This $16,000 Tiny Home Shell Is Literally a Starter Home

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 this one is a classic tiny house on wheels, er, skids; so you'll have to figure out how to move and site it.

It is only a shell, but it is a very nice shell. Many tiny houses are built by people who are first time builders. That's part of the appeal; someone with little experience can build their house. If they have the land and the approvals, they're potentially debt-free. This tiny is a fourth generation project from a family that builds log homes. Father taught son, and included construction techniques usually only seen in cabins and lodges. Instead of clapboard siding, this is three-inch planks dovetailed together, with the excellent end work left visible for its beauty. They've also built in expansion joints, a common practice in log homes, and probably a good idea for any structure that gets moved. The roof covers 1999 square feet, but the interior space is 120 square feet. There's also a 4 foot deep porch undercover. The entire structure rests on a metal frame that's probably intended to be used to hoist and transport the building. There are a few decorative touches, like the art glass window, and the lighting fixtures. The rest is up to you because the $16,000 pays for the excellent build quality in the frame and trim. Inside, it's as they said, a shell. It's up to you to figure out how to fit the bedroom, kitchen, and bath, or not. At least you'll have well-made roof, walls, windows, and door while you work up the courage to drill and cut into sweet, solid construction.

· 22825 Peissner Rd SE, Yelm [THL]
· All Tiny Homes coverage [CS]
Written by Tom Trimbath