Howdy

[Baymule]

Where we used to live was a man who built "cabins" for rent. Basically they were one room with a bathroom in a corner, kitchen was in the opposite corner. They measured 12'x24', framed up and covered with T-111 siding on the outside. A cabin like that wouldn't be expensive to build.

I have stacks of lumber that I have salvaged or bought on the reject rack for half price at Lowes. I also haunt Craigslist. I build all kinds of projects with stuff I already have.

 

[JASTECH]

Baymule, that's why I was thinking of a 40' trailer to build a tiny house on wheels. My taxes would be much less do to it not being a permanent structure.

 

[Baymule]

I like the way you think. But what classification would that fall under? You know the tax man is going to get his bite. Have you talked to anyone in the tax assessor's office? You would qualify for a disability discount, homestead and farm discount on your taxes, so they might not be as bad as you think.

 

[Baymule]

Just had another thought....would you need a CDL for pulling a 40' tiny house?

 

[JASTECH]

Just had another thought....would you need a CDL for pulling a 40' tiny house?

Not sure, if needed I'll get one. I think the 10' width might require the CDL. I plan on building it on the property so won't need to move it. That or build a ICF home, it would maintain 76° all year plus be insect proof and secure. But the county would tax it for what they think its worth every year.

 

[Latestarter]

Well, you're gonna get taxed for what SOME body thinks whatever you own is worth... Might as well own something you can be comfortable in/with and can work with.

 

[JASTECH]

@Latestarter, true indeed. I plan on using 2 shipping containers side by side for each of my shops, Wood shop, Metal shop and Auto shop. I will bolt them together then seal them and cut out the section between them. This will keep my tools safe and be budget friendly.

 

[Baymule]

I looked into shipping containers and they weren't any cheaper (purchase, delivery and "remodel") than a site built building. I really liked the idea of using shipping containers, but after crunching numbers, I abandoned that idea. Do you have a good $$$$ source for buying them?

 

[JASTECH]

@Baylemule, looks like up to 10' wide, 14' high and 40' long with regular DL. I'm designing it with kitchen at one end with "U" shaped counter top, three lofts, 12' for my bebedroom, 10' for my sons then a center loft for more storage or spare room. I will use a Induction stove which is very energy friendly, mini split 12vdc AC unit. A forklift battery will run everything, solar panels, wind generator made by me and home made diesel generator using alternator. I will use a On-Demand propane water heater when needed, normally sun heated water most the time.

 

[Latestarter]

That all sounds pretty environmentally friendly and cost effective. I too look forward to being a lot more self sufficient. May have to accomplish it over many years as it's kind of expensive to become truly self sufficient. But I figure at my present age, and since solar panels have a life expectancy of 25 years, once I get them bought, they should last my lifetime. I just wish they made panels with better than 10% efficiency... that would be reasonably priced.