The Microhouse: A Small Home You Can Build
(Page 5 of 8)
April/May 1995
By Rev. Bill Kaysing
A good way to approach this work is to think of a small house as simply a large box. Also, if you need advice and counsel, phone the local carpenter’s union to see if a retired member would supervise your first microhouse.
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Gable Roof Microhouse
With the experience you gained from studying and/or building the shed roof model, you are probably well equipped to tackle the gable model. More conventional, sophisticated, and attractive, it is not difficult to build as long as you follow the plans carefully.
Assembly Instructions
- Determine a suitable location with front face to the south if this is an option.
- Place pier blocks and level using a garden hose. Attach one end to the master block. Fill the hose with water and adjust the block position by watching the water level.
- Position foundation skids on the pier blocks and recheck level. Nail treated sills to skids. Then nail floor joists on 24-foot centers to sills using 16d nails diagonally (toenailing).
- Nail 4-by-8 flooring to joists with screw drive nails (to make sure floor does not squeak). T and G joints meet in center of joists.
- Nail all framing according to plans shown, using 16d nails, and erect beginning with back. Nail securely to flooring with 16d nails.
- Connect all frames with 16d nails and install headers. Use a carpenter’s level to check rigidity and levelness. Make sure your structure is square.
- Toenail roof ties with 16d nails. Position ridge pole with temporary supports. Then install rafters after cutting “bird’s mouth” to fit headers.
- Sheath and roof entire frame using 8d nails. Nail on all trim including fascia boards and drip edge or flashing. Install roofing paper or shingles. Cut window openings and install them. Add shutters and window box.
- Build door per plan above, attach hinges, and install. Drill and install lock set and striker plate.
- Congratulate yourself and move in!
Microhouse Interiors
Fortunately, most of what you will need for the interior of your microhouse has been well developed by two industries: boats and recreational vehicles. Both specialize in getting maximum use from every cubic inch of space while providing every possible human convenience. If you have the budget for it, you can buy what you need from their retail or catalog stores.
However, most of a microhouse interior can be built from scratch using ingenuity rather than cash. Here are some ideas.
At the end, opposite the door, you can build a semiloft, foam or futon bed, below which you can put a combination workbench and desk. Around the perimeter of both loft bed and work area, you can build shelves. You can use the storage area below the desk for word processors and other income-earning equipment.
On the right side of the microhouse, you can build a compact kitchen using a Formica-topped piece of 3/4-inch ply. By cutting a round hole in it and placing a large plastic bowl therein, you can create a low cost sink. You can suspend a water storage tank for gravity flow service. The type that holds 2 1/2 gallons of purified water is ideal. The sink drains into a bucket or collection tank for disposal in the garden area. A single- or double-burner portable camp stove takes care of the cooking department. Drawers and shelves above and below the sink area accommodate your dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, and storable food. If you need one, there are a variety of miniature refrigerators that operate on 12 volts.
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