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Recently I found out about a new tiny house builder. I ran into their video tour on YouTube. You’ll get the complete tour of the house below.
Andrew Gilcheck is the man behind Itty Bitty House Company. The tiny home you’ll see here has a relatively large porch and is completely non-toxic. On the outside, it’s all solid cedar siding, trim, and decking. The roof is metal and the windows are all full crank-out casement while the others are crank out awning style windows.
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Tiny House on Wheels by Itty Bitty House Company
Photo Courtesy of Itty Bitty House Company
The front door is fully insulated wood with a double pane fully insulated glass window.
The porch light uses an LED bulb, as well as all of the other lights in the home.
It has an upstairs sleeping loft with a king-sized bed and a wide awning window.
There’s another matching window directly across to provide a cross-flow ventilation throughout the house.
Going Inside the Itty Bitty House
Right when you walk in, there are two closets with hotel-like features on your left and right.
One of them has a hanging rod and shelf, much like a hotel closet. You can also fit a broom and vacuum there too.
The other one has 12 coat hooks with a nice, deep shelf up above and a few more below.
Directly above that there’s a mini loft so you can place your plants or other decorations right by the awning window opposite of the sleeping loft.
The flooring throughout the house is 3/4 inch solid hickory (tongue and groove).
You’ll find built-in bookshelves throughout so there’s plenty of storage.
Two Workstations, Entertainment Center, and Heat!
The eight-foot long desk is large enough for two people to simultaneously use and it also holds entertainment center electronics.
This is also where the Dickinson boat fireplace is located, which is the heat source for the entire house.
Directly above that area, there’s a 52″ flat screen television between the windows and workstations.
Directly opposite of that is an 8′ 6″ long couch with storage underneath.
Head towards the kitchen and there’s plenty of pantry storage in the mini hallway.
There’s yet another closet door with plenty of shelves, storage nooks, and two hanging rods.
This closet is large enough to walk into and use as a dressing room!
The Kitchen
The kitchen is designed in the form of an L and there’s a…
- freezer,
- countertop oven,
- refrigerator,
- 2-burner propane cooktop,
- and a ventilation range hood.
On one of the walls, you can hang your pots, pans, and cooking utensils.
The kitchen also has a double base stainless steel sink and a really compact slide out washing machine for your laundry.
But also check out these small washing machines.
This tiny house design even includes slide out trash cans underneath the sink. This area is also where the water heater is located.
The electrical breaker box is also down there too. Nice!
The Bathroom
To get to the bathroom… The wall just slides over and covers a book case. So you open the bathroom, and the shelves are covered.
Close the bathroom, and you see your shelves. I like this!
Go into the bathroom and there’s a full 32″ stand up shower and a fold out towel rod along with a…
- full window,
- powerful bath fan,
- shelving up to the roof for storage,
- and a built-in composting toilet.
They also included an extendable flip out mirror. There’s no separate bathroom sink, instead, you simply use the kitchen sink to wash your hands.
And don’t worry, because the extendable mirror reaches the kitchen sink.
Itty Bitty House Company Tiny Home Video Tour
Length: 11:19
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Alex
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I like it. It’s pretty well laid out. Maybe instead of the side by side fridge and freezer, I would’ve stuffed in a real oven, like travis162002 did. I would sacrifice desk space, and slide the kitchen down to make room for an armpit high fridge, then put a microwave on top. The doors are really nice and multi-function, which is cool. I wish they could have squeezed in a small sink, maybe 1 quart milk jug in size, just big enough to shake off a razor or clean a toothbrush. Do they make sinks that small and shape? One of the best layouts I’ve seen so far. I think the trim on the inside looks a little rough though, not as polished as the one Dan Louche made for his mom. Maybe it’ll look better with paint, stain, and better lighting?
Thanks Scott! I like the desk because it works for two people. So maybe this was a tiny house actually designed for couples? Great ideas. I wish there was a sink in the bathroom too, oh well.
Scott & Alex: Yes, camper stores, boating stores and even some major hardware stores have small fold out or up sinks. Boat stores also have many storage friendly things (nets, covers, and hanging storage) items you could add to a tiny house. The best is West Marine.com but there are others as well. Cruising Boaters too have to find ways to put space to best use and keep things ‘shipshape – everything with a place/everything in it’s place.’ I’d add some net or bungie cords over the shelves to keep things in place while driving down the road. Ditto in the kitchen for the cooking tools. Otherwise everything will end up on the floor…
I agree, some varnish, polyuritane, stain or paint would help this unit; although I love all the wood showing. I’d varnish or poly to let it show. I’d also add a fire extingusher to the unit immediate along with a smoke/fire detector. Still; great unit with some really good ideas.
