PREP
The Steel Frame Tiny House Trailer:
June 2018.
Before we got started we decided to perform a dry fitting, just to verify all the parts and pieces fit together properly. They did! Once complete, we broke down the temporary clamps and proceed to to Step-1: Tiny house trailer and Steel frame assembly.
Without question, the most important element of your new tiny house is the custom tiny house trailer. Without the proper design and build with your specific tiny house in mind, you are starting at a disadvantage. In this case however, be are using a trailer specifically created for this tiny house. Complete with structural bottom plate, heavy duty belly pan, LED running lights and brake lights, 7-pin connector, Square tube steel joists 16" OC, Offset joist from main steel stringer for insulation, Structural sill plate & fenders for frame anchor, Tie down D-rings, Electric Brakes, Adjustable tongue and Stabalizing jacks.
SUB-FLOOR
The Steel Frame Prep Tiny House Trailer:
June 2018. Once the tiny house trailer is prepped and inspected, we begin the process of installing the sub-floor outer band all around the sill plate of the trailer. This is done by applying insulation wrap directly to the trailer that serves as a thermal break under the wood sub-floor.. Next we install the sub-floor band. Then we apply another layer of thermal wrap on top of the sub-floor band as an additional thermal break under the steel frame bottom plate. Bother of these thermal wraps go all the way around the bottom plate and sub-floor where they contact the trailer's structural sill plate.
FRAME ASSEMBLY
Steel Panelized Frame Assembled On Tiny House Trailer:
June 2018. The next thing is to begin assembling the panelized steel frame and attaching it to the tiny house trailers using screws. The bottom plate is screwed to the structural steel sill plate. All steel frame panels are screwed to one another every 6 inches. The CAD designed frames from Volstruct, the industry leader in tiny house steel frames, comes with with a list of technical benefits. Engineered like no other with tolerances to 1mm, you are assured the strongest, straightest frame available for your new home.
ANCHORS & SCREWS
Steel Panelized Frame anchored to Tiny House Trailer:
June 2018. After assembling the panelized steel frame and attaching it to the tiny house trailers, we permanently secure the frame to the trailer using frame anchor brackets every four feet on each side of the trailer. These anchors are in addition the bottom plate screw fasteners, these anchors insure the frame is permanently attached.
UTILITIES
Installing Utilities - Plumbing & Electrical
June 2018. After assembling the panelized steel frame and permanently attaching it to the tiny house trailer, we begin installing the electrical wiring, plumbing and gas lines needed to service the new tiny house. Since every home has slightly different needs, special consideration goes into planning for each home owner. In this steps we install the plumbing in the sub-floor and walls. Then the electrical lines in the walls, ceiling and utility closet. In this build there will be an outside utility closet to house junctions for electrical, plumbing, gas and communications.
Electrical
Installing Utilities - Electrical
June 2018. After assembling the panelized steel frame and permanently attaching it to the tiny house trailer, we begin installing the electrical wiring, ensuring we have grommets to protect the wiring when passing through the steel studs. Since every home has slightly different needs, special consideration goes into planning for each tiny home. In particular, making sure that the home has sufficient electrical service, circuits and amperage.
Insulation
Installing Spray Foam Insulation
July 2018. After utilities are installed in the tiny house, we applied the spray foam insulation. We have utilized both closed cell and open cell spray foam in this application. Their are many attributes of each so before making your decision, be sure that you have the correct materials, water barriers and veneers. Since we are also using insulated veneer panels, the R-value of this home will be much better than normal. We have successfully installed thermal breaks where steel meets steel to prevent thermal bridging, and have created an air flow system for the sub-floor to prevent moisture collection and thermal loss. This home is sure to be an extremely well insulated home. Highly efficient, green conscious and fire resistant.
The Shell at Stage-1
Shell Taking Shape
July 2018. At Last! The tiny house is starting to look like a house. At this point the exterior sheathing is installed and the insulation is blown. We still have several window openings framed where we will cut out the sheathing. The next exterior steps will be installing the custom windows & door. Also the moisture barrier house wrap which will be applied underneath the siding veneer. Also, the heavy duty roofing membrane for the roof which will go under the standing seam metal roof. It's coming together nicely. Stay tuned!
Rear Utility Closet
Utility Closet Sealed and Installed
July 2018. The new utility closet has been installed. We are doing ours a bit different than traditional tiny house builders. We will be adding a lift door to provide great access. The lift up door will also provide an awning to work under out of sun or rain. This utility closet is big enough to hold everything. Electrical, water heater, communications and more.
Interior
Accent Wall, Accent Window and HVAC Mini Split
Aug 2018. A finishing touch has been added to the interiors, now underway. The HVAC installation of the mini-split is complete. The accent window is cut out and ready to receive the custom window.
Roofed & Wrapped
Shell 2 is wrapped up tight, roofed and weatherized.
Aug 2018. All windows and door are sealed, taped and wrapped. Ready for exterior veneers. It could take a rain storm right now! Next is siding.
Window Wrap
Windows are taped and wrapped to prevent leaking
Aug 2018. Our windows get extra treatment to make sure they never leak. Extra sealant, tape and wrap ensure your windows provide a permanent barrier against the elements. You cannot be too careful when it comes to protecting openings on your new home. There is a particular technique to making sure they wrapped up right and tight.
Kitchen Cabinets
High quality Kitchen Cabinets from Medallion
Aug 2018. When it comes to quality we are not compromising. We are using solid maple custom built cabinets from Medallion. Designed and built for this application and fitted for precision. This build comes with a style and color choice made by the client from a beautiful pallet of new 2018/2019 colors and styles. Ultra soft close doors and draws are standard, of course.
Exterior Veneers
Lightweight pvc siding and faux stone
Aug 2018. This exterior veneer has a beautiful and striking color. Not only does it have a ridiculously long warranty, it is maintenance free, adds to the R-value of the house and is extremely durable. We were not positive about this selection when we started, but we sure are now. A great choice for the maintenance free, lightweight purpose of tiny houses on wheels. What a great product line!
