Sounds to me like you've given a lot of thought about what you could do around your little homestead and you have acted upon everything you can possibly do, within reason, to make it better for you. It's absolutely beautiful just the way it is now! And, if you love it, that's all that should matter to others. Stay happy!
i know im randomly asking but does anyone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I somehow lost the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Finn Forest I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
In the San Diego area we have all the same kinda building codes. We have a 32ft 5th wheel at our club in the high desert. Our guest room is a tent. The grand kids love it.
I wish there was more places like yours that would allow tiny living. The cost of housing in most places is just out of site anymore. I think that is one of the reasons so many people are moving into vans, rv's etc.
Great info... thanks. We don't have tie downs on our mobile either, but for the new ones they need to be. Reason here at the south west coast of B.C. is, it's not for a tornado, but rather for earthquake reasons. I agree with you... for the expense of doing all the permit work, and the reno'ing... put company up in a motel. That's our take on it too. We have a 3 bdr double wide, but beside our mstr bdr, 1 bdr is hubby's computer room, and the other is my craft room.. so no room for company. Thanks for sharing. 🌞
Earthquakes. Interesting-- yeah, tie downs are a good idea in your area!! I just left a note for Bill about our mobile home, which has tie-downs; we live in the northeast, but we're near the Atlantic, and hurricanes and nor'easters are a summer and winter reality. Those wind gusts are nothing to fool around with. It's not a good idea to make blanket statements about how mobile home tie-downs are never necessary and just unnecessary code requirements. Your home sounds perfect-- everything you need and nothing that you don't!
Thank you for your channel. I'm glad to see there is still a few places that it does not cost to much to live. God has supplied me a place. Not big but it is mine. I've learned a lot from your channel to help me along.
We just downsized to a 940sq ft house, 1/2 the size of our former house. The second bedroom is my sewing room. Half the garage is my husband’s workshop. He had a large workshop attached to our other house. Visitors will get the couch or camper. We got rid of a lot but have been getting rid of more since we backed out of a deal for a 1300 sq ft house because of omissions on the disclosure form. We are loving our small home. Will be living for 9 months in a 28 ft camper staring this fall when we start on our great adventure heading from northern Michigan to out west.
Stay TINY..... The expense of adding more is great. How often do you entertain and how often do the kids visit? I know we just went thru the same thing. I like the coziness when the kids come we are always close together. With our health and Elizabeths all the extra space is a lot to deal with. Love you guys.
When we set up our 28X78 doublewide, I think we had to make in the neighborhood of 40 footers. Now the single wide that was here before had no footers but had a sloped living room floor LOL. We also had a sag in the floor. We realized the blocks had turned over when we removed the skirting. I also popped a garden hose spigot loose when we did that. LOL
I live in tornado alley and you can tie it down and it makes absolutely zero difference. You really know a lot about construction and building. Thank you for sharing this information with us. I like it like it is.
I was thinking a greenhouse to replace the sun room because of the GSM. Frugalgreengirl YT channel built one that helps to heat their home. You guys have been on my mind regarding this. I think you live smart. I know you don't want to increase your space but in light of the GSM, I'm thinking more along the lines of survival. You have the nomad option too. We're still thinking we might have to move but if there's anything we can do to stay here, that's our choice. I'm praying for us all.
We might possibly be able to actually use the sunroom as a greenhouse. The only problem is that it faces north west, so it only gets a little direct sunlight late in the afternoon. But it might still work.
I wouldn't change a thing. I think the way you and Elizabeth live is perfect. It would be lovely to live in the mountains. I adhere to the adage, "Fish and company stink after three days!". The older I get the less I want to entertain.
We do not have any major building projects planned (like trailer renovation or shed build). But I do have several small upgrade building projects going on this summer that we will eventually show you as we get to them.
Nothing is ever perfect. We always feel things could be improved no matter where we live. So enjoy what you have for as long as you feel God has you there. If you need to move or change things, then you will know at the right time.
nice fyi you can attach those walls have anchor bolt out of camper through 2x4 with sloted cut use bolt and washer just keep nuts little snug good video
~~~ O''yes Bill I understand . I would also just let things stay as is. I think you and Mrs. Elizabeth have a nice set up . And most of all the cat loves it . I hope your homestead has JOY all around it .....GOD'S JOY .......
I think from watching your videos about your tiny house and a street sign in one I know where this is located. If I am correct my family had trailer there in the 80’s about 7 spots away from where your place is located. Not sure if you ever mentioned where so I didn’t want to without your knowledge. Really miss that place,lot of good times growing up there on the weekends and summer vacation.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Yes then it is the same place. Was so nice up there, I am going to Carbondale to see my brother soon and plan on doing a ride through the community to see it again. Glad you are so happy in your new home, you have made awesome progress making it your own.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree I got a chance to go up and see where you were and my family had a trailer and your place looks just like the videos still but unfortunately the place on your left side facing your house burned up. I actually was going to buy that one several months back when it was all redone and for sale but my house didn’t sell fast enough to do so. I took a few pictures if you want to see them, can’t figure out how to post them here so let me know an alternative means to let you view if you want to.
