Lusby
117 square feet  Ready made: $46,997 Build it yourself: $21,000 |
slideshow |
| House width: | 8′ | Porch: | 7 ½’ x 3′ |
| House length: | 19′ | Main Room: | 6 ½’ x 6 ½’ |
Trailer Size:  |
7′ x 18′ | Kitchen: | In main room |
| Road Height: | 13′ 5″ | Bathroom: | 3′ x 6′ |
| Dry Weight: |
5400 lbs | Ceiling height: | 6′ 3″ |
| all measurements are approximate | Loft height: | 3′ 8″ | |
The Lusby is popular for its downstairs bedroom with extra loft sleeping above. The kitchen/main room has vaulted ceilings which make this tiny house feel much larger than it really is. The interior is completely finished in pine with stainless steel counters. The bathroom has a full shower, toilet and sink. Two full size closets flank the front door on either side.
Learn more: Connecting to utilties, Purchasing a house, Building a house
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Comments
195 Responses to “Lusby”
Two quick questions: does the Lusby have the tiny fireplace featured in many of the other homes? Also, the plans seem to indicate that the bathroom wall is flush with the downstairs bedroom but the photos show a short hallway leading to the bathroom. Is there a hallway? Thanks!
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 1st, 2008 5:10 pm:
The Lusby comes with a forced air heater. The little fireplace can be put in the Lusby if you choose. There is no hallway to the bathroom.
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Todd reply on July 21st, 2008 2:35 pm:
what is the differences between the little fireplaces and a forced air heater?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 22nd, 2008 12:44 am:
The forced air heater can fit underneath the bed. However, you can choose whichever heater you prefer.
teri reply on December 20th, 2008 8:45 pm:
I notice that none of the moving houses have ovens. Why? Don’t you bake?
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Andrew J reply on December 21st, 2008 3:37 am:
I think Jay said he would be including a small oven from now on.
Which brings up an interesting question I have…my wife and I have a cake business, and we want to build a Lusby/Tarelton as a mobile bakery. It would need to have a full-size oven and refrigerator, and three sinks, as health safety rules would go. I wonder how feasible this is.
Jay Shafer reply on December 21st, 2008 6:15 pm:
I see no problem. It will fit all of that and more.
Jay Shafer reply on December 21st, 2008 6:42 pm:
We’ve started including this one in the tiny houses we build.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0055417518463a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntt=oven&Ntk=Products&sort=all&Go.y=0&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&_D%3Asort=+&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=0&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1
It almost looks like the storage loft above the closets in the Lusby and Tarleton is large enough for a twin bed (39″ by 75″ or 80″ for a twin extra long). Would this loft area work for extra sleeping space?
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Daniel reply on June 20th, 2008 4:44 pm:
I think it could be a bed, and perhaps the lower part can be either a closet like you mentioned or even some time of office space too.
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Valerie reply on June 22nd, 2008 9:08 pm:
I did a mock-up of the loft space in my living room so I could see what a 3′ 8″ ceiling height felt like. I’m 5′ 7″ and found that, though a mattress would fit in the space you’re suggesting, if I stretched out on the bed my feet would hit the ceiling where it slopes to meet the wall. It could work for a child, though.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 24th, 2008 11:00 am:
Try lying the other direction. Your body should be parrallel to the ridge beam.
Valerie reply on June 24th, 2008 11:29 am:
Exactly. Which is why the storage loft in the Lusby, though technically big enough for a bed, isn’t big enough for an adult to lie in the bed…
Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 25th, 2008 6:21 am:
Yes, the storage loft is not large enough for an adult. However, if you wanted to extend the loft over the porch, you can do that. You can see an example here. Doing that would make the loft longer. In fact, you’re probably the third person I’ve discussed this with in the past couple months. After Jay’s tour, I’ll talk to him about creating a supplemental Lusby design with two sleeping lofts.
gerrie r. reply on July 27th, 2008 3:47 am:
Hi Valerie, I know what you mean. Here is what I posted on the TARLETON page.
The DOUBLE LOFT idea:
Don’t build inward and lose floor space and ceiling height! Build outward and increase the front porch space.
If you added an additional 12” to 18”, extending the depth of the front porch, you could have an extra, full, sleeping loft (or for storage) and have a usable porch that would accommodate two chairs or rockers, comfortably, and extend the outdoor living space, which, to me, is as important as the inside! The porches on some models are very narrow and I am a porch lover! Extra support would have to be added to the porch to support the new loft but it probably wouldn’t add to much weight, I don’t think.
This idea is for the TARLETON and the LUSBY models.
Another idea:
The LADDER! If you look at the photos of both of the models, that ladder takes up a lot of floor space (I am estimating close to 3’)! Especially, if you have two sleeping lofts with two ladders or WORSE sharing one ladder at night, this could be hard, OR WAR!
Suggestions: Both models have an interior wall (similar in both designs, the TARLETON has a large wall separating the kitchen/bath from the main room and the LUSBY has a tiny, interior wall separating the lower bed and bath from the main room).
These walls could be used to support a permanent, fixed ladder (like the kind that some office buildings attach to the wall for access to the roof) to get to the original lofts. If supported properly and given adequate, larger rungs, one could do away with ladders altogether and gain more permanent floor space. The bookshelf area, on both models, could be strengthened to support a similar ladder to the new, second, “guest loft” side.
These Permanent ladders, that I suggest, take more arm strength and coordination to climb so a portable ladder could always be on hand if needed.
Gerrie
Comments?
I can’t get these tiny houses out of my mind
I love the style of the WeeBee (the bump-out windows), but the Lusby has the interior space (1st floor room) that I need (and the open ceiling that I really like)
I looked across the website, and I might have missed it, but will it be possible to make changes? For me, a Lusby house with a WeeBee front would be incredible. Alas, I am not an architect.
Thanks! I love the site, and the houses! (I have a tumbleweed image as the desktop on my work computer. I swear it helps reduce my stress just LOOKING at a Tumbleweed house. I can’t wait to get started on one)
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Tracy reply on June 23rd, 2008 1:10 am:
I have been thinking the same thing, Nate!
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 24th, 2008 11:08 am:
We are working on the design you have suggested, and it will be available in about 1 month.
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Lisa reply on June 24th, 2008 10:34 pm:
I am so excited to read this. I have been thinking the same thing since I first discovered your homes.. I can not wait to see the plans. If it includes shelving space and a closet it is exactly the plan I want. I will be keeping an eye out for it.
