Engineer's Tiny House On Wheels | Forbes

Avanade's CIO gives us a tour of his employee's unique home.
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[@webstercat]

Small doesn't mean crude or shabby. Very well done! Live simply, avoid stress, avoid un-necessary possessions and spend the money on travel.

[@dianerota]

Or spend an entire life semi-retired.

[@Fragacide]

I could totally live there. That's everything I could ever need or want in a house.

[@AnthonyRizzo2]

I love what he said at 1:00 “If it doesn’t have a place or it doesn’t have a purpose it has to go.” Those are words to live by.

[@1111ink]

Thank you for sharing your tiny cute house with me. I love it and I am in awe you can live there together. Way to go!

[@OneSproutAtaTime]

I love the idea of having your home wherever you go!!!! The less material stuff you have, the more freedom you have :) I really admire people who are able to build their own home...I would love to learn ;)

[@Tinymoezzy]

some ladies find it very refreshing. I think small spaces lead to creative space saving. It also gives you the chance to really look at what you need vs holding on to stuff you just keep around.

[@tucnasam]

I lived on a sail boat (44 ft, 13ft wide) for 4.5 years with my family of 4, (I was 11-15 y.o at the time). I'm sold on the tiny house!

[@tjean6011]

While Jay is a current face on this movement, very small homes have been built as part of alternative communities since the "60's.In the early '80's I designed and helped to build 3 off the grid full time residenceses with foot prints small enough to be considered a shed; 10 ft by 12 ft. None were mobile, but they had many of the features you now see in this movement. One had 3 stories and cantilevered extensions. Another had multiple "sheds" connected by 4 season porches (as all were built in the PacNWest (PacNWet?). Planning every cubic inch is the biggest thing. If you're planning your own, try mocking up your ideas using appliance boxes, then use the place. A dish pan for the sink, lawn chairs, and other around the place stuff can give you a good idea of what things will be like when the structure is built out of more permanent materials. If nothing else, window placement in our 9 month long grey season is worth all the time with packing tape and staple gun. remember to do the roof and loft, as with such a small space, 3 inches is a lot. With liberal application of marine grade varnish, I've had cardboard structures last a year or more through the west coast drizzle. You can find many people at marinas who'll gladly give you the partial gallons left from their annual maintenance.

[@ShortBusUs]

Seems to me Shafer did start the entire "tiny house movement". I'm not sure this is one of his designs though...could be. I am on the verge of building one. Tiny living isn't for everyone however, I'm a young grandmother who's raising two grandsons in a converted short school bus, we also have a little Scamp trailer for the oldest kiddo. I've lived this way for 8 years rather comfortablyy And..the kids do very well in school...they do not mind our lifestyle at all! In fact, their friends think it all rather cool. This life truly brings a family close together...lol...cant get away from each other.

[@signalfire6]

Mega kudos to the CIO for supporting this.

[@janeprepper177]

I wish they would have given us a tour of the house, but overall it was a good vid. I LOVE tiny houses and applaud him for building his own.

[@jdstep97]

Wow! Congratulations! May you enjoy long and happy lives together. It's great that you probably have started your lives off with little or no major debts.

[@juxtn]

I have been looking at a number of these little houses on youtube and each one has a little clever twist that others do not have. This one is simple, but important -his kitchen sink is round and in the corner, more counter and cabinet space this way. I also like that it is a white ceramic -most are typical stainless steel.

[@NancyFrye]

I love these houses! If I were single (and didn't have so much livestock), I would totally be looking in to one.

[@justgivemethetruth954]

why does he have two heaters? that's very telling ... aren'tt those nice cute little heaters we see in every one of these videos enough to keep the place toasty - because what all the owners say is yes? I do like the way he has that ladder so that it fold up and out of the way and he can more push himself up it than have to climb it - that is a nice innovation.

[@1145msm]

yeah I like the ladder too. most tiny homes I saw, are right there in the middle of the kitchen entrance.

