Location, Location, Location!

Cabin Moved!


It's the end of September and the cabin has finally been moved to the back of the property.  The move had been delayed over a month due to all the rain we have been getting.  It was sprinkling the day and Randy (the mover) decided to proceed anyways.  Now that the cabin is set, I can move forward in having windows installed. The step before winter rolls in, complete installation of additional windows to the building and hang dry wall.


I do have to admit, event though I have been visualizing this moment throughout the cabin project, it's just not the same when it comes to actually see in it in real life verse what I saw in my head.  The holistic experience of the just being in the cabin and hearing the owls hoot, and watching the leaves bristle and sway with the winds, feeling the breeze swift through the cabin, and smelling the wet grass from morning dew.  A cabin is not a true cabin until it is in the woods.

I am very tempted to start the nesting phase, but I still have to remind myself that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done before any permanent installations on my part can be put in.  Some of the things that come to mind is that I should put up bug screens for the two large door openings.  Because the house is sitting on very sloped floor, I still need to find a jack and prop some more cinder blocks to level out the house.  That means the doors and openings still have some shifting to do.  I was told a 2-ton car jack should do the job.  Other projects seem to pop in my head before this project is complete, a temptation I must resist, includes building decks with overhead coverings, and a porch for the frond entry.  Maybe it till happen down the road, but for now I must stay focused at the project at hand.

Think Safety & Security

Now that the cabin has been moved to a more remote location, I have to keep in mind that there are still scrupulous people out there and I need to protect the cabin from vandalism and theft.  I had purchased a couple of padded locks that are heavy duty and weather proof. 
I purchased a fire extinguisher since I don't have access to running water out there and a first aid kit.  I have a wind-up Swiss flashlight (gift from a friend) and found it to be VERY handy in the cabin.  Sometimes I stay out there so long I forget how fast the light disappears.  Currently there are no energy source until the next spring season. 

Getting Familiar with Local City Codes

Citizens wanting to make a difference but sometimes "Big Brother" won't agree.

Listening to residence of tiny home lifestyle, some of their greatest challenge in converting to smaller spaces, is finding place to park their homes and fitting into the legal boundaries of local residential codes.  Depending on where one lives, different rules and specifications applies that can prevent living a downsized, mortgage-free home.

Last week a news reporter from our local news channel contacted me and wanted to know more about micro homes/structures in our community.  She had mentioned that it have been really hard for her to find people who are open to discussing their plans for tiny houses and micro homes community.  I thought perhaps people are reluctant to talk about this subject due to their lack of knowledge of residential codes and bring trouble from local officials.  Recently I heard on my local National Public Radio station, there was a family who downsized into a tiny home, grew their own food and was able to live independence of city electrical and water systems.  The couple had purchase 40 acre land and were able to live off it for 4 years, debt free, stress free and a healthier lifestyle.  Once local officials learned of this, the couple were forced out of their homes and last reported, they lived from house to house with their friends till the problem is resolved.  They tried talking with local officials, but it didn't make a difference to them.

I've learned that current regulations, established sometime back in the 60's or 70's, are behind on the times for the 21st century living.  Minimum square foot limits, once with intention to prevented trailer homes in certain communities,  in theory were established to maintain social expectations of would be considered safe and clean residential communities. Some micro-living supporters have accused city restrictions to be ridiculous and impedes on a citizen's right to choose how they want live their lives, debt free, low-cost of living, and etc).  Local enforcement for permits and applications are seen as frivolous regulations simply to justify additional city revenues in forms of fees, inspections, and permits.  It is not surprising to find some local hoop-jumping have no practical logic to them, but to just another form of revenue stream for the city.  For me, my purpose is to learn about finishing work and have a reason to learn to build furniture and have hunting adventures for great deals around the city, with no intention of making it a primary residence in the near future.  

However the best way to spread the word about how cool tiny houses are is to understand all aspects of tiny home living.  Do what the lawyers do....RESEARCH. My first place of research is my local city codes, which is accessible on the city's official website.  The City Clark or building permits department are also another good source of information to begin with.  I am not advocate for the government or the way they spend "our" money, but I feel the best way to "arm" ourselves and maintain our rights is with knowledge.  

Readers with knowledge of housing codes related to tiny homes in other city jurisdiction, please feel free to post them in the comment section.  Providing names of places and officials to encourage changes in regulations would also be helpful!

