Posted by Damien Cabral on Tue, Jul 20, 2010
Blog Author: Rebecca McKinnon
Do you ever wish you could just sell everything, pay off all of your debt and live a more simple life? Well, you are not alone. Over the past decade, the tiny house movement has taken off. The elegant, clean and super organized living spaces of these homes are enough to inspire anyone to live the simple life. Living in one of these tiny homes requires not only a change in lifestyle but the ability to live your life without excess. And, to design one of these, takes ingenuity, meticulous planning, and passion.
The designers of these tiny homes are not only concerned with the most efficient and effective use of space and light but also the environment. In some cases, the designers use recycled and sustainable materials to construct these works of art. You don’t even realize that you are in such a small space due to the fact that they design around using light to make these spaces seem larger than they actually are. No matter if an individual, couple or family is living in the home, the idea behind this movement remains the same- the home is valued, no matter how big it is and/or how much it costs, and is not seen as a burden or stressor. It is a state of mind and therefore, there is no exact square footage that you must follow but most tiny home range from 65 sq. ft. to 850 sq. ft.
Most tiny home builders sell both the plans to build your own tiny home in addition to already assembled homes. Some to look into are: Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, Tiny House Design, and Twelve Cubed. The difficult part of the transition is working within the local building code guidelines and getting permits if applicable. Be sure to research the area you plan to build the home for regulations and most importantly loop holes. Building your tiny home according to the specifications of a travel trailer, shed, or in multi-family zones are the most advantageous as these have less strict guidelines.
Then, you must find land to put the home on. Most people rely on friends, family and friendly neighbors. Try researching alternative living friendly communities as these are more open to different types of homes and less judgmental neighbors. Campgrounds are another resource to look into.
Downsizing to a smaller home also saves on heating and cooling costs. The average tiny home owner pays about $100 a year in utilities if on the grid. Marine propane heaters, electric space heaters and wood stoves are commonly used. In addition, solar panels can be used keep the home off the grid. Saw dust composting and RV toilets with a waste tank are used in the bathroom and which one is used depends on whether you plan to be mobile.
There are many resources out there for people interested in tiny homes. Many of the tiny home builders live in tiny homes and blog about it. Tiny House compiled a listing of sites that offer invalueable information.
Some interesting resources and blogs to read are:
Tiny House Blog
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company
DIY-Prefab
The Tiny Life
RelaxShax’s Blog
Shedworking
Small House Society
Lloyd Kahn’s Blog
Project Rolling Freedom
In addition to the above resources, these companies also provide homes and plans.
Twelve3
Sonoma Shanty
Sheldon Designs
iStockHousePlans
FreeGreen.com
Yes Wee Cabins
Tiny Green Cabins
I tried to include everyone that I read about but I know there are probably more out there. Feel free to add other helpful information and sites that you like.
Be sure to check out the video featuring Jay Schafer of Tumbleweed Tiny House Company featured on Yahoo! below.
Photo Credits:
Cavco Cabin in Phoenix, AZ via Tiny House Blog
Completed Inside of Cube by Twelve3
Completed Outside of Cube by Twelve3
Tiny Texas House Rustic Farmhouse On Bear Creek
Tiny Texas House Vicky at Park Lane Guest House: Austin, TX
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Posted by Rebecca Langley on Thu, Jun 24, 2010
With summer upon us, most of us will be spending more time outside our home than inside it. Your outdoor environment should be just as comfortable as the interior of your home. In addition to landscaping, adding a few improvements to your outdoor space can not only make your yard more enjoyable, it can actually increase your home’s value. Here are some options to explore that may help make your home’s value increase and allow you to make the most of the summer season.
Make Necessary Replacements
Nothing makes your home look fresh like replacing the fundamental exterior components- roofing, siding and windows. These items not only make your home look appealing, they are vital to making your home safe from damage due to water, insect infestation, mold, mildew, wood rot and more. These repairs should take precedence over any other repairs because they directly impact your home’s value, safety and interior.
If you need a new roof, there are many options to consider since
shingles are available in a variety of colors to complement any home’s style. If it is energy efficiency you crave, try roofing shingles with granules that reflect the sun’s heat. Roofing isn’t the only area that has dramatically improved in technology. Siding has come a long way in the last few years and is now available in many textures, finishes and colors that make vinyl siding look like higher-end materials. Fiber cement, brick and stone are other options depending on your budget. Be sure to check the insulation when you replace these items as it tends to settle over the years.
Replacing your windows can make a huge difference in your home’s curb appeal and utilities. Technologies to look for are Low E glass that allows the home to stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Custom built replacement windows provide the best value because they fit snugly into the window frame and maximize the window’s energy efficiency.
These improvements will not only make your exterior look great but also make your interior more energy efficient and cooler during the hot summer months. Don’t forget to take advantage of the tax credits before they end on December 31, 2010. Many roofing, siding and window products discussed above qualify for this credit. For more information what products qualify for the credits, read our Tax Credit Explained white paper.
Adding a Deck or Patio
Decks and patios provide comfortable areas for families to gather, socialize and share meals. One key point to keep in mind, however, is that the size of the patio or deck must be proportionate to the size of your home. Adding an oversized deck to a small cape is not aesthetically pleasing and looks awkward. Your yard should be an extension of your home and reflect the same style. You can make the outside more pleasing and interesting by adding colors, stains and/or stamping to the concrete patio. Another option is constructing the deck out of sustainable “green” composite materials such as, wood, rice hulls or recycled plastic. These are not only eco friendly but also long lasting and low maintenance. Make the transition from inside to outside seamless with French doors.
