Couple Converts Garage Into Income-Generating Tiny House

Airbnb hosts Genevieve & Duston combine their passions for hands-on making & interior
design to renovate a garage (previously a WWII-era ADU) into a darling tiny house to generate extra income. Considering hosting a tiny home on Airbnb? Learn about the benefits: bit.ly/airbnbt... Disclosure: We earn a small fee when we
refer people to start hosting.
As ‪@airbnb‬ tiny house hosts, they've generated enough income to allow Genevieve to quit her job to be a stay-at-home mom. This has been especially valuable during the pandemic.
For Genevieve & Duston, hosting a tiny home enables them to expand their community. They've made long-lasting friends with multiple guests. And they've also​ heard ​from numerous guests how the tiny house experience enlightened them on how gratifying simple living can be.
Living in a small space with just the things you need, plus a few creature comforts that feel just right. It's also a lifestyle that encourages connection to your ​surroundings​, from neighbors to the natural world or city life around you--ideal for an urban tiny house Airbnb.
Portland Tiny House on Airbnb: www.airbnb.com...
You can also connect with an Airbnb Ambassador & learn how to create a successful listing by signing up for an Airbnb webinar: ​​​introtohosting...
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[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Genevieve & Duston combine their skills & passions to convert a detached garage, with a surprising backstory, into an inviting tiny house with a downstairs bedroom. As Airbnb hosts, they've generated enough income to allow Genevieve to quit her job to be a stay-at-home mom--especially valuable during the pandemic. *Learn about the benefits:* bit.ly/airbnbtinyhouse *AND* 🏡🌄✨👉 *Check out more Tiny Getaways:* kzbin.info/aero/PLlvBXhDyr9H2U0HdzPqb3E3cwKwhjtenc

[@nenemaria-cornfieldsgarden]

Seems like some comments are totally missing the point. It's an alternative to a hotel room, not a home. I'd never go on holiday and sit and watch TV or cook a huge meal, I go to explore and experience and most definitely to eat out! If you want a holiday where you sit on a couch and watch TV all day then clearly this isn't the place for you. I don't understand some people's need to pick fault with everything. We could complain it doesn't have a bar or swimming pool but again, not that type of 'hotel' 🤣 I think they've done a great job of making it feel welcoming, clean and friendly and somewhere to enjoy a glass of wine then put your head down after a fun day out. Sounds like they've been running it for years now so they must be doing something right ;)

[@elsizzle2000]

Amen!

[@kippyseyo]

❤

[@MissSmudge78]

I couldn't have worded it better. Until I read your comment, it didn't even occur to me that there was no tv.

[@catkin-z8g]

No tv is fine but a $40 cleaning fee? What is the rest of the money for if it doesn't cover cleaning? Seems really expensive for a garage. Looking at the prices there is other places with a full kitchen and sitting room for quite a lot less. If there is more space then you can have cleaning equipment and people can maintain it better. No washing machine is pretty bad considering the sheets probably need a wash to get all the detergent and fragrances out. I would be more impressed if they told me there was wired internet so I could switch the wifi off and that the sheets were cleaned with some natural products that wouldn't disturb my sleep.

[@plaidpaisley5918]

Just a thought; a Murphy bed on that back wall with a fold down couch combo would have been sooooo cool!!

[@flyjake314]

Can we just take a min to recognize the wonderful artistic presentations of the music, camera angles, and editing of these videos from T.H.E. Great job Christian and Alexis!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Ahh that made our day; thank you Jake for glowing reviews and support! ❤️

[@pamelawalmsley5971]

That was nice of you to point that out. I wouldn't have really noticed how professionally they presented their tiny house.

[@gaylcloake6045]

It is lovely. So many negative comments. Great alternative to a hotel room. You did a great job of renovating.

[@pamelaadkins6152]

I don’t agree with some of the comments made. I think the B&B is adorable, compact but spacious. Love the vaulted ceiling and your color choice: so clean and refreshing. Job well done. Thank you for the tour...

