≡ Menu

Tumbleweed Tiny House workshops teach participants how to build their own tiny houses from start to finish. These hands-on classes cover trailer foundations, framing, insulation, roofing, and systems installation. Attendees learn practical skills alongside other aspiring tiny house builders, gaining the knowledge needed to construct their own homes.

Workshop Curriculum

  • Foundation: Building on a trailer vs. permanent foundation
  • Tools: The essential tools needed for construction
  • Framing: Wall and roof framing techniques
  • Sheathing: Exterior sheathing installation
  • Insulation: Proper insulation and moisture management
  • Venting: Condensation prevention strategies
  • Roofing: Roof installation methods
  • Siding: Exterior siding techniques
  • Systems: Water heaters, appliances, toilets, air conditioning
  • Codes: Building codes, restrictions, and zoning information

Workshop Locations

Tumbleweed workshops have been held in cities across the United States including:

  • Orlando, FL
  • Santa Fe, NM
  • Nashville, TN
  • Honolulu, HI
  • Boston, MA
  • Olympia, WA
  • Washington DC
  • Chicago, IL
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Portland, OR
  • New York, NY
  • Santa Rosa, CA

[continue reading…]

{ 9 comments }

The Small House Book by Jay Shafer of Tumbleweed Houses provides an introduction to tiny house living and construction. The 197-page guide combines philosophy on simple living with practical building information, covering everything from the author’s experience in a 90-square-foot home to step-by-step construction techniques for trailer-based houses.

Book Details

  • Title: The Small House Book
  • Author: Jay Shafer
  • Publisher: Tumbleweed Houses
  • Pages: 197
  • Format: Full-color photographs throughout

Topics Covered

  • Living in 90 square feet
  • Simple living philosophy
  • Utilities: water, heating, cooking, electricity
  • Composting toilets
  • Building codes and permits
  • Trailer foundation construction
  • Framing and bracing techniques
  • Condensation prevention
  • Tool requirements
  • Tumbleweed design catalog

Jay Shafer and His Tiny House

Jay Shafer standing with his Tumbleweed tiny house

Image via Tumbleweed Houses

[continue reading…]

{ 0 comments }

The Small House Book by Jay Shafer of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company provides comprehensive guidance on tiny house design, construction, and living. The book covers floor plans, building techniques, and the philosophy behind small-scale residential architecture.

About the Book

  • Author: Jay Shafer
  • Company: Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
  • Topics: Tiny house design, construction, floor plans
  • Format: Print

Video: Discussion of The Small House Book

[continue reading…]

{ 0 comments }

Jay Shafer helped launch the modern tiny house movement through his founding of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company and later Four Lights Tiny House Company. His designs and advocacy brought tiny living into mainstream awareness, inspiring thousands to consider downsizing.

Jay Shafer in Parade Magazine

Jay Shafer featured in Parade magazine for tiny house movement

[continue reading…]

{ 0 comments }