Getting Materials

I guess I won't start building until I have some materials. So I went and collected everything needed to build the floor.
2x4's treated and untreated
screws
1/2" bolts, nuts, fender washers, lock washers, and brackets
polystyrene insulation and spray in filler
3/4" t&g plywood

The 4x8 sheet goods fit in the back of my mini-van!

Tumbleweed Workshop in Vancouver

My dad and I went up to the Emily Carr Institute on Granville Island in Vancouver, BC for the how to workshop. We just did the first day about building tiny houses, while others stayed for the second day covering design as well. The information was probably more useful for me than for my pops since he has built many things before. It would be a bit difficult to condense into a posting, so I won't. Throughout the entire process I've been sure several times about my floorplan. I keep changing my mind, but I think that the one I have right now will do the trick. The important thing that it bears in mind is that I will be framing 24" on center. So all my windows conveniently fit inside of this framework and I am happy with it. Now I need to draw up my framing plans so that I know what my lumber needs are. Then I'll know what it will cost to get it framed and weathered in. I can't quite imagine doing all this for a much larger project. Oye! At any rate plans should be finalized and wood should be bought before I go to Sitka in June.

Open.

This is the proposed front door. No window which is a downside, but It used to be my parent's pantry door. Their house was built around 1910 and the door is an original from the house with the layers of paint to go with it. I have chipped some of the paint off (probably lead based) and I'll take some paint remover to it soon. It is solid wood, but not too thick in some places.Only 22.5" x 75".

Front bumper rail removed

Most car trailers come with a front bumper rail that needs to be removed. While I was gone last weekend, Dad took care of it by cutting it off, sanding it down, and painting over it.

Change of plans

I've decided to switch from an entrance on the tail end of the trailer to one on the side of it. It will look a little different, but I think that it suits my needs best. It is hard to tell from the pictures that the loft will be on the front (left side from view of floor plan). This leaves the rear half of the house to have an open vaulted ceiling.

Current floor plan. Clockwise from the bottom left corner: toilet, closet shelves, closet with door, sink, under the counter fridge, drawers, gas 2 burner cooktop, counter with fold up additional countertop, desk around the corner, 6' long couch, propane heater, bookshelf, entry.

The foundation is poured.

I drove down to Olympia and picked this up used from Trailer Town. It was barely used for a year and then the guy traded it it for a 10,000lb beast. This is 7' x 16' with a c-channel frame and four electric brakes. We'll be taking off the front rail pretty shortly so that it won't get in the way of the house and some of the decking will probably be removed. But it is already treated wood so we won't have to change that. It came with pull out ramps that also won't be sticking around forever. It is rated for up to 7,000lbs and it cost me about $2100 after all the taxes, licenses, and such. So I'm good to go. It is time to adjust my floor plan and get this show on the road. I've been thinking about windows a lot lately.

Patiently waiting for the next step.

I'm anxious to get started, but it did snow again today. I've vowed to wait on buying the 7' x 18' trailer until after the workshop in May. The best deal seems to be at Freeway Trailers in Fife. Things I have learned I want to avoid include beavertails and tilt beds. A tilt bed wouldn't be horrible, however I don't want to pay for features I don't need. This is something that one salesman wanted to convince me I wouldn't be able to find. Another important feature to look for is a set of four brakes. Some states are comfortable with only two, but we don't want to be limited. Luckily, all the trailers I've looked at come with this standard. It does seem that salesmen want you to think that their trailer is the only one that special. Good times.