Jenna Spesard and Guillaume Dutilh don't want roots. These 20-somethings plan to make America their backyard with an adventure house-on-wheels. They've studied the options and decided to build their dream tiny home from scratch, but which builder has just the right plans to make their vision come to fruition? Tumbleweed Tiny House Company out of Sonoma, California, features a range of tiny beauties that are customizable. Our couple can let the company's team of builders make it from scratch for $45,000+ or they can pour sweat equity into the project and save half the price.
Tiny house enthusiasts and young military couple Derek and Mary Voight have decided to hire a builder to do all the heavy lifting. They lend a hand on occasion to speed up the process but they prefer letting a pro tackle the tricky business of building a sturdy house that's agile enough to be pulled by a two-ton truck. The Voights hire builder and tiny home dweller Greg Parham to design and construct their dream home at his construction site in Durango, Colorado.
Nathan and Jenny are turning their passion for building yurts into a dream tiny home for themselves. The 314-square abode is situated above the cliffs of the North Shore and features a one-of-a-kind aquaponics system that will provide the couple with fresh vegetables and herbs. Their curvy two-story house offers plenty of extra storage space thanks to rounded counters and furniture... and a loft designed specifically for the couple's three kids!
Mark and Jen want a house that is perfect for their outdoorsy lifestyle. The answer: a tiny house near the surf where they can paddleboard to the Gulf and soak in the sun! They've hired builder Kelly Coyle to build a 224-square foot tiny abode that can sustain hurricane winds and provide a multi-functional setting. Key features include a hidden bed, a bay window with extra storage and Jen's beloved 200-pound claw foot tub!
After realizing how little they really need to live day to day, Sam and Ellee Best decide to go tiny. The build kicks off in Oklahoma, but Sam's new job starts sooner than anticipated, which relocates the couple to central California. Before they know it, they're 2000 miles away with a half-finished tiny house on their hands and living in it while finishing construction. Can they stay motivated in order to finish the build, or will the stress get to them?
It's not every day that a family upgrades to a tiny house. But Tom and Hannah Pellett are doing just that moving from a 120-square-foot travel trailer to a roomy 300-square-foot tiny house built by their friend and contractor Rob Grosse. The tricky assignment for Rob is building a tiny house that has enough comfort and storage for the couple and their first baby. Hannah and Tom are only weeks away from delivery day and the house must be done before the baby is born as Hannah is planning on a home birth!
Avid skier and snowboarder, Bridget Culp and Billy Lee, are leaving their expensive Denver rental behind to build a tiny house on a super frugal budget. Using reclaimed and free materials, they plan to finish their rustic tiny house-on-wheels in just six weeks before they take it on the ultimate ski road trip back to their hometown of Portland. With an insanely small budget will they have what it takes to get this house ready for the road trip of their dreams?
Personal trainers Mike and Jasmine want a house that's tailored to their fitness lifestyle. With traditional real estate out of their reach, they've decided to think outside the box. They've hired seasoned tiny house builders Sean McDonnel and Greg Zocher to create a 330-square foot fitness nest which not only provides all the popular necessities, but also a climbing wall, climbing bars, climbing rope, weight storage, and a pneumatic transforming table!
Nature lovers Justin and Emily Gerde want to get away from the constant upkeep a large home requires. They hire expert tiny house builder Jim Wilkins to build their very own outdoor-themed tiny birch house that will accommodate them, their toddler and their five pets. Jim's design includes all the necessities of home packed into a cozy 325-square-feet. Key features include in-floor "smugglers" storage, a medicine cabinet that doubles as a window, a toddler play loft and raw birch accents throughout.
Actor Seth Numrich was inspired from a young age by Henry David Thoreau's 'Walden' and the idea of being self-sufficient and self-sustaining. His goal is to build a home to take wherever his next acting job lands him -- and with the help of solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system, and a wind turbine he will have the ability to live completely off the grid.