The code for a manufactured home (here, anyway) is that it has to be sitting on a cement slab with blocks and tiedowns. But this is technically part of tornado alley, and we've had winds even this spring that gusted more than 70mph. Green Bay doesn't get tornadoes very often, because we are in this little valley. But they go all around us, especially to the west, north and south. One came within 6 miles south of us a few weeks ago, along with the 70mph winds--now that was a scary storm, because it had both straight-line winds in it, and a few tornadoes. The hail pulped the strawberry crop so we didn't get any strawberries this year. You and Elizabeth are doing well in your tiny home. A lot of people don't have room to entertain or have overnight guests. You can still have picnics and camp out in a buffet restaurant, which isn't the same, but a lot of people have to make do with that. Be blessed. I bet you have still entertained angels, unawares. :)
I live in coastal NH in the northeast (of course) and our mobile home sits on a slab, but under the slab is 4 feet of sand and gravel under-footing, so we have no frost heave problems. And yes, we are tied down. When the summer hurricanes or the winter nor'easters tear through here, whew!! Yeah, we need tie-downs.
This is great info as we were going to add onto our little trailer or build a small home separately. You definitely made up my mind to build a small home separately. Thanks Bill!
Ty for another informative video ... Hubby was watching with me, not knowing thou have the cabin, and said why not buy another Rv for visitors with what it would cost you ... :)
Our first RV cottage, at 21 feet, just fit in the driveway. Or new one is 30 feet, and we do not have enough room on our property to park it. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
Yes, having guest when tiny living would present issues. I’m sure that’s taken into consideration prior to such a lifestyle change. I’d like to know if you have a lot of maintenance required preparing for winter. Have you added extra installation in the walls? Is there anything special you do to the roof to prevent leaks?
When we purchased this property, it had this old, ratty trailer on it that should have been removed. But I decided to renovate instead. I completely gutted the front half of the trailer and started over. Yes, I added insulation to all the walls as well as many other winter upgrades. We had a roof coating installed called RV Armor. It was very expensive, but it has a life-time guarantee. I documented this entire process on video several years ago, and you can see the whole thing in our RV renovation playlist. ruclips.net/p/PLD231j5QApVI9BbALyGp2P6kB_BFBEQXg We also have a video called "10 Below in an RV Tinyhouse" that gives a quick tour of some of the things we did to make it more winter weather friendly. ruclips.net/video/Tb7i71nVui4/видео.html
I feel kind of silly for posting my comment now, because I went on to watch the videos on your playlist. 😂 Thanks for your quick response to my questions. I’ve actually been following your channel for a while and I’m very taken with the beautiful relationship between the two of you. It’s difficult to live with another person in a large home, to see the two of you thriving in such a small space is beautiful.
@@janetsways4176 We now have about 550 videos! And most of the renovation videos were done within the first year (3-4 years ago). So I realized that most newer subscribers are not going too see them. Nobody tries to catch up on 550 videos!
You can get a variance for an undersized building, or too close to the property lines set backs, and so forth. But they would NEVER approve a variance for something that is not built to code.
Bill I wouldn't care if you live in a 10 million dollar mansion or a tent you're still good people you and Elizabeth do it your way you've earned that right. As long as you and Elizabeth are happy does anybody else really matter. God bless you have a good day.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree yes I understand Bill I was reading some comments that other people had made. Wasn't really happy with them at the moment. I think you call them trolls. if they don't like your videos then they can watch something else.
@@dad3db Trolls are people who attack us personally with all kinds of foul language, etc. I delete them immediately. I'm just talking here about people who are asking honest questions. So when a hundred people ask the same question, "Can you build an addition?" I do a video like this to answer it.
Good information but I forgot about your new camper, for your family visits anyway, that's what would suffice in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your construction knowledge.
We do not have enough room on our property to park the cottage. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Are there campgrounds near you that you can put the cottage on when your company is there? Or do the campgrounds close for the winter?
I think your tiny living is just perfect. I'm just wondering if you're ever going to swap your little cottage in place of this. LOL I'm sure you wouldn't considering all the work and insulation you have done to this place. Either way this little place is perfect. Boy I'll tell you, you could talk about paint drying and it would still be interesting . Till next time God bless
We had considered that, and even looked into it. We like our cottage better than our house! But if we were going to swap our cottage for this old place on our property, we would no longer be grandfathered in. The local building codes would require that we install concrete piers and trailer tiedowns under the new trailer, at a cost of about $6-7,000. That would be in addition to the cost of razing this old place ( probably at least $1,500 for dumpsters to haul it off AFTER I do the work to dismantle it). And then our cottage does not have the winter upgrades that this one has. So no, we're keeping it as it is.
Live the way is comfortable for you. Living simple is your logo. I received my t-shirt. I love it. The quality is wonderful. Fits perfect with room. I love the color blue you pick. Hanes are high quality t-shirts.
Changes mean reassessment to property. Addition taxes go up . Cost of utilities increase too. $$$ spent for more living space. Take cottage on a drive more often. Enjoy it while you can
New sub ! I been living tiny for a few years. Recent thinking of changing around some things I do need to build a cover so I do not have to deal with the snow next year like last. NW MT 🎉
A much less expensive dea than building is to rent motel rooms and you can all stay there together! Or rent an AirBNB for a few days. Or family could stay in the Cottage!
Our first RV cottage, at 21 feet, just fit in the driveway. Our new one is 30 feet, and we do not have enough room on our property to park it. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
Couldn't your company stay in your cottage? When we have visitors, they love to stay in our Airstream. It's an adventure for the kids, and it gives them and us a bit of privacy. Love your videos!!
