I’m not criticizing……it’s beautiful! I’m seriously just wondering. Great job and thanks for sharing the video! 🙂
Hi Mimi I guess that’s because they’re smaller and don’t get to make us of slide outs like a lot of RVs and travel trailers out there that are more spacious.
A great house. One thing that I wonder about though, is the trailer – they have a 28 ft house on what looks like a 2 axle trailer! I’ve been told that anything over 23 should be on three axles. Maybe I’m missing seeing one? Can someone else weigh in on this? I’m really curious about load limits for these trailers. Thanks.
They have updated their plans to include a 3 axle trailer. I presume they too wish they would have went with a trip-axle.
Tri-axle not trip. Sorry, auto corrext.
Where do you hang your coats?
I can imagine that a shed design roof is also ideal for coming up the stairs and not having to slither into the loft because the ceiling is too low. Coming up the stairs on the higher side of the roof gives more room to enter the room from the stairs.
Yup!
I have been looking for a tiny home to build for quite a while and this home seems like the perfect match. They have thought of everything that I have had concerns about, storage, appliance size, washer/dryer, closet space, dresser…job very well done.
I Love this one!!! With only a few small changes I could certainly see myself and possibly my daughter living in this. If a person had a hot-water on demand system, eliminating the need for the hot water tank, then that space could be used for the clothes closet for the longer items. Just a thought.
Alex, would you please send me a link in the body of an email. Somehow my computer wouldn’t allow me to load how to get the plans. I think I would also love to be part of his e-class on the building one.
Thank you in advance for the help.
One more thought. Someone said that this was a duplicate, however, I don’t recall ever seeing it before. So, thank you for the ocassional duplicate. In this instance it was great!
Take care,
Brandi
Truly inspirational! Loved the storage and also the message
about keeping just what you need and not so much “stuff”. Made
me feel guilty for thinking I needed more space. I loved the modern
look as well. It helps alot that the views from the windows are all
lovely! I asked myself after viewing this — what more could you need??
Have to say this,,, all the attention to “Clean lines” and yet, as I notice, your dog is free will to park his bung hole on any pillow, sheet/cover, over and over. Do dog owners ever think of this? Dogs don’t use T paper, nor do cats, who both carry worms, and just dirt. How clean is that? I would think about all the times, I lay down at night, pull up that same sheet into my face area, and think of the dogs behind parking on this or even my pillow? Yuck! Also, what makes the compost toilet, from smelling up the whole tiny home?
Jan,
Studies have shown that having a dog in the family home is actually beneficial for our immune systems… And composting toilets really do not stink when used properly, google it…
Mossy,,, please back up what you say , what studies? By who? when? Where? As a retired nurse I beg to differ with you and any study of same, germs are germs, Impetigo, rabies, worms, fleas,ticks, Lice, Mange, just to name a few,, licking the same place where dung comes out, tells me that animals don’t belong in a bed, on a pillow. We are the ones who must clean, bathe and treat animals, they are not worried about even eating horrid things, road kill etc. / Please Mossy, do some more research and you may understand why I was blunt about what I saw/see inside small homes. I have owned just about every kind of dog, cat, goat,horses,donkeys,rabbit’s,ducks, chickens,birds, mouse, frogs, I am not against pets per se’ but in the house, licking and such, in heat, or just any animal have “bugs” that do not belong on a pillow or bedding, couch or chair. I know the benefit of a loving pet also, they visit hospitals but must be clean and registered. Mom grew up in a farm, and was an RN, and always replied to those who say a dogs mouth was cleaner than a human mouth, was quick to say point blank, “I don’t lick my bu**”.
Here’s just one of the few I’ve read over the years.http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/babies-healthier-in-homes-with-a-dog-or-cat-1.1286035
Hope you found info on the toilets
Also I never said anything like “a dogs mouth is cleaner than a humans”.
But go ahead and sterilize everything like an operating room, our waterways are already polluted with life killing triclosan and other chemicals
Immune system >>>>possibly <<<<boosted with pet exposure , this was your one article of proof!