[@jdchy6181]

the cute tiny house aside u can really tell how lovely, warm & passionate they are about hosting people and i think that’s the true selling point of it all 😌

[@genevievehammond6068]

Thanks JD! That’s kind of you to mention.

[@MissSmudge78]

Loving your work invokes passion, which struck me here. What your family has created looks so inviting and cosy, yet simple, without clutter. Clever design ... love it!

[@allegrosotto2126]

The best b&b I've seen, with a proper useable kitchen. All of the space is thoughtfully designed and decorated. Lovely sentiments expressed by the owners. I'd love to live in it if it was in Australia!

[@skk1590]

Genevieve and Dustin have done an amazing job making their space feel cozy, without feeling cramped. The space planning and thoughtful touches are impressive. I love all the unique ceramic mugs (I never met a ceramic mug I didn’t like ;). Well done you guys!!

[@sailorgirl2017]

Just found you and hit subscribe when you intro'd your chickens. Lived in Sonoma County and had backyard chickens. We weren't permitted to have them, even if we named them. We were lucky though. We lived on a corner lot with wonderful neighbours. One already had chickens and the other was an old man in his mid-80's and grew weed. Plus as a bonus our postal gal became friends. Everything you've done, why and what you communicate and share is the epitome of the ideals of the US. Oregon has always been ahead of the pack. :) Well done! I wouldn't change a thing.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Thanks for the sub and kind words! ❤️

[@jillw.2524]

Just beautiful. You both did a wonderful job on your tiny house. I could retire in there.😍Thanks for sharing 🌹🦋💓

[@jillw.2524]

Beautiful 👪 best wishes.

[@hutoxipatel3610]

Lovely couple n beautiful home in a natural beauty

[@aroundtheson1096]

Love this space...from the 1st shot of the grass and chickens i knew it was my beloved home town of Portland. Can't wait to book a stay in my own city.

[@ChazEvansdale]

Genevieve & Duston are awesome people! Love the layout, design, colors, and their mindset! Gives them both a warm hug! Bonus hugs for Alexis and Christian, love your videos!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

🥰 thanks Chaz!

[@genevievehammond6068]

Thanks so much Chaz!

[@veinuj]

Quiet special. I love the little cat story. Very nice!! PS the beams really add dimension to the tiny house.

[@robincrawley311]

Love It, No Doubt! Blessings!🙏🏽

[@almacarter7968]

this is a smart idea and it looks comfortable, it looks like a studio apt,

[@nighttime64]

This is a lovely place, so simple decorated but looks so fresh calm and warm well done

[@southengirl1]

Thank you for what you are doing for the world!🙏🏾

[@JJoy-bk8yr]

Thanks for including "income-generating," which signals that it is an AirB&B, so we know what to expect. It's pretty cute. You always do a good job editing, btw.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

appreciate your kind feedback!

[@arshy45]

Sorry but I'm sick of Airbnb ads. Looking forward to seeing tiny houses that people live in rather than business listings.

[@swaters5127]

I can't live tiny but could rent one out.

[@ZOOMY_theEditer]

I feel you. Airbnb has provided a full second income - it’s astonishing. When so many people are homeless and there’s a housing shortage like never before. Airbnb caters to people wealthy enough to have the disposable income to travel, and benefits middle income homeowners who get richer because of it. Again, low income earners miss out. Airbnb is a scourge on society that just circulates wealth in the upper echelons

[@erinfield1943]

They didn't take a house off the market, they created a new one. If you don't like rich people, that's another story. A valid one, but a different one. ;)

[@thirstingknowledge]

@@erinfield1943 Right! It's their property. They can use it any way they want. For profit, family, work, etc. No one can and should comment on how and you use your property space.

[@erikcable1755]

thanks for the design info, the lighting, choice of windows are great.

[@brendah4773]

Very nice! Love to all from Loveland, Colorado ❤️

[@gkreyl8700]

Loved what you have done, and love the story behind it.

