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Building Your Tiny House Dream: Create and Build a Tiny House with Your Own Hands
The comprehensive how-to guide to building your own tiny home on wheels! KNOW BEFORE YOU BUILD - Chapters cover essential skills, tools, safety, and resources LEARN FROM AN EXPERT - Laying the foundation, framing, roofing, plumbing, towing, and more FROM START TO FINISH - Each section on building your tiny home is carefully laid out in progression "BEST TINY HOUSE AWARD" WINNING AUTHOR - Chris Shapdick is the founder of Tiny Industrial, a tiny house building company You've decided you're ready to build and enjoy the benefits of a tiny house, but how? Enter Building Your Tiny House Dream! Combining the "why" with the "how to," this book will show you each and every step to creating your own custom camper. Part one provides detailed guidance on essential information, from the skills needed and planning to tools, safety, and helpful resources. Start building your personal tiny home with part two, carefully laid out in order from start to finish, from laying the foundation, framing, and roofing to plumbing, adding personality, and towing so you can take your tiny home on wheels on the road and wherever you want to go! Written by award-winning tiny home builder Chris Schapdick ("Best Tiny House Award," New Jersey Tiny House Festival, 2017), Building Your Tiny House Dream will help you learn from an expert how to build the tiny house of your dreams!
- GenresNonfiction
176 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 15, 2020
This is an excellent book that will take you step-by-step through every bit of building your own tiny house. Photographs and material lists document literally every step. It almost feels like if you could put together an IKEA table, you can make this house. The plans are for a very specific shell of a tiny house that is build on a trailer with a wood floor (ta-da, your floor is done!). You can personalize it from there, but the plans are for that specific tiny house. It goes over your options for a shower, toilet, wiring, etc. and I felt that it was incredibly thorough. If you want to build that specific tiny house, this is perfect. If you want to build another one, this will still be helpful but not nearly as much. All in all, it's a great book. I'm not planning on building a tiny house (though it would be cool to do as an RV) but I found it really interesting. I was highly impressed with how detailed it was, and definitely recommend it.
I read a digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
I read a digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
April 29, 2020
I seriously love this book and can't wait to get started on my own tiny home (or in my case, camper)! The book is inspirational with great photos to guide you on your DIY journey. I love that all of the tools needed are included. This book provides guidance on creating one specific tiny home, so if you like the home on the cover or are looking for general DIY inspiration, get yourself a copy of this book!
April 30, 2020
5 Stars! This book takes you through, step by step, building your own tiny house! I now know what supplies I need and what tools I’ll need in order to build my very own tiny house. The author walks you through supplies, tools, design ideas, tiny house uses, etc! This book also has a lot of pictures which helped me visualize what I’d do with my tiny house! If you are looking into building your own tiny house on wheels, I’d highly recommend this book! It has EVERYTHING you’ll need to know. The author covers everything, even explaining how to use the tools you’ll need, estimated cost and ideas for toilets and showers! VERY helpful book!
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher and I voluntarily left a review.*
*I received this book at no charge from the publisher and I voluntarily left a review.*
May 4, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This is a fantastic step by step guide/instruction book that doesn't just tell you how to build a tiny house, but shows you step by step with photographs too.
This guide seems very straightforward and easy to do if your handy with tools. I loved how the book shows you floor plans towards the end and even shows you how to fit a toilet and get heating etc. I cannot fault this book at all.
If you love tiny houses and if you dream of building or owning one on day, you must read this book.
This is a fantastic step by step guide/instruction book that doesn't just tell you how to build a tiny house, but shows you step by step with photographs too.
This guide seems very straightforward and easy to do if your handy with tools. I loved how the book shows you floor plans towards the end and even shows you how to fit a toilet and get heating etc. I cannot fault this book at all.
If you love tiny houses and if you dream of building or owning one on day, you must read this book.
April 15, 2020
This book makes a great introduction to the tiny house culture, and it's also a recipe for making a simple, but practical house. As this build is based on one specific type of trailer, it's a little limited, but this is definitely the easiest way to get started.
The book has an excellent layout, and the illustrations are fantastic.
The book has an excellent layout, and the illustrations are fantastic.
April 14, 2020
The first few times you see a tiny house you can't help but be curious. That easily turns to fascination. Tiny houses come in various sizes and so many styles. They can be constructed of a variety of materials. If you want to explore your options I suggest you find documentaries and television series on the subject and binge watch. Grab this author's other books and drown yourself in the pages. When you are ready to live the dream and create your own, this is the book you need to buy.
From the very basic, materials and sizes and tools, to design and finishing, including electrical and plumbing, this book walks you through from idea to living the life. This book covers what I would call the basics-Plus, things to consider and give real life thought to concerning toilets and water options for sinks, showers, etc. As previously mentioned, your options are limitless. You can build to stay in one place or build to travel. Build to live in, build as a spare room, build to make space for family or visitors, even to rent out! This book covers it all.