When Jason and Blair realized the next few years of their lives would be mobile, they started looking for a solution. Their plan is to salvage a junkyard school bus and make it into stellar digs. The compact 100 square feet of space has lots of clever features including a wood-burning stove, a dining area that converts into a master bedroom, an on-the-go garden and a rooftop deck for stargazing.
Husband-and-wife carpenter team Ana and Jacob White are building a tiny lakefront cabin in Alaska to take advantage of the gorgeous view of Mount Hayes. The vacation home will sleep up to six and offers lots of multi-functionality, such as attached desks that double as a dining table and a bookshelf that hides a ladder to the children's loft. The Whites are used to building in Alaska's harsh weather, but the warm winter has sped up their timeline, since they must tow the tiny cabin across the frozen lake before the ice melts.
The Williams family of Venice, Louisiana, works together to convert an old school bus into a tiny home for 21-year-old son, Avery. The young outdoorsman wants to create the ultimate man cave while incorporating the culture of the Bayou. His tiny bus will feature a fish-cleaning table, a cypress wood bar with hidden storage and an indoor hammock for enjoying the Southern breezes.
Maryam and her husband Vladimir want to leave their stressful lives in New York and build a tiny house that lets them live life on their terms. These DIYers are learning as they go, building an idyllic 130-square-foot home that doubles as a mobile office paradise. Their home features an inviting workspace with a massive window, a loft hammock and a hanging garden with air-filtering plants.
North Dakota builder Jim Nelson lives for a challenge, so he and his team are building a game-changing two-story tiny house that they can tilt from horizontal to vertical. Key features in this snug 140-square-foot engineering feat include a front patio, furniture that can be locked down when the house tilts and an observation deck with panoramic views.
Matthew and Meghan Tanner are growing their family but downsizing their house. You could say they're "thinking outside the box" when it comes to cutting their budget to make room for their second child. They've contracted a tiny house builder to create the shell of their 220-square-foot home, while they plan to complete most of the unique interior. Key features include double lofts separated by a catwalk, a floating baby carrier, a couch that transforms into a dining room and a custom family-size walk-in closet.
Design-obsessed couple Zane and Katherine have already constructed one home together and are now ready to try building 'tinies' as a business. Firm believers in 'walking the walk,' they plan to live in their tiny house to test it out before they build more. Zane and Katherine's tiny house design will be efficient and precise thanks to computer-controlled construction equipment like CNC machines, plasma cutters and 3D printers.
Traveling circus performer Lilly has been couch surfing for three years and has decided a tiny house-on-wheels is the perfect solution for her nomadic lifestyle. She's designed the 130-square-foot layout that she, her dad and circus friends will help build. Original features include a hidden storage compartment for her heavy circus equipment, a sunken bathtub to soak in after performances, and a specially-designed staircase that allows her pets to maneuver freely from loft to living room.
Tiny house enthusiast David wants his home to succeed where other wee homes fail. His one-of-a-kind design features a garage door on one side, a jacuzzi and a fold-out deck on the other permitting fresh air to flow right through. David and girlfriend Peggie-Sue love to host dinner parties and this tricked-out house is the perfect solution.
Outdoor adventurers Erik and Sarah spend half the year guiding arctic expeditions and the other half chasing their other adrenaline fixes: skiing, kayaking, surfing and more. Traditional housing has proven cumbersome for their nomadic lifestyle, so they're ready to go tiny. With the help of builder and friend Rob Sickler, Erik and Sarah are building their very own expedition tiny house-on-wheels. Their 230-square-foot design includes a bicycle generator for off-the-grid power, a climbing wall to get to the second loft, plenty of storage for all of their adventure gear and outdoor adventure accents throughout!
Shaun and Ally's busy work schedules are perfectly suited for the low maintenance lifestyle of tiny living. Their family and their Virgin Island community step up to help the young couple complete their dream home perfectly situated on a hillside overlooking Coral Bay. In order to enjoy the island scenery and tropical ocean breezes, Shaun and Ally incorporate a wrap-around porch and open living room walls. At 350-square-feet with no height restrictions, Shaun Brian and Ally can have a spacious master bedroom loft, a fancy gourmet kitchen, an outdoor shower under the stars and a deck with spectacular views.
