Aging in Place in your Tiny Home

To tiny-home or not to tiny-home, that is the question.  

I have had the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of living in a tiny-home with hundreds of people during the last ten years, and among the more mature adults the statement is always, “I’m not climbing a ladder to get to my bed”.  

The older you get the more you realize that universal design and being able to age in place are at the top of the priority list when making a choice of a home; tiny-home or not.  

Because I now find myself in that older group, but still have the dream of living tiny on purpose, (and did I mention I have a BS Interior Design degree) I have made it my goal this year to design a line of tiny-size to park-size homes that will meet the physical and emotional needs of Baby Boomers and the generation that follows.

As a designer I begin with questions like -

·  Will the owner be a couple or a single adult?

·  Do they need separate sleeping areas or can they sleep together?

·  Do they need space for walking aids?

·  Do they need additional outlets in the bedroom, bathroom and living area for medical reasons?

·  Do they need a tub or a shower for bathing?

·  What hobbies need to be taken into consideration?

·  Do the owners love to cook or is a microwave all they use?

·  Do they have medications that require refrigeration?

·  Do they participate in juicing or eating fresh, creating the need for a larger refrigerator?

·  Can they navigate one step, but not a ladder or staircase?

·  Do they have a pet?

·  Will they be traveling with their tiny-home?

·  Will they be permanently parked on private land or backyard?

·  Will they be permanently parked in a private park?

You have to ask the same type of questions as when building a traditional home, and many more due to the limited amount space in a tiny-home. 

It all boils down to, what the owner is willing to live without, and what they deem as esential for quality of life.

If you are interested in building a tiny home of your own, but need help with the design and layout, I am here to assist: Linda Quiggle - designsforaqueen@gmail.com .
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Also Follow Linda Quiggle on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Tiny House - What does that mean in 2016?

Tiny Houses have become such a big thing in our culture over the last decade that there are now specific labels to define what kind of tiny house you might be talking about. Here is a small lesson - 


 "Micro" can include anything from a pimped out "Tear Drop" trailer to a shed, a treehouse, or van camping. It is really "micro" in size, but still meant to at least sleep and eat in.



"Tiny" includes a couple of distinctions, those on wheels and those on a permanent foundation.

  

• "T.H.O.W. is a tiny house on wheels.  These can be structures built with traditional building materials, or they can be house-trucks, buses, or any other driveable or towable device that has had a conversion and are meant to be lived in.

A standard "Tiny House" would be any "Tiny" structure built on some type of permanent foundation, and typically no larger than 500 sq. ft.

"Small" is a small structure.  

• Larger than a tiny home and smaller than the traditional small single family residence of 1,000 sq.ft.
• Can include apartments and condos
• Can be cottages
• Can be container homes
• Can be cob design
• Can be dome structures
• And yes, it can even be a Yurt.

Hope you feel better prepared to have a discussion about "tiny homes".  Keep looking.  Keep Learning. Live small on purpose.

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Also Follow Linda Quiggle on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Tiny Homes have made it to the Big League - Trulia.com

As a realtor I keep tabs on Trulia and Zillow all the time. Imagine my surprise when in my perusal a few weeks ago I came across a Truilia Blog that mentions, yes, my favorite topic, a tiny home.  322 sq. ft. log style home on 9 acres of gorgeous Wyoming real estate, and it's for sale.  

This home was custom built in 2007.  It might be rustic and remote, but the little home sports a full suite of appliances (no dishwasher though), as well as the luxuries of running water and eco-friendly heat and electricity. 

Welcome to the big league tiny homes!

http://www.trulia.com/blog/found-on-trulia-a-teeny-tiny-home-for-sale-in-wyoming/?ecampaign=con_eyecandy&eurl=www.trulia.com%2Fblog%2Ffound-on-trulia-a-teeny-tiny-home-for-sale-in-wyoming%2F

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Linda Quiggle holds a BS of Interior Design and and MBA in Marketing.  She currently works and lives in Amarillo/Canyon , TX

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Gypsy Caravan Home

Just in case you think the "Tiny Home" movement is limited to the US, here is an amazing 23' Caravan or Shepherds Hut. What I like (besides the glorious trim and attention to details) is the axle configuration on the trailer that he has built this home on.






















http://tinyhousetalk.com/beautiful-23-green-caravan-tiny-house/




The YouTube video is narrated by the builder who has this unit on the market - any takers?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhfU3iQ2ns4

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Linda Quiggle holds a BS of Interior Design and and MBA in Marketing.  She currently works and lives in Amarillo/Canyon , TX

Also Follow Linda Quiggle on: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

A Tiny Home to write home about!