From the very basic, materials and sizes and tools, to design and finishing, including electrical and plumbing, this book walks you through from idea to living the life. This book covers what I would call the basics-Plus, things to consider and give real life thought to concerning toilets and water options for sinks, showers, etc. As previously mentioned, your options are limitless. You can build to stay in one place or build to travel. Build to live in, build as a spare room, build to make space for family or visitors, even to rent out! This book covers it all.
August 27, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Building Your Tiny House Dream is a tutorial and pictorial guide to tiny house living by Chris Schapdick. Due out 1st Oct 2020 from Fox Chapel on their Creative Homeowner imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.
There are so many good reasons to simplify our lives: using fewer of the limited resources, reducing our imprint on the earth, personal economy, the desire to live a debt free life, This is a surprisingly inspiring and complete handbook for planning, resourcing supplies, and building a camper style tiny ("gypsy caravan") home.
The book has a no-nonsense, no-frills layout. The introduction includes a gallery of features included in this build. The first main section provides a good overview of what tiny house living entails, some background bio from the author himself, what the tiny house "scene" looks like currently and an overview over what it's actually like to live in a tiny home.
The second part covers the nuts and bolts of the actual build including a well photographed step by step tutorial: building the shell, designing and carrying out decorating and choosing features, and possibilities/challenges with kitchen and bathroom. There are also a number of sample floorplans showing various uses for the finished build.
The author has included a number of useful appendices such as resources (with lots of links), a short bibliography, checklists, and an index.
This is a very useful and practical handbook. It would be a good choice for handy builders, self sufficiency readers, DIY folks, dreamers, and similar.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Building Your Tiny House Dream is a tutorial and pictorial guide to tiny house living by Chris Schapdick. Due out 1st Oct 2020 from Fox Chapel on their Creative Homeowner imprint, it's 176 pages and will be available in paperback format.
There are so many good reasons to simplify our lives: using fewer of the limited resources, reducing our imprint on the earth, personal economy, the desire to live a debt free life, This is a surprisingly inspiring and complete handbook for planning, resourcing supplies, and building a camper style tiny ("gypsy caravan") home.
The book has a no-nonsense, no-frills layout. The introduction includes a gallery of features included in this build. The first main section provides a good overview of what tiny house living entails, some background bio from the author himself, what the tiny house "scene" looks like currently and an overview over what it's actually like to live in a tiny home.
The second part covers the nuts and bolts of the actual build including a well photographed step by step tutorial: building the shell, designing and carrying out decorating and choosing features, and possibilities/challenges with kitchen and bathroom. There are also a number of sample floorplans showing various uses for the finished build.
The author has included a number of useful appendices such as resources (with lots of links), a short bibliography, checklists, and an index.
This is a very useful and practical handbook. It would be a good choice for handy builders, self sufficiency readers, DIY folks, dreamers, and similar.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 23, 2020
Most tiny house books on the market give you plenty of incentive and inspiration to make your own, but little to no know-how when it comes to actually building it. I was pleasantly surprised to finally find a true guide to creating one of these amazing houses. After reading it, I feel confident that I, a total layperson, could build my own trailer house.
The book is split into two sections. Section one reads like most other books on tiny house living. It features beautiful photos, a compelling argument about what makes tiny houses appealing, and profiles of people who live full-time in the featured model. While the content is pretty standard, the author does a great job of building up excitement for what’s to come.
Section two is what really impressed me. Here you will find step-by-step instructions on how to make your own vardo-style tiny house. This includes a crash course on all of the tools you’ll be using, a breakdown of the time and cost involved in each part of the process, and very clear and thorough instructions. Links to video tutorials are included, but I found that the directions were so well-written that further instruction wasn’t required. Even if you’ve never picked up a hammer before, this book will arm you with the skills you need to build and furnish your own home.
When it comes to the bottom line, this is a book worth owning. The featured house is very versatile and attractive. It’s admittedly too small for a family home, but would be perfect for a single occupant or couple, or to take camping. Even if you decide that tiny house living isn’t for you, you’ll come away with the knowledge and skills to undertake most building projects and home renovations.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is split into two sections. Section one reads like most other books on tiny house living. It features beautiful photos, a compelling argument about what makes tiny houses appealing, and profiles of people who live full-time in the featured model. While the content is pretty standard, the author does a great job of building up excitement for what’s to come.
Section two is what really impressed me. Here you will find step-by-step instructions on how to make your own vardo-style tiny house. This includes a crash course on all of the tools you’ll be using, a breakdown of the time and cost involved in each part of the process, and very clear and thorough instructions. Links to video tutorials are included, but I found that the directions were so well-written that further instruction wasn’t required. Even if you’ve never picked up a hammer before, this book will arm you with the skills you need to build and furnish your own home.
When it comes to the bottom line, this is a book worth owning. The featured house is very versatile and attractive. It’s admittedly too small for a family home, but would be perfect for a single occupant or couple, or to take camping. Even if you decide that tiny house living isn’t for you, you’ll come away with the knowledge and skills to undertake most building projects and home renovations.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2020
This book is an excellent reference for anyone considering the choice to downsize and tackle building yourself. It is a very well organized and packed with information. Very comprehensive handbook on everything you need to consider for planning, gathering supplies, and building a camper style little home.