The house is custom built so we can add almost anything as an upgrade. We do include a fire detector/carbon monoxide detector. A fire extinguisher(s) can be added at your convenience. The home is non-toxic so varnish/poly= poor indoor air quality/petro-chemicals/heavy metals/VOC’s/carcinogens. The wood work is completely finished with 3 coats of 100% tung oil which can be used as an exterior wood protector/preserver.
Let me know if this answers all your questions.
Andrew Gilcheck Designer/Builder
Itty Bitty House Co.
Hi Alex, I liked the house. However, it was a bit too tiny for what I’m going for. I’m in the process of drawing up a design that will meet the needs of those of us who would like to live more simply, but still like to be able to move around easier. My husband and I both like to cook, so a bigger kitchen is a must and we are getting older, so no upstairs sleeping quarters. My design has a full bedroom (I don’t want to have to fold the couch into a bed and back each day) and will also have plenty of cooking area. I’m trying to get all the particulars together so I can start collecting materials. I think a lot of other people would like my design too, so will let you know how it goes and when we finally get started on it, will keep you up to date with pictures. Keep up the good work. I love seeing inside all the tiny homes you’ve shown. By the way, is it still classified as a tiny home if it’s 12 foot wide and 30 foot long (included in that length is a 6 foot front porch)?
Dawn
Thanks Dawn. 12 by 30 is over 300 sq ft but you can still consider it tiny if you want. It’s more like a Park Model, right? But that’s still really small.
There’s always this if you really want a space saving sink and you want a flush toilet.
(link Expired: sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM6289299804P?ci_src=184425893&ci_sku=SPM6289299804&sid=IDx20130125xMPTLSx025)
Um. 52″ tv?
Otherwise lots of good ideas here.
Hahaha, I had the same thought. Could’ve probably done great with a 37″ but whatever, lol
I figured this would turn some heads/disgust people. 🙂
The debate, in my mind, I struggled with in including this feature is that you can obviously go smaller or eliminate the TV all together. Having a big screen was more of a way of showing what’s possible. My thought was for everybody that didn’t want to give up their big screen. Then they would start thinking of living more sustainable, smaller, simpler in all other facets of their lives, despite the one excess. We all have some “stuff” we don’t want to live without, for some it’s the big screen, for others it may be a big wardrobe, or something else. If every person that has a big car, big house, big TV were too downsize their house, which is the biggest environmental problem. We can all get to the end result we’re all looking for if the ideas are introduced in baby steps. Keep the great comments rolling…very intriguing!
Thanks, Andrew! So true. We all have our things. I’m glad you went with the big TV because it does show what’s possible in case someone out there is not willing to give something like that up.
I knew people would object to that, too, but I actually liked it when I saw it. Since 52″ is barely a foot shorter than me, I probably would go a little smaller, but I like your assumption.
It looks like a tumbelweed tiny house on wheels with some modifications to the design to me.
Which design did you think it resembled most, John?
The Tarleton; but
I was not knocking it Alex, you did a very nice job!
No worries! Thanks John! 🙂
Could do without a fridge unless you’re diabetic. The only utensil necessary is a wok. Opens up lots of possibilities when you detach from the appliances. TV? Why bother using LED lights everywhere if you’re going to be so attached to electricity? Perhaps if it was smaller, it could double as a large monitor for the desktop, but it’s too big and high for that.
Price? You gotta be kidding me.
Isn’t the purpose of tiny houses to be frugal and sensible? 55K for something on a trailer? It better come with a new truck to pull it.
😉
All that said with tongue in cheek. The house is nice and a lotta good work went into it. Thanks for the video.
Replace the TV with more bookshelves or a CD rack. Nobody needs TV.
Thanks Auntiegrav! Great thoughts. Inflation sucks. A new truck that can pull it costs almost that much! The TV IS huge, lol!
Loved it, leaves lots of room for adapting. Perfect for people who are on the go.
Thinking about it for my gma stays.
Thanks!
I always enjoy seeing these videos and bright new ideas that are incorporated in the tiny house theme. But 55,000 for a tiny house….come on. I know the company is in to make money, however how about more houses the are economical for the real working man. If I had 55,000 dollars I would probably just go and buy a house. But for $5000.00 or less, using cheaper building materials and possibly utilizing some recycled goods I would probably buy into the idea of a tiny house than. The original idea of a tiny house is to live greener and to save greens (money), especially at this day and age.
I always got sticker shock from them too but I go and look at a good quality travel trailer like an Airstream, and a small version of it MSRPs at about $40000. And some people are building them for A LOT less than $55k. That’s just if you’ve got the $ so you don’t have to do anything. I imagine they will be easy to finance soon, like RVs are.
Alex, You took the words right out of my mouth.
Thanks!
