HOW DOES hOMe DO IN A TRULY COLD CLIMATE?

Although we get our fair share of winter in the mountains of Oregon (and I’m talking 3′ of snow at a time kind of winter), we still don’t live in a truly cold climate like some of our friends in the Great White North! As such, you may want to consider building with SIPs for the envelope, including the floor system to eliminate thermal bridging and to increase the R-value rating of the structure.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR ELECTRICITY FROM?

We are off grid on our property. Our electricity comes from a 1,600watt solar system that charges 4 deep cycle, high quality batteries. On cloudy/rainy days, we charge our batteries with our generator. During sunny days, this system is enough to run an electric fridge, charge our 3 laptops, power our LED TV, run our LED lights, power our tiny vent fan for our composting toilet, charge our toothbrushes, and run a VitaMix and other kitchen appliances.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR WATER FROM?

We had a well drilled on our property that provides us with our water. We use our  solar system on a sunny day or our generator to power up the well pump, which sends water roughly 75 vertical feet up a hill above hOMe where it fills a 1,500 gallon above ground storage tank. Gravity does the rest of the work for us and provides us with decently pressurized water for hOMe. We fill the tank every 5-6 weeks.

HOW DO YOU HEAT YOUR WATER?

With a propane instant hot water heater. It is an Eccotemp FV-112LP. Having never owned a tankless system, we are amazed at how well it works, especially for its price point, which is very reasonable. The Eccotemp is stored inside our utility closet which stands between our kitchen counter and eating/working desk.

WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR TRAILER FROM?

Our hOMe trailer was custom made by a  local trailer manufacturer. It is 8′ 0″ wide x 28′ 0″ long. Our hOMe plans come with engineered trailer plans which can be taken to a local fabrication shop of your choice.

WHAT TYPE OF FUEL DO YOU USE FOR HEATING/COOKING?

Since we live rurally we use propane. We have two 100 gallon propane tanks which are filled every 6-8 months. We opted to go with such large tanks because our winters can be severe and our driveway is steep. We wanted to make sure we had enough propane to last us for several winter months in case the propane delivery truck couldn’t make it up our driveway because of snow and ice.

DO YOU OWN YOUR OWN LAND?

Yes, hOMe is located on 5 rural acres in Oregon.

HOW DO YOU HEAT hOMe?

The stove is made by Hampton and is fueled by propane. It generates a significant amount of heat and even in -10F weather, we had absolutely no issues staying warm. It has a wall mount, programmable thermostat as well.

WHAT ABOUT PRIVACY?

We live in the mountains and we have no neighbors who can see into our home so curtains are not necessary; however, one could easily add curtains to the house for privacy.

WHAT TYPE OF MATERIAL DID YOU USE ON YOUR INTERIOR WALLS?

We used a product called Iron Ply, which is actually a substrate for vinyl flooring. It is super light weight, very inexpensive compared to all other wall paneling options and easy to work with. We created gaps in between each panel by placing joist hanger nails at the edges of each panel to hold a consistent gap. We didn’t want it to be too big but also it couldn’t be too small. We attached each panel with adhesive and finish nails. We added a couple coats of finish paint over a primer to get the look we were after. We are super happy with how it turned out and that we saved at least 75% over what we would have paid for the expensive modern paneling systems that our system imitates.

WHAT KIND OF TOILET DO YOU HAVE?

We use a composting toilet made in Sweden called the Separett Villa. After trying several other options, we were thrilled to find this toilet and cannot recommend it enough!

WHERE DO YOU DO LAUNDRY?

We have a washer and dryer set up in our solar shed. The hOMe plans though do layout for a washer/dryer combo to fit under the stairs to the master loft.

WHERE CAN I PARK A TINY HOUSE?

Zoning ordinances are changing across the country as tiny houses gain popularity. I don’t know what the local zoning ordinances are in your area so can’t say for sure what’s possible for you. I can say that local resources are your best ones. Call your local zoning and building departments (anonymously at first) to let them know that you are thinking about living in a tiny house. See what they say. If they have concerns, write them down. When it comes time to formally approach them (not anonymously), come with answers and solutions to each of their concerns. Another option is to ask for a variance if they don’t have anything in the ordinances to support you living in a tiny house. Finally, you can join the efforts of others in the tiny house community to help bring about change in building codes and zoning ordinances in your area.

CAN I GET FINANCING FOR A TINY HOUSE?

Though in an ideal world, no one would have to get financing for their tiny house, sometimes that is a necessity to make the dream come true. Because tiny houses are becoming more popular across the country (and world), lending institutions are starting to pay attention. Start with local resources like credit unions as they tend to work with projects that inspire change in their community.

WHAT DOES “hOMe” MEAN?

The emphasis on the name “hOMe” is on the “OM”, which is a mystic syllable and often used as a mantra to obtain states of inner peace and calm. Because making the move to tiny was synonymous with us making a commitment to our inner joy and peace of mind, the name “hOMe” was born.

I HAVE A FAMILY WITH MORE THAN 2 KIDS. CAN I STILL LIVE TINY?

There are families living tiny with kids, so the answer is definitely: YES. If you want to have a moveable tiny house that may be more of a challenge; however, anything is possible and many are finding success with this approach.

WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR CABINETS?

All of our cabinetry, TV stand, and dressers are from IKEA.

WHAT SIZE TRUCK DO I NEED TO TOW hOMe?

The engineered estimate for weight is around 17,000# (including the trailer) though that varies from region to region and on what building materials one uses. You will likely need a 1 ton pick up truck to pull hOMe but may be able to use a newer 3/4 ton truck. Check with individual truck brands though to see how much their engines can pull.

HOW MUCH DOES hOMe COST?

For us to build it, it cost just a little over $33,000. That includes everything from the composting toilet, cabinetry, appliances, furniture. The only things not included are the beds and personal belongings in drawers.

HOW DO YOU INSURE hOMe?

We have insurance from Darrell Grenz Insurance in Portland, OR who brokers it with Lloyd’s of London. Other insurance companies are available for your tiny as well.

WHAT SLOPE IS THE hOMe ROOF AND CAN I ALTER IT?

Our hOMe has a 2/12 slope. In most cases, the lowest slope will be determined by the roofing manufacturer specifications. You can usually go fairly low with metal roofing and some extra attention to the deck preparation (roofing felt or adhesive). That said, anything much less than 2/12 is at risk of leaking due to wind driven rain.

Included in Architectural Plans

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