The book has a very easy to understand layout that includes pictures featuring the main build. The book covers not only the build itself but very useful information on what it means to downsize and what daily life in this style and size of home would be like. Information that is a must have if you are considering this change because it entails a considerable change in mindset to downsize to this degree, From there it moves into the nuts and bolts of the actual build including a step by step tutorial that has pictures at various stages of completion. There are also a number of sample floor-plans and possible uses for the finished buildings.
This is a very useful and practical handbook. It would be a good choice for those with construction or home remodeling experience looking to tackle a larger more in-depth project. Make no mistake it may be tiny but it isn’t simple. Overall this is an invaluable tool for anyone considering this lifestyle.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Five stars.
The book has a very easy to understand layout that includes pictures featuring the main build. The book covers not only the build itself but very useful information on what it means to downsize and what daily life in this style and size of home would be like. Information that is a must have if you are considering this change because it entails a considerable change in mindset to downsize to this degree, From there it moves into the nuts and bolts of the actual build including a step by step tutorial that has pictures at various stages of completion. There are also a number of sample floor-plans and possible uses for the finished buildings.
This is a very useful and practical handbook. It would be a good choice for those with construction or home remodeling experience looking to tackle a larger more in-depth project. Make no mistake it may be tiny but it isn’t simple. Overall this is an invaluable tool for anyone considering this lifestyle.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Five stars.
August 12, 2020
An unbelievable book... step by step instructions on how to build your own tiny dream. It’s a unique process and an interesting idea. I enjoyed the sneak peek at this book and it helps me understand my own ideas on tiny homes.
What did I like? This book offers a look at the tiny dream step by step in process. Not only in selecting materials but also how viable it is to really put one together. It’s an interesting process and it’s neat to see what the author uses as supplies in building a unique creation.
Would I recommend or buy? I love to go to the websites and star at the tiny homes because they look so lavish but small. It was an interesting insight to actually see on built step by step. I found it highly valuable, and a wealth of information for any one looking to buy or make their own tiny dream. I would love to own one! I’m not too sure though about building one but this was pretty neat.
I received a complimentary copy to read. Five stars! Interesting and unique!
What did I like? This book offers a look at the tiny dream step by step in process. Not only in selecting materials but also how viable it is to really put one together. It’s an interesting process and it’s neat to see what the author uses as supplies in building a unique creation.
Would I recommend or buy? I love to go to the websites and star at the tiny homes because they look so lavish but small. It was an interesting insight to actually see on built step by step. I found it highly valuable, and a wealth of information for any one looking to buy or make their own tiny dream. I would love to own one! I’m not too sure though about building one but this was pretty neat.
I received a complimentary copy to read. Five stars! Interesting and unique!
July 31, 2020
*Digital arc received from netgalley
Like many people, I'm really fascinated by tiny homes so I was interested to see what this book had in store. I've never read a book of this kind before, so I have nothing to compare it to, to say whether it has been done well compared to others, but I think it provides what it promises.
It has easy to follow, step by step instructions with tonnes of visual aids which is great. It has information about the types of tools you'll need, including how to get by with the bare minimum. I liked the checklist, to make sure a tiny home is right for you. I also loved the section about doing your own thing with the interior space and the examples provided.
I will admit, the design of this particular tiny house is not my favourite, but I think it fits well for a beginners first. If you already have a working knowledge of how to use your tools and a bit of grunt, I imagine this book would be for you.
Like many people, I'm really fascinated by tiny homes so I was interested to see what this book had in store. I've never read a book of this kind before, so I have nothing to compare it to, to say whether it has been done well compared to others, but I think it provides what it promises.
It has easy to follow, step by step instructions with tonnes of visual aids which is great. It has information about the types of tools you'll need, including how to get by with the bare minimum. I liked the checklist, to make sure a tiny home is right for you. I also loved the section about doing your own thing with the interior space and the examples provided.
I will admit, the design of this particular tiny house is not my favourite, but I think it fits well for a beginners first. If you already have a working knowledge of how to use your tools and a bit of grunt, I imagine this book would be for you.
June 30, 2021
I had planned to skim this book to see how the author put this tiny creation together, but I ended up reading the first 124 pages, on constructing the shell, thoroughly. The step-by-step was clear and logical and the photos, for the most part, were helpful. (Better lighting would have improved them considerably.) The last 50 pages of customizing the interior wasn't as interesting to me, but was full of great ideas. The style of house in this book is not my style at all, but the author actually made me think that I could make a tiny house all on my own, and easily, too!
May 28, 2020
For a first-time builder of a travel trailer, this is an excellent book to get you started. Schapdick details everything you need to know and explains in an easy straightforward manner. He offer lists of tools and materials, tips, experience, and some of the mistakes he has made along the way.
April 28, 2020
This is a nice 101 in how to build your own tiny house with step-by-step instructions. It shows that it doesn't have to be difficult to obtain the tiny house dream.
July 14, 2020
This book is a great beginning read for anyone interested in diving into the world of tiny houses! I recommend, the caravan is adorable!
August 17, 2021
Great information.
January 16, 2022
Fun ideas and pictures
July 15, 2025
Great resource for step by step build. Approachable language
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews