Building your tiny house dream Design and build a camper-style tiny house with your own hands

Though Schapdick (The Joy of Tiny House Living, 2019) didn't invent the tiny house concept, his creations as the owner of Tiny Industrial have been featured on a major streaming show. Seeing his tiny homes and converted-bus dwellings, others just might be inspired to downsize considerably and learn to dwell in small spaces. On the other hand, this mini-home of 50 square feet or so suits other purposes (and floor plans), from an on-lot music studio to a guest dwelling for family. With the caveat that no architectural plans are included, Schapdick gives clear photographic step-by-steps for two major parts of the process⁠--the shell and the space⁠--and begins with well-thought-out charts and fundamentals like safety, tools, lumber (including sizes and cost estimates), time required, and the like. Decent background information (i.e., details about the tiny home scene) sets the right tone, as do his personal story and other testimonials. Appealing and, in the right circumstances, quite convincing. Includes building checklist and list of resources.

This appealing guide from tiny house builder Schapdick (The Joy of Tiny House Living) is for those who have already decided to construct their own small living space and are ready to start building. Schapdick's plans are for a camper-style tiny house on wheels measuring a particularly tiny 50 square feet, though he notes "dimensions, sizes, and materials that you use may be different than mine." The first of the book's two parts covers creating the shell of the camper, while the second discusses customizing it. Some familiarity with power tools and construction materials is recommended--though, Schapdick concedes, simply having "assembled numerous pieces of IKEA furniture" could suffice. Along with plentiful photographs and diagrams of the building process, Schapdick suggests alterations to the build, as well as alternative uses for one's tiny house for homeowners who retain their previous, non-tiny house, among them as an office space (since, he presciently notes, "more and more people have the luxury these days of being able to work from home"), a hangout area for one's teenager, and a music studio. Those looking to go small will appreciate this solid how-to. (Aug.)