Emily just graduated with her Master's in Merchandising and Consumer Studies and is back living at home with her parents. To prove to herself and her family that she's capable of living a simpler lifestyle, she's moving into a shipping container turned tiny house. Brother-in-law Jon just so happens to be an engineer who specializes in converting metal boxes into beautiful livable spaces. Not willing to give up all her amenities, Emily is challenging Jon to build her a massive rooftop deck, a spacious bathroom and a walk-in closet that fits her enormous shoe collection!
Greg and Carla Short have decided to give tiny living a try outside Morgantown, WV. Greg is a singer/songwriter and is well known around town as a gifted musician, so it's no surprise he and Carla's tiny house will feature all sorts of music-themed features...and who better to help craft this special music box than his bandmates? The 250-square-foot tiny house includes a detachable stage where Greg and the boys can perform on the road and every room incorporates the Shorts' passion for music in surprisingly functional ways.
It's the ultimate test for an architecture student as Davis Richardson takes over his parents' driveway for the summer to construct his first-ever tiny house. The design includes a slanted wall that functions as both an open food pantry and bookshelf, an extended kitchen countertop that doubles as a workspace and a walk-in closet that also serves as his living room. With the school semester fast approaching, can Davis and his friends bring his amazing drawings to life before classes begin?
Kansas State professor Brandon wants a more affordable house, but with some fun bells and whistles. He and his friend Brady have designed a 365-square-foot 'smart house' with tons of high-tech wizardry. Imagine a house with clever tackle-box storage in the ceilings, a video doorbell, a slide-away TV set and much more! Brandon will be living in style right outside Manhattan, Kansas.
Esin Pirkul loves the coastal life in San Diego but is ready to move closer to family. Along with her two dachshunds Scooby and Baya, Esin is making her way back to Texas with the help of tiny house builder Bo Bezdek. Esin's tiny haven features all the amenities a dog lover could imagine. An elevator to the two lofts and a walkway for the pups to get around upstairs top the list of features unique to this tiny home. Esin's house also boasts a sleek farm sink, extra counter space and lots of industrial and natural wood touches.
Artist Adam's tiny house takes cues from the Craftsman style bungalows designed by his favorite architects of the 1920s. Adam is customizing everything he can, including a barrel ceiling, hand-carved cabinets and headboard, even a wooden soaking tub! Final touches include beautiful stained glass windows and a cozy front porch. This perfectionist has to find middle ground as the deadline for a tiny house festival swiftly approaches. Fortunately, Adam's teenage son and father are on board to try and help him across the finish line!
Seth wants to retire early, so he's turning an old school bus into an affordable and artsy tiny house. His 250-square-foot bachelor pad will feature all sorts of really cool and refurbished amenities, including a fire extinguisher turned bathroom sink, a 2,000-pound water tank and a multifunctional walk-in closet. Seth and his cousin Bart are also incorporating driftwood from Lake Michigan into accent pieces, including a handcrafted driftwood water station for Seth's dog.
Stephanie and Tim are wildlife experts who travel the country educating people about animals. The young TV host and artist want to trade in their car and pup tent for a tricked-out tiny house that caters to all sorts of animal roommates, including hissing cockroaches. They're eager to have a living space that's easier to work out of, with an edit space for Steph and a collapsible easel with pull-down art supplies storage for Tim. Every inch of the couple's tiny house features gorgeous woods of all species and tiny creature comforts.
A grilling enthusiast builds his own mobile tiny home with plans of touring BBQ competitions. He incorporates features that will help him build his culinary creations, including a planter box over his deck where he can grow fresh herbs. At only 90 square feet, it will be a challenge to make sure the house is fully functional and big enough for him to live in, but this pitmaster is up to the task.