And no mention about all the lice,ticks,fleas,crap they come in contact with. But.. Go ahead Mossy, sleep with your dog or cat, let them lay on your pillows all over the house, I hear what people think of leaving with doggie or cat hair all over their clothes. No where does it say we need a dog on our pillow or bedding. And animal dander is a top reason for Ashma. Would rather be safe than sorry.
My dog has slept with me every night for the past two years, since I acquired him at 6 weeks old. He’s cleaner than my kids, but besides that, if you’re an RN, then you would know that exposure to certain bacteria builds your immune system so that your body is able to fight off those bacteria much quicker. No one here gets sick and we have two dogs and two cats who all sleep with us. I am having a hard time believing that this was the place for you to insert that stupid comment. By the way, all four of our animals are going to live with us in the tiny home i’m building and they’ll sleep in the bed there too. LMMFAO.
It’s OK, I know you feel the need to criticize these people even though the article is just about what a great job they did designing this home..
My dogs sleep in their dog house
Mossy, it is you who chose to criticize me,,, I have better things to do,and if your dog sleeps in a dog house, and is outside, why are you even responding? To criticize and find an argument.
Oh, that’s right, your dogs cannot argue with you so you chose me.
Sorry Mossy – I bet you are regretting commenting on this one!!!! I think most of us would agree though, that Jan’s concerns are a little extreme and beyond what most of us would be concerned about AND that this is not the place for her comment.
Elaine, I posted my comment, it was Mossy who wants to argue. I posted my comment on the great planning of this Tiny Home 10 comments above,,, I have as much right to post my views as anyone on here. Please, no more indirect saying I cannot post my opinions. It is not up to you. Have a great day! Jan
Find a good therapist Jan! It’ll be worth it!
Amen Elaine!
Alex, it feels like false advertising to headline this home as costing $22k. Wasn’t that amount just for the shell — no cabinets, kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, etc?? I could be wrong, but I think the total was over thirty grand? Nonetheless, it’s an interesting home built with love.
It was $33k including the cabinets and appliances (and there’s a lot of cabinets in this TH!). Sorry it’s confusing.. I probably should’ve just put $33k (the full amount).
Just two more thoughts. I definitely agree with Cathy’s above comment about the 2-axle trailer. If I remember correctly, the hOMe structure including personal contents weighed in close to 10,000#, which is right at the limit of 2 axles. I actually emailed Gabriella about this exact question about two vs. three axles, but she indicated she felt OK with the 2 axles. Secondly, the design of the wall-over-wheel-wells is apparently a concern. Jay Shafer wrote articles about “My 10 Biggest Tiny House Design and Building Mistakes.” Number 3 was the wall-over-wheel design which has water and thermal bridging implications. You can find his article by googling Everyone is working had to make the best design decisions, and that’s one of the miraculous things about the Tiny House movement — the great flowering of creativity we see unfolding before our eyes! Best to all.
Two axle trailers are typically limited by the axles themselves, not the trailer frame itself. Our 2 axle has 7k axles and is thus rated for 14k gross. The trailer weighs around 1.8k, leaving us with just over 12k to play with.
Also, while I can see the benefits of not having to deal with the wheel arches – aesthetically I think tiny trailer built houses look better when the wheels are fully exposed. A few of the trailer manufacturers weld on flanges to the tops of the wheel arch that slips between sheathing and siding to mitigate any water intrusion issues. Structurally you build over them in such a way that they aren’t bearing a significant load, just like a window or other opening.
James:
a) Wow. 1,800-pounds seems extremely lightweight for any trailer frame. That must not include suspension plus wheels and tires, brake components, landing gear, and spare(s).
Check any GVWR tag. In your case, the total includes at least several hundred pounds on the hitch. It should read ‘tandem 7k axles for a total of 15k’ or similar. At first glance, it seems a misprint, until you consider the hitch.
b) At 20-feet, our last build has tandem 7k axles plus 3k on the gooseneck for a GVWR of 17k. The resident owned horse-trailers, so specified a safety factor of 40% with 12″ 19-pounds per foot steel for the frame. Substantial? Yes! We agree. Across the scales, this finished build came within 30-pounds of projected == 9,071-pounds empty. Then add water and canned goods and furniture, it adds up quick.
c) We prefer triple axles, and for anything longer than about 24-feet, we prefer triple duals (30k+). A blow-out super-loads the remaining tires and wheels on that side… and may initiate a cascading collapse.