Independence, Mo City Municode: Chapter 4: Building, Plumbing, and Electrical

As I read through the codes, I'll note some topics for future references, in case I need them sometime in the future.  Note:  As I read through these codes, especially sec 4.01.012, I wish officials would reinforce those codes in many places within city.  Another example of how city officials pick and choose what to enforce.  People who can't afford to upkeep their homes won't be able to afford permits, fees, and taxes like responsible residents.

Sec 4.01.011-Structures and Exterior Property Areas

A. Can't leave junk, broken cars, non-outdoor furniture and building material longer than 7 days

B. Place must be clean and free of infestations

     2.  Weeds can't exceed 12 inches tall

     3. Nothing in this section shall be applied so as to prohibit: 

        c. Lots in excess of one acre or undeveloped lots not used for active agricultural use, or portions 

           thereof, which are more than one hundred fifty feet (150’) distance from any developed residential 

          or commercial lot. 

 L. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained 

     structurally sound and in good repair. 

M.  Don't litter

O. This subsection prohibits those conditions which interfere with the public's health, safety, peace, 

     comfort or convenience. 

Sec 4.01.012. Exterior Structures 

A. Must be in maintained and good condition

B. Address number requirements

C. Must be structurally sound

Sec 4.01.013. Interior Structures

A.  Inside must be maintained, structurally sound, and sanitary condition

SEC. 4.01.014. LIGHT, VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS. 

SEC. 4.01.015. OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS. 

SEC. 4.01.016. REQUIRED PLUMBING FACILITIES. 

More on NPR Radio stories on Tiny Homes:

Do-It-Yourself Downsize: How to build a Tiny House

Architect's Dream House: Less Than 200 Square Feet

Couch-Bed

Probably the most simple and the largest furniture piece I will be putting in the cabin.  It basically will be an elevated platform made of 2x4s measuring about 113"L x 65"W.  There will be room underneath for storage like additional blankets and fold up chairs.

I imagine this piece to be the most used part of the cabin, and place where people can hang out in the cabin and chat.  During the private moments it will be a quiet comfy place for the puppies and I to enjoy a book.  Because I intend it to be most used, I want to make it easy to clean and as water resistant as possible for any soda or wine spillage.  My goal was to make have it cushioned with outdoor furniture paddings, however I quickly found how crazy expense they were.  Even during off season sales and clearance stores, small outdoor pillows were $15!  I have decided to make my own pillow/cushion covers out of cloth-shower curtains.  I also have to admit that I did break that rule a little bit by getting feather down and polyester pillows for two big and justified reasons. 1) They were only $2-$3 a piece!, 2) They are SO cute!  See my blog post on "Thrift Store" shopping about finding great stuff.

I think one of the coolest thing about the cabin project (among a long list of cool things) is that I am free to put anything design-wise in this space.  In the main house, there are always themes of color and styles that one would need to follow so that all the rooms in the house can tie in with each other.  My house is mostly conservative with mostly shades of browns, tans, and whites.  I don't' have complaints about it, but sometimes a girl need some blast of color without design remorse in the home.  The cabin will be my girl-cave, filled with colors, patterns, and textures to help pump up my creative juices or lighten my day after a long day of work.  The couch-bed would be a big part of this design concept in presenting various colors, textures, and patterns and pulling together various design elements throughout the cabin.  Shopping for colors and textures is also very fun because I will never know what I'll find.

Loft-Ladder

The process to conceptualizing the ideas and creation of the Loft-Ladder.

Building access to the lofts spaces above.

1. Identify the Need and its Limits
Unlike many tiny homes I saw online, my cabin consisted of two lofts rather than one.  Often the Tiny Houses had access to their loft spaces either by a mobile ladder or permanently fixed steps.  I wanted to have access to both lofts without needing to move large objects around in a small space so I knew it had to be permanent.  I also want access to either lofts independence of each other, therefore I had to have two separate ladders or steps leading to both of the lofts.  By creating two separate ladders or steps to each loft, it would mean I will be sacrificing space in an-already tight area.  Whatever I was going to do, had to be space-efficient in design and be multifunctional in the cabin.   I also had to keep within budget (of being super cheap or free), I couldn't just go out to a hardware store and buy fancy or specialized materials/parts to build unique special-designed steps.  All I had to work with was scrap wood from left over from previous projects. 

My basic Needs/Limits List goes as follows:
-Access to both lofts
-Not required to move things around
-Not take up too much space
-Must have another function other than to just climbing up with it
-Can't buy extra materials to make it

2. Identify inventory to work with
space and materials to work with

3. Collect ideas
I look to Pinterest, YouTube tiny house and boat house video tours, and Google Images to see what ideas have been explored by others.  I then, analyze some of the positives and negatives of each unique designs. A lot of times when I start out, I really didn't have an idea to what exactly I was looking for except to find something that can take me to the loft.