Simplistic newlyweds are sick of the Texas heat and cleaning their 3,500-square-foot house, so they're planning a big move to Colorado and are looking for a tiny house-on-wheels for them and their three fur babies. Alabama Tiny Homes builder James Brewer knows he can make their dream come true with a 305-square-foot tiny home and plenty of custom features. But then, much to his surprise, James finds out he needs to make room for one more.
Darrel and Patrice are growing their family, but they want to downsize their life in order to focus on the important aspects of living. They hire builders Brian and April Preston to help them construct the tiny house of their dreams, but the builders are pushed to their limits when they learn the couple's baby is coming early.
A mother that has dreamed of living in a tiny home with eco-friendly features sets out to achieve her goal. She devises a special home with a full galley kitchen that includes hidden counter space, a laundry room built into the belly of the staircase and an entertainment area that hides a stowaway queen-size bed. Not everything goes according to plan, but the final product surpasses her expectations and brings her closer to satisfying her wanderlust.
Surfing couple Sean and Angie want to build themselves an affordable tiny house in Oceanside, California. Sean uses his construction experience to design a nearly 400-square-foot tiny house with a long wish list including dog-friendly stairs, heated floors and a fire safety system. The only thing hampering their dreams? Days of unexpected rain!
An adventurous family of five sets out to enjoy life more fully by converting a school bus into a tiny house built for traveling. They may only have 235 square feet to work with, but they're including an area for home schooling, a relaxing place for the family to gather at night, sleeping accommodations, a kitchen and a bathroom. The build is sure to be a tough task -- especially in a rounded bus where nothing is plumb or square!
A recent graduate and her boyfriend take inspiration from an old 17th century ship while creating the tiny house of their dreams. Their nautical vision includes blue and green shingles that resemble waves, an aquarium and kitchen cabinets that resemble whiskey barrels on a pirate's ship. The couple is hoping to live off the grid so they're hiring an expert to design an unusual water pillow system to store rainwater for their personal use. They're hoping the finalized house will inspire them as they travel the coasts in search of a job in wildlife ecology.
A Colorado Springs, CO, fishing guide, tired of the rising cost of rent, gives tiny living a try. The outdoorsman wants to make his tiny home the ultimate fisherman's crash pad, and his family will pitch in to give the interior an artistic touch. His living room will double as the entertainment room and the prep room where he and his friends can tie flies before hitting the water. On the exterior, the fishing features include special racks for rods and waders. The final step will be moving the tiny house into the hills. Will everything continue to progress smoothly for the fisherman?
An Alaska couple is looking to buy their first house together and has decided to build their own tiny house yurt. Building in a scenic location is a high priority for the couple so they decide to construct their future home on a peaceful spot near Stone Step Lake. Their two-story fantasy yurt will include all the necessities the active couple may need including an underground freezer, a half-moon deck, a wood burning fireplace and enough weatherproofing to survive harsh Alaskan winters. Battling the cold weather will make construction a challenge -- will the couple and their building team pull it off?
A world traveler discovers the perfect home base in a tiny house community in Lakeside, Arizona. Her quirky style pushes her designer to his creative limits with glitter countertops, bubble wall art and accent walls painted in chartreuse. On top of a tight deadline, the unpredictable weather of northern Arizona threatens to throw the construction completely off track.
A young couple with four kids and a fifth on the way are looking for the perfect tiny getaway. Their family owns lakeside property in Temple, GA, which makes for an ideal setting for a mobile tiny house. Their dream tiny home has a big list of must-haves that includes a mudroom to store all of their fishing and lake sporting gear as well as space to sleep seven. Outside, they're hoping to have an outdoor shower to hose off muddy kids and an outdoor living space with a porch. Will they be able to build the home of their dreams while staying within budget?
A self-proclaimed nomad who lives to travel and see the sights enlists his best friend's father to build a custom teardrop-style tiny house. This unique dwelling will feature dual swooped structures that are connected by a common deck. The main house will include a kitchen with full-size appliances, a massive sink, a large sitting area with a hidden big screen TV, plentiful storage and more. The second structure will be a dedicated -- and not so tiny -- bathroom that includes a large shower and walk-in closet. This house will truly be unlike any other tiny home!
