Weebee
102 square feet  Ready made: $45,997 Build it yourself: $21,000 |
slideshow |
| House width: | 8′ | Porch: | 2 ½’ x 2 ½’ |
| House length: | 15′ | Main Room: | 6′ x 6 ½’ |
Trailer Size:  |
7′ x 14′ | Kitchen: | 4 ½’ x 4′ |
| Road Height: | 13′ 5″ | Bathroom: | 4′ x 2′ |
| Dry Weight: |
4900 lbs | Ceiling height: | 6′ 3″ |
| all measurements are approximate | Loft height: | 3′ 8″ | |
The Weebee boasts the wonderful bump-out windows in the front. The interior is completely finished in pine with stainless steel counters. The bathroom is the shower (also known as a wet bath) and is finished with stainless steel as well. The upstairs sleeping loft is large enough for a queen sized bed with ample storage to compliment the storage downstairs. It’s heated by a boat heater which keeps this little house warm in extremely cold climates.
Learn more: Connecting to utilties, Purchasing a house, Building a house
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Comments
127 Responses to “Weebee”
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The new website design and pictures really show the attention to details and quality workmanship that are a part of these homes. I am inspired once again by your efforts!
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Do you folks sell your bathroom fixtures? I have a 12′x 16′ board and bat cottage that needs shower , sink and toilet. If you do not sell them can you point me to someone who carrys small fixtures? Thanks Robert.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on May 28th, 2008 4:09 am:
Try http://www.compactappliance.com. They have some really cool stuff.
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Michael, WA reply on July 7th, 2008 7:45 am:
Here’s a link that sells tiny shower stalls, sinks, toilets.
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Michael, WA reply on July 7th, 2008 7:49 am:
dyersonline.com/Departments/RV-Plumbing-Supplies/Shower-and-Bath-Tubs.aspx
Are there any more pictures of the Weebee’s main room, table, etc? Also, is the floor plan available to view?
I love all the houses! You’ve motivated me to seriously downsize my possessions, with an eye to building and living in one of these tiny houses in the next few years or so.
Are there any couples who live in one of the ones on wheels? I’d love to hear from anyone that has tried that…
Thanks!
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 10th, 2008 3:19 pm:
We don’t have more pictures of the main room. I’ll add the floorplan diagram soon. There’s a couple that lives in the XS-House.
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I love this home design but I have questions regarding electricity and plumbing. It appears these homes do not have any sort of plumbing so what is used as a water supply, especially hot water? In addition, how is electricity generated for these homes? Do you use exterior generators? Thanks!
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Daniel reply on June 14th, 2008 3:24 pm:
It does look to be some plumbing in these structures. If you were to build one yourself, you could supply the water with a standard water hose. With the hot water, I have found sources that have on demand water heaters made for RV’s and also very small ones to be used at the location of water usage.
Electricity can be supplied by an extention cord. I think some people are also considering the use of solar electric systems too. I’m looking at building one of these houses myself so these are just different things to consider.
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Judy P. reply on June 30th, 2008 9:10 pm:
When I build mine, I want to go as “green” as I can. Where can I find out more about solar electric systems?
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Paul B reply on August 8th, 2008 1:40 pm:
I love these homes, great concept, but I live in nova Scotia (Canada) and it gets cold in the winters, so when it comes to water hookups I need to be able to connect to something that won’t freeze (garden hose would not work for us in winter). Can one of these hook up to a well / septic system. I would also onsider having one of these hooked up to a perminate power source (other then extension cord) with a green “backup” such as wind or solar. Can I have one of these hooked up “on the grid”?
http://www.wsetech.com/
A great canadian Company that offers solar and wind powered systems… and other cool toys:)
Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 2:17 am:
No problem. Any of these would be doable, Paul. The utilities are the most flexible part of my designs.
Jack reply on October 2nd, 2008 5:07 pm:
I was looking to solve the problem of a freezing water hose too. I found this site which looks like a good product.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 5:43 pm:
Nice! I’ve bookmarked it.
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Paul Guyon reply on November 7th, 2008 2:23 pm:
Looks like the bookmark has disappeared?
David Ogg reply on December 15th, 2008 11:32 am:
Anyone have the link?
Donna reply on December 15th, 2008 2:41 pm:
http://www.nofreezewaterhose.com/index.html
Great idea i live in a 1053 sq ft home with 3 bedrooms by my self how dumb is that. Heating alone is 700 to 900 a season in Ontario canada. And ya the bigger home you have the more stuff you aquire to fill it , what a waste. With one of these homes I could save so much money id be sick. good job keep it up Tumbleweed less is more as you have showen.
