I am another
amateur builder who is captivated by this whole tiny house concept. I’m writing
this blog to document my experience for posterity. I have appreciated
learning from my predecessors about the successes and challenges they have
encountered as they boldly embarked on their tiny house adventures. I
hope to contribute to the community, especially the other amateurs out there
seeking assistance and confidence.
The Amateur: I did not grow up in a "handy" household. While it's true that I excelled at Legos as a child, a wood shop and metal working class in high school were my first introductions to tool use and building useful projects. Since then I have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity here and there and worked as a Carpenter's Apprentice for less than a year. I took a few architecture/design classes in college where I did some drafting and studying of blueprints. I gravitate toward design that emphasizes the practical, simplicity, "over-engineering", and attention to detail.
The Amateur: I did not grow up in a "handy" household. While it's true that I excelled at Legos as a child, a wood shop and metal working class in high school were my first introductions to tool use and building useful projects. Since then I have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity here and there and worked as a Carpenter's Apprentice for less than a year. I took a few architecture/design classes in college where I did some drafting and studying of blueprints. I gravitate toward design that emphasizes the practical, simplicity, "over-engineering", and attention to detail.
I'm calling the house La Cabañita (the
diminutive form of La Cabaña, Spanish for "the cabin"). The full name, La Cabañita Chiquita translates to something
like "the very small, small cabin." Go ahead, say the whole thing with a Spanish accent. It's fun, isn't it!
WHY? There are many reasons for building and living in a tiny house. Here are some of mine:
1. Learn the invaluable, timeless skill of creating shelter and habitat for oneself.
2. Examine and diminish my ecological footprint.
3. Avoid expensive and complicated rental scenarios (lease terms, applications, fees, utilities).
4. Save money for future endeavors (small farm, education).
5. Increase the quality, health, and comfort of my home.
6. Flexibility to move my mobile cabin to new locations of interest.
7. Simplify and improve my quality of life.
8. Have more permanence in place and community.
9. Gain greater awareness of nature.
Thanks are due to all the friends who are supporting me in this endeavor. Building a tiny house is an unconventional idea. It can be deflating when someone scoffs at the concept, finding tiny houses and their dreamers curiously offensive. Tiny houses can challenge cultural norms and expectations, which may lead to confusion and push-back. But I am inspired and grateful to the folks who embrace the unconventional and are eager to help me along in my journey. Friends, old and new, have contributed time, space, materials, tools, ideas, patience and positive reinforcement. I look forward to the day when I can return the favor. Thank You!
Andrew
WHY? There are many reasons for building and living in a tiny house. Here are some of mine:
1. Learn the invaluable, timeless skill of creating shelter and habitat for oneself.
2. Examine and diminish my ecological footprint.
3. Avoid expensive and complicated rental scenarios (lease terms, applications, fees, utilities).
4. Save money for future endeavors (small farm, education).
5. Increase the quality, health, and comfort of my home.
6. Flexibility to move my mobile cabin to new locations of interest.
7. Simplify and improve my quality of life.
8. Have more permanence in place and community.
9. Gain greater awareness of nature.
Thanks are due to all the friends who are supporting me in this endeavor. Building a tiny house is an unconventional idea. It can be deflating when someone scoffs at the concept, finding tiny houses and their dreamers curiously offensive. Tiny houses can challenge cultural norms and expectations, which may lead to confusion and push-back. But I am inspired and grateful to the folks who embrace the unconventional and are eager to help me along in my journey. Friends, old and new, have contributed time, space, materials, tools, ideas, patience and positive reinforcement. I look forward to the day when I can return the favor. Thank You!
Andrew
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