I started a new job in January 2015 and haven't found the time to post anything since then.   However, I am making time now because I have found my "I want" tiny home.  As an interior designer I like to design my own spaces, however, I found someone else's design that I have to applaud.  This couple has taken into account headroom, natural light, the need for privacy when inside and the cute aspect. Why have a tiny home if it isn't cute!  It has a functioning kitchen, room for 2 recliners, a wood stove and an awesome bathroom.

I would sell my house and both cars and invest in a vehicle that could tow this THOW (tiny home on wheels) in a heart beat.  I just have to convince my husband - he is a writer and has "hundred's" of books for research purpose.  I tell him all the time that if he dies first I am getting one even if I have to park it in a relative's backyard and do day care for the privilege.  He just laughs.  I am not giving up my quest to have one though.

So, let me share this intriging home with you:  http://tinyhousetalk.com/expanding-tiny-house-with-slide-outs-that-will-amaze-you/

Expect to see me retiring in one of these real soon!

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Linda is a licensed Texas REALTOR and works with the Rob Law Team/Keller Williams Realty in Amarillo Texas.  806-457-4853 | 7304 SW 34th, Suite 1 - Amarillo, TX 79121

A Community of Tiny Houses

Thanks to my friend Theresa for turning me on to one more community embracing the Tiny Home as a means to helping their homeless population.  

A group up in Madison, Wisconsin have taken on this wonderful project and their website chronicles the obstacles as well as the achievements of this project: http://occupymadisoninc.com/ 

What about you Amarillo, Texas?  Are we willing to supply an affordable place for our homeless to call home?  Someplace out of the elements of summer or winter.

Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-220-5312.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Affordable Tiny Home rentals in Ozark, Alabama

In June, Mr. Blankenship of Ozark, Alabama constructed five small homes that are each only 500 sq. ft. They are 1 bedroom, 1 bath, with a nice front porch, living room and kitchen. According to the people living there, they are extremely well insulated and they can have their dogs there without any additional charge. They are rentals that rent for just under $500/month and provide a great streetscape to the neighborhood. What an incredible addition to any neighborhood.  More important it provides great housing for those needing to house themselves but are unemployed, underemployed, or just want to live small in a stationary environment.

I am always looking for efficient housing solutions for low income families. This is a solution that would contribute to the need for stable low income housing in Amarillo, TX.  Hope the builders/investors in this area follow Mr. Blankenship's lead.

http://tinyhouseblog.com/stick-built/blankenship-small-homes-in-alabama/
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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Vacation in a Tiny Home in Portland, Oregon

If you thought I had given up my interest in "Tiny Homes", I haven't!  My husband and I just had to deal with some health issues over the last six months.  Add work into that mix and I just didn't have time to continue sharing and spreading the idea of "Living Small" as a choice.

This cute 300 sq.ft. home is only 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Oregon and located on an organic farm.  It rents for $499/week or $1450/month. It accommodates 2 people, hosts a "real bed", and has an adjacent bathroom with a tiled shower and toilet area.  

Spending some vacation time in a tiny home seems like a smart idea before launching into a permanent living situation.

 
If I were making a trip to Oregon, I would definitely give this a try.  For more information and interior pictures try the link below.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1850000

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Sunshine Tiny Homes - The Sunset Model

Sunset Model

EcoSmart Fire 650SS

This home is the largest of the three I have designed to date:  30' L x 8'-6" W x 13' T. The 13' tall all depends on the specific trailer you purchase to build this house on.  I have designed it to be built over the top of the tires, so what type/size of tires on the trailer will make some difference in the height.  

All three have been built on the shed roof template to be able to give as much internal volume as possible.  That volume and strategically placed windows for daylighting will help in making them feel as spacious as possible.  

I personally don't like a structure covered in wood/wood veneer. I like a more contemporary look, so I have designed the walls to be; from the outside in: lap siding, 5/8" plywood, framing (turning the studs so you have the width of it to nail/screw into; thus making the wall thinner and leaving more interior floor area.), blown in insulation, and 3/8” plywood sheathing.  The 3/8” plywood will get a high grade primer and then a durable paint like Valspar will bring color to the walls and ceiling. 

No exposed beams on the ceiling, I will be using an engineered I-Beam roof system and then covering them in the same 3/8" plywood sheathing. (I spent 20 years in residential construction in various departments, the last being a Purchasing Manager. My construction managers would be so proud of how well I remembered all the info the manufacturer reps instructed us on!)