Its 2016 now and rent has gone insane and unfortunately so has the cost of tiny homes. anywhere from 55,000 to 80,000 as far as, I have seen at least in the Seattle area. when this started out it was to live cheep and easy. Our field is 78 by 225 ft. we don’t use it anymore it’s surrounded by white vinyl 4 rail fence so I thought that hey why not help out the college kids WSUV maybe get 4 get their rent down help get the homes paid off!!! Not now I saw a tiny home in Portland for $1600.00 a month rent, yes it was nice but come on. I may try and build my own with a little help. But so much for the great purpose of the tiny homes. The greed of this country . If I wanted to pay that much I would get an Airstream
A wonderful amount of storage throughout and I like the contemporary fell of the entrance/porch.
For me, I need a slighltly larger shower stall and a bathroom sink for shaving and teethbrushing.
Thanks Russ!
Hi just wanted to let you know that I love your tiny house videos. I know it is definitly something i’m interested in. I could truely live with a home that is paid for. I might build a couple and sell them myself and that would more than pay for mine. Then if I put wind and solar power to work no power bills, Awsome!!! Anyways love the videos be talking soon I hope. THANKS!!!
Thanks Darren! You rock!
This little house is beautiful, top quality, and very efficiently designed. The wood work is incredible. I am curious about the total weight of house + trailer. The price is out of my range, but quality does not come cheap. As I am mostly interested in 100% self sufficiency, I wondered where a fresh water tank would be. I assume the electric could be wired to a solar system. The only negative I saw was the copper pipes. But, if the house is designed with solar in mind, then copper for the hot water may be the only option. Well, stainless would be the ultimate, and maybe not so much more costly, since the size of the house is so small. I would personally prefer a small wood burning stove to the propane version. Bottom line, I would love to own this house. It would be great on my little property in the NC mountains. Thank you for being a one of a kind person who spends their time making something beautiful, practical and self sufficient, with an abundance of GREEN thinking and creation put into practice. Awesome!
Thanks Mariana. I’ll see if Andrew can tell us the approx weight.
Hi Mariana, Thanks for the kudos! The weight is 6,500 lbs. This home is ready for a water supply through an RV water supply hose. We offer an upgrade to add a fresh water tank, but we would have to jump up to a 10,000 rated trailer so you will be adding quite a bit in cost. The house is plugged in through a standard 110 extension cord so you can plug into your solar/wind system, 15 amp outlet, or a generator. I’m also curious on why you are opposed to copper pipes. We chose copper as it’s generally known to be the safest water supply as opposed to pex/plastic chemical leaching which has become the standard of today’s homes. With this in mind we can do Stainless steel as an optional upgrade. We would have to reconfigure the space a bit, but we could put in a small wood burner in place of the propane fireplace. If you go this route you will still probably have to open some window in the winter to prevent the small space from being overheated.
Thanks,
Andrew Gilcheck Designer/Builder
Itty Bitty House Co.
I wouldn’t worry about the copper pipes used in the plumbing. I forget the exact date but the leaded solder used for assembling the copper fittings to the copper pipes has been banned in favor of lead free solder alloys. If the solder is still a concern then using a soft copper utilizing flared fittings will eliminate the use of solder. Even though the solder flux is considered non-toxic there may be some concerns about chemical sensitivities where using the flared fittings would be the perfect solution.
Hi Mariana — There is not much that beats the scent of a wood burning fire, however… in my tiny house I was told, some years ago by an insurance agent, I would not be able to get insurance; they are considered a fire hazard. On the other hand, a propane/natural gas fireplace is considered a heat source and, therefore, are fully insurable. So I went that route and never had to clean up from bringing in messy firewood or the heart — just a flip of the switch and had a pretty fire and wonderful heat! I loved it.
Mame 🙂
Auntie Mame – any heat source is a fire hazard, but if using a properly designed one and it is properly installed, one is no worse than another. If wood stoves were fire hazards and uninsurable, then no one would have one and they wouldn’t be on the market.
A properly installed and operating wood stove will not have a ‘scent’. The newer EPA approved stoves are very clean burning, completely enclosed, give off lots of heat and with proper surrounds, are perfectly safe. I heat a 1500sqft house with wood and we recently had temps of -25F (-32C)
Propane is fine and is certainly automatic but if you have access to an unlimited wood source, then it makes sense to use wood. Your insurance agent is probably not up to date with his/her information.
I really like this itty bitty house. I wish I could afford one ! I would move in today! That’s not an option yet so I continue in my one bedroom apartment, which now seems HUGE. Best of luck to the company, I love your ideas and floorplan. I myself would do without the TV and add some more shelves.
Thanks, Lisa! I hear ya on the over-sized apartments. I’m in one right now, haha.