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This is by far my favorite design; it’s so bright and open to the sunlight.
I realized while I was scanning the floor plans of your houses that when I moved into my new apartment, I was straining to find things to fill it because it was too big (although it isn’t THAT big…it’s only a little studio). Obviously these houses would be a much better alternative for me and my minimal lifestyle. Who knew?
Now to decide where I can put it…
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Nancy Miller reply on December 20th, 2008 6:46 pm:
I am very interesting in purchasing a tiny home to retire in, however I am not sure where I could put it. How would one go about finding out where you can put these tiny homes? Do building codes or community covenances restrict one in deciding where to place a tiny home?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 21st, 2008 6:48 pm:
It does vary locally. In general, you can put one anywhere you can put a travel trailer. Ask your local zoning officials for details.
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Please post a floorplan. I am having a hard time visualizing where the sleeping & living areas are in relation to everything else. Thanks!
Love your site. Keep up the great work.
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Robin Bobula reply on June 22nd, 2008 10:29 am:
The floor plan of the Weebee is just like the Epu, but with the front bump-out, and a table where the Epu’s desk is. I just got the new portfolio, but I had already pretty much figured this out after studying the specifications and interior pictures of the Weebee and Epu.
Hope this helps!
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Georgiana reply on June 25th, 2008 3:31 pm:
It seems as if the square footage for many of the models has decreased a bit ( I remember the Weebee being listed as 110 square feet). I have been keeping my eye on Tumbleweed houses for a while, and I am hoping to build one at some point, I just hope that the sizes stay relatively the same.
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Daniel reply on June 25th, 2008 3:37 pm:
Somewhere on this site (I think) they said that they measured from different parts. The structures are the same just measured differently.
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on June 26th, 2008 10:24 am:
The sizes of the homes have not changed. We have listed them using more conventional measurement standards. You can read more here.
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For me, traveling is not the intended pupose of a house on wheels. Rather, it is the freedom from building codes and restrictions of the like. The largest trailer allowed is up to 399sq ft, not including porches or lofts. Lofts can have a max. of 60″ head-room.
I’d like to see models that take full advantage of the 399sq ft allowance, which can be 12X33 or 14×28 - much less restrictive than 8ft wide.
I’d also like to see the return of the ‘dogrun’ or whatever that model’s name was. It was a small bit that connected two trailers. This would definitley open the doors for someone with kids to have on of these affordable homes.
Mike
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Tracy reply on July 2nd, 2008 2:44 pm:
Any designs upcoming that are 10 or 12 feet wide, 25 to 30 feet long, and on wheels?
Thanks
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 2nd, 2008 3:09 pm:
Moving a house that is 10 or 12 feet wide on the roadways requires a wide load permit and a 2nd car with orange sirens. It’s expensive to move. We make our portable homes as wide as possible without requiring the added cost and permits to travel down the roadways.
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Michael, WA reply on July 7th, 2008 7:48 am:
oooo..that depends where you are. In WA you need a $10 permit ($20 for a month of unlmited moves) and no lead car if you are 11ft wide or less.
But true - 400sq ft is probably going to take more than your truck can pull around.
What is the most common arrangement that people use to live in tumbleweed homes? Is it necessary to own a piece of land, or can it be done through an arrangement with someone who has extra room?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 1st, 2008 11:19 pm:
Some people own the land. And others rent a space in the yard. For example, Jay rents from people because he likes to move around. He usually moves to a new location about once per year. It’s up to you.
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Great, Great site and houses!
…will you be adding a floor plan to the Weebee page?
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Steve with Tumbleweed reply on July 5th, 2008 8:58 pm:
Yes, I’ve been soooooo busy I haven’t gotten to it yet. Sorry for the delay.
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I really would love to see a floor plan of this, my hubby and I think it’s so cute! We love the stainless steal and wood combination
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Ever since I saw these cute little thangs I’ve wanted to get one, a GREEN one. That is SOLAR powered and without creepy chemicals from bad building materials. I can imagine using all kinds of beautiful recycled materials to build it. For the past 7 years I have “lived” out of my mini-van, commuting from VA to VT to work as a painting therapist. My DREAM is to have this as my traveling ART-MOBILE and home. Since I am 1 of 5 folks in the USA w/diploma to do this painting therapy work, it seems like SOMEBODY has to get it around… that’s ME - the traveling artist. SO now folks, where can I get the grants to fund this idea??? AND who wants the traveling show in YOUR neighborhood? Have ART will TRAVEL.
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Chas in ME reply on July 15th, 2008 12:13 am:
Martha,
Do you know about Grants.Gov? You may find grant funds there.