Nuovoliola 10

This model does not have any raised floors (lofts or kitchen like the last two).  This is truly a model that active adults could feel comfortable in.  This model has a queen size space saving wall bed/sofa and display wall by Resource Furniture.  The bed model is Nuovoliola 10.  It has so many frame color and fabric choices I couldn’t keep track when trying to count them all.

I have used a different manner of heating for this model.  EcoSmart Fire has been manufacturing bioethanol fire appliances for several years now. These appliances allow you to have the ambiance and warmth of a fire without consuming wood or having to have LP or Natural Gas plumbed into your structure.  The particular appliance I have selected for the Sunset fits inside of a base cabinet with just a few modifications. 

All models have the ability to take use of a full-hook up camping park, or they can work off of water from their 30 gallon holding tanks.  Depending on the type of toilet you choose to install in your home: traditional flush, composting, or dry-flush; will depend on how “off the grid” you can be when parked.  

In the near future I will be working up a solar package that will allow you to supplement your power needs with a solar battery.

I am very pleased with this model.  Hope you enjoy viewing it.

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

CLEI - ECOOKING "KITCHEN"

I am ready to spec this in one of my tiny homes.  What is your impressions?



Linda

Living in a 700 sq. ft."small" home

I love the "tiny home" movement and as many of you know I am in the process of designing a series of them myself.  I also know that "tiny home" living is not for everyone.  

The home to the right is not classified as a "tiny home" but it is certainly a small home.  

I have lived in several 700 sq. ft. homes and they "felt" small and didn't even come close to meeting my living needs. 

This home with its 704 sq. ft. of modern conveniences makes a grand statement.  Even though I have never been inside of it, the pictures presented of the volume ceilings and expansive use of windows gives this home a very spacious feel.  

Not only does it have a great floorplan, maximizing the space it has, the owners are also being environmentally conscious by building on a much smaller than normal size lot - by choice. They capture rain water for their landscaping needs, and have planted green roofs on their sheds.  

I think I  would love living in this sunny and space conscious home.Take a peak at the original article on this home, and let me know what you think.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/23/garden/freedom-in-704-square-feet.html?_r=0#

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

findinghomesforaqueen@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

The Sunshine Tiny Homes - Sunrise Model

I am thrilled with the response that I had to my first model: Noon Sun.  I now have the second model to unveil: Sunrise.



It is built on a 8'-6" wide by 24' long trailer base. However, this model is designed to be built over the top of the wheels.  That provides the structure with additional width inside and leaves space to install holding tanks for fresh water, grey water, and black water.

This model has a raised kitchen; three feet higher than the great room and bathroom.  It also has a custom unit that slides under, or pulls out from under the kitchen; giving the great room flexibility with either a love seat or a queen size bed. Under the bed are five storage drawers, four accessed from the side, and one from the foot of the bed.  The 3-steps from the great room up to the kitchen also contain drawers for storage.

The kitchen contains a 2-bowl sink, 24" LP Range that has an oven.  Upper and lower cabinet storage, 2-Drawer Refrigerator & Freezer, and a flex space that can be used for a small desk area.  In the bathroom (for the shower), and kitchen (at the sink) there are LP On-Demand water heaters.  This small home is heated with LP through a Marine style fireplace/heater.  A dedicated 30 gal LP tank is plumbed to the water heaters and stove, and a separate dedicated 30 gal LP tank is plumbed to the fireplace/stove.

The 3/4 bathroom has a shelf over the toilet that holds the small but cute vessel sink.; also over the toilet is a mirrored medicine cabinet.  Two handicapped bars (by the toilet and shower) and an obscure, bullet resistant (for the rocks when towing) single hung window for ventilation complete this bathroom.

This design is flexible enough that it could be put on a 30' trailer and it would provide even more great room space so you would not have to move chairs/tables when the bed was pulled out.

If you live close to Amarillo/Canyon Texas and know of someone who might be interested in giving me a bid to build my tiny home designs, please let me know:
findinghomeforaqueen@gmail.com

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Announcing: The Sunshine Tiny Homes!

I have not posted anything for just over a month.  It isn't because I have lost interest in the "Tiny House" movement, it is because I decided to design a series of my own tiny homes.  I needed to put my Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design to some use.

My tiny home company has been named "Sunshine Tiny Homes" and the first home is the "Noon-Sun" model.  It is built on a trailer that is 8'-6" wide by 28' long.  This is the maximum dimensions allowed to still be able to pull it yourself without a special permit or license.  The height, 13'-6" tall, and for the same reasons.

It has a hinged deck, a metal skin, wood framed, a main multi-function loft, and a storage loft.  It is initially being designed with a wall bed/table unit on the main floor so that mature adults, or those with physical limitations can still enjoy the "Tiny Home" experience, but not have to climb any ladders to access their beds.