[@Hoodwinxed]

He has two heaters because one is electric the other is gas. Its safer to run the electric one but less efficient than the gas one. Also that gas model has no thermostat so it probably gets to hot at night.

[@m_pcv]

That's bad ass. I would hotbox the crap out of it if it were my house.

[@smallhomeideas]

The tiny house movement grows daily!

[@dianerota]

For easier access, place the hinges on your fridge on the opposite side. Most appliance stores can instruct you.

[@1145msm]

My family room is bigger than his entire home. I was totally amazed as I sat there on my couch, looking around and thinking, can I really live like this in this tiny home. I want one but am afraid that I cant handle the tiny-nest.....

[@signalfire6]

Great layout, I like the door offset so you have room for a chair and leg rest; I also like the design of the stowaway ladder. Good job. And yeah, the materialistic, can't think outside of a box women will not like this, the hell with them. You'll have saved a fortune in a few short years over the cost of a mortgage.

[@feli___b]

I would be more than happy living in a tiny house here in London. I have being working to pay my rent... Thinking about the meaning of the word 'slave' I would say that I am it!

[@jmlidea]

From what I've been able to find out, here in MN, it's illegal to live in a RV... you can camp out in one, but not longer than 7 days, twice a year.

[@donaburns7912]

Wonder and amazement here. Yes, I love it!

[@Tyyyyuru]

i could live a happy life like this

[@GhostmanDBP]

I want to live like that some day. The genius of this minimalist lifestyle is: You own your own house but don't need to live at the same address. Let's face it, this IS a real house. Unlike a trailer, it's built like a house. An average sized house is just a place to store a shit-load of useless stuff we've acquired in life, and let's face it, when we die we can't take our stuff with us anyway. This is the wave of the future.

[@peacelovenmelons]

congrats and blessings to you both!

[@theonlyjaie]

Great video, it's good to see a company being supportive when an employee does something like this. I do wish you'd show the bathroom, and are you renting someplace? Or in a friend's backyard? What are your costs to run this place? Beyond building it I mean.

[@1971mgb]

@low72 As you get rid of stuff you find you no longer need the tiny house becomes larger. 11ft tall cathedral ceilings, a few nice chairs,no clutter,no mortgage,no worries. How much bigger can you get than that? I'm typing this as I sit next to a candle lit table,nice and cozy warm on a snowy night north of Seattle.

[@low72]

"oh no, no i could never live here" i bet they would still say that when they're homeless living on the street. BOO YA!

[@jenmovies]

I would love to live like this. Well done. :)

[@UNIVERSITYHI]

@TinyBlueCage Got a smile out of that.

[@netwitt1]

If I'm not mistaken, the house is a Jay Shafer or Tumbleweed design. It would be nice to acknowledge the designer.

[@vivaloriflamme]

I have the perfect driveway/yard for someone who wanted the space for one of these.... it even has electric hookup.

[@lrobinson9356]

Great Idea! The only problem I can see is the uncertainty of having someone else pay your mortgage. Adam lives in a house that is paid for! :)

[@cyblur]

Preach !

[@dianerota]

Because the title included the word "engineer", I thought there would be more about the technical side of these tiny houses.

[@rognlie1]

thats freaking bad ass!!

[@ashesinyourmouth]

You could build one of these for a little under $20,000 people. I'm working on getting the trailer right now and going from there.

[@MahajiHaji]

'Git goin'! Gotta move that gear up!

[@georgewu5]

Frank Upstate NY: from George white Plains. I have been designing the minimum sized,permanent housing for generations to come,using the used shipping containers,stacking them up to pay for the cost of land, so it could be located near wherever the jobs are to buy grocery to with. Living space:15'x11', bath with tub for washing clothes:5'x7', small kitchenette next to the vestibule,balcony:4'x8'. Total 256 s.f.@100/s.f.= $25,600 complete with no mortgage ! George Wu,Architect, A.I.A.2013-5-3

[@genenco1]

I'd really consider this, but the things to consider is "Moving" the house at times. I don't think you can just up and relocate without some issues (High winds during driving, traffic laws and land use) but if you can find someone who let's you park it for a nominal fee monthly, it's ideal for the loner...