Fantastic attention to details. Only item that I would add would be Pella Slimshade venetians between the thermopane casement windows. Will need some sort of ladder access to the plant shelf area – great place for additional storage in trunks or decorative boxes. Over all, a fantastic and realistic plan. Bravo!! Do love the 10′ width also!! Finally, campaign flat drawer under the sofa storage pull handles would be welcome. Great job and please send me a private link to your company for future reference. Thanks guys.
Thanks, Dale. Right now you can find them on their Facebook Fan Page (Link Expired: facebook.com/pages/The-Itty-Bitty-House-Company/155013254550911) until they get their own site up.
This is a beautiful house! I was taken aback by the price though. One problem with almost all tiny houses is that the bed is reached by a ladder and I am older and don’t feel a ladder is safe for me to climb up and down. Also I have a piano an upright which is as compact as you can get but no tiny house makes provision for something like a piano. My cats are also indoor only and finding a space for 2 litterboxes would be a concern.
This is a very well thought out plan even though I have concerns for a piano and pet “equipment”.
Glad you liked it Angela. It does seem pricey but less so when you compare it to brand new Airstreams and such.
I guess you could have a desk custom made that converts from keyboard to desk if you’re willing to go to a keyboard vs piano. Could work with some creativity.
Major improvement in overall width. Maybe extend plant shelf enough for single sleeping area. I would like to see what the company could do with a Park Model format as they seem to have that great “feel” for what a small home should be. I see a few area of options if you are able to hook up to septic/sewer. They make a nice stool/sink combo that would work. Dormers over loft would give minimal extra room for storage.Kitchen space idea from Scott is a good option but I would add single sink and 18″ dishwasher as well as a convection/Micro over stove option.
Great ideas, Bill, thanks for sharing. I’d like to see a more efficiently designed Park Model too.
Yes nice little house. A few things again that I would change. If you move the house you have a lot of stuff flying so rubberbands or some kind of wood strip infront of the open shelfs. I also would not have a heating element with a coolong element together in a spot. So the oven would have to find a differnet home and the washer ,if it gets warm too.
As for the bathroom. I have on the boat a sink that I pull out over the toilet. So you use either of it but not both. And there are sinks out there which can move to the side too.
I like the floor also it makes me a bit nervous with all the different colour but it is nice. Liked the idea with the bathroom door ar a double function. Windows on both sides on top is great for the hot days and a tin roof is so nice when it rains.
Over all very sweet.
Thanks Stephany!!
I think that’s Andrew’s dog house sitting in his driveway. A place to get away from the old lady and watch the game in peace. The 52″ TV gave it away.
The interior is kind of cute. Layout is pretty standard. Good basic carpentry, could use finishing touches. (might not be included in the 55K price)
I was impressed, That is something I could go for, I like the fact it had 3 closets, I probably would exchange the freezer space for a built in convection oven. And a tiny corner sink in the bathroom would be nice.. What is the sq. footage of living space ? I may have over look it. If it was mentioned.. Dominick
The square footage is about 130, with the loft it’s just under 200. We can customize to fit different appliances/sinks.
Tiny corner sink would be really nice. I agree.
LOL
I especially liked the way they utilized every little nook and cranny for storage. Plus I loved the sliding bathroom door. I had one before in a full sized house and really liked it. They might consider a sliding screen door concealed in the wall by their front door.
Alex great find
Itty Bitty Tiny House Co.
Bravo Bravo
Nice looking work,so glad you addressed “storage” and “laundry”…Nice Work
Good Luck with sales…
Simple, well done, clean adaptable..Love the couch , big screen and long desk and lets not forget the spot for the dog….
Thanks again Bill
I am completely obsessed with these tiny houses. I loved this one. I loved the kitchen and bathroom. I am a book person and could have used more book shelves, but otherwise, the place was ideal.
We can replace the TV with ceiling to top of desk bookshelves. 🙂
I also think a more realistic approach to pricing would be a nice touch. I am trying to get a Park Model design down from $33.5K to $25K because I feel it is too expensive. For younger agile people this home might work at a lesser price, but for us old wore out codgers 200 sq.ft. per person with 9′ ceilings and 1.5 baths and sleeping area on the main floor is probably more doable if I can get the out the door price down to that $25K. I am VERY excited about the Thermasteel panels and the weight savings they offer in this type of construction.
Wow, heaps of storage, really functional too. I love it!
Glad you liked!
Really wonderful house. Were the dimensions mentioned anywhere? It seemed very livable and comfortable, but somewhat longer than the average tiny house. That is why I was interested in the length. Very pretty!
The House is 20 feet long with a 4 foot porch.