Good luck.
Chas
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Dana reply on July 25th, 2008 4:42 am:
Wow, as one of only 5 to have your skills I would think you could charge a reasonable enough fee for your work to fund your own dreams. Good luck in your endeavors.
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Is anyone using these in a cold climate such as MN in winter? I’m trying to imagine how one keeps water lines from freezing. I’m also wondering what people are using for blackwater/greywater….tanks that you have to empty?
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Gerry reply on October 1st, 2008 8:32 am:
I’m wondering about this exact same thing too. I live in Canada and get 5 month winters.
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what happened to the z glass?
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anyone got an estimate as to what the utility usage would be out of this thing?
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I recall hearing that Dee spends $6 per month for propane for her Tumbleweed house. I don’t know which model she has, though. I suppose that utility usage would be extremely variable depending on your needs.
Even so, it’s got to be a lot cheaper than many houses! In 2005 my 1,600 sq ft house cost $265 a month on the “budget plan” for natural gas and electricity, including an electric stove and nearly constant PC use. The “budget plan” is not a discount service — it only spreads the costs over an entire year so that people don’t have huge bills in some months (say, January and August) and small bills in others (say, May and September). Also, we were signed up for the “greenest” power option available — only solar and wind suppliers — so we were paying about 2x as much for electricity compared to other sources (coal, nuclear, natural gas).
Meanwhile, another person I know paid about 3 x as much. His house ws bigger than mine (2700 sq ft), but that’s only 1.7 times as big as my house. Perhaps he and hs family have a less efficient refrigerator, keep the heat on high and the AC on low, and leave lights on all the time.
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Love the houses. Looking forward to floor plan of Weebee. Seems like I have seen it here in distant past, but cannot remember what it was like.
I have lots of questions, but will try to control myself.
What type of insulation is typically used? Fiberglass?
Is the treadplate in the baths aluminum?
Cedar siding?
Wonderful!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 3:16 am:
Thanks. 1) Foamboard, 2)Yes. Aluminum, 3) Yes. Cedar
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Will the bump out accomodate a twin size bed? I realy love this model. How functional is the wet bath and could you have a composting toilet in a wet bath? Great houses and love the new website…. I will be building one of these one day!!! My sister is hooked too!!
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 2:22 am:
The bump out is exactly 4′-1/4″ wide. I put a tri-fold foam bed/couch in the last one we built.
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The video of Jay’s Epu demonstrated how the loft can be cooled quickly when equipped with a fan. Can this model be similarly cross-ventilated?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 1:43 am:
It is.
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Would like to talk to Jay about an idea we have. My husband is an architect and project mgr. We want to do a pod-system idea, our little invention designed to build our dream home on a time-budget while still enjoying it along the way. We wish to start with a tiny log “pod” that would include 1 bdr and loft, a nice kitchen/great room and a bath with a nice soaking tub that is open to nature and has some “bringing the outside in” sort of touches with glass, water, etc. Kind of Frank Lloyd Wright goes to the mountains. Then as time and money allow we would add another pod that would be a great room and larger kitchen with powder room that could be later attached by a glass passive solar breezeway. Later still would add another pod that would become our master suite with a REALLY nice bath, bedroom, and sitting room, also connected to the other pods by a breezeway. All would be heated by tiny soapstone woodstoves and all would be “green” as my husband is big on this at work and is LEEP certified. Would eventually tie the whole pod-home together with a floating deck-and-pergola area with outdoor stone fireplace and wood-fired cook area. That’s our dream. Would you be interested in working with us? Home to be built in NC blue ridge mtns, very remote. Thank you.
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Jay Shafer reply on August 20th, 2008 1:40 am:
I had better not even consider it until I finish my own projects here at Tumbleweed… and that could take years.
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what year was the weebee house designed? 1999?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 19th, 2008 8:21 pm:
2007
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What is your opinion of spray-in foam insulation?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 22nd, 2008 8:52 pm:
It’s Great Stuff. At least it works well for me and my applications. Don’t get any on you though.
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Mary Hemme reply on August 23rd, 2008 1:20 am:
Would you have any comment on SOY-based spray-in insulation?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 25th, 2008 7:56 pm:
I’m sorry. I have n0 experience with it.
Nelson Eisel reply on September 14th, 2008 3:51 am:
The woman at turnbulltinyhouse.blogspot.com built a small shack-house on a trailer, similar in concept to the rolling Tumbleweeds but not as nice to look at. She used spray-in soy insulation. The product’s brand name is BioBased.
I’m really quite taken with this design, and I’d love to maybe purchase one in the future, maybe somehow fit a desk in there as well. The problem is I’m a rather tall person at 6′5 and the ceiling height is only 6′3. If I was to purchase one is there any way we could make it taller without throwing off the design?
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Jay Shafer reply on August 26th, 2008 9:38 pm:
I just stretched one of these mobile designs out for a tall guy in Seattle last month. It turns out all you really need to do is use the original plans but cut your studs a few inches longer when framing the walls. If you reduce the pitch of the roof a hair that will keep it under the max. height for East Coast road travel, and it still feels roomy (albeit shorter) upstairs.
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Hi,
I think I’m about to buy the two Tumbleweed books. Maybe they will help with some of my questions and thoughts I have. But I think I’ll just post a couple questions here in case anyone can give some answers.
I read in a comment above that someone rents spaces from people. I wonder how much people are paying for a space to rent? Are many people open to this arrangment? (I might also be interested in also finding someone with an unused yard for gardening.)
I think that’s the only way I could do this. I’d prefer one of the tiny stationary homes but to purchase the land would be way too much money(I live in the Seattle area).
Currently I do have a place just outside of Seattle, my brother’s property which is a front yard/parking area, where I could build one of these mobile homes. But I worry if the neighbors/city would shut it down and say we need permits or that I couldn’t live in it.
How much might it cost to build one of these on your own, mostly buying new materials? My brother is an excellent carpentor and would be down to help me so except for electrical I don’t think I’d need a contractor.
I do hope the books answer these questions or help me find avenues to find the answers.
Does anyone know the laws in the Seattle and King county area concerning this type of home and living in them? Or where they are posted on the net or wherever. I don’t want to take the time, effort and money to build it only to be kicked out or removed from someone’s backyard.
Also, another major conern is hooking up the plumbing. Or if I do use an rv type toilet how, and where, do you dump the dump?
Thank you all in advance.
Jesse
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Colin reply on September 14th, 2008 10:03 pm:
You should get the books, they are a good read.
I have gathered prices from my local Lowe’s rip center and I have tallied a Weebee to be $13,900 in materials but I’m lacking a few items like shower paneling and metal roof as they don’t have those items so I would estimate $15k. Add 500+ hours of labor and it easily adds up to the asking price.
A stretched 8×10 Vardo comes in at $6900 sans stainless and they are hands down cutest of all by a NY mile.
For waste disposal most have chosen to install a sawdust toilet. Don’t pay for one of these, they are easy to build, in fact I am building one now as a test unit. Or you could be like Gregory Johnson and have no toilet. Personally I think a “no toilet” sign above the front door would be exceptionally cute.
To answer your disposal question, you dump the toilet in the yard of the person you are renting from. You also dump the grey water in the yard so when you rent you’ll need to ask if it’s OK to dump your toilet and grey water in the yard. Most people are clueless to composting so you will likely have a serious challenge finding a space to rent. I suggest you try to find a lot for sale in an unincorporated area that does not have any deed restrictions.
Option #2 would be to purchase two $199 25 gallon holding tanks. Just remember that a 25 gallon tank weighs 210 pounds when full. You would still have to dump these somewhere and at 210 pounds a piece it would not be easy. And where will you put them?
As per construction, check with your code compliance department. You won’t need a permit if you build on wheels, just tags, but you may get a ticket for having a trailer parked on grass.
If you build on wheels you can tell the tax man to stick it. You may recover the cost of the trailer in short order depending on how high your prop tax is.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:59 pm:
Thanks, Colin. Well researched.
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Daniel reply on October 2nd, 2008 6:44 pm:
I’ve been looking into materials myself, but I’m also trying to figure out how to finish the bathroom. I haven’t found anything that would work out for panels or anything else for the floor or walls (thinking tiled floor, but still unsure about walls). Aside from that, I figure my project would cost $12-13K (slightly modified Epu). I’m thinking of using a sawdust toilet.
Any suggestions on finishing the rest of the bathroom?
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 5:40 pm:
Tile can get pretty heavy. Stainless steel is great if you don’t mind paying an arm and leg. I bought a cheap shower stall at a local home improvement store and tore that apart to finish the shower in my first house. Just flash and calk the heck out of the corners.
Paul Vlasuk reply on December 23rd, 2008 2:43 am:
Colin,
In your Sept. 14, 2008 comment you mentioned a sawdust toilet. Where would I get information on how it functions and how to construct one?
For anyone else….I live outside of Seattle….25 min. from Downtown…15 min. from Microsoft…and would like to share my property with others. I have 2 acres, an orchard, garden space … total privacy.
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Victoria reply on December 23rd, 2008 9:57 am:
See the book, “Humanure”, which thoroughly explains “sawdust” or composting toilets. Google “humanure” and go to Joseph Jenkins’ website.
Jay Shafer reply on January 1st, 2009 5:19 pm:
Thanks, Paul! That’s the kind of information we can use.
Check out the Humanure Handbook for the answers you seek.
Jay Shafer reply on September 15th, 2008 2:36 pm:
I have never had any problems finding a property owner who is delighted to have me on their land/yard. Towing my house downtown and waiting for someone to come along and offer has worked very well. Posting “House seeks Home” signs works well too. I’ve paid between $50 and $300 for a spot plus wifi, water, electrical and parking. The higher rent is for the spots in town in the Bay Area. I use a sawdust toilet and a grey water system to avoid sewer hook-ups.
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I love small spaces and this website is an absolute dream for me! Do these homes come as is or are there options?
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Jay Shafer reply on September 20th, 2008 4:06 pm:
I can do simple customizations, but I try to stay away from major overhauls. I leave that to the buyers.
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ginmar reply on September 28th, 2008 12:57 am:
Do you have any plans to dream up a larger vardo? That would be wonderful.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 28th, 2008 5:04 am:
Not right now, but there are so many bigger well proportioned vardos out there from other companies. Google “Gypsy Wagon”.
Gostaria que traduzissem todo o site para o português. I’m from Brazil , i no speack inglish , i speack a portuguese, please traduction for page from portuguese.. Were brazilians love you work, it’s a beautifull. maginific, I, work carpinters are my maried. I and my holiday your house for world. Congratulations, book is in portuguese for me? Traduction?. Gostaria que traduzissem o livro de voces para o portugues. Muito obrigada
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Valter reply on September 23rd, 2008 4:57 am:
Irmã, teu ingles é de doer… Acho que o cara não tem ideia do que vc ta querendo dizer… Mas vamos lá. Vou quebrar teu galho desta vez:
Copia e cola… Mas acho que é melhor mandar no email do cara…
“Hi, I’d like to see this webste translated into Portuguese. I’m from Brazil and I don’t speak or read any English. We in Brazil love your work, it’s beautiful. My husband is a carpenter and I’d like to build one of these houses for holidays and vacations. Is there already a POrtuguese version? If not, is there this possibility? Thanks in advance.”
Espero que te ajude… E se matricule numa escola, numa boa, ok? Fique na Paz
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Jay Shafer reply on September 28th, 2008 5:16 am:
We will most likely start translating once we can afford it.
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Valter reply on September 29th, 2008 12:31 am:
Jay, wanna have a deal? Let me and my sister (she’s an English teacher) translate the book for you. All I ask, after the job is done, is that you send us printed copies (both in English and Portuguese — the latter if possible), like if you sent us your course/book as a fee.
If you’re interested, drop us a line. BTW, we also speak/write Spanish and French (no German yet ;))
Jay Shafer reply on September 30th, 2008 5:39 pm:
Sounds like a deal to me. Send me your address, and I’ll send you the book.
Jay Shafer reply on September 28th, 2008 5:34 am:
Thank you. Perhaps someday we can tranlate the book and site into several languages.
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I’m curious why this design, the Weebee, has the unusual roofing design over the doorway. It seems to me that if the roof line were to mimic that of the Lusby or Tarleton that it would be a simpler build and increase the space available in the loft/sleeping area. No offense but the novelty of the roof projection doesn’t add significantly to the aesthetics. Don’t get me wrong I love these little houses and there’s a build in my future but this just struck me as an odd and non-functional detail. Thanks for all of the inspiration!
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Colin reply on September 27th, 2008 11:23 pm:
I think I am going to do just what you suggested and build with a gable roof instead of the hip. The dutch hip looks nice but it is not detailed in the plans so you would have to take your best guess based on side elevation.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 28th, 2008 5:07 am:
The gable will be easier and it will look nice.
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Lindsay in Ontario, Canada reply on September 28th, 2008 7:39 pm:
Well, I’ve crossed one hurdle, as I’ve been offered a space to do the build. Still won’t be happening in the very near future but it is nice to pass that first obstacle. I know others have mentioned the idea of using an old RV frame to situate their tiny house, that appeals to me because it would allow for the recycling of many fixtures. It would be nice to have the plumbing and appropriate kitchen features on hand and designed for travel. My main concern would be that it would make the house too tall. It could also limit flexibility in terms of placement of utilities.
Other than that, I think I would be looking at modifying the plans a little bit. The basic plan I like is the Tarleton. However I really like the notion of a smaller porch as in the Weebee. That wins a significant amount of interior space and in this climate, one spends a large amount of the year indoors. I also just love the little sitting area it creates in the Weebee. By extending the gable roof, the second loft area is able to stow a good deal more stuff and as a musician, guitar cases take up mucho space. Would also mean that it could accommodate a guest if the occasion arose.
My final thought, and I’m curious whether you’ve considered it Jay, would be going with a gambrel style roof. It would make the sleeping loft feel much more spacious, though it would complicate the build. But once a jig was set up it would be pretty simple. Again thanks for the work you’ve done putting these micro-palaces up for us to admire and for the dreams they inspire.
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Jay Shafer reply on September 30th, 2008 6:20 pm:
Your concerns about the RV frame are valid (esp. height concerns).
I have never understood the utility of a gambrel roof. I’ve heard it said that they are better than roofs with unbroken rafters because they increase the amount of interior space. But I don’t see why you wouldn’t just reduce the overall pitch and carry unbroken (and, thus, less complicated, stronger) rafters all the way out to taller walls for even more space. It may simply be an aesthetic preference/proportioning thing. If that’s the case, I’m all for it, as the small amount of space, simplicity and strength lost would be an insignificant price to pay.
If anyone out there can fill me in on the utility part of the issue, I’m all ears.
Can you tell I’ve been thinking about gambrel roofs too much for too long now? I am such a design geek.
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Lindsay in Ontario, Canada reply on October 1st, 2008 12:24 am:
Hi Jay, thanks for your response. My interest in the gambrel was primarily to win a little headroom in the loft, especially valuable with company. But minimizing the roof pitch is a solution that would work as well, without sacrificing strength which would be very important for a structure on the road. The gambrel seemed to me a solution that would be aesthetically pleasing but I do have concerns about the strength. Every extra joint is a potential point of failure and all the extra storage in the world wouldn’t be much good with your roof lying on the highway. I don’t know why I didn’t just cotton on to the idea of reducing pitch. Daft I suppose.
As for aesthetics, it occurs to me that the charm of the Tumbleweed houses might be retained with reduced pitch by mimicking the facade of the classic prairie and old west building style. The kinds of places that would line the one street of a town called Gulch of one sort or another. In the Canadian west many of those older buildings had flat or shallow pitched roofs and a distinctive look that echoes the romance of a bygone era. Much as the current models of Tumbleweed do. Keeps the build simple, gains valuable space and the structure strong.
Here are a couple of miniatures for model train buffs that give something of the idea of the facade.
http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/models/Buildings/general
http://www.fiddlersgreen.net/models/Buildings/wellz
Cheers Jay
Karen reply on October 16th, 2008 8:54 pm:
Hey, we’re in the process of building a wee house like these, only with a gambrel roof and some other major design modifications. We’ve only just finished the rafters, but I can tell you that the gambrel does offer a bigger feel than the pitched roof (a friend had my stepfather build the shell of her wee bee from your plans, so I’ve been inside one.) It is a little tricker to put together though.
It remains to be seen how much bigger it will seem when the interior is complete, but there is definitely more headroom.
We’ve also made a 3/4 open loft instead of a hole access loft, and the gambrel gives a nice airy feel when looking up to the roof from the first floor.
Don’t know if this helps but thought I’d post it just in case.
http://www.cottagecompany.com/cczoning.html
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About the website. When I hit Weebee there is no photograph, just a blank grey screen. When I hit slide show it is a blank black screen. Three other people here cannot figure it out either. Perhaps next month I will try again. CS
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Jay Shafer reply on October 7th, 2008 5:21 pm:
Thanks, Carl. I’ll look into it.
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Jay,
My husband and I were wondering if there is a specific reason why the Weebee is 4ft shorter than the Lusby? Could we extend the Weebee out 4ft? With this extra space can we add 2ft to the back of the house for more space in the bathroom and kitchen and add the extra 2 ft in the front? Also, we were looking at the compact all-in-one washer/dryers. Where do think we could put it? If the house could be extended 4 ft, is it possible to have more of an open loft? We are so excited about your houses! Thank you so much for your fantastic idea!
P.S.-We live by Chicago and were thinking about flying out to come to your open house in December. Is that date set in stone? How far in advance do you need to schedule an hour phone converstaion?
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Bryan B reply on November 2nd, 2008 7:39 pm:
I was wondering the same thing.
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Hi Jay,
I love theses houses. My plan is to simply and bring peace of mind to my husband’s life and mine. We want to live without a huge mortgage and being slaves to jobs we dislike.
It is just the two of us and I believe it can work for us. My only
concern is that my husband is 6′ 5″. You stated somewhere
on your site that you altered a house for a person that I believe
was 6′ 3″. Can that be done for someone 6′ 5″ and be able to stand comfortably? He lived on a submarine in the Navy without a problem. I truly hope it can be done. Also, instead of purchasing your portfolio over the web, can it be done via snail mail? I will be purchasing it soon either way.
Thank you for the opportunity for a new way of life.
Lori K.
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Can you please explain the approx. $450/sf that the tiny houses are listed at? That’s over 4 times the cost to build a conventional home (usually approx. $100/sf).
I think your houses are very cute — I just can’t see paying that kind of price.
Thanks.
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Jay Shafer reply on October 28th, 2008 2:55 am:
Thanks for asking, Victoria. Forgive me if this leads into one of my longer rants, but you have provided me with the perfect opportunity to do some much-needed explaining.
Square footage is really the cheapest thing you can add onto a house. At the core of most any dwelling you will generally find that the electrical system, plumbing, heating, appliances and structural components are similar in at least one key way. They are all expensive. This costly core is housed in the relatively cheap volume that surrounds it. Because the price of extending core components outward to accommodate any amount of additional space really isn’t all that high, and open space itself is priced at next to nothing, square footage is really the cheapest thing you can add onto a house.
Combine this with the fact that small house design and construction is almost always much more difficult than that of a large house and you can start to see why small houses are a bit of a hard sell in a culture where the first rule of economics has already been all but forgotten – bigger is not necessarily better.
At first it might seem that you really can’t afford to buy anything less than the most house you can get your hands on. It would certainly seem that the more you buy the more you save, and who doesn’t like a bargain these days? It’s the hidden costs that get people into trouble. After all, more house than you need comes with more debt in total, more utility bill, more maintenance than you need and more foreclosures and more bailouts than any of us needs.
Consider the quality of any designed space over quantity. A well designed little cottage will feel less crowded and provide more utility than a poorly designed mansion. Live well. Build small. Buy smart.
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I love your homes! I stumbled to this website when I was searching for a way to build a floating home. Im in the Seattle area and love the mini homes on water. Do you have any plans on designing for floating homes? Im planning on purchasing one of these plans as soon as I can figure out where I’d like a pontoon/floating home to be moored. Again, you have such a knack for small home design, keep it up!!!
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Jay Shafer reply on October 27th, 2008 9:31 pm:
Thanks, Vivika. I love Seattle’s houseboats. Check out Sausilito’s if you haven’t already. Any of my designs will work on pontoons. I sometimes think of living on the water. I even have drawings for Waterworld style villages.
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I would have been looking at getting one of these for a future house. But I’d be taking it to college with me and I was wondering if having a built in desk like the one in the Epu would be too much of a detour from the original design? Is it possible for you to add a built-in desk?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 2nd, 2008 5:01 pm:
A 30″x 48″ desk in the bump-out is what I originally had in mind.
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Possible to add extensions (like a bow/angle window) into the walls and the floor? This would provide more space for storing or adding things.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 2nd, 2008 4:58 pm:
Sure.
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[...] cool tiny home [...]
do they tiny homes have washers and dryers?
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Jay Shafer reply on November 4th, 2008 5:19 pm:
All the ones over 200 s.f. do.
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Does the Dickinson heater hook up to a thermostat? Does it auto start and stop when the temp reaches set temperatures? It is hard to tell on the dickinson website. If it doesn’t could you suggest a propane heater that can hook up to thermostat? Cold New England winters would be rough if you come home to a cold tiny house.
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Jay Shafer reply on November 5th, 2008 3:33 pm:
The Dickinson I instal does not have a thermostat. I don’t find it to be a problem because the manual temperature control can fine-tune so nicely.
The Dovre I use in the larger houses does have a thermostat. It’s much bigger, but I did put one in my first little Epu, and it did work well.
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I really love this house especially because of the extra light and space afforded by the windown seat instead of an outside deck. However, I like the open sleeping loft and storage loft that the Tarleton has (which would make it possible to put in a sunlight to light the main room). Does it work to “morph” the two plans and put the Tarleton’s sleeping loft above the kitchen/bathroom/shelves as well as a smaller storage loft above the window seat, thus leaving the main room with vaulted ceilings?
Thanks!
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Jay Shafer reply on November 6th, 2008 3:02 pm:
You’re talking about the Fencl. It will be posted on the site as soon as Steve can find the time. For now it’s pictured only in the portfolio.
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Carol reply on December 17th, 2008 5:32 am:
I can’t wait till you put the Fencl on your site. I hope it will be soon.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 18th, 2008 3:41 pm:
Me too.