[@TuKwick]

you have to put it in before you box it out, the same goes for the bed and any other large equipment/furniture

[@EDTHEWATERGUY]

I had the same question and found it with some research.It's called a Dickinson Newport propane heater.Google it.

[@frankfromupstateny3796]

If your lady friends don't like it....either stay with her in her fancy McMansion when she....."needs company" or move on...McMansions are obsolete and unsustainable today. I would shoot for the 180-200 sq' plans though....130sq' is tiny even for me.

[@kevins1114]

The way to make them legal is to register them as Recreational vehicles. In most states, this isn't difficult.

[@unambitious]

I would do this if I didn't plan on having a family anytime soon. No real options for expansion... I noticed this was in Seattle though, so you might have to live like that with a family lol!

[@low72]

If the house is a'rockin, don't come a'knockin! LOL!

[@1971mgb]

@signalfire6 You don't need an rv mover or mobile home mover. They are built on standard cargo trailer bases. At 8 by 18ft they weigh about 6000 lbs with the trailer and easily towed with a 3/4 ton pick up. People that don't move them frequently rent 3/4 ton U hauls and tow them to the next location.

[@georgewu5]

My pre-dreilled house is 12'x36'. Any un-skilled person can assemble it together into a two bedroom( 12' x 12' each ), full bath and kitchen,living room with a cathedral ceiling and an optional deck. I think the people in Hatii and New Orleans should live in housing instead of tents for years. George Wu, AIA 2012-1-12

[@djkenny1202]

Hi, I am curious about which tiny home plan this is? Also, I saw two types of heating...os one of those propane (a boat one on the wall?) ? Is the home hooked up to the sewer? Electricity plugged outside? Is there a shower and compost toilet? I have a driveway car port about the size ideal for this home at 12X20. I think this would make a good friend rental and later a place for mom to reside. Thanks! I love these homes. I would do the *exact* same thing. If my wife was down, we could do 240sqft

[@yourweddingfun]

smart observation! it's all about results

[@smallhomeideas]

Yup!

[@RokuRG]

Totally agree! I wish those tiny houses would be more popular and society wouldn't look at the people living in them as freaks or something.

[@Neffins]

That's exactly all i'd fuckin need.

[@signalfire6]

@low72 I agree about the savings, it would be wonderful. And if you get claustrophobic, the outdoors is really, really, really big.

[@theonlyjaie]

@vivaloriflamme that is a boat heater, you see them in these all the time, they can handle being rocked and shifted and etc. And one of those will heat an entire place like this, I mostly hear if anything it gets too warm in the depths of winter.

[@LovelyHerbanRenewal]

we at least with the ladies who say "oh no I could never live here" you need not waste valuable time on persuing them. There are most likley other things that you value that they wont either.

[@RBNightlinger]

@tomperanteau Exactly! This guy's practicality and independence are incredibly sexy. Any woman that can't appreciate such qualities are NOT for him.

[@kevin71127]

god this is so awesome. I might have to do this.

[@khunopie]

Where do I put my Dolby Surround Media Theater with a full service wet bar and tiered seating for 12 guests?

[@signalfire6]

For the video that he's referring to about a woman who built one like this, search for Dee Williams.

[@freshlook2]

I was considering a small house like this for the financial freedom. I decided instead to purchase a foreclosed 2,200 sq ft house....divide in two and rent out other half. Today my rented side pays the mortage...so I live mortage "free" with normal sq footage.

[@timgoat556]

lololol i was looking at him like where the heck did he get the haircut

[@isabelwenzel9267]

i could see the microphone hang down in shot

[@Masowai]

Could someone *briefly* explain how personal property taxes are figured out?

[@ssesf]

Nice!

[@georgewu5]

I believe tiny house on wheel has a problem today. A rock bottom cheap housing with minimum living space with an affordable price tag built with the cheap shipping containers is my answer to the housing problem in the future. George Wu, Registered Architect, A.I.A. 2013-5-3

[@MrPavePaws]

Don't ever argue with her. if she takes the house and the car, you're screwed!