A performing couple answers the call to travel and leave the rat race behind by building a mobile tiny home. To maximize mobility and match their gypsy lifestyle, the house is being constructed directly on the back of a diesel flatbed truck. The interior will feature carnival-inspired designs like a stage for performances, pop-out sections that expand the living space, a hand-built Japanese soaking tub, stained glass windows and antiques placed throughout. These gypsies' new home is just what the couple needs to share their passion for music and dancing around the country.
A couple sets out to create the ultimate tiny firehouse-on-wheels, complete with a hot red garage door, functional fire hydrant that doubles as a jack and water source, and of course, a fire pole from the upstairs loft! The cozy interior is filled with an array of amenities created out of firehouse memorabilia.
A Los Angeles woman leaves the city for a slow-paced tiny lifestyle in Greenville, SC. Her interior designer teams up with her family to create a luxurious tiny house on lakefront property complete with a mobile greenhouse and porch swing. Inside, amazing furniture is crafted from the property's cherry wood, special lighting is added and the walls are decked out with original art. This family affair leads to a truly unique tiny farmhouse for this valley girl!
The high cost of homes in the San Francisco Bay Area leads a young couple to build a custom tiny house. Their stunning luxury home has more bells and whistles than a full-size mansion, including a roll-up garage door, gourmet kitchen with copper accents, king-size bed with tons of storage space underneath, convertible office space and a nesting dining set that pulls out from under the kitchen to accommodate up to 12 people.
A couple relocates from North Carolina to Florida and decides to build the midcentury-style tiny home of their dreams. The couple's must-haves include an eclectic front door, funky wallpaper, neon signs and artwork from the era, as well as a guest space with a floating daybed. Their builder has his work cut out for him when they're not willing to compromise on an entertaining space or their firm deadline.
After spending 11 weeks living in their car while visiting all 48 contiguous states with their toddler, a couple is ready to convert a cargo van into their very own tiny house. With only 80 feet of area to work with, their space-saving design will include an elevated queen-sized bed with storage and retractable deck underneath, a kitchen counter that doubles as an office and stairs that also act as a closet. The tiny home will then include a full bathroom with shower and toilet. The finishing touch will be a loft for their toddler that features a cozy bed, decorative safety rails and a starlit ceiling.
A barista and sous chef are eager to simplify their lifestyle by moving into their own tiny house. With the help of a building crew, the San Diego, CA, natives get to work on a 340-square foot total package tiny house with everything on their wish list. Their entertainment-driven design includes a chef's kitchen with accordion window, a bar and herb garden.
A contractor and his wife plan to realize their dream of going tiny by constructing themselves a tiny honeymoon home before their wedding. Their 275 square-foot design will include a full workshop and yoga practice space as well as a second story deck, unique custom cabinetry, a wooden bathtub and rustic accents throughout. Their wedding is in 15 weeks -- will they finish it in time?
After living in New York City for 20 years, a couple is ready to move upstate with their son and French bulldog into a 400-square-foot dream home. Unlike more traditional tiny house designs, this build utilizes three separate structures joined by a common deck to create a more spacious tiny compound.
A young California couple hires Missouri builders to help build their dream container home. This luxury "tiny" will feature a master bedroom loft with heaps of storage, a guest bed that lifts and doubles as an office, a true walk-in closet and a rooftop deck where they can take in gorgeous mountain views.
A Florida couple finds themselves no longer in need of their large family home and decides to build a luxurious tiny house. The couple doesn't want to give up any of the creature comforts they are used to as they transition into this new phase of life, so they throw the budget out the window and plan for a completely custom, high-end tiny. This gorgeous house features soft-close cabinetry, a beautiful full-size kitchen with a pullout vent hood and motion-detecting faucet. The large bathroom comes equipped with heated floors, a dual vanity and a rounded glass rain shower.