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Jason reply on August 23rd, 2008 1:57 pm:
YES! I have been thinking the same thing. In fact, I got online to order the weebee plans the other day, but decided to take another look at the Lusby, where I saw these comments. I’m now waiting for the new design before I decide which plans to go with! So, ya know, the sooner the better!!!!
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Jack reply on September 10th, 2008 5:23 pm:
Has the design for Lusby with Weebee front been completed? I would like to scope it out.
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on September 11th, 2008 4:30 pm:
The plans are done, and we’ll be adding it to the site ASAP. The tank will fit in the Lusby closet.
Scott Hines reply on October 31st, 2008 12:05 am:
You mentioned the lusby plans with the wesby front are done but I don’t see them on the website yet. When will they be posted and what is the new model name? Thanks
I love these houses i want to own one so i can have a smaller impact on the envioroment.
But can these come with composting toilets.
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Nate reply on July 1st, 2008 1:05 am:
Evan, yeah, they can. The FAQ page has this info, and other questions answered, here’s the link:
http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/faq/whats-inside/
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 3:42 pm:
Absolutly. We can make them with a composting toilet, conventional RV toilet or insinerating toilet. (Although the insinerating toilet doesn’t smell too good).
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David Lutz reply on July 21st, 2008 10:54 pm:
I just completed the Humanure Handbook by Joe Jenkins and it is quite easy to simply create a 5 gallon bucket toilet that you empty after a number of uses into a compost pile. There is no smell as you cover each elimination with a number of handfuls of sawdust. I wouldn’t have guessed this is possible without many flies or smell but it works as I’ve used such a compost setup at Solarfest in Tinmouth, VT and was thoroughly impressed. Cheap and provides an excellent resource for your garden!
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Jessica Bauer reply on September 23rd, 2008 6:16 pm:
You’re absolutely right! Solarfest in Tinmouth had these toilets and they worked wonderfully for all 5 days that I stayed there to volunteer! They didn’t smell at all and there were so many people using them!
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I thought the same thing reguarding the WeeBee’s design and the Lusby’s space, if a new design comes out combining the two, please let me know, I plan on building one very soon!
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 3:46 pm:
The new design will be available relatively soon.
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As a lanscape artist I see your faboulous homes as a base of operations away from the hystle and bustle. However,
shipping from California is costly. Any companies that you can recommend that might build theses homes on this side of the Mississippi? Did you ever consider starting another base of operations in the scenic Shenandoah Valley?
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I am from Ontario and also would love to have one of these tiny homes. I too am looking for someone closer to home. If anyone knows of anyone.
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Have you ever considered making an off the grid version of the lusby?
You could easily place a small rainwater catch tank and small filter in just part of the upper spare loft of the lusby. Additionally you could even fit all of the systems you needed to have an all solar electric home (inverters, batteries, and charge controllers) in that space above as well. Maybe placing the batteries and charge controller in that spare loft above the closets if needed.
Using the simple propane air and water heating systems already in place and throwing in energy efficient lighting and refrigerator
Then there you have it..
an off the grid home.
And even if you get creative enough and still want that loft, you could build small boxes at the bottom of each closet and place the rainwater catch in one and the solar equipment in the other. Thus freeing up the above loft for further use.
And even further if you wanted a more water storage for longer more permeant use, you could completely substitute one of the closets for a tall rainwater storage tank.
Either way this could provide both free water for additional or sole usage.
just an idea.
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Jack reply on September 10th, 2008 6:29 pm:
I am considering a Lusby-Weebee combo with solar panels, simple composting toilet, and a water catch. I have listed a link to a rainwater storage tank that I think may fit inside one of the Lusby closets? Does anyone have the dimensions or know if this would fit? 75 gallon storage capacity: foot print 20″ x 24″ x 42″. Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on September 11th, 2008 4:26 pm:
I’m sorry, Ada, but I think that Lusby already sold. We need to remove the posting.
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Oh also mounting the solar panels to one side of the roof would do it.. maybe 3? of them would fit all of your electric needs and it being a moveable home, you can orientate the solar side of the roof to south to optimize performance..
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Any setups with solar panels?
Seems all that roof space could be used.
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Chris, I was just thinking that same thing as I was looking over this fantastic site. If you could work in a solar power supply (I hadn’t even thought about the rain water catch. Brilliant)… off the grid!
Oh, I think I might have to find a nice 5 acres some place and plant one of these right in the middle and call it heaven on earth
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Jacquelyn F. reply on December 20th, 2008 9:32 pm:
I found a great website about solar panels. Build your own 60 watts solar panel from scratch. http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_60_Watt_Solar_Panel/
I am also very very interested in these tiny houses and can’t wait to start work on building my own. Then I will be living off the grid as much as possible, compost toilet, wash/dryer combo (if needed), solar power, rain catch, etc. So great to know there are so many like-minded people out there too.
Thanks to the Tumbleweed Tiny Houses. Great IDEA!!
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I’ve been turning the Tarleton design over & over in my mind today and I just can’t quite make it work the way I want it to. Perhaps the Lusby would be a better option, if I could put the toilet against the exterior wall (I’m planning to use a composting toilet anyway), use a non-swinging bathroom door, and eliminate the bathroom sink (the kitchen sink is enough sinks for one tiny house, I think!). Would doing all of that give me just enough room to stuff a King size mattress into the bedroom?
From reading the dimensions, it sounds like there’s a maximum of 60″ available for the bedroom, but the drawing shows what looks like a little room for a night stand on one side of the bed. Might that give me the 16″ I need for a 76″ wide mattress?
Would I have to shove the kitchen down into the closet space (and move the closet into the bedroom) in order to leave enough room for the shower and the intermediate wall?
What are the shower dimensions? What are the options for handling shower flows if we’re not hooked up to public sewers?
Also, I looked on the What’s Inside page and a few others, but I don’t see anything on tiny fireplaces. Where can I get more info on them? Can I substitute a tiny woodstove for the stove? Wood is a lot more accessible than propane in the places where I’m planning to go, though a small propane-powered hot water system will probably be necessary to use the shower.
Thanks!
~ Crystal
P.S. Chris, I was thinking the exact same thing — rainwater catchment and solar electrics in the loft space!
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PJ reply on November 9th, 2008 11:43 pm:
I have found two sites with great small stoves that would be perfect for tiny houses. http://www.marinestove.com, woodstoves and Dickenson marine these are the propane stoves you see on the tumbleweed site. Good luck, PJ
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I wonder…how much would it cost to make an off the grid little house. Since i think solar panals are expencive. And if there is someone who would build it since i think this kind of modification might be to much to ask the tubbleweed company to build for me.