Andrew, how is your 24 ft trailer not already rated at 10K? I just ordered a 20 ft from C&B and the GVWR is 9.9k (5500 lb) axles. Yes, more expensive, but was my only choice at that size. Could be just this manufacturer. Your house design is one of the best out there. Are you going to offer plans?
We order our trailers custom for each home through a manufacturer out of Elkhart, Indiana. We are currently in the decision process of whether or not to sell our plans. If we do sell plans, we will announce it through our Facebook and our email list. You can like our Facebook page and/or subscribe to our email list by typing “subscribe” in the title of your email to [email protected]
It’s on a 24′ trailer and is 192 sq ft. Hope that helps!
So far, this is the best Tiny House I have seen. It’s got a composting toilet, which addresses the black water disposal problem. It has a washer machine, which I would want in any house that I purchased. Three closets! A dressing area! I think it is a very livable space for one person. And, there is even space for a small dog!
Non toxic is a very alluring feature for me. Love that the windows open completely and can’t resist a metal roof in the rain. I would keep my induction cooktop in lieu of propane stove and from my personal experience (and what so many repairmen have told me)….Haier is junk. Next to impossible to get parts and if you can finally negotiate it; cost is more than a new machine.
We do offer appliance upgrades, as well as custom floor plans for the time being.
Loved the itty bity house. Well thought out! Just wish the price was more reasonable. With the economy the way that it is, you can by a regular house for that price. I am a 46 year old female and now kids are grwon and out of the house. I would love to have something like this so moving is my option when I want.
Thanks Deborah
Nice layout, what alot of storage! Overall this is a nice little home.
What neat little place to live. I think the video tour is excellent. 🙂
This house was very nice, but again, only ONE way out. This state says TWO ways out. The police, fire department need to get to you in your TINY HOUSE. Also, climbing ladders, or bending over is out, so the oven and such would have to be on my eye level. With a trailer this long why not put French, or sliding doors on the side, and then build a portable porch once your set-up? Alot of great ideas, but alot of waste in the kitchen area again. Has anyone thought about extending it up to the hitch, there’s open space there, use it. Dusti
I would suggest to make the window in the sleeping loft a emergency exit. That could be used as the other way out if needed.. Dominick
You can add a rope ladder in the nightstand at the head of the bed to escape through the full crank out awning window. I’m 6’2″ 185 lbs. squeezed through and no ladder needed to reach the tongue of the trailer for myself. There are also 6 other windows that meet egress-(deemed large enough to exit by code) for other exits per building code. So we have 7 total exits per current building code and 3 more exits that many people can fit through, You could extend the house to the hitch but you may not want to turn a lot when you’re driving :p. LOL. But in all seriousness you could do a v shaped nose for extending it to the hitch.
The emergency exit should probably be used for extreme emergencies only , like fire, flood or home invasion. So a rope ladder wouldn’t be beneficial, just simply open window and escape. Tiny houses aren’t that far off the ground.
Thanks guys, great points that I’d never really put thought into before.
I saw this earlier. I love it! It meets all my needs. Plenty of storage, washing machine, freezer, double sinks, AND, at 55 years old, a place to sleep downstairs so I don’t have to climb a ladder!
Our next design will have a downstairs Super King sized bed.
Oh my! I don’t sleep in a bed that big now. A full size would be plenty. What will be the square footage of the next design?
We have multiple variations in the design phase. So they will range from about 98-140 sq. ft.
Is there a floor plan? Like to see one…
The floorplans will be up on our website when it is finished by this Summer.
I love it. Of course, it is bigger than any of Jay Shafer’s, which is why there is so much room for closets. It must weigh 5 tons! I does look a lot like the Tarleton. That ladder going up to the loft is too skinny to seem safe. But if it were any bigger you’d have to have someplace to store it.
The house weighs 6,500 lbs. (3.25 tons). The ladder has a system that secures it at the top and detaches easily to use for the ledge over the entry. You can also stand it straight up against the wall where it locks in.
The porch is nice, but wouldn’t that space be better used inside the home? Love the sliding bathroom door. There could be a hidden pullout counter from under the desk so you and a guest could dine at a table on occasion.
These are all options we offer.
As nice as it is I do agree about the porch space being better used inside instead. Also that hidden pull out counter under the desk to dine on is a very good idea as well…
I understand people wanting to use the porch space inside but I like the porch. Makes it feel like a complete home.
NIce, I liked the sliding bathroom door (my Murchtech house came with a metal door for the wet bathroom/shower – and it takes up a lot of room when the door is open). Also liked the slide out trash can – I hate seeing a garbage can in a room. Nice windows – including the one in the door. A lot of well-thought out storage ideas – my little house has very little storage, and I need to carefully plan what I can customize to make it more liveable. $55K is pricey, mine is a little smaller and doesn’t come with a trailer but at $12K I could do quite a bit of custom work and still be about 1/3 of the price.