[@mastersduhgree]

@theonlyjaie Is the boat heater the one on the wall or the radiator type on the floor.The one on the floor is actually filled with oil and they do get warm but they are not fan forced.

[@djkenny1202]

Out of curiosity, did you put in a double burner/for cooking? Use a microwave and convection oven... where is it in the counter? I am building a tiny home out of a 240 sq ft garage (might even add a 2nd story)

[@VideoMorsels]

And if the woman decides she wants a divorce, he will lose a lot less than a standard house. Hell, building a new one may be cheaper than going to court.

[@Rocket9944]

Lol... Look how the ladies are already checking the place out to see if they could live there, happens to me, first time i bring them home one didn't like the color of the building...

[@Saunders7]

awsome

[@lrobinson9356]

Great Plan! But uncertainty in someone else paying your mortgage though. Adam's house if paid for. :)

[@krononomikon]

house party = you + your friend :)

[@Krankinproductions]

How much is it? It would be a great addition as a guest house in the back of our house.

[@KustomKulture1107187]

How do you go with registration, do the caravans need to meet a building code.

[@GlennMagusHarvey]

Also quite little market value to this. These "little houses" are very niche properties, and the most you can get by stealing it would be to gain possession of the items inside...in which case you might as well just break in and take what you want.

[@JohnRoberts74]

exactly.If your not using it,or it has no place..no need to keep it.

[@samella35]

Great vid.

[@user-dr9xd3op3z]

Downsizing is the answer, as we see the collapse of the US economy..... Great video...

[@signalfire6]

@wildbill23c They're heavy. You'd probably need more power than that. But there are firms you can hire to move them; look up RV movers.

[@georgewu5]

Tiny house on wheels $20,000; Container permanent housing 256 s.f. @$100=$25,600 George Wu, Registered Architect,A.I.A. 2013-5-3

[@1971mgb]

@davehutchinson67 A video recently posted shows a tiny house did better than the main house and truck that were next to it when a EF3 tore through the area.

[@signalfire6]

@mastersduhgree Don't need a fan in that small a space. I lived in a 500 SF house and heated it by just making dinner or a batch of cookies. His propane probably amounts to a few bucks a year total.

[@Lainer1]

Do you have this parked on someone's property? I have issues with that part of it. I would want to be able to make this a permanent structure on my own property with utilities, but not in a remote area, in an area where there are homes.

[@Swazi1337]

nice place. have you made an arrangement to stay next to someones house?

[@1971mgb]

@mykwilwin They are not considered homes so code does not apply when trailer mounted. Some areas allow them in backyards,some park on their own land off-grid,some travel the country. Join the yahoo group small house society and visit tumbleweed tiny homes for more ideas.

[@slein20]

nice

[@djkenny1202]

Hi, which plans did you get? I am trying to avoid the ones $45 and above. cheers to you!

[@decemberdazzle]

Do you sell the plans to the house?

[@FlyingElvis123]

Boom Mic! ;)

[@Nunyabzns4real]

"Oh, no, I could never live here" Um....GOOD, 'cause I never asked you. LOL

[@mastersduhgree]

@tomperanteau exactly man.He,ll find one that certainly desires him for himself and not his mansion.No disrespect intended either...i am one also that could live in this manner but; I think a different floor plan would be in order.

[@low72]

do you have any idea how much additional cash that guy stacks because he lives in that? heating & cooler = super cheap. Can't buy new stuff every week / month because he has no place for it. Electricity = next to nothing. I would love to do this. I would be claustrophobic after a while though.

[@Johny7084]

where did u get that tiny fireplace??

[@SimpleLivingSanity]

Not gave up. Just don't find that lifestyle appealing. It is a shift, but not a bad one.

[@KadMac25]

What do people do for internet when they live in a tiny house like this one?

[@JackSchytt]

You have enough dishes and cups for a family of 10. :)

[@PwningIRL]

need a dispenser here