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Linda reply on July 21st, 2008 3:40 pm:
I am sure they are charging you for the plans alone. To build it would be more expensive. Unless I missed the “Cost of building” link or something. I would like to see more pictures of these houses, inside and out. They are very cool.
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Jacquelyn F. reply on December 20th, 2008 9:38 pm:
Linda,
This might help answer your questions about solar panels. Not sure if you want to make your own, but its cheap.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Build_a_60_Watt_Solar_Panel/
Hope this helps.
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Hey there, I love your site - who did it if I may ask? -I’m a web developer over at redtiedesigns.com and I was thinking about adding on another excellent wordpress developer to our team.
Thanks,
Ben
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 3:13 am:
I draw ideas up with colored pencils and Steve critiques them and turns them into something digital. But you can’t have him.
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I am in need of a reality check. I’m a mother of 3 boys, and am considering building one of the smaller Tumbleweed homes. I recently ordered the portfolio, and definitely plan to build a Tumbleweed home, but which one will mostly be up to the bank and what exactly they are willing to finance. The more I think about the idea of minimizing, the more I like the idea of the homes less than 150 square feet. I think that having less indoor space will motivate my t.v. and video game loving boys to migrate outdoors during the nice weather (not to mention their bookworm mother). With that being said, I am also somewhat of an extremist and often get carried away. What in your opinion(s) would be the minimum size home for a mother and three boys?
Oh…we are small people also. I’m an even 5 feet, and my sons’ projected heights aren’t more than 5′8-5′10 fully grown. However, I realize that doesn’t matter in the area of rowdiness and horseplay.
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Nicole Marie reply on August 1st, 2008 5:44 pm:
Hi Brandi,
I think you’ve got a great idea but let me share a family story with you. My great aunt raised 5 kids in a 700 sq ft student housing unit in the early 60’s, while my great uncle was in graduate school. In the summer she had an additional 5 kids when my mother and her siblings showed up. That’s right 12 people in a 700 sq ft space! My mother says no one liked it and that her cousins always felt crowded even when the other kids were not around. One of those people grew up and went into design and construction and has a great rule of thumb for designing with families. “A person needs 100-120 sq ft to feel comfortable.” I think the goal of living in a Tarleton is great, but since you’ve got your boys for the sake of familial bliss go with the Loring or Bodega or similar with the extra room. You get your space, the boys get the loft, everyone is happy. You can always move into a Tarleton once they are grown and out of the house. Good luck in what ever you choose!
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Brandi S reply on August 2nd, 2008 11:42 pm:
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I certainly don’t want to make their childhoods miserable by having them always feel cramped. After some reasoning, I agree that one of the larger Tumbleweed homes is also a good idea and would be a better fit.
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Ben Brown reply on August 31st, 2008 5:31 am:
Marie/Brandi,
I know of three interesting housing examples where the family had separate living structures dividing parents, family or functioning. One friend had his own tiny home behind the “main” house where the kids and wife normally resided (until the teens left, then he moved back in) . In another the kids had their separate quarters, in the next building the parlor/kitchen/dining area/bathroom and the parents their own building - these were all connected by very short walkways (the teens walk way was longer 16′). The last example a married couple kept two separate homes on two farms 6 miles apart with their joint children migrating between the two households. Their homes were under 1600 sq ft.
I’ve actually thought if I could convince a partner to have 2-3 tiny “homes” rather than a larger single space to allow me solitude I need to write/practice/study.
WOW. Keep us posted.
People have raised large famiies in small houses or apartments for generations. And you’d think with the miniturization of appliances, electronics, etc, it would be easier than ever..
But can 3 modern boys overcome the consumerism and privacy demands that are the norm for today? Personally I think your reality doesn’t need as much checking than the standard suburban reality which seems to have gone the way of Disney World and Reality TV. But not sure what 3 young boys would think. It certianly would equip them with some tremendous life lessons and values..
How small? Maybe go rent a small rustic vacation cabin for a few weeks and see how that goes and start from there.
Guess you could also build small modules like a little compound - gets you the feeling of more space and privacy without much more cost or upkeep…
Very ballsy of you to even consider it. Congrats on the thought and good luck. Maybe you will get your own reality show on green tv!
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Brandi S reply on August 2nd, 2008 11:39 pm:
Thank you for your input! We are currently in an 1800 square foot home we have put up for sale. While we are waiting for the house to sell, I’ve been experimenting to see how much space we really need. I’ve put all 3 boys in one very small room, and at bedtime, they seem to feel more secure knowing they are all in the same room.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 2:36 am:
Chris Alexander highly recomends “dorm” sleeping in his “Patern Language” book.
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Could a pop out window/daybed be achieved on the Lusby? I would sacrifice the porch in order to have more inside seating and light.
p.s. Thanks for inspiring so many…I show people pictures and it always amazes me what an excited and happy reaction they receive.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 3:07 am:
I just recently combined the Weebee with the Tarleton and came up with something we’re calling the Fencl. It’s in the new portfolio. The same could be done with the Lusby.
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Has anyone built a tiny house in Hawai’i? If so, what modifications — if any — were necessary? I love the idea of an off-the-grid house, especially for living there (on Hawai’i Island, in particular — and I ADORE the idea of turning one of the closets into a catchment space!).
I was also wondering about modifications to the Lusby, adding more porch space, and maybe even larger windows. My daydream about modifying for Hawai’i includes some kind of added eaves (maybe fold-down?) to keep out rain and provide more shade; perhaps the underside could be screened and become an additional porch or veranda space.
Any thoughts? ideas? suggestions? Mahalo!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 3:04 am:
I did actually customize one of the tiny rolling ones for HI by adding a wrap-around porch once.
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Steve,
I received the portfolio and love it! I really love the Whidbey (the bump out windows are just so incredibly cute on all the houses that have them). I do have a question about the math on the Whidbey. I can’t figure out how the total square feet equals 444 without the extra room, porch, and loft included. When I try to figure the square feet based on the footprint, I get 348 minus the porch. When I add each room, I get a different number. I’m not trying to knitpick, but I am not a math-minded person at all, and I do need a good idea of how big this house is because I am seriously considering it or the B-53 in the (hopefully) near future. I know the B-53 is a sure thing in being big enough, but I like the Whidbey’s style so much that I’d rather have it than the B-53 if possible.
Thanks!