I like the kitchen/bathroom sink sharing. I have a kitchen sink and a bathroom sink, and with so little room it didn’t seem necessary to have both.
This is a very thoughtful home! I liked the attention to detail in the closets, the bookcases, and the cool dressing area idea. I have a Haier and it works excellently. I figured out that it costs the same as going to the laundromat for 10 weeks. Spins out super dry too! While the tv was too big for me, it would be super cool if you could put it on an arm like the mirror you used and this would allow you to watch from the loft too or kitchen. I could do without the porch but would love a bigger mirror in the bathroom and a compact sind like the new Ikea one. You rocked this thing out very well. Great find Alex! 🙂
Love the closet space, and inspired too! Would most definitely state the dimensions in a video, though. After further research, I learned it was 8.6′ x 24′. A tad too big for my future plans, but, yes the porch is regal by ‘Tiiny House’ standards.
Its very nice, this is a house I would love to live in right now. I would almost say there is too much storage in this house.
I don’t think there are any tiny house builders here in Australia. I would have to build it myself.
Hey Waldorado, check this out.. In Australia..
https://www.tinyhousetalk.com/tiny-truck-houses-by-rob-scott/
I LOVE: The storage space. The larger refrigerator and the freezer! As a raw vegan you need fridge and freezer space, plus space to put your dehydrator which I see here. I love the fact that there is a shower and a toilet rather than a showertoilet. Plus more hot water, and a washer! Yey! Also fewer windows in the sleeping loft. I mean, you’re going to sleep up there. Light coming in would be counterproductive. Composting toilet.
Minuses: The interior is more cramped compared to, say, a Fencl. Guess you have to trade for all the shelves and closets. Also, the price. The 800 sq ft condo I live in costs less than that and with the economy I am going to have trouble staying here. So affording this would be out of the question. The exterior is ugly compared to the Jay Schafer tiny houses.
Thanks Linda, I love your honesty! It’s true, with real estate prices today you can pick up a 700-900 sq ft one bedroom condo for less than $70,000. Only problem is you’re usually looking at condo fees, hoa, taxes, etc, too.
I like! So many little things to mention. I love the house design.
I really like the freezer idea. I’ve been surviving with a toaster oven, microwave, and 2 burners for over a year, but gotta have more freezer space than most tiny house tours show. Like all small trailer built houses I’ve seen so far, the bathroom and kitchen are right next to each other. This is not ideal but in 20×8 (or less) there aren’t many other options and some of them are even worse.
Very inspiring house! I was wondering, Alex or Andrew, if tiny home designs ever have radiant floor or wall heating? That is, solar hot-water collectors supply both the domestic hot water as well as the space heating.
Thanks ET! This house isn’t set up for radiant heat because it would limit the portability, but we could set it up for radiant heat to be powered by solar collectors. That is if your not going to move around a lot…or if you don’t mind moving your solar collector setup. Solar hot water collectors are definitely going to be a great technology going forward.
I really liked the design of the house, I liked the porch and all the odds and ends. I liked that you are open to different customizing options. I feel that the price isn’t too bad, after all, a class C Rv is almost as much and less room. as stated before, I would like a pull out table for eating. well anyway, I really enjoyed the tour.
Thanks Lori! I’m thinking about different ideas for a pull out table right now.
Thanks, Lori. So true. There’s a sticker shock for sure, but when you seriously compare to RVs you realize it’s actually a great deal. Problem is, it’s still quite a challenge to finance unlike RVs, condos, and homes. We’re hoping to change that soon.
I don’t know… I think that the inside is nice but what I love about certain tiny house tours is that there is some originality. I feel like some homes are an improved version of tumbleweed houses such as this. I’m waiting for a company to really push the envelope. I’m looking to build a tiny home for me and my children soon this year. I want it to be tiny but also stylish and rather comfortable. I think that’s what most designers lack. Tiny doesn’t mean it lacks functionality AND beauty coincided.
Edwina I am doing some Adobe styles that can be converted to French Country or whatever. I feel the key is not to put the round pegs into the square holes. Dare to be a bold in what you want.But with children I would include a bath and a half(I do this on all my homes anyway) I usually figure 200 Sq.Ft. per person is plenty of small home room. Look at the expensive(The Cottage Company in Seattle) and the recycled(Texas Tiny Houses) and you probably fit in between.
Bill, hook me up with your Adobe styles. I’m building mine in NM, and have been hitting on that idea.
Randy I am on Face Book so lets take the conversation there. I think this blog is great for the home it is featuring but what I do would take away from this message.
Randy,
Where are you in NM. I’m in Las Vegas, NM and have been wanting to meet like minded folks close to home. Thanks.
