During the construction of Little Lou, it felt like everything was always a mess and disorganized. We were constantly shifting materials to make room or hauling stuff in and out of the carport. It was a struggle to keep everything in order. I can be a bit of a control freak so the whole process was an exercise in letting go. Constant deep breaths and reminders that I can’t control everything.
I cherished the moments (ugh, that sounds corny) when the house was clean and tidy. It was a moment to reassess and allowed me to actually envision the structure as a house rather than a construction site. When we started, I had an idea of a floor plan but didn’t have everything totally laid out. I had drawn out several designs but found that many of my ideas didn’t actually translate well to the space. Another reminder that I can’t control everything, I have to be flexible and willing to change my plans.
Hi Chrissy,
I’ve seen stories about you a couple times now and would love to learn more about your tiny house struggles in VT.
I live in S. Burlington and would like to build a tiny house on a tumbleweed trailer in 5 years (when kids are out of house). My concern is finding a place to park it in the Burlington area. I don’t want to live in a very rural area. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks!
Jane
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Hi Jane-
At this point, Burlington is not particularly friendly towards tiny houses on wheels. For most of Vermont, you need to be connected to a city sewer line or septic. Since most homes on wheels are not completely permanent it doesn’t make sense to build the infrastructure to make these connections. So most people just work around the rules and hide out in rural areas. I much prefer to live in a city but am scared into a rural hiding spot 🙂 Did you happen to see the article in the Free Press today? http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2016/07/18/tiny-lifestyle-meets-challenges-vermont/87073250/
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I did. Did you have a friend with land or were you able to find someone to rent you a spot? Do you know of any towns that legally allow tiny houses in Chittenden county? Sorry, I have tons of questions. What did it end up costing you to build it? Thanks!
Jane
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I have friends with land that are generous enough to let me park on their land. As far as legal tiny houses, sure their are small dwellings all over chittenden county but I don’t think their are any on wheels. This article might be helpful if you haven’t read it before.
http://m.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/will-micro-homes-multiply-in-burlington/Content?oid=3063269
All in all I spent about $30,000 on the house
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Thanks so much for this info! I really wish a tiny house community would pop up in Burlington. It’s been fun reading through your blog!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
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I’m hoping for that too! Thanks for reading!
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