Hi Jay,
I’m planning at this point to build the Wee Bee but not absolutely 100%. I would like to keep cost as low as possible so I am in process, for example, of looking for used and discount lumber and maybe a used trailer. Before committing to the building plans, is it possible to get a materials list so I know what to look for?
Also, I ordered the portfolio book. Are there models that are available as plans that are not on the website?
Thanks,
David
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Jay Shafer reply on November 15th, 2008 3:52 pm:
There will be a few houses in the portfolio that aren’t yet on the site. Using recycled materials can lower your costs (especially when it comes to the trailer). I encourage it.
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David Scheffler reply on November 16th, 2008 5:16 am:
Actually I don’t need a complete materials list, just a list of the kinds of wood being used so that I can keep an eye out for used/recycled lumber.
thanks,
davud
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Jay Shafer reply on November 16th, 2008 3:16 pm:
Keep an eye open for a few dozen 6′ and 8′ 2×4s (preferably light and dry) and a trailer with a 7′ x 14′ deck.
Calgar C reply on November 18th, 2008 8:08 am:
if you are building a house that isn’t going to be moved i would probably try some drywall and wooden panels i guess i could say for the siding
Love these homes! One aspect that seems to be lacking in is cooking. I was looking at a website you listed for appliances. I found this oven but was wondering if it could fit into the counter space and could hook up to the propane that the fireplace is hooped up to.
http://www.compactappliance.com/TNM630R-Summit-Professional-Stainless-Steel-Four-Cooktop-Gas-Range/TNM630R,default,pd.html?cgid=Appliances-Ranges_Cooktops-Gas_Ranges
Also i saw in another person house that you had a link to, a tankless water heat and found it on compactappliance.com could that also work for these houses?
-mason
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Jay Shafer reply on November 16th, 2008 3:25 pm:
Both could fit if one added 3″ of depth to the counter for the range.
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Hello Jay,
How do you get a queen size bed up into the loft with such small opening?
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Jay Shafer reply on December 1st, 2008 9:39 pm:
It’s high-density foam… very comfy.
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I’m trying to determine what size solar power system I would require what do you recommend?
Thanks
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Jay Shafer reply on December 4th, 2008 2:48 am:
It depends on your needs and how much sun you get. I lived with just one pannel and one battery in Iowa, but that was cutting it close.
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I’ve been looking at these houses for a while now, finally realised this this could be just what I need to do. Given that I live in the UK, I’ve been looking at available options for building and coming up with my own design to accomodate the things I can scavenge inspired by Jay’s work.
However, I’ve just found out that you can’t live in one in the UK legally. If you park one even on land you own yourself, you can’t live in it for more than 28 days without planning permission.
Complete madness. Still looking for stealth options but my plans might be scuppered for now.
Still can’t quite believe it.
Cheers,
J.
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Jay Shafer reply on December 6th, 2008 6:09 pm:
Complete madness, indeed! You can check out my rant, “Viva La Tiny Revolution”, if you care to know how I feel about such laws.
Oh and remember, just because it’s a law doesn’t mean it’s right… or enforceable.
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hi jay was wondering can you tell me more about the wetbath the shower toilet area was wanting to use that in a bigger the lusby what is the size and what do you use for the panels in the video it looked like a sliding door area to cover window and doorway plexiglass???? want to save space in the bathroom area dont spend much time in the bathroom kitchen so want to use the space in the other areas have you read greggs new book it tells alot about living in your small house would recommend it to all and tried to get a hold of him to maybe see his house as i only live 75 miles away but cannot seem to live in burlington iowa also am glad you are an iowa guy
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Jay Shafer reply on December 8th, 2008 3:59 am:
Hello Iowa. I used the kind of plastic often used to build greenhouses for those doors, and I used aluminum diamond-plate for the walls. I like the doors, but might choose a harder metal or plastic for the walls.
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Jay,
Congratulations! You are doing something that I first came up with the idea in 1980 and never moved on it. They look great and very well done. Land is a bit expensive out here in California, but the market sure is and ready. I would love to get involved with this project.
The very best of luck to you as you have, as they say, “hit the nail right on the head”.
Best regards,
Jonathan Field
President
The Jonathan Field Collection
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I have a question about the nice gravity water jugs that are often
pictured by the kitchen sink. I’ve seen these on some of the
Tumbleweed house photos. Who is the maker of these jugs - where are they available - does the maker have a website? These look very niceand attractive and it would be a nice addition to our small house. I’d be interested to know more detail on this.
Thanks,
scott
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Jay Shafer reply on January 4th, 2009 11:07 pm:
It’s just one of those common water dispensers without the 5 gal. bottle in it and a plate on top.
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