RJ
Hey, really good tiny house. Like others have said, it really reminds me of the Tumbleweeds, and I like the same high quality of materials. I LOVE the storage space. (Jay Shafer has good storage, but I don’t want everything on display.) The two-desk idea is good, but coupled with the long couch, it gives me the “bowling alley” feel. In the video, I didn’t feel the desire to stop and sit on the couch because I was directed immediately to the kitchen. Also, great job with the bathroom door. Love that it slides “away” when not in use and you don’t even notice it. Good ideas. I will incorporate them into my future dream house. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it Jenna, thanks for commenting!
Brilliantly thought out, possibly the most appealing tiny house I’ve seen so far.
A couple of questions / suggestions:
1) Roll-out drawers under the large bench seat, rather than lifting the top.
2) More of a buy it yourself deal, but if the large TV was replaced with to-ceiling shelves with sliding doors or some variation, a micro projector could give you the large picture you might want for films etc.
awesome ideas!
RE my previous comment on the copper pipes. Copper is toxic, and hot water going through the pipes will cause leaching. I agree, plastic is bad, but it appears that some people have compared toxicity (leaching) levels of water from copper vs. PVC pipes, and it seems that PVC comes out ahead. Again, stainless steel would be best.
Very interesting info Mariana. I think you just convinced me to add stainless steel plumbing as an optional upgrade.
Although, after some further research I realized even stainless steel can leach nickel in toxic amounts. For myself I’ll stick with copper or stainless steel piping, used in conjunction with a counter top steam distiller for all my cooking and drinking water needs. Distillation removes all the toxic impurities (Chlorine, fluoride) that are already in city/well water supplies, despite the type of pipes you have.
Hard PVC may be safe for use, but with all the problems that are being found with plastics I’ll err on the side of caution. The current biggest known problems are with the production and disposal methods of PVC, even recycling PVC creates a lot of toxic environmental pollution.
I noticed the range hood and bath fan combo in this home. They are great for exchanging and venting in a tiny house. Did they put a timer on either one? Have they experienced any back drafting of the composting toilet?
We installed these at a request of a customer and then the customer switched to an incinerator toilet. One of the warnings on the toilet was not to cycle the toilet at the same time as running an exhaust fan.
We ran a cycle to clean the oils off the toilet and turned on the fan. The fan over rode the exhaust fan of the toilet easily.
This is a real composting toilet which doesn’t have a fan/bake element, so there’s no issues. We do offer RV toilets, as well as incinerator toilets, both of which will have no issue with the pressure changes from the exhaust fans.
Why is this considered a house and not a mobile home or trailer? I think most places would not find this to be code and you could not get an occupancy permit. In my county I think it would be considered a temporary structure because it has wheels and lacks tie downs and footings. Certainly is not wind resistant. Cute, well designed, but how practical is it really?
This is a house because it is built to the specifications of a high-end custom home, it just happens to have a trailer for the foundation, where as a mobile home is built with many toxic substances that won’t hold up over time. You are right that you couldn’t get this inspected for an occupancy permit, but you can “camp” in your yard/land 364 days a year in most municipalities. You are also right about the temporary structure classification, which is a benefit for a number of reasons, but the main one is that you won’t pay property taxes on temporary structures. As far as wind resistance, this house is made to stand up to the wind/vibration of road travel, where a standard house would fall apart. If you were to put in some concrete anchor piers, with footings buried below the frost line in your area, with an attachment eyelet you could strap a cable to hold the house to the ground in the event of a tornado/hurricane. With the footing attachment I would rather be in this home than any standard built home/apt./condo in the event of a disaster. You also have the benefit of being able to pull your house out of the way in the event of a flood/forest fire. I’m a licensed builder, I have been building homes of 900-4,000 sq. ft., for the past 15 years, that I know would not hold up to wind/earthquake/flood as well as the Itty Bitty House would. Practicality may still depend on your point of view. But I think a high quality, non-toxic, healthy home is something everyone should have access to. As opposed to toxic indoor air quality homes that are poorly built with cheap materials that fall apart and/or poison your family which is what is being built today. The indoor air quality of the average American home today is 3 times more polluted than outdoor air (source epa.gov). I could go on and on as I think I already did :), but more info on the value of an Itty Bitty House will be released on our Website this Summer.
Hi Alex and Andrew,
I thought you might be interested in an article that Bill Wilkins from Tiny Green Cabins just posted on facebook regarding the toxicity of copper pipes.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/02/11/copper-pipes-in-your-home-may-cause-heart-disease-and-alzheimers.aspx
Well Alex, you did invite me to comment!
There has obviously been some thought put into the design but I still find that Americans can design tiny houses as well as they can design small cars. There’s a lot of ‘features’ added to this house but none of it is well integrated.