        

I have decided to create a "split-staircase" design in the cabin, rather than to build two separate staircases or have two separate ladders to constantly move around the cabin to get in and out of the lofts.

4. Balance Creativity & Practicality
After collecting all the ideas and ideas I wanted, I look at my space and list out the "ideal" pros of a design I'd like to see in my space, thus narrowing down ideas/designs from "just cool" designs to "cool & practical" designs.   Most times I'd sometime extract ideas I saw from the internet and make adjustments to fit my ideal design.  In the creation of the Loft-Ladder, I designed it to work in conjunction with the Chair-Stair.

5.  Make it happen
At this point the left side of my brain needs to kick up a notch and work with what the right side of my brain has decided.  I calculate the dimensions, determine infrastructure, and make adjustments to what materials are available to me.

I do have to admit when I got into the geometry and co-tangent calculations, it was purely a joy ride for the left brain.  In reality, it was not necessary because the calculations didn't take into account the imperfections and warping of the wood, and elements/considerations missing in my design due to inexperience.  Although, the actual outcome of the piece seldom matches exactly what was created in my head, I'm pretty impressed with how close it was.  One more note of advice.... Since I am not a professional, I always make sure I design things with wiggle room.  I don't try to make everything in "exact" dimensions because I'm not really certain how much effect in natural expansion and shrinkage will be due to changing humidity and temperatures.

Total cost of set of Loft-Ladders = $0.00

Thrift Stores - Major Secrtet to Great Stuff

THRIFT STORES!-Major Secret to Great Stuff 

I must say, I think I have just discovered a new world of thrift shopping.  I use to have a certain perception about what one would find in thrift stores and the limits of what one could do with thrift store stuff.  I SWEAR! Once the creative ideas broke through the stereotype-barrier, it seems the sky's the limit to what I can do and find in many of these places for UNBELIEVABLE prices! I can truly attest that I am addicted to thrift stores shopping and antique malls!  I can go on and on about the types of projects I have in mind now due to the new resources available to me, items from wine racks to fabrics.  I'll give one example of some of my personal great-finds from thrift store.  Here is very good example of the types of things you can find and the incredible prices you can get for in thrift shops!

Accessories for the Couch-Bed in Living area

 

Everything in the pic above, (except the dog, she wouldn't move for the picture) did not cost more than $5 for each item.  The throw pillows (for the Couch-Bed) averaged $2-$3 a piece.  What's more surprising is that about half of the pillows were down-feather pillows.  In retail stores, polyester-fill throw pillows cost about $15-$25 per pillow, which I still don't understand how that price is justified.  Only 3 of the pillows pictured above cost $5, which surprisingly were the 3 smallest pillows. 

I purchased a shower curtain and a linen curtain for $4 each.  They will be cut up to make pillow cases and small curtains around the cabin.  Many hobby & craft places charge craft fabrics about $4-$10 a yard!  I also think cloth-shower curtains would be make great outdoor pillow & seat covers because of the water resistant properties- easier to clean and repels water. 

It is also not a bad idea to look for camping accessories in thrift stores.  I found this sleeping bag for $4.85.  Retail for the same name brand $15.00 and up.  So the lesson I learned is that once I allowed my mind free from barriers of the stereotypical thoughts and allow it to see things from a different perspective in aesthetics and function, I found that I was really not limited on what I can put in cabin, due to budget constraints.  There are plenty of obtainable cost-effective recourses out there.  I just have to explore every option to get them.

My Thrifty Shopping List
During my travels I have also made thrift store shopping a No. 1 activity on my travel To-Do list!   Every time I get ready to go on a trip I research, list, and map out all the stores the area on Google. The list is sorted by location, and if anyone has some great resources to recommend drop me an email, I'd like to add them to the list! ---> Click Here for Thrifty Shopping!

