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"