Also, while I can see the benefits of not having to deal with the wheel arches – aesthetically I think tiny trailer built houses look better when the wheels are fully exposed. A few of the trailer manufacturers weld on flanges to the tops of the wheel arch that slips between sheathing and siding to mitigate any water intrusion issues. Structurally you build over them in such a way that they aren’t bearing a significant load, just like a window or other opening.
We live in a small house/1930- always looking for more storage, comfort and simplicity. I think I’ll go count our wooden spoons.
Thanks for the inspiration!
What is the sq footage?
Also how do you cool your home?
I also would love to have a comfortable couch to sit on-can give up a lot but not that! 🙂 when not cookin or sleeping., that’s where we would be…
I am starting to think in order to have more space for seating when family or friends visit-is to have two lofts-one have memory foam and throw pillows for visiting, but perfect also for sleeping, then other loft for home owner to use; also with memory foam. Then the memory foam could be moved out of the way if the hard floor needed for a project., in either loft, or extra storage. The couch could be pull out to sleep two more also.
If this TH house is $33,000, then if built for you would almost double. Pricey!
This is about tiny homes. And yes, about all of the concerns surrounding them. But things that are issues regardless of what size your home is?…I don’t understand why it would even be an argument here on this site? I’m thankful that so far, this is the only comment section that I’ve seen rudeness on. :-/ What little time we have to research, doesn’t need to be spent on such. Only taking the time to say this because I’m hoping others will think about that before posting negative comments that bring no information regarding tiny house living, to people needing answers to so many questions.
After a negative comment, saying something positive in response, is not argumentative…it’s trying to turn a negative vibe back to a positive one. Sometines it works.
Isn’t “clean lines” just a way of describing the straight lines, corners of modern touches/decor? Having nothing to do with actual cleanliness?
Uhhg, sorry to bring it back to this subject man, I know it had finally stopped. But I want to commend you on everything you do, and let you know how much we all appreciate you. ^^^She probably does too, and maybe was just having a bad day. :-/ Hope you have a good one!
~From: a woman who has never been an animal person until a few months ago…even as a nurse, this kitten will continue to bring more joy to this family than a big’o’house ever could..or clean lines, or clean pillows. Even though I don’t always like it, some chances are just worth taking.
What is the brand of the propane fireplace in this tiny house?
Has anyone had issues with living in a tiny house with two people? I am currently building an 8×20 tiny house for myself and my dogs. However my boyfriend is not keen on the idea of living in such a small space. Has tiny house living made dating/relationships more challenging? Has your significant other objected to you building a tiny house? Looking for some advice :/
Very very nicely done. Well thought out. I never would have thought you could get this much storage in a tiny home. I moved from small house to an apt and while it’s nice,I still dream of a home. I look at this and long to go back but this time maybe hook it up and really go. Loads of wonderful ideas. Thanks for sharing these ideas
your office drawer is facing away from the office
Ya know I really do love this house, it was a job well done, at the cost that is mentioned in it’s video…..! But I just can’t help feeling as if I had seen it before, could that be possible….?
I love the video and detailed commentary. The home is small but great utilization of space. The kitchen and bathroom are a nice size and the office space wonderfully planned. This home is very livable and just needs a front porch. Thank you for sharing.
Full-size kitchen outside the traffic pattern. Thumbs up.
We prefer a ‘fence’ or tiny rail edging each step of the stairs to contain side-slipping tootsies. This also gives an immediate notification of solid and supportive vs space and OOPS!
I love this THOW. Unfortunately where I live we are not allowed by law to have a home on wheels so in my case I could easily see this build on a permanent site. It is absolutely workable just as it is minus the wheels.
Great job, very well thought out and hope to see more soon.
Love the inside of this. Wish the outside had a little more character to it.
Love the inside of this. Wish the outside had a little more character to it. Maybe shutters or something!