We do not have enough room on our property to park the cottage. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
We do not have enough room on our property to park the cottage. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
Makes sense to me! And the thing about extra space is that it will always be filled!! At least in my experience! Keep it simple and live with out bondage!!
If I recall correctly, didn’t you build a couple of fold down bunks in your shed? Have you or your kids/grandkids ever tried using those for short visits?
We have two bunks built into our shed. We use them for storage shelves, but can use the beds if we remove the boxes and lay the matresses down. My father stayed there when we took care of him for a few days after his eye surgery. But there are only two bunks. My son's family is four people.
Ha! I saw that on your FB page and thought there was something about that design and you said it! 'it's being engulfed!' Too funny. One more question, are you able to put your mobile cottage in your driveway for a 24 hour period? I'm guessing not.
Yes, we could for 24 hours, but no longer than that. However, the old cottage at 21 feet just BARELY fit in the driveway. Our new one, at 30 feet, will not fit without completely blocking the road!
Different subject here Bill. Wanted you to know I got an interesting ad for a grow box good size for inside lettuce all self contained lighted hydrophonic with water pump. It's from DAK.com looks interesting. I have other products from that company and usually good quality, but can't speak for this new item.
I know your sunroom is cold in the winter but i was wondering if an electric heater would work so you could hang out there with company for a few hours.would that keep it warm just when you wanted to use it to visit occasionally?
Yeah I got the same idea. When people ask me. What I do if I want to invite my friends over for dinner. I will just invite them to a restaurant. Then that solved that problem 😁. Great video Bill. Thank you for that. Say hi to Elizabeth for me and you both be safe.
I’ve watched lots of your videos and feel like you’ve answered these questions numerous times. It must be frustrating to repeatedly address why you can’t make your sunroom into a year-round room or why you can’t house guests in your cottage. You have great patience. BTW, I’ve watched your renovation videos so man6 times over the years. They’re my favorites.
We now have 568 videos. And we have 3,800 NEW subscribers THIS MONTH! I realize that no one is going to try to go back and watch all of our past videos. They average about 20-25 minutes. That's about 200 hours of watch time! We get questions ALL THE TIME about things we have already covered in detail. We realize it's just the new subs who have not seen our older videos. So we redo, and restate previous content in different ways for the new subs. That's just part of being a You Tube creator! BTW, it always amazes me when people say how much they enjoy the renovation or shed build videos. To me, being a contractor for many years, that's just old hat business as usual. :-)
Could you do anything with that nice shed you built to make a bedroom for occasional visitors? It has windows but not sure it has electricity, insulation or plumbing hookups.
It is insulated, heated, and air conditioned. We built in two bunks beds that are used for shelves for storage. But we can remove the boxes and turn them back into bunk beds. :-)
@@ancientsgate We do not have a video about building the shed. Sorry. ...we have have TWELVE of them! And here's the playlist. ruclips.net/p/PLD231j5QApVIhF77zoZVHRekTHbM76yXS
As others have suggested, when your family comes could you park the cottage in the driveway and let them stay in it? Perhaps there is a limit to how long you could have it there, but surely a week or two would be permissible?
I think you're doing the right thing it's kind of like a minimalist type thing they say that's where I think I'm heading that way anyway sometimes you don't need as much as you think you need I'm almost 50 this month so I starting to see them in a big house isn't so much necessary..... I want a bigger piece of land with a smaller house so I can grow things cuz I like to do that or have animals
Hello, Ok I get it. I know you can't park your cottage on the property, but would a tent work as an extra bedroom? Love u guys, and your videos especially the fixer uppers.
We do not have enough room on our property to park the cottage. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
Geez we have a new neighbor that lives full time in his RV on his land and yes he has a dish and gets mail. It's like the wild west up here in northern Michigan.. Lolol New York sounds like it would be pretty strict on it's people. Besides Bill you and Elizabeth have your cottage and the entire United states. Now that's perfect.
I think it’s great ..the way you fixed your tiny home.,to make sure you are warm in winter...cool in summer. Comfortable for you and your Elizabeth. I honestly would not mind one bit doing that. Or even just getting a place like yours for the summer and living there In summer to escape the heat..if it were up to me I’d live in a small maintenance free condo or something like that. My husband feels like our big house is his reward for working hard all his life. I want him to be able to enjoy it but I am honestly longing for a small easy to care for place.
What if you added a small additional Caravan, with an enclosed Walkway between? You could gut it and use it as that "extra" room. Anyway, thanks for the Video, love you guys. Take Care!
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree .......TX has the most amazing real estate/home prices.......built 3 new homes in the eighties for under $100K.......acted as the contractor on third home......designed and did some of the construction myself......subbed out the rest........best built home i've had......quality materials, etc......$16K......rural, practically code-free area.......one thing that might keep prices down in TX.......because of dry soil.......homes built on concrete slab.......no basement.......amazed at extra sq. footage in homes on east coast........with their basements.......like havin' a whole 'nother house.
I live in the UK on a narrowboat on the Worcestershire to Birmingham Canal. My boat in 30' long x 6'10" wide. The actual living space is 18' x 6'10" Is that small enough for you.
