Copyright © 2019 Chris Schapdick and Creative Homeowner
This book may not be reproduced, either in part or in its entirety, in any form, by any means, without written permission from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts for purposes of radio, television, or published review. All rights, including the right of translation, are reserved. Note: Be sure to familiarize yourself with manufacturer’s instructions for tools, equipment, and materials before beginning a project. Although all possible measures have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the material presented, neither the author nor the publisher is liable in case of misinterpretation of directions, misapplication, or typographical error.
Creative Homeowner® is a registered trademark of New Design Originals Corporation.
The Joy of Tiny House Living
Vice President-Content: Christopher Reggio
Editor: Colleen Dorsey
Copy Editor: Laura Taylor
Designer: David Fisk
Indexer: Jay Kreider
Print ISBN 978-1-58011-834-7
eISBN 978-1-60765-641-8
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Schapdick, Chris, author.
Title: The Joy of Tiny House Living / Chris Schapdick.
Description: Mount Joy : Creative Homeowner, [2019] | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2018049952 | ISBN 9781580118347 (pbk. : alk. paper)
Subjects: LCSH: House construction--Amateurs' manuals. | Small houses--Maintenance and repair--Amateurs' manuals.
Classification: LCC TH4815 .S375 2019 | DDC 643/.2--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018049952
We are always looking for talented authors. To submit an idea, please send a brief inquiry to [email protected].
Creative Homeowner®, www.creativehomeowner.com, is an imprint of New Design Originals Corporation and distributed exclusively in North America by Fox Chapel Publishing Company, Inc., 800-457-9112, 903 Square Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552, and in the United Kingdom by Grantham Book Service, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7XQ.
Dedication
This book is dedicated to my parents and my daughter, Mia. My parents gave me the path and my daughter gave me the reason to pursue this fulfilling life of creating things with my hands. Thank you for all your support and love.
The man behind the man: my dad. Thanks for believing in me and for all your help.
All costs related to your tiny home project will vary by project, location, and many other variables; therefore, all costs given in this book should be understood to be estimates.
All interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
Is This Book for You?
You are tiny house curious. Going tiny appeals to something deep inside of you. Maybe you like to watch shows about tiny home living on TV. You want an escape from some of the monotony of daily life. You like the idea of reducing clutter and excess and are perhaps interested in minimalism.
If any of these statements are true about you, then tiny houses, structures, buses, or other small dwellings may well be the answer for you. This book describes the many aspects of going down the path toward your own tiny house. Whether you want to build it yourself or have someone build it for you, there are things you should know and decisions you will need to make. I’m here to arm you with the information you need to make those decisions.
This is not a step-by-step how-to book that teaches you to build a tiny house from scratch—though that will be my next book! Instead, when you are done reading this book, you’ll be well equipped to make your own tiny house decisions. From design to construction to where you ultimately put your tiny home, I’ll explore your options and help you find clarity. This book is laid out in a logical progression that your tiny house journey is likely to follow. I suggest that you read it through in its entirety before making big decisions so that nothing outlined later on in the book will trip you up.
I wholeheartedly encourage you to embrace smaller living. It’s pretty groovy, and no, it’s not just a fad.
Table of Contents
How I Ended Up in a Tiny House
Experiences versus Stuff: Minimalism
What’s Important to You? Start with a Vision
Where to Rest Your Head: Loft Sleeping