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So I’m convinced that this is the way to go for me…every way i see it. I know a tumbleweed would make me happy the only question on my mind is for people like me that live in south Florida, a hot and humid state, not only do i not need a fireplace but would benefit from air conditioning… so would the tumbleweed company design for customer that live in such places? would I be better off on planning how i can add air conditioning? perhaps one that feeds hopefully from solar panels? any ideas? exactly what how are the homes ventilated? maybe the answer is somewhere in the site but i haven’t seen it yet. Thanks : )
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Hunter reply on August 13th, 2008 9:01 pm:
i’d like to build a tumbleweed house in Tampa and will definitely have A/C. Any luck discovering any options?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 1:22 am:
A small window unit works on most houses.
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Christopher reply on August 16th, 2008 1:12 am:
I had the same concern about the A/C, so I went to Home Depot for some ideas and saw these portable air conditioners. The sit on the floor on four wheels and have an air hose running out of them (similar to ones on dryers). You put the hose out the window like you would a window A/C but this way you wouldn’t have a large thing blocking your light. Plus, it can then be rolled around easily. I have never seen one of these houses except in pictures, but maybe, for example, you could put the portable A/C in the storage loft. This would not only blow the air on you while you’re sleeping, but it would keep the main room free from obtrusion and keep the unsightly hose up in the window of the storage loft.
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Miller reply on August 16th, 2008 1:41 pm:
Have you considered the “Mr. Slim” option from Mitsubishi? It is a ductless system that has an external condenser. The blower could be mounted high on a wall and cool the entire house. I believe this system will cool up to 500 s.f.
Link: http://www.mrslim.com/Products/Category.asp?ProductCategoryID=24
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 2:29 am:
A widow unit will fit in pretty much all of them.
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has anyone ever bought an already built tiny house and then attatched solar panels to it.
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Is it possible to use the downstairs sleeping area as a den/ office?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 19th, 2008 8:38 pm:
Yup. The last one we made had a sewing room in there.
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My wife and I have figured out all but where this thing would go. Does anyone have some good ideas about where you would live that would allow you to have easy access to water and sewage…and possibly an electrical hook-up?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 19th, 2008 8:42 pm:
I rent a spot in an orchard and hook up to my landlord’s house w/ an extension cord. I use a composting toilet and I get wifi.
I also used to live in my own backyard and rent out the big house to cover mortgage and taxes.
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Hi Jay! Curious: in the loft of the tiny houses, or maybe the extra bedroom of the lusby: can you fit a KING size bed/mattress? Slowly saving our pennies…
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Jay Shafer reply on September 1st, 2008 8:31 pm:
Just barely, but yes.
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none of these have ovens do they? just a two burner stove?
I love the concept, but I can’t quite wrap my mind around actually living in one… maybe for a single person, or a couple with no kids… but add even one child into the mix (let alone pets - we have 3 indoor only cats as well as our daughter) and I can’t really see it working. I would love to hear first hand from any families successfully living in one of these teeny homes though. It really does appeal to me. I look around here and we have soooo much stuff… some of it I wouldn’t want to get rid of, like the computer, can’t imagine where we’d set that up in something like the Lusby, other than the extra loft (maybe do the extension over a slightly enlarged porch like I saw in one example)… I’d love to live in that I think, though my husband wouldn’t be able to let go of his need for ’space’ I think. ah well, I’ll continue to dream.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 12th, 2008 3:37 pm:
Frankly, I can’t wrap my mind around that idea either. I think more than one or two people living in one of our Teeny houses would be difficult for most people. I’d bump up to a Tiny with no less than 2 bed rooms or maybe just 2+ Teennies.
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Romney reply on September 14th, 2008 6:18 pm:
I can’t imagine permanent living in a Teeny house, but we are considering extending the little loft in the Tarleton over the porch, and using the house for vacationing with our 2 boys. Once the boys have left home, perhaps we will be comfortable enough that we can rent our house and live in the Tarleton all year round.
The question I have is about trailers. it looks like the trailer used for the Tarleton is 7′ x 18′ on a 8′ x 19′ house size. If I extend the porch out another foot are there structural issues I should be concerned about?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:55 pm:
Hang all the extra off the back and you will be fine.
Shouldn’t there be blinker lights on the end of the house/trailer, so that people, know when and where you are turning? I don’t see them in the picture, but seems kind of unsafe if there aren’t any…
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Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:21 pm:
The removable lights are put back on for travel.
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I’m a few years off from being able to consider owning a home, but building a Lusby (or something similar that may come along in following years) is on the top of my list when the time for home ownership comes. But I also love to bake, and as Kristi pointed out, I haven’t seen or read anything about them having ovens. With all the other features these homes come with for such a small space, why not an oven (nothing big, but maybe able to hold a casserole dish, banking sheet, etc)? Thanks!
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Daniel reply on September 14th, 2008 7:43 am:
If you’re interested in having an oven, you should look into ones made for boats. They’re a little smaller than a standard houshold Stove/oven, but can be a bit more expensive too.
Here’s an example for propane:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|406|694|319790&id=105734
Here’s an example for electric:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|406|694|319790&id=60194
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Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:54 pm:
Behold the new oven we will be including… http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp;jsessionid=P5K3GRLL4BJN1LAQBBICCN3MCAEFCIWE?id=0060715517180a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=stove%2Foven&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=stove%2Foven&noImage=0&_requestid=30598
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Mary reply on October 13th, 2008 1:59 am:
Oh my gosh—that stove is wonderful! This had been driving me nuts—how to have a small oven to go with the 2-burner cook top, without going to microwave/toaster ovens, which aren’t really practical with a small solar electric set up. The RV stoves I found were 3-burner models and just too big.
This is perfect (doing happy dance.)
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Celeste reply on October 20th, 2008 5:30 pm:
With that oven, I’m sold!
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I would love to attend one of your building & design workshops. Do you have any plans to hold something in British Columbia or maybe even Seattle area. Oregon is a bit too far, but these little houses are perfect for west coast Canadian living.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 20th, 2008 3:54 pm:
I hope to hit B.C. someday. But, for now, the closest spot we have planed in Portland.
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This is definitely my future home, these things are so amazing and perfect for people on the road. few questions though.
First off: Plumbing, how dose that work for these houses? where if at all would you get or store the water? and is water heated by gas or electricity? In fact what do these things run on!? Don’t know much about these things, as you can see, heck I’m still a student in High school, but I’d like to know as much as I can about these because I’ve been seriously considering buying one.
Second: you can hitch these up to average cars right? like a trailer?
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Two questions:
I just bought a California King (I am 6′ 4″ and have never slept better) bed and wonder if any of the houses can accomodate one?