Lighting and Décor
The lighting and décor of your outdoor space should be consistent with the indoor style but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. 
Outdoor fixtures of metal or faux-finish can add high end style without breaking the bank. Outdoor lighting kits are also available at a fair price if you are interested in getting creative. Don’t forget to keep the bugs away! Metal torches and outdoor fire pits can provide relief from mosquitoes and enhance the look of your yard. Patio furniture with cushions and pillows of bright colors and patterns can brighten up your space.
Consider your climate
Making your outdoor area reflect your region and climate is important because it should reflect your outdoor needs. For example, if you live in the southwest, adding an outdoor kitchen to your yard will not only add value but will get a lot of use due to the consistently warm temperature year-round. If you live in the Northeast, making a portion of your porch screened in or lined with windows will allow you to utilize the area during three seasons instead of one.
These improvements discussed not only perk up your outdoor living space, they may increase your home’s value. With summer in full swing, now it the best time to tackle any of the projects discussed. Get out there and get creative because the possibilities are endless!
If your home is in need of roofing, siding, windows or insulation, we can provide you with a FREE no obligation estimate if you call us at 1-800-975-6666.
Posted by Rebecca Langley on Thu, Jun 03, 2010
With the warm weather upon us, many homeowners are looking forward to working outside gardening and landscaping. But, did you know you can increase your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency by strategically planting shade plants or pruning your current landscaping?
Trim the Trees
Unruly branches on large trees may be preventing a breeze from entering your home. By pruning the branches of the tree as to not obstruct the windows of your home, you can open up the space to allow a welcoming breeze that may help you save money on your energy costs. Placing shrubs under windows also allows the air flow to move upwards and into your window.
The more shade, the cooler the home
Trees and scrubs shade your home thus slowing the home’s heat absorption rate. This will naturally make your home cooler during the summer months, saving you money on energy costs. To maximize effectiveness, examine your home and see which sides of the home get direct sunlight or what areas are affected by the late-morning/early afternoon sun, which is when the rays are strongest. By planting the trees and shrubs in this area, you can assure you are getting the most bang for your buck as shaded air is about 6% cooler than air in direct sunlight.
Another item to consider is the type of tree or shrub you want to plant. If you want to shade the roof, planting a tree with a large canopy is best but will take a while to grow to the height needed. However, if you want to shade the lower portion of the home, planting a tree that grows quickly will allow you to start reaping the energy savings sooner. Vines and ivy also cool down your walls by creating a natural canopy. Just be careful not to plant trees and scrubs too close to the house- you want to give the tree enough room for root growth as to not damage the home’s foundation in the future. Just be sure to read up on which plants and trees thrive in your location and soil.
Enhance your cooling technology
By surrounding the outdoor air conditioning unit with plants, you can save up to 10% on your energy costs. Plants help offset the energy exerted by the unit during the hot summer months work that the unit Just be careful not to create a natural wall that may block the unit from getting the air it needs to perform. Leaving about 2 feet around and five feet above the unit should be sufficient. If you have a window air conditioning unit, place it on the north side of your home, which typically receives the least sun.
If you are looking for other ways to make your home more green and energy efficient, Moonworks offers energy efficient roofing shingles, replacement windows, and renewable energy solutions.
For a FREE estimate, contact us at 1-800-975-6666 or visit us at www.moonworkshome.com.
Posted by Damien Cabral on Thu, Nov 12, 2009
When you set out to build, remodel or decorate a home, you need to consider more than simply the interior of the home. A home's exterior plays a major role in the feel of the interior. This is especially true of homes that have many windows and have a constant view of the home's exterior. While many homeowners set out to design a room from the interior perspective, some fail to consider what they see through their windows and how that affects the space.
Outdoor garden décor can have a big impact on interior décor. Focus on making your yard or garden a beautiful and well maintained space and the resulting view can be enjoyed not only while sitting outside on your deck or patio, but while sitting on your living room couch as well. Everything from the trees and flowers that you plant to the type of patio umbrella that shields you from the sun can add interest to your home's décor.
When designing your outdoor space, you should first consider what you see from the inside. If you have a view to the backyard from a main window in a room, you should consider designing the space in such a way so that you can enjoy it from indoors. Whether you are considering building a deck or patio, or you are digging up the ground for some new flower beds, take a look from the inside out at what your perspective of the space will be.
For example, if you have a large picture window in your living room that looks out onto a currently open backyard space, you may want to consider building a beautiful garden pond or adding an attractive bench among a bed full of colorful flowers, rather than installing a shed in that space. While you may need a shed in your backyard for storage or other purposes, it does not need to be what you look at when you look through your living room window.
Even color is something to consider when designing your exterior space with an interior perspective. While you do not necessarily have to coordinate colors between the inside and outside of your home, you should consider any colors that you see that are in plain view out the window and how they will look from indoors. For example, if your dining room is designed in serene blue and brown tones accented by creams and beiges, do you want to look out the window at the new bright orange patio umbrella you just had to buy?
While the exterior of your home doesn't have to "match" your interior décor, it is wise to keep in mind what you see when you look through the windows and how the view looks from that interior perspective.
This guest post was written by Samantha of http://backyardsandgardens.com/