I have been looking at and studying about the tiny house movement for several years now, so you may have seen some of the features in this model.  It took a lot of comparing to decide on a standard flush toilet and LP water heater and range.  I wanted to go with an electric on-demand water heater system, but that would require  240 volts to run it and that would mean being limited in the places you might want to explore on a cross country trip.  

I have had all walks of people in my life add their input to this project, and I want to thank you all - you know who you are.  
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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Space Saving Furniture

On this blog I have been discussing the topics of living minimally and living in smaller spaces, Tiny Homes.  I am sure that you are like my husband and think, "She's crazy, how do I make my furniture work in a 200 sq.ft. space?" 

Well, you don't.  

With your new tiny space a new tiny space mentality has to be developed; adjustments in the way you think about space. Once you have made the decision, you have to embrace your new "normal" - the new paradigm you have defined for yourself.  I have lived in small spaces, but have always tried to just make my large furniture pieces fit and it never really did; I always felt claustrophobic about not having enough space to even walk around and no place to practice my hobbies or entertain friends.


A company called Resource Furniture is making it easier for tiny home residents. They have designed a wide spectrum of multi-functioning furniture pieces that take very little room to transform and give you multi-functional rooms that work and look good: sofas/beds, tables/beds, wall units/beds, home office space/beds, chairs that turn into step stools, and chairs that function as book storage. 


They also give you choices for the finishes, fabric, and wood. You can customize until your heart is content with the look.  

Spend the few minutes it takes to watch the video on this YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nljmEUeLbY  .  
When you have looked at the video, give me feed back.

If you want more info, like I did, here is the link to their webpage:  
http://www.resourcefurniture.com/node/606

Thanks to my friend Janis Cannon for turning me on to this product.

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info  or www.facebook.com/homesofamarillo

Tiny Homes for the Homeless

I was just discussing the topic of "Tiny Homes for the Homeless"  with a work friend a few weeks ago. I believe that tiny homes could really meet the needs of really homeless people, or those who have simply had their incomes reduced so much that they can't live in a traditional structure anymore. What do they do?

I few months ago we talked about shipping containers being re-purposed as tiny homes for those needing an alternative living arrangement. My friend thought this was an idea that could work.  I think the traditional tiny home could work as well. 

However, In this mornings tiny house blog I read an article about Gregory Kloehn who has a new project, The Homeless Homes Project, where "tiny structures built out of illegally dumped garbage and industrial waste are becoming more than an environmental stance or garbage art. These little homes are fast becoming a collaborative project between different groups who want to help shelter people who live on the streets."  This gentleman is taking tiny to a new level, but has done so for a good reason - it provides sleeping space out of the elements, and it can be moved by simply pushing them.

I would like to see Amarillo adopt such a compassionate method of interacting with our homeless.  Let me know if this is something you think is worth pursuing.

Check out this link for more information.  

http://tinyhouseblog.com/humanitarian/gregorys-homeless-homes-project/

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info

Molecule Tiny Homes Tour

When I read the title of this blog in another article, I thought it was going to be about tiny homes that were even smaller than normal, "Molecule".  However I discovered that it was actually a tiny home builder's name; Molecule Tiny Homes.

Since more and more people are interested in living tiny, but don't want to climb a ladder, I found the home discussed in the link below, very do-able.  I would not want to live in a home quite this small on a full time basis, especially with another person, but if you are single it could be made to work.

Again, this home is using all typically unused space for additional storage; under the staircase being the one that most intrigues me. (Why don't builder's do that in traditional 2-story homes?)

This home was built with a solar panel installed on the roof of the home, but accessible by way of the main loft and through the opening skylight.  It has a tub (small), a composting toilet, and the tiniest bathroom sink I have ever seen.

Waring's Induction Range

It doesn't have a permanently installed range or cooktop, but as I have seen in other tiny home environments, the Waring Commercial Induction Range 120V, 1800W, or equivalent, will give you instant cooking without taking up the installed appliance space. You could even have a wall oven installed under the counter top, or utilize a counter top oven like Kitchen Aid's 12-Inch convection bake

KitchenAid's Countertop Oven

countertop oven.

Take a few minutes to view the video where Jason Dietz, the owner/builder of Molecule Tiny Homes provides additional information about this particular home, and how he builds in general.

http://tinyhousetalk.com/molecule-tiny-homes-tour/


Check back often as I post nuggets of information as often as I find them.  Sometimes that is daily, other times just weekly.

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Linda Quiggle is a licensed REALTOR and can be reached at 806-355-9601.  Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.

Follow her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen

Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info