Our first RV cottage, at 21 feet, just fit in the driveway. Our new one is 30 feet, and we do not have enough room on our property to park it. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
You might put them in the travel trailer for sleeping. You just need more space for gathering. Maybe your church or a meeting room close to your house. Or buy a house that would accommodate all.👩🏼🌾
yOU CAN BUY A SHED AND PUT ELECTRICITY IN IT AND WALLS AND MAKE IT A GUEST HOUSE....mANY PPL IN THE sOUTH DO THAT. Companies are actually building them to suit that need. Theyre not real expensive.
If we replaced the trailer, we would no longer be grandfathered, and we would be required to install piers under the new trailer at a cost of $6-8,000. But we have no reason to replace the trailer.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree yeah.. that's what I figured. I ran into the same issue. Tear it down.. you have to build a house or put a modular home on the property.
Our first RV cottage, at 21 feet, just fit in the driveway. Our new one is 30 feet, and we do not have enough room on our property to park it. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
Can I ask how your hot water last in your shower? I used to have to turn the water off while I washed, Because the water heater was so small that the hot water only lasted about 2 min.
Since our travel trailer home no longer moves, we replaced the original hot water heater with a 25 gallon residential water heater. We can take long showers. Our mobile RV "Cottage" has a typical RV water heater. We have to be careful not to run out, but we certainly get more than 2 minutes. We get just enough for one short shower.
Hello there mister I got a question I'm looking forward to live simple and live free but my main point I was wondering wat kind of Camara are you using to make this videos
I don't remember specifically for this video, especially since it is one of our older videos. But I have a Nikon D5600, a GoPro Hero 5, a GoPro Hero 7, and an iPhone 8. I use all cameras interchangeably in all my videos, depending on the situation.
How do we keep it up? Do you mean maintenance? We had RV Armor install a roof. It's expensive, but it has a life-time warrantee, and it has done very well for us. Here's our video about RV Armor. ruclips.net/video/DOi1n8cU8QU/видео.html
Yes I live in a RV.. I went from a Victorian home to a 34 foot fifth wheel. Have been here 3 years... I was wondering about caring for my roof. Thinking about a metal an awning perhaps... will look at your videos. Thank you for the videos. Been watching you for years.
Sounds to me like you've given a lot of thought about what you could do around your little homestead and you have acted upon everything you can possibly do, within reason, to make it better for you. It's absolutely beautiful just the way it is now! And, if you love it, that's all that should matter to others. Stay happy!
i know im randomly asking but does anyone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account??
I somehow lost the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me
@Desmond Brennan Instablaster =)
@Finn Forest I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm.
Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Finn Forest It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thanks so much, you saved my ass :D
@Desmond Brennan Glad I could help xD
In the San Diego area we have all the same kinda building codes. We have a 32ft 5th wheel at our club in the high desert. Our guest room is a tent. The grand kids love it.
“Live simple, live free!”🙂
Janell Joy , Exactly !!
Loved the video as always. Stay tiny and happy you two ! I am sure the kids would’nt mind a motel when visiting.
I wish there was more places like yours that would allow tiny living. The cost of housing in most places is just out of site anymore. I think that is one of the reasons so many people are moving into vans, rv's etc.
I agree.
I also agree. I want a set up like yours and where I want to live they won't allow it. zoning is frustrating.
@@sj6728 i wanted to do that with a puece of land in pa where they sell tiny homes there are a few mobile home parks but tiny homes are neat.
Time to get like minded people together and get those laws changed.
Makes perfect sense Bill! Thanks 💕
Like you and Elizabeth always say...:live simply, live free". You two are happy and that is what counts. God Bless.
i really like how they did the green home at 1:33 i would love to see how that is layed out inside.
That is just a picture that someone posted several years ago. I have idea what the inside is like.
Congratulations on over 60K to your channel format. God bless you and your wife. Believe me, your Blessed. ✝️
do you have ample space for a pop up camper with a dry compost toilet? l love you and your wife tube channel
Great info... thanks. We don't have tie downs on our mobile either, but for the new ones they need to be. Reason here at the south west coast of B.C. is, it's not for a tornado, but rather for earthquake reasons. I agree with you... for the expense of doing all the permit work, and the reno'ing... put company up in a motel. That's our take on it too. We have a 3 bdr double wide, but beside our mstr bdr, 1 bdr is hubby's computer room, and the other is my craft room.. so no room for company. Thanks for sharing. 🌞
Earthquakes. Interesting-- yeah, tie downs are a good idea in your area!! I just left a note for Bill about our mobile home, which has tie-downs; we live in the northeast, but we're near the Atlantic, and hurricanes and nor'easters are a summer and winter reality. Those wind gusts are nothing to fool around with. It's not a good idea to make blanket statements about how mobile home tie-downs are never necessary and just unnecessary code requirements. Your home sounds perfect-- everything you need and nothing that you don't!
One thing for sure, Bill! You will do what’s best for you and Elizabeth! Love your Tiny house! God bless!💕
Thank you for your channel. I'm glad to see there is still a few places that it does not cost to much to live. God has supplied me a place. Not big but it is mine. I've learned a lot from your channel to help me along.
We just downsized to a 940sq ft house, 1/2 the size of our former house. The second bedroom is my sewing room. Half the garage is my husband’s workshop. He had a large workshop attached to our other house. Visitors will get the couch or camper. We got rid of a lot but have been getting rid of more since we backed out of a deal for a 1300 sq ft house because of omissions on the disclosure form. We are loving our small home. Will be living for 9 months in a 28 ft camper staring this fall when we start on our great adventure heading from northern Michigan to out west.
Stay TINY..... The expense of adding more is great. How often do you entertain and how often do the kids visit? I know we just went thru the same thing. I like the coziness when the kids come we are always close together. With our health and Elizabeths all the extra space is a lot to deal with. Love you guys.
Exactly!
Good explanation.
When we set up our 28X78 doublewide, I think we had to make in the neighborhood of 40 footers. Now the single wide that was here before had no footers but had a sloped living room floor LOL. We also had a sag in the floor. We realized the blocks had turned over when we removed the skirting. I also popped a garden hose spigot loose when we did that. LOL
I live in tornado alley and you can tie it down and it makes absolutely zero difference. You really know a lot about construction and building. Thank you for sharing this information with us. I like it like it is.
You are very wise! If you were to add on then it would turn into something else and on and on! You are truly blessed!
Exactly! That's what so many people don't seem to understand. We're content living tiny. We feel no need to add on... and on.... and on!
With your construction experience and being in the northeast as I am, your info is so helpful as I research tiny house options. Thank you.
Entertaining and educational
You can purchase shower curtains at $ store so you don’t have a big roll of plastic left over when making the window covers.
🤣
Thank goodness we live in the middle of nowhere! We can do whatever we want to our land and house without permits👍 And we have😋
I don’t even like the idea of living where the neighbourhood rules say no clothes line or parking your RV in your driveway! Too many rules👎
@@HoneyandMe The H.O.A has to much power over home owners..
I always enjoy the videos..
I was thinking a greenhouse to replace the sun room because of the GSM. Frugalgreengirl YT channel built one that helps to heat their home. You guys have been on my mind regarding this.
I think you live smart. I know you don't want to increase your space but in light of the GSM, I'm thinking more along the lines of survival. You have the nomad option too.
We're still thinking we might have to move but if there's anything we can do to stay here, that's our choice. I'm praying for us all.
We might possibly be able to actually use the sunroom as a greenhouse. The only problem is that it faces north west, so it only gets a little direct sunlight late in the afternoon. But it might still work.
I wouldn't change a thing. I think the way you and Elizabeth live is perfect. It would be lovely to live in the mountains. I adhere to the adage, "Fish and company stink after three days!". The older I get the less I want to entertain.
You could win a Ray Donovan look alike contest!
I think you have a great little house! I was just hoping to watch you build something again!! Loved watching all your building videos!
We do not have any major building projects planned (like trailer renovation or shed build). But I do have several small upgrade building projects going on this summer that we will eventually show you as we get to them.
Nothing is ever perfect. We always feel things could be improved no matter where we live. So enjoy what you have for as long as you feel God has you there. If you need to move or change things, then you will know at the right time.
nice fyi you can attach those walls have anchor bolt out of camper through 2x4 with sloted cut use bolt and washer just keep nuts little snug good video
Thanks for being real!!
Answered (that question), but is this a Leo approved message?
Absolutely! :-)
😂😂😂
~~~ O''yes Bill I understand . I would also just let things stay as is. I think you and Mrs. Elizabeth have a nice set up . And most of all the cat loves it . I hope your homestead has JOY all around it .....GOD'S JOY .......
I think from watching your videos about your tiny house and a street sign in one I know where this is located. If I am correct my family had trailer there in the 80’s about 7 spots away from where your place is located. Not sure if you ever mentioned where so I didn’t want to without your knowledge. Really miss that place,lot of good times growing up there on the weekends and summer vacation.
Thank you. This was in Blakeslee. We tried to keep our location a secret when we lived there. But now that we live in VA, that doesn't matter anymore.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Yes then it is the same place. Was so nice up there, I am going to Carbondale to see my brother soon and plan on doing a ride through the community to see it again. Glad you are so happy in your new home, you have made awesome progress making it your own.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree I got a chance to go up and see where you were and my family had a trailer and your place looks just like the videos still but unfortunately the place on your left side facing your house burned up. I actually was going to buy that one several months back when it was all redone and for sale but my house didn’t sell fast enough to do so. I took a few pictures if you want to see them, can’t figure out how to post them here so let me know an alternative means to let you view if you want to.
Good video
The code for a manufactured home (here, anyway) is that it has to be sitting on a cement slab with blocks and tiedowns. But this is technically part of tornado alley, and we've had winds even this spring that gusted more than 70mph. Green Bay doesn't get tornadoes very often, because we are in this little valley. But they go all around us, especially to the west, north and south. One came within 6 miles south of us a few weeks ago, along with the 70mph winds--now that was a scary storm, because it had both straight-line winds in it, and a few tornadoes. The hail pulped the strawberry crop so we didn't get any strawberries this year.
You and Elizabeth are doing well in your tiny home. A lot of people don't have room to entertain or have overnight guests. You can still have picnics and camp out in a buffet restaurant, which isn't the same, but a lot of people have to make do with that.
Be blessed. I bet you have still entertained angels, unawares. :)
Wow, I have not experienced that kind of scary weather!
I live in coastal NH in the northeast (of course) and our mobile home sits on a slab, but under the slab is 4 feet of sand and gravel under-footing, so we have no frost heave problems. And yes, we are tied down. When the summer hurricanes or the winter nor'easters tear through here, whew!! Yeah, we need tie-downs.
This is great info as we were going to add onto our little trailer or build a small home separately. You definitely made up my mind to build a small home separately. Thanks Bill!
great stay tiny
Makes perfect sense.
