Building a tiny home has been a dream of mine for years, and the journey to bring that dream to life has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. What started as a simple idea has grown into a unique and exciting project that’s taking shape piece by piece. While it’s still a work in progress, I’m thrilled with the progress so far and can’t wait to share the story of how my tiny home is coming together, including its most exciting feature—a one-of-a-kind deck.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the progress of my tiny home build, including the concept behind it, the challenges I’ve faced, and the unique design choices that have made this project something truly special. Let’s dive into the journey so far!
The Vision: A Tiny Home With Big Dreams
When I first started planning my tiny home, my vision was simple: create a cozy, sustainable, and functional space that would allow me to live with less and enjoy more. I wanted a place that felt like home, with a connection to nature, but also a home that would allow me to live more intentionally—spending less on utilities, maintenance, and excess.
One of the most important elements in the design process was the location. I decided to build my tiny home on a piece of land that had a beautiful, mature tree in the center. This tree would not only be a key feature of the space but also shape the design of the home itself. The idea was to create a space that was both grounded and open, with an outdoor area that would seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings.
The Deck: Not Quite a Treehouse, But Close
One of the standout features of this tiny home project is the deck. While it’s not technically a treehouse, the deck has become a defining element of the build. The deck wraps around a large tree on the property, but here’s the twist: it’s not attached to the tree in any way. Instead, it’s a break-away deck designed to be supported by the main structure of the tiny home itself, leaving the tree untouched.
This unique design serves a couple of purposes:
- Preserving the Tree: I wanted to make sure the tree would remain healthy and undisturbed, so creating a break-away deck ensures that there’s no direct attachment or pressure on the tree. The deck supports itself entirely through the foundation of the tiny home.
- Creating a Natural Connection: By wrapping the deck around the tree, I can enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature while having an outdoor space to relax, work, or entertain. The deck offers an open and airy feeling without sacrificing privacy or comfort.
The deck itself is still a work in progress, but it’s already come together beautifully. I’ve chosen wooden decking that complements the rustic aesthetic of the tiny home, giving it a warm and inviting look. There are also plans to add railings, comfortable seating, and some potted plants, which will further enhance the cozy, nature-inspired feel of the space.
The Tiny Home: A Work in Progress
Inside the tiny home, things are moving along at a steady pace. The foundation and structure are complete, and the walls have been framed, but there’s still plenty of work to be done. Right now, the focus is on finishing the interior layout, adding insulation, and completing the electrical and plumbing systems.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s done so far:
- Foundation: The tiny home is built on a solid raised platform, giving it a stable foundation while also allowing for some storage space underneath.
- Framing: The frame is complete, and I’ve already started putting up some of the walls. I’ve opted for light wood paneling to keep the space bright and airy.
- Roofing: I’ve chosen a gabled roof for the structure, which allows for extra space and provides a classic aesthetic. The roof is still being finished, but I’ve already installed the basic framework.
As for the interior layout, I’m keeping it simple but functional. I’ve designed it with a small but efficient kitchen, a cozy living area, and a sleeping loft that will maximize vertical space. There’s also room for some built-in storage to keep everything neat and organized. Since the tiny home is relatively small, every square inch matters, and I’m focusing on creating multi-functional furniture and maximizing space.
Challenges Along the Way: Lessons Learned
While the journey so far has been an exciting one, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Building a tiny home is no easy task, especially when you’re working with limited space, budget, and resources. Here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- Patience is Key:
The build has been slow but steady. I’m learning that tiny home construction is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time to get things right, and it’s essential to focus on quality over speed. While I’ve had moments where progress felt slower than I’d hoped, I’ve learned that the effort pays off in the end. - Budgeting is Crucial:
Tiny homes can be affordable, but they can also become surprisingly expensive if you’re not careful. From materials to permits, costs can quickly add up. I’ve had to get creative with sourcing materials and have often opted for reclaimed wood and other budget-friendly options to keep costs down without sacrificing quality. - Designing for Functionality:
One of the biggest challenges of tiny home building is balancing design with functionality. You need to make sure everything has a purpose and that space is used efficiently. I’ve had to make several tweaks to my design to ensure that every square inch serves a purpose—whether it’s adding a foldable table or utilizing vertical storage. - Weather Delays:
Since I’m building the home mostly by myself, weather has been a major factor. There have been a few rainy days that delayed progress, but I’ve learned to plan around them by focusing on indoor tasks during bad weather and taking advantage of sunny days for outdoor work.
What’s Next: The Road Ahead
While there’s still plenty of work to be done, I’m excited about the future of this tiny home build. Over the next few months, my focus will be on completing the interior, including the kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping loft. I also plan to add finishing touches to the deck, such as adding a railing, lighting, and some outdoor seating.
As the project moves forward, I’ll continue to document my progress and share photos of the build. It’s been amazing to watch others’ tiny home builds and receive support from the tiny house community. Seeing how others have approached their projects has been a huge source of inspiration for me, and I look forward to sharing more as I progress.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
“Building My Tiny Home: Progress So Far – A Unique Deck, A Growing Dream!” is just the beginning of this exciting journey. Though the build is still in its early stages, I’m incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made so far. The unique deck, the growing structure, and the feeling of being close to nature make this tiny home a project worth every bit of effort. As I continue to build and refine the space, I’m excited to see how the dream takes shape and can’t wait to share more updates along the way!
