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TINY HOUSE 101?

I'm a researcher by nature, though not in the academic sense; however, if there is information to be found, I will seek it out.  Learning everything we need to know in order to build our tiny house is proving more challenging that we had initially thought.  Part of the reason is that much of what we are finding refers to the United States; while, what there is from Canada is mainly base in British Columbia.  We're also finding that there are not a lot of books on the topic that include families with older children such as ours. (Though that's a little exciting as we feel like pioneers!)  We also would love to see more detailed lists in the publications we're finding, especially for Canada.



Our personalities have also come into play while seeking information on our build.  Because I love research, I'm very comfortable learning through reading. I read a lot!  Mike, on the other hand, would rather watch a quick video or speak with someone in person. He's the very definition of a positive, hopeful person; while I'm a pragmatic realist. Mike's diplomatic communication style is amazing for obtaining answers.

Which leads me to our next challenge.  There don't seem to be many builders in Southern Ontario; and, actually communicating with one doesn't appear simple.  Of all of the builders I have reached out to, I've only heard back from one and they were very much a start up.  So, we haven't had the opportunity to engage in person with experienced tiny house builders about the process.

In the USA, "Tiny House Festivals" are popping up in the Southeast and Northwest.  Finding festivals in Canada, especially Ontario, has been almost impossible.  Fortunately, I learned of the Perth Tiny House & Green Home Festival not long ago.  Perth is a small community in Northeastern Ontario and the drive for us will be just over five hours.  The opportunity to meet tiny home builders, owners, and vendors face-to-face will be well worth it. Plus, we're excited for the kids to step into a tiny house themselves. (Mike and I had the good fortune to tour a tiny home in Dorchester, ON earlier this year.)  The Perth Tiny House & Green Home Festival takes place this Saturday, April 21 from 9:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Algonquin College - Perth Campus.

We still have so much to navigate, as evidenced by my pages long to do list in progress.  Hopefully, between my bookworm researcher mentality, and Mike's positive outlook and communication skills, we'll learn (almost?) everything we need to in order to start building next spring!

Watch the blog for photos and notes from our trip to the Perth Tiny House & Green Home Festival!

~ Michelle
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