US building supplies firm 84 Lumber has joined the burgeoning small living movement with the launch of a new tiny house range that aims to cater to anyone's skills and budget, from screwdriver-phobes to DIY experts. Its debut model, the Roving, looks a good balance between size, price and amenities, and costs US$19,884 for the Semi-DIY option, which includes a basic shell, doors and trailer.
The Roving sits on a trailer for easy towing and is nicely finished with cedar siding, low-E (low emissivity/energy efficient) windows and a metal roof. Inside, wall framing, house wrap and window tape help keep out the chill, while the door and walls are made from reclaimed wood and the floor is made from cork.
The Roving's snug 154 sq ft (14 sq m) of floorspace is divided between a living area, kitchen (with sink, refrigerator and electric cooktop), closet, and bathroom (with shower and composting toilet). Two lofts contain a sleeping area with double bed and some additional storage space, but are accessed by ladder, so you'll need to be physically able to live in one of these.
The Roving gets its electricity from a standard RV hookup, though a company representative told us that a solar power option will soon be available to enable it to function off-the-grid. Connectivity comes in the form of standard power outlets and USB outlets, and LED lighting and energy-efficient wall heaters are also installed.
84 Lumber is selling the Roving in a tiered system that aims to cater to everyone's skills and needs. DIY types can shell out $6,884 for a Build-Your-Own kit containing trailer, plans, and a list of materials – all of which can naturally be bought at the firm's hardware stores. The intermediate Semi-DIY kit includes tiny house shell and trailer, with windows, door and shower installed for $19,884, while the Move-In Ready option costs $49,884.
Source: 84 Lumber Tiny Living
