Welcome to Tiny Homes, an idea that is more popular with minimalists than with neighborhood associations and zoning boards. We'll point out the fun parts. You'll have to check out the logistics and legalities - and a house on wheels means you can move it to where it all works.
Federal, house, and truck are three words rarely combined to describe a place to live, but an intrepid individual in Milton, WA took a 1951 truck made by Federal and built a house on it. The asking price is $48,500 for 1 bedroom (loft), 1 bathroom (¾ by apartment standards), and 280 square feet (large by tiny standards.)
The workmanship is impressive. There's no sheetrock or plywood evident. A room in a regular house built this well would be an iconic den and something to show off to the neighbors. The appliances are a size larger than in most tinies, and a size smaller than most apartments. They're basically RV grade, but with touches like a cast iron woodstove that is far from typical in a house on wheels.
The exterior continues the concept, and the workmanship. Mahogany siding, cedar shingles for the roof, sculpted handles, and scalloped accents - not your typical RV either.
Just to make it a bit more comfortable, it has a slide-out that works so simply that it doesn't require motors. Elbow room and additional views are created by pushing out the walls. Don't try that in your apartment.
Even the truck is a piece of history. They don't make them like that anymore. The company quit in the US in 1959. Most tinies are built on trailers so they are careful about weight. This Federal is carrying about 12 tons of truck and house. That's a lot for a tiny, but not much for a truck. According to the builder, no special license endorsements are required. The engine was upgraded to a Cummins diesel, and is strong enough to climb hills and tow a car.
Buy a house or move into a condo and you'll have to guess at the light switches and how to operate the furnace. They're offering a two day orientation, and they'll deliver it for free within 150 miles of Milton. Seattle's less than 30 miles away. Got a little less than $50,000? Maybe you could have a house delivered in less time than it takes to watch a football game.
Oh yeah, and you get two airhorns. Sound those off when someone scores a touchdown!
· Federal Housetruck [THL]
· All Tiny Homes coverage [CS]
Written by Tom Trimbath