Part 1: Gearing Up for Tiny House Living
Improve Your Relationship Dynamics
The Story of the Tiny House Movement
Housing Crash Builds a Tiny Community
3 Preparing for the Paring Down
Finding the Perfect Fit for You
Managing Your Emotional Attachment to Stuff
Finding Fun and Freedom Through Decluttering
Contractor-Built vs. Owner-Built Homes
How Schedule Changes Can Make or Break a Project
The True Cost of the DIY Builder
Lines of Credit and Equity Lines
The Importance of Contingency Funds
Homeowner’s Insurance Policies
Inland Marine Insurance Policies
Insurance Options for Each Tiny House Type
Professionally-Built Non-RVIA-Certified Tiny Houses
6 The Legalities of Tiny Houses on Wheels
Understanding Certification Options
International Residential Code and THOWs
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Developing a Tiny House Community
How Important Is Your Kitchen?
How Many Live with You Full-Time?
What Is the Power Source in Your Tiny House?
Getting Ready to Design Your Kitchen
Tiny House Kitchen Layouts and Shapes
Ceiling Heights and Roof Layout
Everyone’s Favorite Topic—Toilets
Part 3: Custom Designing Your Tiny House
Pros of Building on a Foundation
Cons of Building on a Foundation
Goosenecks and Fifth-Wheel Trailers
Permanent Foundations for Wheeled Structures
Perimeter Stem Wall Foundations
Designing Your Floor Plan by Hand
Converting Your Designs into Architectural Plans
What Does This Thing Weigh Anyway?
13 Working with Design Professionals
Interview Multiple Design Professionals
The Importance of Communication
14 How to Read Construction Drawings
24' Tiny House On Wheels (THOWs)
Tiny House On Wheels (THOWs) with Two Lofts
Part 4: Building Your Tiny House
The Importance of Communication
General Contractors vs. Subcontractors
Knowing Which Subcontractors to Hire and When
Scheduling and Managing a Build’s Timeline
Safety on the Tiny House Jobsite
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)
Trailer-to-Wall Frame Connections
Wall Frame-to-Roof Connections
18 Utilities and Envelope Considerations
Choosing and Sizing Your HVAC Systems
Grid-Tied Electric HVAC Options
The Importance of Roof Venting
Installation Tricks and Know-How