Ty for another informative video ... Hubby was watching with me, not knowing thou have the cabin, and said why not buy another Rv for visitors with what it would cost you ... :)
Our first RV cottage, at 21 feet, just fit in the driveway. Or new one is 30 feet, and we do not have enough room on our property to park it. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
Yes, having guest when tiny living would present issues. I’m sure that’s taken into consideration prior to such a lifestyle change.
I’d like to know if you have a lot of maintenance required preparing for winter. Have you added extra installation in the walls? Is there anything special you do to the roof to prevent leaks?
When we purchased this property, it had this old, ratty trailer on it that should have been removed. But I decided to renovate instead. I completely gutted the front half of the trailer and started over. Yes, I added insulation to all the walls as well as many other winter upgrades. We had a roof coating installed called RV Armor. It was very expensive, but it has a life-time guarantee. I documented this entire process on video several years ago, and you can see the whole thing in our RV renovation playlist. ruclips.net/p/PLD231j5QApVI9BbALyGp2P6kB_BFBEQXg We also have a video called "10 Below in an RV Tinyhouse" that gives a quick tour of some of the things we did to make it more winter weather friendly. ruclips.net/video/Tb7i71nVui4/видео.html
I feel kind of silly for posting my comment now, because I went on to watch the videos on your playlist. 😂 Thanks for your quick response to my questions. I’ve actually been following your channel for a while and I’m very taken with the beautiful relationship between the two of you. It’s difficult to live with another person in a large home, to see the two of you thriving in such a small space is beautiful.
@@janetsways4176 We now have about 550 videos! And most of the renovation videos were done within the first year (3-4 years ago). So I realized that most newer subscribers are not going too see them. Nobody tries to catch up on 550 videos!
I would add a covered porch not connected. And some times you can goin front of the planning board and get a variance.
You can get a variance for an undersized building, or too close to the property lines set backs, and so forth. But they would NEVER approve a variance for something that is not built to code.
Bill I wouldn't care if you live in a 10 million dollar mansion or a tent you're still good people you and Elizabeth do it your way you've earned that right. As long as you and Elizabeth are happy does anybody else really matter. God bless you have a good day.
I not so much trying to justify our decision as much as answer questions about why it’s not really possible.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree yes I understand Bill I was reading some comments that other people had made. Wasn't really happy with them at the moment. I think you call them trolls. if they don't like your videos then they can watch something else.
@@dad3db Trolls are people who attack us personally with all kinds of foul language, etc. I delete them immediately. I'm just talking here about people who are asking honest questions. So when a hundred people ask the same question, "Can you build an addition?" I do a video like this to answer it.
Good information but I forgot about your new camper, for your family visits anyway, that's what would suffice in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your construction knowledge.
We do not have enough room on our property to park the cottage. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Are there campgrounds near you that you can put the cottage on when your company is there? Or do the campgrounds close for the winter?
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree That info was in another video, my mistake.
We do have local campgrounds. One is the state park that we go to on a regular basis. But all of the local ones close in the winter.
I think your tiny living is just perfect. I'm just wondering if you're ever going to swap your little cottage in place of this. LOL I'm sure you wouldn't considering all the work and insulation you have done to this place. Either way this little place is perfect. Boy I'll tell you, you could talk about paint drying and it would still be interesting . Till next time God bless
We had considered that, and even looked into it. We like our cottage better than our house! But if we were going to swap our cottage for this old place on our property, we would no longer be grandfathered in. The local building codes would require that we install concrete piers and trailer tiedowns under the new trailer, at a cost of about $6-7,000. That would be in addition to the cost of razing this old place ( probably at least $1,500 for dumpsters to haul it off AFTER I do the work to dismantle it). And then our cottage does not have the winter upgrades that this one has. So no, we're keeping it as it is.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree what you have works out perfect. But I had a feeling y'all thought about it LOL 🧡💙
God bless you so much.
Inspections and permits and codes, oh my! Follow the yellow brick road. Tie me kangaroo down, Bill. Tie me kangaroo down.
Live the way is comfortable for you. Living simple is your logo. I received my t-shirt. I love it. The quality is wonderful. Fits perfect with room. I love the color blue you pick. Hanes are high quality t-shirts.
Glad you like the tee shirt! :-)
Changes mean reassessment to property. Addition taxes go up . Cost of utilities increase too. $$$ spent for more living space. Take cottage on a drive more often. Enjoy it while you can
Exactly!
New sub ! I been living tiny for a few years. Recent thinking of changing around some things I do need to build a cover so I do not have to deal with the snow next year like last. NW MT 🎉
Welcome!
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree so it looks like you have moved from the this property and trailer ? I’ll have to look back at your old videos
I remember the tornado in Great Barrington, Ma. So sad...Blessings this lovely Friday.
A much less expensive dea than building is to rent motel rooms and you can all stay there together! Or rent an AirBNB for a few days. Or family could stay in the Cottage!
Why don't you redo the sunroom
Can we insulate the sunroom? ruclips.net/video/LKZHV0BngN4/видео.html
How about a up greated sheds not atached or a small shipping container take you time fix
You are a smart man, keep it simple!
Can you bring the travel cottage to let the kids and grandchildren stay in to visit? You answered my question
Our first RV cottage, at 21 feet, just fit in the driveway. Our new one is 30 feet, and we do not have enough room on our property to park it. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
Couldn't your company stay in your cottage? When we have visitors, they love to stay in our Airstream. It's an adventure for the kids, and it gives them and us a bit of privacy. Love your videos!!