Also, do you ship to Hawaii?
Philip
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Jay Shafer reply on September 28th, 2008 5:31 am:
1. All of the stationary houses will fit a California king. The Epu and Weebee will too.
2. Yes, but it would get expensive. I recomend hiring a local builder.
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Jay - Any chance of posting some plans or pix of the Lusby/Weebe combo? Also, what is the longest flatbed trailer out there? Considering a longer Lusby design with the bathroom in the very rear, like some RVs. Lets go for 25′ as a “family model”. May need a semi to pull it …
Later - A
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Jay Shafer reply on September 28th, 2008 5:10 am:
All will be revealed as soon as I learn how to do the web updates. I’m looking for a tutor in the North Bay area.
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jay, are there places in the lower 48 that are tumbleweed friendly? meaning a place were the building codes acomadate these small homes.a KOA camp is verry exspensive and a trailer park they will not let you bye your lot..in central florida you are reqwired to have 5 acers or more to live in one of these..i want to live in a house that i can pay off in my lifetime and not have my house enslave me till the day i die.if you are fimillure with sutch a place please let me know becaus i want to go there. FRANK.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 3:53 am:
Hi Frank. All of our midsize houses (250s.f.- 800s.f.) should meet all IBC size restrictions, and the little ones should get around such building codes because they are not buildings. They are vehicles. Beyond that, your question does provide me with the perfect opportunity to get up on my newly enlarged soapbox. Thank you for the opportunity, and please bear with me.
Laws dictating how small our homes can be were introduced back in the 70s and 80s by lobbyists from the housing industry. It had become clear that, as the number of houses being sold by the industry leveled off, fiscal growth would remain possible only so long as the size of their product was increased. Size restrictions were thus written into building code at the federal level and adopted by municipalities throughout the US. Banks quickly followed suit by providing loans only for houses large enough to warrant the cost of the land on which they would sit. Local zoning, in turn, ensured exorbitant land costs by generally demanding that each little house sit on a parcel no smaller than one required for a large structure.
It is now literally illegal to build a new small home in most populated areas of the United States. And, even if it weren’t, financing the construction of such a dwelling is all but impossible.
Our socialist economy cannot sustain the burden of imposed excess in the same way that we were told the capitalist model would. American citizens cannot be expected to buy more house than they need solely for the purpose of padding the pockets of our banks and industries then be expected to provide more padding for those same pockets when this unviable system fails. Allowing citizens to live beyond their means is one thing. Mandating that citizens live beyond their means then taxing them again to cover the inevitable damage caused by such unsustainable policy is quite another.
Americans should be allowed to live as simply as they see fit. More house than one needs means more time spent on maintenance, more money spent on a mortgage or rent and more greenhouse gasses and senseless consumption of fossil fuels and other vital resources. It also means more foreclosures and more bailouts in our future. The only entities minimum size standards seem to have served are the housing industry and the banks that pushed for them in the first place. Now, even they are reaping the consequences of their actions (albeit consequences dramatically lessened by subsidies so generously provided by American taxpayers).
As long as the law ignores justice and reason, then just and reasonable people will ignore the law. At this point civil disobedience is not only justified, for many it is the only option. The people of this purportedly free country will live in houses of any size that suits them whenever reasonable egress and land ownership or a landowner will allow. Thousands are already living beneath the radar in structures commonly regarded as too small to meet code. These folks live largely outside the system of imposed excess, and they do so within the rights granted to all of us by the Constitution of the United States. It now remains for our banks, zoning and building codes to catch up.
While it may still be illegal to live in a small house throughout many parts of this country, most areas do allow you to store a trailer in your yard. If someone wants to camp out in it on occasion, that’s fine too. I believe code makes no official distinction between “inhabiting” a structure and “napping” in it. I bought a house in 2000 and camped out in my own backyard for years with the City’s blessing. The rent collected on the front house covered the mortgage payments.
That said, most people do not advertise their borderline-illegal living situation to their local municipality (or the rest of the world) as openly as I have. It seems most officials would rather not be put in the position of upholding or refuting unconstitutional and/or unpopular laws. Small housing regulation and its enforcement has, for most jurisdictions, become a matter of don’t ask don’t tell.
It is sometimes easier to ask for forgiveness than permission… and put some wheels on your house just in case some official starts thinking his rules trump reason.
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Mary reply on October 23rd, 2008 2:37 am:
There’s always a place for a good rant.
Increasingly, I suspect it’s not so much the size of these homes that bothers some folks the most. It’s the freedom they represent. If one does not have to grind 40+ hours a week at a job one doesn’t much care for to pay the bills; then easing one’s stress with shopping, high priced vacations and so on—why the wheels might just fall off the economy.
Last time I checked, wheels seemed to be falling off pretty good right now—and it’s not because millions have suddenly moved into small homes and boycotted the shopping malls. The system is being crushed under the weight of it’s own arrogance, stupidity, and greed.
Mary
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what are the actual dimensions of each room in the Lusby? Especially the ‘main floor’ bedroom area? but wanting to know all individual room sizes….
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Jay Shafer reply on October 22nd, 2008 3:41 am:
Click on “more dimensions” on the Lusby page.
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So, how to the bathrooms, water, and heating work in these places if they are not on the ground? Can I just buy land somewhere and have this there without plumbing on the land? Thanks! Michele
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Can a queen sized bed fit in the downstairs bedroom of the Lusby?
If not, what is potentially the largest size?
Thanks. I love these things. /:)
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OH I HAVE AN IDEA…..
Also if someone didn’t want to utilize the trundle/bed it could be used as additional storage/shelving.
I noticed there were some concerns with the loft space not having enough room for adults to stretch out for sleeping. I also noted the suggestions were to extend out over the porch. Instead of adding square footage which defeats the purpose in design what if you created some type of a Trundle mechanism, instead of sliding/swinging out from underneath like traditional trundles - have it slide down from above making a larger sleeping surface, two twins make a king sized bed
I have the design drawn out already
10/24/2008
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Hi,
I was trying to find the Lusby bedroom dimensions too, they aren’t listed in the dimensions, but I am guessing from the other dimensions that the bedroom and bathroom are about the same size and run parallel to each other - is that correct? Could you eliminate the wall between the kitchen and bedroom area without effecting the structural integrity, and make the bedroom into a couch/bed/living area?
