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The Joy of Tiny House Living: Everything You Need to Know Before Taking the Plunge (Creative Homeowner) How-To Manual of Practical Considerations for Building, Owning & Living in a Tiny Home on Wheels


Product Review: The Joy of Tiny House Living by Chris Schapdick



Product Review: The Joy of Tiny House Living by Chris Schapdick

If you are curious about the tiny house movement and want to learn more about the benefits and challenges of living in a tiny home on wheels, then you might want to check out The Joy of Tiny House Living by Chris Schapdick. This book is a comprehensive and practical guide that covers everything you need to know before taking the plunge into tiny living.

In this review, I will give you an overview of the book’s contents, highlight its strengths and weaknesses, and share my personal opinion on whether it is worth buying or not. I hope this review will help you decide if this book is right for you or not.

What is the book about?

The Joy of Tiny House Living is a 184-page book that was published by Design Originals in 2019. The author, Chris Schapdick, is the founder of Tiny Industrial, a tiny house building company, and he was awarded the “Best Tiny House Award” by the New Jersey Tiny House Festival in 2017. He has also been featured in various media outlets such as CNN, The New York Times, and HGTV.

The book is divided into six chapters, each covering a different aspect of tiny house living. The chapters are:

  • Fundamentals: This chapter introduces the history and philosophy of the tiny house movement, the reasons why people choose to go tiny, and the pros and cons of tiny living. It also helps you assess your own readiness and suitability for this lifestyle.
  • Design: This chapter provides creative and practical ideas for designing your own tiny home, from choosing a trailer and a floor plan to selecting materials and features. It also offers tips on how to maximize space and functionality in a small area.
  • Construction: This chapter guides you through the process of building your own tiny house, whether you want to do it yourself or hire a contractor. It covers the tools and skills you need, the steps and stages of construction, and the common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid.
  • Power: This chapter explores the options and considerations for powering your tiny house, whether you want to be on-grid or off-grid. It covers the basics of solar, wind, and hydro power, as well as propane and generators. It also explains how to install and maintain your electrical system.
  • Water: This chapter explains how to supply and manage water in your tiny house, from sourcing and storing water to plumbing and draining. It covers the types and sizes of water tanks, pumps, and heaters, as well as the different methods of dealing with wastewater and sewage.
  • Other Considerations: This chapter covers some of the other important aspects of tiny living, such as insulation, roofing, ventilation, heating, cooling, towing, parking, legalities, insurance, and more. It also gives advice on how to cope with the challenges and joys of living in a tiny space, such as cooking, cleaning, entertaining, and downsizing.

The book also includes a foreword by Derek “Deek” Diedricksen, the author of Microshelters and Micro Living, and a former host of HGTV’s Tiny House Builders. It also features a gallery of photos of real tiny houses and their owners, as well as testimonials and stories from people who have embraced the tiny house lifestyle.

What are the strengths of the book?

The Joy of Tiny House Living has many strengths that make it a valuable and enjoyable read for anyone interested in tiny living. Some of the strengths are:

  • It is comprehensive and thorough: The book covers all the essential topics and details that you need to know about tiny house living, from design and construction to power and water. It does not leave out any important information or gloss over any difficulties or drawbacks. It gives you a realistic and honest picture of what it takes to live in a tiny home on wheels.
  • It is practical and helpful: The book provides useful and actionable advice and tips on how to plan, build, and live in your own tiny house. It answers the most common questions and concerns that people have about tiny living, and offers solutions and alternatives for different situations and preferences. It also includes checklists, diagrams, and resources to help you along the way.
  • It is personal and inspiring: The book shares the author’s own experience and perspective on tiny living, as well as the stories and insights of other tiny house dwellers. It shows you the benefits and joys of living small, as well as the challenges and struggles. It also encourages you to find your own motivation and vision for going tiny, and to pursue your own dream.
  • It is well-written and well-illustrated: The book is written in a clear and engaging style, with a friendly and conversational tone. It is easy to read and understand, and it keeps you interested and entertained throughout. It is also filled with colorful and high-quality photos and illustrations that showcase the beauty and diversity of tiny houses and their owners.

What are the weaknesses of the book?

The Joy of Tiny House Living is a great book, but it is not perfect. It has some weaknesses that might limit its usefulness or appeal for some readers. Some of the weaknesses are:

  • It is focused on tiny houses on wheels: The book is mainly about tiny houses that are built on trailers and can be moved from place to place. It does not cover other types of tiny homes, such as stationary houses, cabins, cottages, or container homes. If you are interested in these other options, you might need to look for other sources of information.
  • It is based on the author’s experience and location: The book reflects the author’s own journey and choices in building and living in a tiny house. It also reflects the laws and regulations that apply to his location, which is the United States. Some of the information and advice might not be relevant or applicable to other countries or regions, where the rules and conditions might be different.
  • It is not very detailed or technical: The book gives you a general overview and introduction to the various aspects of tiny house living, but it does not go into too much depth or detail on some topics. It does not provide specific instructions or measurements for building or installing certain features or systems. It also does not explain the technical or scientific principles behind some concepts or processes. If you are looking for more advanced or in-depth information, you might need to consult other books or experts.

What is my opinion on the book?

My opinion on The Joy of Tiny House Living is that it is a very good book for anyone who wants to learn more about the tiny house movement and lifestyle. It is informative, practical, personal, and inspiring. It covers all the basics and essentials that you need to know, and it gives you a realistic and honest view of what it means to go tiny. It also motivates and encourages you to follow your own path and passion, and to live a simpler and happier life.

I think this book is suitable for anyone who is curious about tiny living, whether you are just exploring the idea, or you are already planning or building your own tiny house. It is also suitable for anyone who wants to adopt a more minimalist and sustainable way of living, regardless of the size of your home. It will help you understand the benefits and challenges of living small, and it will inspire you to make positive changes in your life.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in tiny house living, and I would give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for reading my review, and I hope you found it helpful and informative.

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