We do not have enough room on our property to park the cottage. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
When you have Company, can’t you just park the Cottage for a few Days on your land? It would not be a permanent structure?
We do not have enough room on our property to park the cottage. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
could you add an extra shed and make it into a bunkhouse for guests?
Not legally. But our shed that I built already has two bunks in it. We don't have guest often enough to justify the money to build another one.
Hi there, when your family comes to visit, let them stay in your cottage. 🤔
The sun room would make a good guest room in the Summer,
Yes, it does! :-)
Makes sense to me! And the thing about extra space is that it will always be filled!! At least in my experience! Keep it simple and live with out bondage!!
If you're happy that's all that counts
If I recall correctly, didn’t you build a couple of fold down bunks in your shed? Have you or your kids/grandkids ever tried using those for short visits?
We have two bunks built into our shed. We use them for storage shelves, but can use the beds if we remove the boxes and lay the matresses down. My father stayed there when we took care of him for a few days after his eye surgery. But there are only two bunks. My son's family is four people.
I think your house is fine just the way it is.
Do you have room to just park another camper out there
It’s not allowed by the property owner’s association.
Sounds like communism restrictions to me
We moved to VA in 2019 to care for Bill’s dad. We sold the property.
(We’ll never have a house with a homeowners association ever again.)
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree I don't blame y'all what's the point in buying some thing that other people can tell you what to do with
Ha! I saw that on your FB page and thought there was something about that design and you said it! 'it's being engulfed!' Too funny. One more question, are you able to put your mobile cottage in your driveway for a 24 hour period? I'm guessing not.
Yes, we could for 24 hours, but no longer than that. However, the old cottage at 21 feet just BARELY fit in the driveway. Our new one, at 30 feet, will not fit without completely blocking the road!
Different subject here Bill. Wanted you to know I got an interesting ad for a grow box good size for inside lettuce all self contained lighted hydrophonic with water pump. It's from DAK.com looks interesting. I have other products from that company and usually good quality, but can't speak for this new item.
Interesting product!
Great Utube. Love the bird camper house. Where did u get it?
I know your sunroom is cold in the winter but i was wondering if an electric heater would work so you could hang out there with company for a few hours.would that keep it warm just when you wanted to use it to visit occasionally?
No. Not in the middle of the winter when we are below zero!
Yea after i gave that more thought i realized you probably couldnt.just a thought
The sunroom footer will rot in time. Well that splains it!
Yeah I got the same idea. When people ask me. What I do if I want to invite my friends over for dinner. I will just invite them to a restaurant. Then that solved that problem 😁. Great video Bill. Thank you for that. Say hi to Elizabeth for me and you both be safe.
I’ve watched lots of your videos and feel like you’ve answered these questions numerous times. It must be frustrating to repeatedly address why you can’t make your sunroom into a year-round room or why you can’t house guests in your cottage. You have great patience. BTW, I’ve watched your renovation videos so man6 times over the years. They’re my favorites.
We now have 568 videos. And we have 3,800 NEW subscribers THIS MONTH! I realize that no one is going to try to go back and watch all of our past videos. They average about 20-25 minutes. That's about 200 hours of watch time! We get questions ALL THE TIME about things we have already covered in detail. We realize it's just the new subs who have not seen our older videos. So we redo, and restate previous content in different ways for the new subs. That's just part of being a You Tube creator! BTW, it always amazes me when people say how much they enjoy the renovation or shed build videos. To me, being a contractor for many years, that's just old hat business as usual. :-)
Could you do anything with that nice shed you built to make a bedroom for occasional visitors? It has windows but not sure it has electricity, insulation or plumbing hookups.
It is insulated, heated, and air conditioned. We built in two bunks beds that are used for shelves for storage. But we can remove the boxes and turn them back into bunk beds. :-)
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Interesting! Do you have a video about building the shed? I'm interested if you did, I must have missed it. Thanks.
@@ancientsgate We do not have a video about building the shed. Sorry. ...we have have TWELVE of them! And here's the playlist. ruclips.net/p/PLD231j5QApVIhF77zoZVHRekTHbM76yXS
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree That's great...can come in handy if you needed to use bunk beds for the occasional visitor!
As others have suggested, when your family comes could you park the cottage in the driveway and let them stay in it? Perhaps there is a limit to how long you could have it there, but surely a week or two would be permissible?
I think you're doing the right thing it's kind of like a minimalist type thing they say that's where I think I'm heading that way anyway sometimes you don't need as much as you think you need I'm almost 50 this month so I starting to see them in a big house isn't so much necessary..... I want a bigger piece of land with a smaller house so I can grow things cuz I like to do that or have animals
Just use you other trailer for guests
..that what we do...
Hello, Ok I get it. I know you can't park your cottage on the property, but would a tent work as an extra bedroom?
Love u guys, and your videos especially the fixer uppers.
Sure maybe in the summer, for a day or two. But not at Thanksgiving or Christmas time.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Yeah I guess you would host summer holidays, and they would host the winter ones. As long as it allowed. Enjoy.
I saw a bunch of places like the amoebas in Palm Springs trailer parks, some super cute, some not so : )
Bill why can't you pull your moble trailer over while they are visiting and let them stay in it?