[@MBMCincy63]

Great story and concept, good people 👍.

[@anjumsiddiqi3033]

Thanks so much for uploading this video. It is very inspiring. I am also trying to make my garage a cozy living place, so it can be a granny house type portion for me, a grandma. Thanks for the ideas that makes it beautiful, warm and cozy!,

[@magiemaggot]

The space does look great!

[@meelo1978]

Your aesthetic for the decor and layout is totally nice. I like it mucho!!!

[@sandrastevens2793]

I wish this was allowed more on East Coast. Live near the ocean and summers would be great. But, towns would never allow an extra structure with kitchen and bath.

[@DawnOldham]

Another great story! Thank you for sharing!

[@charminjohnson9998]

Almost like hotel room setup nice looking

[@stephanieclark1487]

This is totally adorable!

[@sarai03]

Disappointing, as there was very little info about *how* the space was converted--they kind of skipped over most of the fittings and things. For people who watch videos about tiny homes as a source of inspiration, this just doesn't do the job. It really just comes across as an ad for this couple's Air B&B property?? Not a great look.

[@OIII-IOOO]

yeah, i’ve noticed lately that that’s what’s happening to many of these “tiny house” channels. they are turning into airbnb propaganda channels. even my favorite byrce is leaning that way. sad.

[@flyjake314]

This is another great video. Lots of details and ideas for one's own tiny. Become a Patreon and you get to watch it early :)

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Thanks for the plug! Yes please become a Patreon member to support us to help go more places and share more amazing tiny homes, AND to enjoy in-depth live video tiny living discussions and hangs: www.patreon.com/TinyHouseExpedition

[@endtimeswriter]

I have a medium garage that was a very old little house before and am thinking of converting back to a studio. The main thing I wonder about are the cost of the utilities like sewer, water and an electric panel for that. Otherwise the actual remodel I can do with a friend. My city says it would be ok for my zoning too.

[@linacabrera3172]

Veeery nice ! Good luck, and God bless you

[@tenfour000]

I like the fact that although y'all could have constructed a second story bedroom as with many other tiny homes, y'all opted for the level floor as some people prefer not to climb as much.

[@stevegrimes5105]

And - surprise! - its raining in Portland

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

😂

[@beastmodejelly8654]

So perfect 😍

[@lopezzzhector]

Awesome job I’m working on mine now 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jenniferpatterson1998]

Love it!!

[@patiencevirtue3932]

Smart: havinf an urban chicken coop, and tiny house in the backyard

[@paisley293]

It's such a cute space! I would have like to have seen a Murphy bed, so that you could have more relax space, comfy chairs etc.

[@deborahdelaney7602]

Love this tiny house and its history, and of course the chickens 💕. What make is the 36" x 36" shower? I've been looking but can't find any with that little bar to hold on to. Thanks much.

[@daveholte7658]

Interesting project I would like to stay with chickens and cat and dog Was hoping to show facilities of Electrical Box and Water Heater location etc Nice place

[@dustonlarsen685]

Water heater is a Rinnai propane Tankless and is mounted on the exterior wall under the eves. It was pricey but kept it out of the living space. We first were going to place a cheap tank above the bathroom ceiling but the city was going to require us to engineer the ceiling for weight. Electrical is just a typical 100 amp box. We have a main shut off at the main house meter that splits off to the tiny house. That was the biggest single cost. I think the electrical was about $10-15k all said and done.

[@deborahdelaney7602]

@@dustonlarsen685 Love this tiny house and it's history. What make is the 3' x 3' shower enclosure? I've been searching for one with the bar insert to hold on to, but haven't found any. Thanks much.

[@marianfrances4959]

Really nice hosts! Sweet lodging. 👍😉🇨🇦

[@TheAxis1275]

Genevieve!! Completely off topic. But that's a beautiful coat! I'd love to get my wife one of those. Where can I get it?? Please help! Beautiful home! Great job

[@genevievehammond6068]

Thanks! It’s a Swedish brand called Stutterheim ☺️

[@crystalh4jc05]

Beautiful ❤️ #BLESSINGS

[@lauriekline8655]

They should paint the bathroom door a funky color

[@casid9929]

Plant is asking for water.

[@IAM...1111...]

Beautiful. Thank You

[@tashagoodson3920]

U should add some cocoa to ur stock cuz everyone loves cocoa with Marshmallows peppermint mint chocolate sprinkles candy Canes you name it anything that can go on top of coffee caramel all those for hot cocoa to you should have those in there

[@tashagoodson3920]

U should should make it ur tea coffee hot chocolate bar

[@johnmoua9556]

Beautiful place. Looking into building something similar in WA. How much was the overall cost to finishing it like that with plumbing electric and etc . Thank you

[@RoseMary-yl6wk]

Cute tiny house! I think you've mentioned that the shower is 3×3, what's the size of the whole bathroom please? And is the bed full or queen size? Thanks in advance ☺

[@thameswood1216]

Nice. I am planning to do something like this. Do you say anywhere how much income potential does a tiny house add to your budget and how much does it cost on average? Will be good to know the cost analysis.

[@briansutherland9457]

Watched video luv your tiny house luv the chickens luv hearin about you dog to so lovely realy enjoyed thxs

[@tashagoodson3920]

So if I stayed there I can get so farm fresh eggs that would be amazing since I live in roseburg Oregon and had chickens and tons of fresh eggs was amazing

[@republicansreprisal7993]

Not even a microwave to reheat Portland leftovers?? What's the point of all that counter space??

[@magiemaggot]

Lol. They told us about their mugs.

[@susananderson1071]

How many square foot is it? Lovely space!

[@GREENLALI]

Looks like most studio in California.

[@lgtvstick368]

If I did this here in Clearwater, Florida, I'd have the city all over my @ss to fine me and demanding for me to take it down immediately!

[@JimmyHamAnp]

Nice job!

[@zilly1]

OK but how many sq ft is this garage?

[@92Tulips]

I didn't see a TV, did I miss it?

[@user-ms6rm1fc9x]

Kitchen doesn't have stove or fridge

[@ej3016]

fridge is under kitchen counter as soon as you walk in door 11:05 gentleman spoke of electric hot plate being available but didn’t show where it was kept or pots / pans etc - she chimed in about encouraging guests to eat out cause Portland is a foodie town - they seemed mostly to dwell on kitchen being a coffee / tea prep area - it’s a shame there isn’t a basic toaster oven - warming up a fresh bagel or pastry to have with all that coffee / tea would be great - since there is only one chair in the tiny house - would swap out uncomfortable stools and replace them with bar stools with chair backs - much more versatile then what they’ve got 🇨🇦🙏

[@serendipityshopnyc]

Anybody else wondering whether the chickens have more space than the airbnb guests? But I guess it makes sense if the chickens live there full time....

[@tashagoodson3920]

I don’t use anything at my house really a bit of clothes don’t own a lot of dishes cuz I want a tiny home my kids own my tiny duplex lol but it’s to big to me but under 700 ft

[@tashagoodson3920]

I want something smaller but my oldest daughter doesn’t want to do what do I do if I what to change my life

[@tashagoodson3920]

I want a room on bottom she could use a loft room but hard to talk her into it and we r only 3 and half hours from u

[@tashagoodson3920]

R rooms r small but I share a room with my youngest kid who is 4 but I fell like r house is to big

[@emilyhsmith]

What is the square footage?

[@Nichelle291]

216 sqft

[@emilyhsmith]

@@Nichelle291 Awesome, you guys did a great job all the way around! Congratulations!

[@o0o0ll0o0o]

It's funny that she thinks Urban chickens are a new thing. I grew up in a big city and our neighbors had chickens on their rooftop. This was in the '80s.

[@dmiller2055]

Surprised that Home Owners Association allowed that.

[@joantrotter3005]

Most neighborhoods aren't under the authority of a homeowners' association. If Portland zoning OKed it, that's all the permission they need.

[@genevievehammond6068]

Yep, no HOA here. We have been completely permitted through the city and pay lodging taxes. And our neighbors families have even stayed with us. So it ends up being a neighborhood perk too!

[@swaters5127]

Is there crime or homelessness in your area?

[@marykey5813]

Wheres your small refrigerator?

[@marykey5813]

Need a small couch

[@Greenyrich74]

"They love being woken up by them" Sure they do.

[@rachelhudson8362]

Lovely place but a hotplate on the counter would be a nice touch. The tiny basin is cute but unnecessary.

[@genevievehammond6068]

Hey! We do have a double burner hot plate but it’s tucked away in the drawer when not in use ☺️ And the sink in the bathroom was required by the city. We used a tiny one because it took up less space in an already small space. It’s really functional for hand washing, teeth brushing...etc. thanks for commenting.

[@kamikazitsunami]

Why can't we just see the tiny houses while out hearing the stories?

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

We're interested in the design and people behind the homes; both are fascinating to us. The stories inform how the design was created and why. Our two cents :)

[@kamikazitsunami]

@@saywhyt So you're basically saying that everyone should be like you?

[@biancanapoles1725]

@@saywhyt Or we can complain if we want to, whether YOU like it or not. I also want to just see the house and don't want to go through 19 minutes of storytelling that in the end, told me NOTHING. But I watched those boring-a*s 19 minutes and dealt with it. I'm complaining. If you don't like it, TOO! BAD!!!

[@joantrotter3005]

Frustrating to watch all that to be disappointed. Ok, the frame around the mirror was a good idea, but it's not a tiny HOME, it's a motel room in a backyard. As a guest I would at least expect a small fridge and microwave or toaster oven!? There were just so many things I can see improved.

[@magiemaggot]

Lol. They told us how to make coffee.

[@tonyanderson191]

Wow!look at the neck beard on that guy!

[@nell8170]

Too much wasted space and essentials missing....and way too much talking.

[@priceandpride]

NOBODY likes being woken up by chickens and hens!

[@mare.466]

Demasiado pequeño para vivir ahí. 👎

[@samsteele4650]

I'm betting there is no income on this.......you guys live in a little bubble that makes this work if anything. People are starving and dieing if not on the verge of being homeless, and you two decide to start a bed and breakfast type of residence. You should sell it and move into a van down by the river while you still can.

[@thecrummycrafter5625]

Huh? They are super hosts so they are making money. If you do t want to stay there don’t. It’s a free country! I think it a nice alternative to a hotel room.

[@samsteele4650]

@@thecrummycrafter5625 you not supposed to run a commercial business from a residential neighborhood. lets start with that.

[@thecrummycrafter5625]

@@samsteele4650 you might want to check your local zoning and bylaws...

[@dustonlarsen685]

Sam makes a good point about people not being able to meet there basic needs. That’s what voting, protesting, donating and advocating are for. We didnt just start this up nor did poverty just happen last year. Selling it to make a giant profit and living in a van, I appreciate the Chris Farley reference, only serves to continue to broaden the wealth gap. We know our privilege and we check that. By no means are we perfect but we believe in a better inclusive life than what we see presently.

[@dustonlarsen685]

@@samsteele4650 we have favorable zoning where we are at. It’s R2.5 with a couple other overlays. The building was fully permitted. We just saved permit costs and design reviews because the structure was existing.

[@kurtn652]

But what if they can't pay rent? Boo hoo hoo!!

[@dustonlarsen685]

We specifically set this up under the premise we were not going to make money. And to live within our existing budget. Our main house is a small 2x1 so friends and family always proved difficult to host. This created that space for hosting. Any income from short term renting just goes towards the mortgage. I think that is the idea of the “tiny house” culture. We can all disagree on what constitutes as a tiny house but we all agree we want to shed consumerism and live more meaningful. At least that’s how I view it.