Nancy
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Johanna reply on October 27th, 2008 4:38 am:
I was thinking the exact same thing, would this be possible? Also, what is the height of the loft? Would I be able to make the loft a comfortable office area with a normal desk and chair or is it too short to sit up on a chair in? Thanks! I love your houses, I just wish I had the money to pay for it all at once.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 8:11 pm:
It is not only possible, it would be easier and cheaper.
Better skip the loft chair and sit on the floor though. Your feet could stick thru the floor to make it more cozy.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 8:59 pm:
That BR is about 3′ W x 6′-2″ L. Taller folks have to sleep side-ways. Taking out that wall poses no problem whatsoever.
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why does your blue prints cost so much i do like the lusby very much but one question could the upper loft be made a little bigger and could your blue prints be change
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TommyO reply on October 29th, 2008 12:26 am:
Architectural designs are always pricey, frequently far more for stock plans than the Tumbleweed House home plans.
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I really like the design of the Lusby but wonder how someone could live in a home like this in more of an urban area where there are various zoning laws, codes, etc. I would also like to know if your only options for places to live would be a trailer park or campground.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 30th, 2008 9:54 pm:
There are so many restrictions and so many more loopholes. I advise just asking your local officials if you are concerned. I’ll cut and paste this response from last week in too for what it’s worth…
Laws dictating how small our homes can be were introduced back in the 70s and 80s by lobbyists from the housing industry. It had become clear that, as the number of houses being sold by the industry leveled off, fiscal growth would remain possible only so long as the size of its product was increased. Size restrictions were thus written into building code at the federal level and adopted by municipalities throughout the US. Banks quickly followed suit by providing loans only for houses large enough to warrant the cost of the land on which they would sit. Local zoning, in turn, ensured exorbitant land costs by generally demanding that each little house sit on a parcel no smaller than one required for a large structure.
It is now literally illegal to build a new small home in most populated areas of the United States. And, even if it weren’t, financing the construction of such a dwelling would still be all but impossible. We have thus become the most over-housed, mortgage-bound country in the world. The median American house measures in at about four times as big as the international average.
Our new nationalized economy cannot sustain the burden of imposed excess in the same way that we had hoped the capitalist model would. American citizens can no longer be expected to buy more house than they need solely for the purpose of padding the pockets of their banks and industries then be expected to provide more padding for those same pockets when this unviable system fails. Allowing citizens to live beyond their means is one thing. Mandating that citizens live beyond their means then taxing them again at the back end to cover the inevitable damage caused by such unsustainable policy is quite another.
Americans should be allowed to live as simply as they see fit. More house than one needs means more time spent on maintenance, more money spent on a mortgage or rent and more greenhouse gasses and senseless consumption of fossil fuels and other vital resources. It also means more foreclosures and more bailouts in our future. The only entities minimum size standards seem to serve are the housing industry and the banks that pushed for them in the first place. Now, even they are reaping the consequences of their actions (albeit, consequences dramatically lessened by subsidies so generously provided by American taxpayers).
As long as the law ignores justice and reason, then just and reasonable people will ignore the law. At this point civil disobedience is not only justified, for many it remains the only option. The people of this purportedly free country will live in houses of any size that suits them whenever reasonable egress and land ownership or a landowner will allow. Thousands of Americans are already living beneath the radar in structures commonly regarded as too small to meet code. These folks live largely outside the system of imposed excess, and they do so within the rights granted to all of us by the Constitution of the United States. It now remains for our banks, zoning and codes to catch up.
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I really like the idea of the two bedrooms, but we have two kids, a boy and a girl, so they need separate beds. They’re also too little to really sleep in a loft area without being tempted to jump off. We really like the idea of having our house portable since we plan on moving in the next year or two and it would be nice to bring our house along. Is there a way for one of these houses to be a little bigger but still be road-friendly?
What kind of trailer or wheels would be needed for one of these houses and how would we go about getting them?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2008 5:25 pm:
Bigger is not a problem. I suggest connecting two end-to-end with a shared porch (breezeway) between. This is what the settlers called a dogtrot. A local utility trailer dealer will sell you the foundation.
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[...] in year round. We got ourselves really excited and ended up falling in love with the Lusby. It’s this absolutely adorable tiny house on wheels that’s only 117sqft, not [...]
jay, you are brilliant.
im anxious to be living in one on these beautiful homes. when ever i talk to my friends and family of the idea, they look at me like im crasy. hopefully in a year or soo, ill be ready to take this big step in my life. and im soo exited that when ever i think about it, i cant even sleep. i would love to be able to see one of these tiny homes first hand. i know that johnson lives is iowa city and you live in california. i live in missouri and would not mind at all to be able to drive to iowa and look at johnsons home first hand. is this at all possible or am i just too exited and asking too much from you guys?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 5th, 2008 3:24 pm:
Greg is a very hospitable guy. I’d bet if you contacted him at resourcesforlife.com and offered to buy him lunch in exchange for a tour he would be happy to show you his house.
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Lynn reply on November 6th, 2008 1:40 am:
I’m not one to reply to comments, I’m a “lurker” instead. However, Saul, I just have to reply…
I, too, have been awake nights, not being able to get these houses out of my head. As a 44-year-old teacher, going through a female mid-life crisis where I’m questioning my life and choices, I can really see myself living in one of these.
I always wanted a RV, and to travel the US in the summer months, but, alas, that has yet to come to fruition…
I’m actually glad it hasn’t, because the idea of towing a tiny house across the country is absolutely amazing.
I can go and live in all the places I’ve always wanted - on the beach, in the mountains, on a cliff on the West Coast, etc. I can do this without having to make huge life changes, which are, quite frankly, impossible within my current marriage.
I am assuming that the actual living space would feel bigger than the RV I’ve always wanted - having only stayed in my brother’s for short periods of time, I’m not sure. Also, the ability to “park” the house in my own backyard is also very intriguing.
Finally, a space that would be my own, and only my own (well, I’d take the Golden Retriever with me, but…) So, don’t be upset that you can’t get them out of your brain - neither can I!
Jay, can you envision a way to possibly combine the Lusby and Weebee designs to have a “bump out” sitting area and a porch at the same time? Like others, I, too, enjoy sitting outside as much as inside, but would also like the extra seating/sleeping space.
Having only my dreams, and no actual knowledge (said with a smile), I also know nothing about discharging grey water. I really want to live “off the grid” and can see myself with solar panels, composting toilets and rainwater catchbasins, but can’t imagine where you would put the grey water. Don’t communities have laws against releasing it?
I would really like to be involved in the actual construction, but there goes that “too little knowledge” thing. Do you have any wild guesses as to how much one could expect to pay a builder?