We do not have enough room on our property to park the cottage. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Oh well I know you have probably thought of that anyway. Bless you both.
Geez we have a new neighbor that lives full time in his RV on his land and yes he has a dish and gets mail. It's like the wild west up here in northern Michigan.. Lolol New York sounds like it would be pretty strict on it's people. Besides Bill you and Elizabeth have your cottage and the entire United states. Now that's perfect.
Pretty much all of the east coast has these zoning and building codes. And most of California, and anywhere near larger cities.
True Bill! Very True!
I think it’s great ..the way you fixed your tiny home.,to make sure you are warm in winter...cool in summer. Comfortable for you and your Elizabeth. I honestly would not mind one bit doing that. Or even just getting a place like yours for the summer and living there In summer to escape the heat..if it were up to me I’d live in a small maintenance free condo or something like that. My husband feels like our big house is his reward for working hard all his life. I want him to be able to enjoy it but I am honestly longing for a small easy to care for place.
What if you added a small additional Caravan, with an enclosed Walkway between? You could gut it and use it as that "extra" room. Anyway, thanks for the Video, love you guys. Take Care!
Enjoy your tiny house and hopefully spend your winters in a warmer place in your cottage.
.....'built a pier and beam log home (3-bd/2bth) in '87......in TX......the kit was $28K.......any possibility of doing that?
3bd/2ba? Why would I want such a HUGE house? LOL Besides, your ‘87 price would be at least triple that by now!
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree .......i was a single mom at the time........home/1,200 sq.ft.......first home i designed/built.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree .......TX has the most amazing real estate/home prices.......built 3 new homes in the eighties for under $100K.......acted as the contractor on third home......designed and did some of the construction myself......subbed out the rest........best built home i've had......quality materials, etc......$16K......rural, practically code-free area.......one thing that might keep prices down in TX.......because of dry soil.......homes built on concrete slab.......no basement.......amazed at extra sq. footage in homes on east coast........with their basements.......like havin' a whole 'nother house.
You know all you have to say to those who ask is because I don't want to.
I live in the UK on a narrowboat on the Worcestershire to Birmingham Canal. My boat in 30' long x 6'10" wide. The actual living space is 18' x 6'10" Is that small enough for you.
Smaller than ours! Our trailer is 32 feet long and 7’6” feet wide. 😀👍
When your family comes could they stay in your cottage on your property?
Our first RV cottage, at 21 feet, just fit in the driveway. Our new one is 30 feet, and we do not have enough room on our property to park it. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
You might put them in the travel trailer for sleeping. You just need more space for gathering. Maybe your church or a meeting room close to your house. Or buy a house that would accommodate all.👩🏼🌾
May almighty God bless you and your wife. Be happy, I am sure your children Don, t mind.
yOU CAN BUY A SHED AND PUT ELECTRICITY IN IT AND WALLS AND MAKE IT A GUEST HOUSE....mANY PPL IN THE sOUTH DO THAT. Companies are actually building them to suit that need. Theyre not real expensive.
Can you replace the trailer or is it if you ever remove that one you would not be able to replace it?
If we replaced the trailer, we would no longer be grandfathered, and we would be required to install piers under the new trailer at a cost of $6-8,000. But we have no reason to replace the trailer.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree yeah.. that's what I figured. I ran into the same issue. Tear it down.. you have to build a house or put a modular home on the property.
Can you use the cottage for company?
Our first RV cottage, at 21 feet, just fit in the driveway. Our new one is 30 feet, and we do not have enough room on our property to park it. It's to big. So we have to park it in an RV storage lot. There are no hookups there, and staying there overnight would probably not be allowed by the RV storage lot company.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree Oh I see. I thought you could park it in your driveway. Thanks for answering my question.
Can I ask how your hot water last in your shower? I used to have to turn the water off while I washed, Because the water heater was so small that the hot water only lasted about 2 min.
Since our travel trailer home no longer moves, we replaced the original hot water heater with a 25 gallon residential water heater. We can take long showers. Our mobile RV "Cottage" has a typical RV water heater. We have to be careful not to run out, but we certainly get more than 2 minutes. We get just enough for one short shower.
Important issues you discussed.
Hey Bill, all the best to you two kids 💜
Hello there mister I got a question I'm looking forward to live simple and live free but my main point I was wondering wat kind of Camara are you using to make this videos
I don't remember specifically for this video, especially since it is one of our older videos. But I have a Nikon D5600, a GoPro Hero 5, a GoPro Hero 7, and an iPhone 8. I use all cameras interchangeably in all my videos, depending on the situation.
@@LiveSimpleLiveFree thank you mr. For your time and info I really appreciate God Bless you
Tie your rv down? if tornado went though all you would have left is a trader frame.
This is northern PA. We don't have tornados here! (Well... may one every 10-15 years.)
How do you keep up your roof?
How do we keep it up? Do you mean maintenance? We had RV Armor install a roof. It's expensive, but it has a life-time warrantee, and it has done very well for us. Here's our video about RV Armor. ruclips.net/video/DOi1n8cU8QU/видео.html
Yes I live in a RV.. I went from a Victorian home to a 34 foot fifth wheel. Have been here 3 years... I was wondering about caring for my roof. Thinking about a metal an awning perhaps... will look at your videos. Thank you for the videos. Been watching you for years.
Oh well family and friends will have to bring tents if they wanna go for a holiday's