Planning to Work

We found out that Jay from Tumbleweeds Tiny Houses will we doing workshops around the country next year.  We planning on going to one of these.  They seem like the perfect first step to answering some of our questions and getting some practical info on the process.  I'm a long range planner so this really appeals to me.  Plus they are only $475 ( - 15% off if you book early)

About the workshop:

You Can DESIGN and BUILD Your Own Tiny House


If you dream of a tiny home, but aren’t sure where to start on your journey towards building your own, then join us at a Tumbleweed Tiny House Workshop, where you will learn the knowledge you will need to build and design your very own tiny home. These workshops, led by Jay Shafer, founder of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company and expert in tiny house building and design will revolutionize the way you think of space.
Since 1997 Jay Shafer has been living in and designing tiny homes for people all over the world. With a passion for living simply, he has created houses that are unique and composed with meticulous attention to details including light, warmth, energy efficiency and proportion. His work has spawned a movement towards tiny, with simple, comfortable, energy efficient and eco-friendly living solutions. His designs and work have appeared in the “Wall Street Journal”, “The New York Times”, and on television shows like “CNN” and “Oprah”.
Jay’s two day Tiny House Workshop will teach you insightful and extensive information that you will need to build and create your very own tiny house; from picking the proper trailer, to selecting the materials you need, to helping you design your very own tiny home.
The Two Day Workshop

The Tiny House Workshop is where you will learn all the detailed information on tiny home building and design that you can’t learn anywhere else. During the workshop Jay will answer common and not so common questions about constructing a tiny home, while also delving into the philosophy and movement behind tiny home living. In your class you will get personalized design guidance from Jay as you design and create your vision for your very own tiny home, turning it into a reality.
Day One: The Comprehensive Tiny House Building Workshop

On day one of the workshop Jay will share his extensive knowledge of building tiny homes and the best materials to use for each part of your home. This class is for everyone. Anyone with the desire and passion can build a tiny home you just need the tools and knowledge to do it.

On day one, you will start off by learning about the foundation of your tiny home and from there you will learn how to frame, sheath and insulate your home. Here you will learn tips and insights only experts know.
On Day One You Will Learn:
■How to build your home in the most cost effective manner, save money during construction, which jobs you are best fitted to do and when is a good time to call in some help;

■The 14 tools that Jay uses to build his homes;

■How you can build a house on a trailer or standard foundation;

■How to select the best materials for your home and which materials to avoid;

■The best ways to guard against condensation, one of the key issues with small homes;

■How to frame and sheath your home;

■Proper siding techniques: what works best, what materials you can use, their energy efficiency benefits, and how to apply them to your home;

■The ins and outs of proper insulation and venting techniques for your tiny home and why some types of green insulation don’t work in a tiny home;

■Roofing techniques that will ensure you properly protect your home;

■What types of home heaters, water heaters, kitchen appliances and toilets you will need for your tiny home;

■All about building code restrictions and zoning laws that dictate the size and style of home you can build;

■AND MUCH MORE…

Day Two: Let Your Creativity Flow-The Small Space Design Workshop

On day two the workshop will focus on design and how to personalize and build your tiny home to meet the needs of your family. This class is for everyone, from beginners to professional architects and builders.

In the first half of the design workshop, you will explore the Seven Organizing Principles behind small house living, beginning with an insightful discussion on simplicity led by Jay. Jay will also discuss his personal elements of house design that will help you bring beauty to your home. You will also learn how Jay uses “sacred architecture” in his house designs to create iconic house images.

Looking to create your own portable small house design? Then this is the class for you.

Plus, During Day Two You Will Get:

■Valuable information on window sizing and fire codes;

■Must have knowledge on sizing of kitchen cabinetry, door sizes, shower sizes, toilet sizing and how to get more compact choices for your tiny home;

■Detailed information about trailers, from flatbeds to utility trailers to car haulers, including standard trailer sizes and weight capacities;

■Drawing instruction and how to draw your plans to scale;

■An open ideas forum at the end of the day with Jay to share ideas and ask questions;

■AND MUCH MORE…

The Second Half of Day Two: DESIGN Your Own Tiny Home

The second half of day two will lead you to the design studio where you will have the opportunity to design your own tiny home under the guidance of Jay Shafer. As you work on your design, Jay will answer any questions you may have about the tiny home you are creating.

If you are looking to design your own home or remodel an existing one on a trailer, we will help you set up the maximum dimensions. We will help you pick the correct trailer for your home, calculate the sizes down to the inch of the width, height and wall thickness.

When designing your tiny home you will even be able to figure out how much head space your home on wheels will have in the downstairs and loft!


Finding The Tiny House Expert in You.

By the end of your two day session with Jay Shafer you will have gained priceless knowledge and tools that you can take with you and use to design and build your very own tiny home for your family.

I'm excited!  I hope we can get to one.