Chair-Stair

As I start developing a vision of how this space will look and how I would be using it, I realize that I will
require a rule on the types of furnishings that I would allowed to have in the cabin, to prevent crowding up the space. The rule, I have challenged myself to build furniture that had duel purposes.  Thus born the my first creation with hyphenated names... the Chair-Stair.  It's very name states its primary function.  My naming method are like my furniture creations....efficient and straight to the point.  One can sit on it and step up upon it to get into the loft spaces in the cabin (aka bedrooms).   Keep in mind this will be very SECOND furniture I built ever (after the kitchen table).  I think the most fun about customizing a piece of furniture is really design and conceptualizing it.  Seeing in reality is a bonus. Of course the Stair-Chair will also provided additional storage underneath, but it would be just silly and a mouth full to call this the "Stair-Chair-Storage".  I have not decided yet if I just should leave the space open or install pull out drawers.  I will have to learn about creating a drawing and installing rollers.  For now, the basic structure will be built so I can create other furniture pieces around it before the shed gets moved.  Aesthetic details will be dealt with after the move.

Creation of the "Stair-Chair"
Most of what I design really depends on the type of materials I had available to me..for cheap or Free!.  I found a couple of home-made stands made of 2x4's in the barn among the pile of lumber. I laid it on its side and it inspired how the Stair-Chair will look like.  One huge advantage was that I didn't have to cut the 2x4s, all I had to do was to take apart and and put it back together in a another way. I also added wood plants to the top, from the fence I tore down in my backyard.

Total Cost of Project: $0
Lumber and fence: $0
Reused Screws from the stand: $0

Below is the before-and-after picture, showing what I started out with and what I ended up with one of the pre-made stands:

Kitchen Table

Pre-Move vs. Post-Move Phase

The cabin will need to be moved so I have to wait on installing drywall.  Also I have planned to install additional windows (all recycled and free) into the cabin to let more light in and allow better ventilation during warmer temperatures, which will also need to be done during the post-move phase of the project.  I will also have a friend/contractor help and teach me how to install windows.
This year we have been hit with ALOT of rain, and so the yard has been to wet and slippery to move something that size.  Once the cabin is moved, I will not have access to electricity in that location so I figured I get as much big stuff done before the move so I dry-fit the parts in the space.

First Project Building EVER!  The Kitchen Table

Before I started this project, I was kind of scared of machines that made loud noises, particularly my table saw.  I decided I should start something small like a table.  I used left over lumber from my barn and fence panels that I tore down from my backyard.

I basically, Build a rectangular frame for the table top and added to 2 legs.  The leaning part of the table will then be screwed into the wall of the cabin.  I would eventually add shelves underneath and use a curtain (purchased from Goodwill-$4) to line the front and side of the table.

Once I completed the basics of the table, I decided to add another feature to the table to help save room in the cabin.  I want to fit a cooler underneath the table and have the table top lift up to get access into the cooler.  I got this idea from one of the houseboat industry projects I saw on YouTube.com.  The cooler lid will be attached to the table top.

Total Cost of this project:  $0.00
Scrap lumber and fence materials = $0.00
Cooler = $0.00
Scrap screws = $0.00

Work from the Walls in

Work from Outside In

The first thing on my list was to start simple and to work from the walls inward.  That way I don't get too ahead of myself and have projects get in the way of each other.  The part of the project I'm most looking forward to is decorating the space!

Impromptu Add-In -Electricity

I was going to start with putting in insulation first but decided I wanted to learn more about electricity.  "WHY NOT" take this opportunity to practice wiring a building?  The last time, I played around with electricity was during Shop/Construction class in junior high school.  Afterall, my business is about houses, I should have some understanding of the electrical basics.  Even if I decided not to hook up live electricity to the cabin, at least I don't have to tear the walls apart if and when I finally decided otherwise.
During this project I learned about the difference in amps, volts, and watts.  Yes I didn't know the difference before.  I, first briefed myself with the basics before getting started

I got most of my electrical supplies from Habitat for Humanity Restore.  Awesome Find of the Day: nearly unused electrical 12-2 wire for $20 (retail $60). And no tax!

Helpful YouTube videos
DIY Off Grid Electricity for $12 dollars
Basics of Household Wiring 101
How to Install an Electrical Outlet
How to install an Outlet part 2

Tools: Wire stripper, electric drill, hammer
Materials: Wire nuts, wire staples, junction boxes, switches, wire, outlets, light fixtures, breaker box/breakers

STEP #1: I had to determine how much amps would be flowing through the cabin so I can determine what electrical wire to run.  I ran 12-2 electrical wire.  I plan to use electricity in the cabin to charge phone devices, a few lights, and run a small heater/AC unit.

STEP #2: Determine how many outlets and switches to have and where to locate them in the cabin.  I wanted an outlet in each loft space, one in the living room space for general lighting, one by dining table, one in the kitchen (toaster oven?) and one on the vaulted ceiling for that focal lighting piece! I have 2 switches: one to control the vault ceiling outlet and one to control both living room outlet and Kitchen light.  The rest of the plugs will be active all the time without a switch.