What is a ballpark estimate for a flatbed trailer?
Keep up the comments, and good work. I’ll just “lurk” out here and keep an eye on what’s up.
P.S. For those with questions regarding computers, etc. you can now get a machine from Dell that fits into a space about the size of two hardcover books and runs only on a HDTV - not a monitor. This would allow for combining a TV and monitor, and, with a wireless keyboard and mouse, you’d be all set. Plus, the system takes up much less power and has fewer moving parts, for those of us looking to go as green as possible.
I don’t work for Dell, I’m a Computer Teacher. I’m just planning on picking up the computer and thought people might want to incorporate the idea into plans if keeping in touch is necessary.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 6th, 2008 2:51 pm:
Nothing comes to mind as far as porch/bump out combos, Lynn, but when there’s a will….
A new trailer costs about $2,000. If I were building for myself I’d go used for $500.
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hi lynn, thank you, i feel alot better knowing im not the only crasy adult around here. i try not too get too exited, but i cant help myself. today i asked a friend of mine who builds homes for a living and he thinks the estimate to build one is roughly 4 to 5 thousand dollars not including trailer or appliances. im estimating alittle more than that for myself because i want a skylight, washer/dryer combo unit, and a double loft to be able to acomodate my two kids and myself (im divorced, soo no wife included). ANYWAY, like i said im exited and hope to build this dream small home in about a year.im hoping it wont go over 10 thousand. it just tickles me to death to think that i wont have to worry about a mortgage.
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Jay: how is the structure connected to the trailer….and are the plumbing and gas issues part of the house plan if one purchases same? I just love the idea of building one of these houses.
M
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Jay Shafer reply on November 11th, 2008 9:01 pm:
Lag bolts and lock washers do most of the connecting. While we do include gas and electric plans, but the plumbing is so localized and simple that we don’t include any drawings for that other than what’s pictured in the floor plans.
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When you purchase plans are they designed to be built on a trailer, and if you purchase a house directly are they built on a trailer? If so what size trailer?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 13th, 2008 5:08 pm:
The smaller designs are meant to be placed on 12′,14′ or 16′ trailer, though some folks choose to put them on a foundation.
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I notice everything in in natural (Pine is it?) woudl it add so much to the cost to have the interior wood stained???
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Jay Shafer reply on November 14th, 2008 2:50 pm:
$20 per hour plus about $60 for the stain… or you could do it yourself to save money.
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hi there was wondering if i buy the plan for the lusby can i make changes myself as i am building the lusby or do things all have to be exactly according to the plan???
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Jay Shafer reply on November 15th, 2008 3:46 pm:
Copyright law says not unless I say so, and I say why not? All of the houses pictured in the “houses built by our customers” link are customized. You can build your house as you please, but thanks for asking.
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I love these little houses, especially the Lusby. Is it possible to get a bathtub in any of the models? I’ve looked at the Japanese style baths that are a small box that you sit in or slightly recline in. They are very comfortable and could also be used as a shower.
Thank you.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 16th, 2008 3:29 pm:
I love those tubs. I’m putting them into a lot of the designns I’m working on right now.
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Hey Jay,
Does the dry weight include the trailer? Any reason I couldn’t buy a trailer a little longer and make a bigger porch?
thanks,
david scheffler
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Jay Shafer reply on November 19th, 2008 8:57 pm:
Yes it does, and yes you can, but you might want to carry the 2nd loft out over the porch to put some weight at the back end.
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David Scheffler reply on November 20th, 2008 3:05 am:
Even better!!
thanks
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Hi Jay,
I have been looking for a trailer and have found some but I am not sure they are selling the right size. Theirs are 8 ft wide from outer fender to outer fender but the bed (inner fender to inner fender) is 6′4″. You figures look like the bed needs to be exactly 7′. Can you clarify/verify the exact trailer dimensions?
thanks,
david scheffler
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Jay Shafer reply on November 21st, 2008 6:12 pm:
Hi, David. You have 3 hours of consultation time included with your plans. Give me a call. My number is at the bottom of every drawing.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on November 26th, 2008 2:10 am:
Read http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/build-it-yourself/trailers/
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Thanks Jay. I haven’t bought one yet because I can’t decide which one I want. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Decisions. decisions. Some of my trepidation is also because I am going to be putting this in the desert and I would really like to have something modern. Last question i promise; Are you planning any modern designs on wheels?
thanks for you patience,
David
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Jay Shafer reply on November 23rd, 2008 1:53 pm:
The Z-Glass and the New Popomo, pictured in the portfolio and soon to be pictured on the website, are both modern ones that can be put on wheels.
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Hey Jay,
I have been thinking of making a house, I just don’t have the money for it. Is there any way I could give you a call and talk to you about it?
-Connor
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Jay Shafer reply on November 23rd, 2008 1:29 pm:
Yes, Connor. I do consultations for $100 per hour. If you only need a half hour, I’d be happy to do that too. Just let me know a time that works well for you, send me a check, and I’m all yours.
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hi there this question is to all i am looking at the lusby and want to go solar as much as possible am trying to figure out the size i need the costs and companys any help would be good loved the stove oven combo i want to live completely off grid will shower at the gym or work but need elec ideas
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Jay Shafer reply on November 27th, 2008 5:06 pm:
I suggest you put your panels off to the side and not on the roof so that you can keep your house in the shade all Summer. Two 50 Wish panels and two boat batteries will probably do.
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kevin keasling reply on November 28th, 2008 2:00 am:
hi there sounds like a good idea also will you eventually have the new fencel on the website soon??? also are you working on any designs???? i tried to contact gregg but no reply but gonna read his new book though thanks jay
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Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2008 5:47 pm:
New designs including the Fencl are on their way.
Elizabeth Connor reply on December 14th, 2008 3:28 pm:
What does “off to the side” mean? Literally replacing the sides of the house? The idea of solar panels is very intriguing, as I would be living in this house in Florida and Georgia.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 18th, 2008 4:52 pm:
I mean not attached to the house. Mine were 15′ away.
also i am planning on putting a murphy bed in the lower bedroom of the lusby i can have more room when the bed is up and not used
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Jay,
Much props for living an authentic existence!
Many of your Tiny Homes are designed for “mobility”. Since many of your prospective clients are probably environmentalists and likely do not own massive V8 Diesel Trucks, what suggestions or alternatives are there for lugging these wonderful gems around?
I own a Saab 9-3 but I highly doubt it could pull the weight of a say a Lugsby.
Also, have you considered an East Coast foray? I live in New England.