A young couple wants a simpler lifestyle with a sleek modern twist. Their tiny house will incorporate a first-of-its-kind stucco-like exterior, a rooftop deck with a clever removable railing system and an even more clever hidden bike storage rack. Their open design includes tall windows that provide plenty of light, a tucked-away staircase with storage steps large enough for their dog to manage and a second-story "hammock floor" that gives guests a place to stay.
A couple plans to build a simpler life in the great outdoors of Alaska with support from friends and family. He plans to use his aerospace engineering experience to complete most of the build, but her creativity is what will set their tiny house apart. This 400-square foot lodge will include a handcrafted fireplace created with stones picked from the nearby shore, an artistic penny floor mural, handmade counters, hidden storage for fishing gear and canning equipment, handrails made from tree limbs and a bathroom vanity made out of a prized wine barrel. This tiny house makes for the ultimate tiny Alaskan escape!
An entrepreneur with six kids wants a tiny vacation home to place at one of his properties. He enlists the help of an uber artistic builder who draws inspiration from musical instruments for the shape of his homes. The tiny will have all kinds of unusual surprises, including an escape hatch that leads from the second-story deck into a loft.
After being diagnosed with epilepsy, a woman is ready for more independence and her master craftsman father is harnessing his talents to build her a unique tiny home that expands. Motorized bump-outs and a roof-raise system dramatically increases usable space and allows for a huge bathroom, standing loft and a large living room. A clever bunkbed, laundry shoot, retro kitchen and fireplace makes this anything but a typical tiny.
Tiny house owners try to make every inch count, but for 6-foot-7-inch-tall Clay, it's a must! After selling his home and changing careers, Clay is building his dream house without the stress of a large mortgage. His home needs to fit his huge frame, so many typical tiny house designs are being replaced with custom elements. Windows will be larger and higher, and Clay's bed will lower into the living space when not in use to allow for unprecedented headroom.
A young outdoorsy couple follows their dream of becoming homeowners with no problems downsizing. He's a triathlete so their design will require space for his gear as well as a flex area that functions as a desk, a workout space and a table. This Colorado abode will include locally-sourced beetle kill pine to help accent the interior and a slick hidden dog food feeder for their three pups. This house is sure to be an outdoor lover's paradise.
A model from Boston is heading west to LA to further his career in the fashion industry, so he builds a tiny home that is every bit as fashionable as he is! His tiny home features a pulley bed, rock climbing holds and concrete countertops on the inside, while the outside features a gorgeous rooftop deck.
After moving in with parents to save for medical school, high school sweethearts are ready for their own one-of-a-kind space for their family of four. Truly a work of art, this tiny home's nautical-themed design falls somewhere between steampunk and fantasy, and features a reclaimed hexagonal metal exterior, porthole windows and bump-out living space. The magic continues inside with an octopus-sculptured shower, dragon mural and an amazing sky tunnel between lofts.
New York newlyweds hire builders to turn a gooseneck trailer into a 350-square-foot rustic tiny home in the woods of Vermont. With an emphasis on outdoorsy design, they blend this tiny home into its setting with stained cedar siding, dark bamboo flooring and shiplap walls. Special features include a folding, six-person dining table and desk combo, a large and cleverly-designed pullout closet, a wall mounted garden and French doors that open to the gorgeous Vermont woods.
A couple is fulfilling a dream of building a tiny house that doubles as a mobile coffee shop to take on the road! But building a functional living space alongside their work space will require the loft to transform into an office space, the kitchen into a coffee shop with service window and their living room to double as retail space.
An architecture student builds a futuristic tiny home that can withstand the harsh Canadian winters and be his home base while he trains for the Olympics. From the gull wing door to the elevator bed to the woodwork, every aspect of this high-tech 'tiny' is overflowing with intricate and meticulous detail.
Months have passed since these tiny-house owners ditched their traditional digs (and financial trappings) for houses no bigger than trailers. From first-time homeowners to growing families, vacation homes to gypsy wagons, we find out what these homeowners have been up to since we last saw them. See how they are rethinking their spaces and learning from their mistakes, modifying their living quarters and moving from one location to the next and even generating income from their tiny gems.