For example, there are lots of closets and spaces for storage, but they are just deep shelves. Have you ever stored things on deep shelves? and found them again? Not conducive to storage in such a way that they items can be easily found and retrieved. Lots of small narrow shelves with small openings would be much more useful.
LED lighting and then an oven, conventional fridge? Save on lighting and then waste it all on inefficient appliances? What’s the point?
Shower is just a shower head sticking out of the wall – how ugly and is that a fibreglass shower enclosure? Waste of space and resources. How about a hand held shower head with shut-off, as we talked about once before?
Kitchen – there’s those hanging tools and pots again! Waste of valuable space.
Double sink but no counter space, it seems. What’s the point of a double sink? And there is no place to put washed dished anywhere.
Plumbing underneath the sink! Ugh! what a mess.
Outlets are in very odd places ( the bathroom one is inside a shelf!)
No talk about insulation. In a cold climate, I’d want a little mud room to keep boots, coats and keep the cold out when opening the door.
Overall the design is the same as every other tiny house on wheels. Surely there are more creative ideas than that?
It all looks very home made and at 55k, not refined enough for the spend. Spend a day in a small trailer and you’ll begin to see the thought which has gone into using small spaces efficiently.
Live in a small space for a year and then design a small house – it will be much different than this, believe me!
Still, at least we are thinking about downsizing and as far as sustainability goes, that’s a step in the right direction. I wish we weren’t so hung up on building tiny houses on trailers ( what sustainable piece of equipment would pull such a thing?) We should all be out on the streets to fight for out right to build whatever the hell size of house we want, wherever we want – that’s how it used to be.
Very nice! Obviously some very well-thought-out considerations in the design. The only things I found concerns with are the Electrical Panel under the sink, and the electrical outlet behind the couch cushions. Those two things would stop me cold from buying, even if they do pass code.
Love the house. I specially like the space for a king-size bed in the loft. That said, have you considered adding dormers in the loft section to widen the space out a little — that would make it less claustrophobic up there. Someone mentioned a sink in the bathroom — I read somewhere that over the toilet sinks were common in Japan…maybe that could be an option..with a wall-mounted medicine cabinet that might also be a good solution. Lastly, have you considered selling plans — let me know if you do. Thank you.
The ubiquitous “tiny house” plan but probably the best thought out of any I’ve seen published and apparently quality work. Have just read some of the other comments above. Anyone who has designed anything will know that compromise is necessary altho’ the word is anathema to American ears.
I need to plan for accessibility….. no tiny house will provide this, but I am not going to criticize this house because it doesn’t deliver my requirements. One always has choices but in the end we should strive to do our best within our means. This is a great example. Tx for sharing. Rich
I agree with Rich–it’s very well thought out. I’d make some minor changes, such as 1) eliminating the washer and having storage drawers in that space, since there’s no dryer anyway, 2) add a high quality skylight w/shade in the sleeping loft, 3) either have multi use of a 32″ computer monitor or a 27″ iMac instead of the large 50″ TV, 4) add handrails on the loft ladder, 5) add some type of water proof material to the bathroom floor and around the toilet for the obvious reasons, and 5) come up with some sort of cooling, even if only a wall or ceiling mounted oscillating fan.
Nevertheless, my alterations aside, this is probably the best design and quality I’ve seen in over five years of looking. Great job, Andrew Gilcheck!
Jim W.
Western NC
Why eliminate the washer just because there is no dryer? Didn’t you ever hear of “solar drying”?
PS- A few more thoughts. What about a window type air conditioner under the center of the sofa, vented to the outside? Use storage drawers on either side and a soundproofed lifting cover under the center sofa cushion for access. Also, use one of the front closets for laundry. Perhaps compact Haier washer and dryer units with a floor pan (or a small combo unit with storage for laundry items and dirty clothes above or below). Finally, if on-grid, use an induction range and electric ceramic heater instead of propane appliances. I’m always concerned with using gas in a small, tight space.
hello I was interested in the tiny small house I would like to get one im planning to move out of my perents house we don’t see I to I so I mite get one in a year I think a tiny house like so would be cheep to live in but I would like more info on were and how I can get one and will it be the same one in the video and can there be some small changes
Hi! Words can’t express how much I love the idea of moving into a tiny home like this! I’ve been dreaming of building an Earthship, but at this point in my life I want something more mobile yet still earth friendly!
I am curious though, would it be difficult to put in a staircase instead of a step ladder to the loft?
How cool does it stay in the summer with just a fan? It gets hot and windy here! Can you fit an AC unit in those tiny windows?
Also, it always looks like the bed is just a mattress right on the floor. Would something small like a day bed fit up there? Assuming you could get it up there to begin with.
Thanks!