Thanks,
Drew
[Reply to this comment]
Jay Shafer reply on November 27th, 2008 5:03 pm:
I’m so glad you asked. I just rent a U-Haul whenever I need to move my house. My scooter doesn’t do the job either.
We’ll be building on the East Coast someday, and, until then, I will be visiting to do a workshop in New York next Summer.
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Drew reply on November 28th, 2008 6:06 pm:
Thanks Jay!
With Peter King in Vermont coupled with the high-cost of living in the Northeast, the possibilities and potential is endless.
In Boston, a small Studio Apartment in trendy Beacon Hill could cost as much as $2,300.00 per month! And this doesn’t even include utilities.
There are enough clear-minded people in this part of the country who would be very open to your business and philosophy. I believe they would be even more inclined to “just do it” if your vision of “villages” come to fruition.
Drew
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Hello from Russia
It is very difficult to read in English, but we try:)
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Jay Shafer reply on November 28th, 2008 5:46 pm:
Welcome, Russia.
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hi jay whats it like to live in your small space
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 10:08 pm:
I love it. It’s liberating. Only making my bed has been harder. Check out the “Confessions of a Claustrphile” chapter in my book for details.
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Jay~ I am so inspired by your designs. Having raised 4 kids in homes that were disgustingly piggy on the carbon footprint, I want to show them that there is another way now that they are all out of the house.
When you say that it is $22,000. to build myself, does that mean just the materials or ME actually building it? What if I hired contractors?
I only wish my highlander could pull one. Thanks so much!
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 10:06 pm:
It would be about $22,000 for materials alone (perhaps a bit less now that material prices are falling).
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what about a stackable washer and dryer i have never built anything like this what do you think
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 10:04 pm:
It could fit in the kitchen area.
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Tracy Miller reply on December 24th, 2008 7:41 am:
I would suggest looking at a clothes “processor”. It both washes and dries in one unit that would fit under a counter.
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I love the Lusby, but with children I need a little more space. I need something that has a loft on each end with space for four single beds for my kids, I am a single mom with four children. I plan on building another tiny house in two years or so to have on our land with a patio joining them both, so as my children grow my two older children can move into their own tiny house. I live in a climate that gets well below freezing in the winter, so a garden hose will not cut it for the water system, but I still need to be on wheels due to zoning. My oldest son has asthma and multiple chemical sensitivities so I need to build us a small, healthy home, on a very low fixed budget. Is there anyway to achieve this?
Regards,
MoonMama
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 9:53 pm:
I recommend extending the porch and extending the loft over it for two sleeping lofts. If you build yourself and use recycled materials you can do it cheap. See http://www.nofreezewaterhose.com/index.html about the hose.
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Can a queen size bed fit in the lusby floor level bedroom?
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Michael reply on December 4th, 2008 12:23 am:
Clint,
The downstairs bedroom isn’t large enough for a queen bed. The room is listed as approx. 4′ wide, making it even a bit small for a regular double bed.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 4th, 2008 1:52 am:
It’s true. I generally have a custom bed made for that room from high-density foam.
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Clint reply on December 13th, 2008 9:51 pm:
Can the lusby be made to accommodate a queen zise bed in that room? Or would it then not fit on the trailer? My wife and I are crazy about each other, but when it’s time to sleep. It’s time to Sleep! Thanks.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 18th, 2008 4:56 pm:
I suppose one could modify it with a RV style retractable bump out.
hey jay do your plans include a material list i sen in the news letter the average cost but when i buy plans will there be a material list???
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Jay Shafer reply on December 6th, 2008 6:11 pm:
Yes. The list is included.
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I was wondering if on the Lusby if you I would be able to delete the bed in the downstairs bedroom and put a couch in there? I s there enough room? Also am I able to put a dishwasher in there?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 6th, 2008 6:01 pm:
No problem! Instal both. There’s plenty of room.
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Hey Jay, Can we put a heated floor under bamboo flooring in any of the towables? It just seems like it would make it so much more cozy in the winter, but I’m not sure how that whole electrical thing would work out.–Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on December 12th, 2008 4:10 pm:
I see no reason why not.
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Here is the website for heated floors that I found: http://www.kitchensource.com/heatedfloors/welcome.html
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hi jay what kind of windows are they i know you said one time very insulated i am sure and they were a high cost in the estimate for the building costs what type are they and can you get them at a local building store???
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Jay Shafer reply on December 12th, 2008 3:48 pm:
They are Jeld-wen windows, and you can order them thru most Home Depots and Lowe’s.
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I am fascinated with the theory AND the reality of the tiny houses the LUSBY being my all time favorite- I have shown my entire family and we are all engrossed. I can even picture tiny house communities - and especially the mobile seniors (my family is 50s and late 40s and sometimes tired of hauling everything we ever owned around!) Ha even hubby and I thought that we could each have our OWN house LOL for those times when you “need your own space” just put em side by side! Great awesome idea!
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i understand you will be in altlanta feb i am on the s side griffin area u will pass rigt by me i am builing a mini home similiar to yours out of landscape timbers like for u to see it
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Jay Shafer reply on December 18th, 2008 4:54 pm:
I’ll keep my eyes peeled.
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Brah this is great I am so stoked to find this info and know that there are so many people excited about living this way . This is soo Hawaiian keep it simple so that we can enjoy each other and life ,ie fishing ,diving , surfing, and relationships . Please send me info and have any tiny homes been done on any of the Hawaiian islands ? big mahalos to you Aloha Jimmy ps mele kalikimaka
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Jay Shafer reply on December 18th, 2008 4:38 pm:
I think we have sold plans to some folks out there. Aloha.
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hey jay just wondering how long the propane tanks last with the marine heater in the winters???? its 5 below now does it take alot of propane????
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Jay Shafer reply on December 21st, 2008 6:13 pm:
I go out to get about 15 gal. three times per winter in N. CA. I went about five times per winter in Iowa.
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Hi Jay - I almost placed an order for the Lusby plans but thankfully I read this blog and realized you are coming up with a new design that combines the Lusby and the Weebee. Do you know when I’ll be able to order the plans for that new design? Do you know when we can expect to see pictures of it on your website? I can’t believe how excited I am about this. I live in New Hampshire and want to start building right now but it’s kind of hard to do with over a foot of snow on the ground. Thanks for your help. - Grant McComb
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on December 23rd, 2008 3:32 pm:
Hi Grant,
The plans are complete and can be purchased. Since it’s brand new we don’t have any pictures yet.
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If there’s anyone in New Hampshire or the New