STEP #3: Pre plan how all the wires are going to run throughout the building so don't "swiss cheese" your studs.

STEP# 4: Re-watch the YouTube videos to make sure you have your wires connection accurate.

I will have a contractor/friend come check my work before any of this will ever by juiced with with live electricity.

Insulate

Tools: Knife blade, staple gun, and staples
Materials: faced-Insulation, or unfaced insulation and painters plastic. (Faced or Unfaced means with or without the paper barrier which is used to staple to the studs)

Helpful YouTube video
How to install fiberglass insulation 101

The next step went fast.  Most of the first floor insulation was scrap left over from past projects that I found in storage from previous projects.  The installation was 16 inches wide, but my studs are 22 inches wide.  I used painters plastic to hold in the loose insulation.  I thought I knew how to properly install insulation, but after watching a YouTube video, I went back and re-did the work.
I had to break down and purchase new insulation from Lowe's for the ceiling.  I didn't want to hold up progress waiting for cheap or free insulation.  Also it was going easier to get the correct width roll so it can be quickly stapled in. I purchased 2 rolls for $75 each.

Why and How I Got Started

Who am I?

I am just a Midwest girl in her mid-30's, who try to work hard and tried do the right things through life. I had once thought that by the time I'm in my 30's, I would have already married, maybe begin a family, and be on my career path straight up to being a young female CFO/CEO who would one day, be featured in the local business journal. Today I'm single-by-choice, have trouble working up or finding decent jobs due to the economy, thus decided to make my own path to follow in life which brings me to where I am today. I have started my own company in attempt live my life on my terms while working part-time to maintain stable financial stability till my company takes off. Now, with my finances stabilized, my life goals and objective established, I want turn my focus to my spirituality and a healthier lifestyle (in the past, it was waking up early for work, getting home late from work, drinking 2-3 cups of coffee a day, and eating Quiktrip hot dogs in my car going from my place to another for lunch and dinner) I want to explore living life creatively, through playfulness, art, music, meditation/self-reflection-my jobs were primarily left-brain intensive. I want to explore and exercise more outside-the-box thinking, answer all the why-not questions, and do things "just because I want to" and not "because I have to".

Why the Tiny House concept?

I have been following the Tumbleweed homes and it's concept for a long time thinking how cute it would be to have a tiny house. I recently ended a long-term relationship and during the purging and clearing out of the house, I realized we/I have accumulated a lot of things in the house that even I didn't even remember owning over a short period of 5 years. I started looking into the ideas of living simpler. The need for fewer materials goods equate to need to spend less money, thus need less money means less stress to acquire it. Coupled with the TED talks of speakers who purged the chains of material belongings to gain spiritual freedom (provided some video links below), I have started to think deeper about my daily existence and what my hours on earth were really for. Was it for me? or for the "man", taxes, and millionaire corporate owners? After years of reflection (since I was let go from my dream job about 4 years ago) I realized I didn't need much to be happy. Just a full stomach, compfy home that I can call my own, and freedom to set off to new adventures on my terms. No more begging for vacation hours or faking a sickness to enjoy a morning sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand and dogs by my side. I should start learning about small living by exploring more into the concept myself. After all what harm is there? Who knows, it may come in handy when I retire someday and want to travel the country 365 days out of the year.

What Will I Be Doing?

I had an empty shed, a lot of excess building materials (lumber, nails, insulation, demo windows, odd & ends of nails and screws of all sizes imaginable) left over from the past-relationship and the previous house owner. I thought, "WHY NOT?". The stuff was just laying around and have been there for Years! I could focus on finishing out the shed with free or recycled materials and see what happens? This project would be low-cost, require hunting for treasures in Habitat Humanity Restores, thrift shops, antique malls, and online "for sale" ads.


What I started with:

Starting this project, I owned a DeWalt drill, a hammer, and a table saw. I have a couple supportive friends in specific expertise for advise, helpful Lowes and Home Depot associates willing to educate the basics, armed with How-To YouTube videos and Pintrest for creativity. The only professional knowledge I have, going into this project, is massive expertise in....programming Excel spreadsheets. Hopefully, by the end of this project, I can confidently say.. "Anyone can do this!"

TedTalk Lecture:
"Less Stuff, More Happiness"
"Sell your crap. Pay your debt. Do what you love"