By David F. Rooney
First there was widespread curiosity about Peter Bernacki’s Skinny House, now enquiring minds want to know about the Teeny Tiny House — and at 160 square feet it truly is teeny tiny — Jaime Roberton and Cat Gendron are building behind Kelly’s Bob Cat Service & Landscaping on Nichol Road.
The young couple has been here since last year and wanted to settle down but they wanted a degree of independence they couldn’t achieve as renters.
“We were tired of roommates and tired of paying rent,” Jaime said in an interview on Thursday morning. “We were so done with that.”
Then they hit on the idea of building their house — but not one that was going to cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Both of them work, Jaime at Valhalla Pure, and Cat at The Nomad, so work on this project has been accomplished in their time off and with a limited budget.
“We’re trying to do it on a budget of $10,000,”Jaime said. And so far they seem to be succeeding. They’re still a a couple of months short of completion but the end is within sight.
Basically just one big room, their teensy weensy home has 2×6 wall studs and 2×8 rafters. It will have tiny propane stove, shower and a composting toilet.
“We’ve gotten pretty much everything we’ve wanted for this,” Cat said.
Now it’s just a matter of finishing their project.
Fortunately they’re young, they’re willing to work hard and they are imaginative and fun individuals. What more can you ask for?
Here’s what they’re hoping a home owner or landholder in Area B might be willing to offer:
“Construction is nearing completion and we are looking for somewhere to park our house. Did I mention it is on wheels? Unfortunately because of city bylaws we need to be located outside of the town limits so this narrows down our options. We really hope there is someone out there who can help us out!”
What we need from you:
- Parking for our house + 1-2 Cars;
- A plug into a 15 Amp outlet (Yes, one is all we need!); and
- Maybe a place to compost?
What you get from us:
- Negotiable amount of money;
- Friendly neighbours; and
- Chores around property if needed.
If you are interested or know someone who would be please contact Jaime at 250-814-4731 or send them an e-mail at jaime.roberton@gmail.com. Or if you are considering building your tony house and just want a tour let them know!
You can view their original Stoke List posting at http://list.thestoke.ca/posts/127121.
And, if you’re interested in the whole tiny house movement you can click here to check out the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company whose products helped inspire Jaime and Cat.
In the meanwhile, here are a few photos of Jaime and Cat and their Teeny Tiny House:
