TUMBLEWEED TINY HOUSE

COMPANY

Kayla Cesta-McMichael’s Self Selected Presentation

The Current Issues In Home Buying: Buying a home requires a series of steps that

optimally occur in a certain order. There are owners or agents involved, offers, mortgages, finances, inspections, and closings. In these steps alone, there are many fees and hidden costs. For a first time home buyer (or someone who is looking for a more temporary investment) this can be intimidating and trying. With the fluctuating economy and home buyers with less money to spend, the home buying process can get a little sticky. I have discovered an interesting company that offers a less expensive, less environmentally impacting, and less hassle residential option- The Tumbleweed Company’s ‘Tiny Homes.’

Tumbleweed Tiny Home Co. Philosophy

Dream Big. Build Small: (Exerpt From the Tumbleweed Tiny House Co. Founder Jay Shafer)

My name is Jay Shafer and since 1997 I have been living in a house smaller than some people’s closets. I call the first of my little hand built houses Tumbleweed. My decision to inhabit just 89 square feet arose from some concerns I had about the impact a larger house would have on the environment, and because I do not want to maintain a lot of unused or unusable space. My houses have met all of my domestic needs without demanding much in return. The simple, slower lifestyle my homes have afforded is a luxury for which I am continually grateful.

Since completing Tumbleweed, I have continued to make little buildings. How each house gets used depends on the occupant’s particular needs. What one person would enjoy as a quiet studio in their backyard, another couple might choose to inhabit as a full-time residence. What some people see as the perfect weekend hideaway in the country, others will use as a beautiful free-standing addition to their existing home for accommodating an elderly parent, an adult child, guests, or as office space. My houses have been composed with meticulous attention to light, warmth, energy efficiency, and proportion. I have made the most of each cozy interior by minimizing transitional areas like hallways and stairwells and by using otherwise unusable space as storage. The simple, formal designs that have resulted are the best way I have found to order most any space and make it beautiful.

I hope you enjoy viewing these tiny houses as much as I have enjoyed making them.

Sincerely,Jay Shafer

Tumbleweed Tiny & Small Houses

(65 –372sq.ft.)

XS-House (Extra Small/Excessively Efficient) 65 Sq Ft. COST: Ready

Made ($38,997)Build It Yourself ($16,000)

Epu House(89 sq. ft)

COST: Ready Made ($45,997)

Build it Yourself ($19,950)

Epu House (89 sq. ft.)

The Weebee(102 sq. ft)

Ready Made: $48,997Build it Yourself: $21,150

Lusby House(117 sq.ft.)

A Little About The Architect… The architect/entrepreneur of the Tumbleweed Tiny House

Company is Jay Shafer. Jay’s line of work, other than building his famous Tiny Homes lies

within sustainable architecture and urban planning. He is known as one of the, if not the main, leaders in tiny home building. He has inspired many other architects to go smaller and more efficient within their designs, many of which are also mobile. The influence of the tiny house has also reached everyday people who are jumping on the bandwagon and creating smaller, cheaper, and more energy efficient dwellings to reside in.

What intrigues me the most about this whole movement, is the concept behind the tiny homes, to lessen your environmental footprint starting at home- physically and through minimizing your energy consumption. This is an interesting concept, however, not everyone could stand to live in such tiny quarters. On the contrary, this is a perfect home for someone who likes to travel or re-locate often. This is a very versatile living situation suitable for those invested in conservation and innovation within their day-to-day lifestyle. Although this is not the home solution for everyone, having this unique new option is very exciting to me!

Alternative Residential Options According to a 2008 U.S. statistic, the average

house costs 244,000 which is far more than many of us can afford. With today’s mortgage crisis, overbuilding and poor residential planning should be carefully examined. This new tiny house movement is a unique solution suitable for some, desirable and beneficial for many.

A quote from the founder of Tumbleweed: “Most people believe they need to own land to own a house. In the past 3 years, I’ve moved my house 4 times. I’ve lived on a private estate by a lake, in the Redwoods, in a field, and in an apple orchard. One woman has her Tumbleweed House at a national park.”

Tumbleweed Tiny House Influence

Shrinking Square Footage / Shrinking Environmental Impact