I built the world’s smallest house for $5K—it’s the ‘size of a closet’: Take a look
Can you build a house the size of a closet? This is the question I want to answer when I start building one of the smallest livable houses in my front garden in Southern Ohio (only 19.4 x 4 feet).
I was always obsessed with life. I love seeing people buy Creative with small spaces. In the last six years, I traveled to the US by documenting more than 300 unique Airbnb from tree houses to caves and luxury villas.
One day, after seeing someone trying to live in a house of 22 square meters, I thought about it: I can build something smaller… and better.
Building a small house in just a month
I learned that I would build small houses by watching Youtube videos and just going out. There were too many trial and error.
Photo: Levi Kelly
It all started with an old ancient trailer sitting on my property. There were rust and electrical problems, but there was potential and the perfect basis for a creative challenge.
Here’s my little house. It is a nice place to sit and relax and the place where I put the AC and heating unit under it.
Photo: Levi Kelly
The building lasted a month. Fortunately, we almost never rained and his wife helped me a lot. I spent about 5,000 dollars in total, which is usually less than the cost because I already have too many materials. Most of the expenses went to timber, insulation, sun and electricity.
The most expensive part of this house was the battery system. They can work up to $ 2,800, but fortunately there was one. The second most expensive substance was AC and heating unit. I bought a renewed one for about $ 600. This was a big investment, but it is worth every penny because it is part of what gives a little home a luxury feel.
I slept at home last winter during a snow storm. I wanted to test it in extreme elements. There was heat inside and a fire outside. It was a very fun and comfortable experience!
Photo: Levi Kelly
This small house must be incredibly efficient. For natural light, I installed the shedding windows and frame a long enough building to allow the standing room. For the exterior, I bought a lot in the cedar tree, I stained black and sealed – I gave home a stylish, finished look.
There was no space in the house to fit a shower, but I was determined to work! Outside, there is a small box where you can remove and mount the shower head. Of course, you should park the house at a very special point.
Photo: Zach Daulton for CNBC
Despite its size, the house has the necessary requirements: a compact AC and heating unit, a slope bed in the vaulted penthouse area (5’9, but 5’10 or longer, it can be slightly tight), space for large battery unit, a portable toilet and outdoor shower system.
Outside the house, there is a storage space where we put the portable toilet. Believe it or not, if you are looking for some privacy, it can fit into the small house.
Photo: Zach Daulton for CNBC
In the kitchen area, there is a mini refrigerator, a folding tap and a sink under the walnut bench. When not used, a cutting board covers the sink to create a smooth preparation surface. The area is not ideal for cooking generous dishes, but you can prepare some simple dishes with a hot plate or camping stove.
Everything, including a mini refrigerator and open shower, is strengthened by solar panels on the roof. You can also charge the battery by attaching it to an exit (this is faster than the solar sun requires the sun).
If I could start from the beginning, I would probably have more space to climb the bed. It definitely requires some flexibility!
Photo: Zach Daulton for CNBC
I slept at home during a snow storm … and
My wife, my children and I live in our home of 2,500 square meters, but once I stayed in a small house several times, including a big snow storm. I wanted to test the structure against nature and it was better than expected. I had heat, electricity and fever outside.
Another time, I camp with my 3 -year -old son. He slept on a small bed on the ground under the bunk bed. We made S’MORES and watched a movie on a laptop. It was tight but comfortable and we had a lot of fun.
Do I live full -time? Probably no, but someone could do it. Sure, this Really It is a proof that you can create a livable space that is almost no square images if you think in a small, but also creative way. With a truck, I can take it from the network or to a smooth camping area.
I was always obsessed with small areas. I like to see that people are creative and add their own personal touches.
Photo: Levi Kelly
For anyone who wants to build their own small houses, my advice is to decide your priorities. My goal was to build the smallest, functional small house possible. If your goal is comfort on minimalism, be a little bigger – maybe 30 to 50 feet square. Even a few inchs with width or ceiling height make a big difference.
Can you build a smaller livable house than mine? Let’s see who takes me on.
Levi Kelly A small home expert and builder. His Youtube channel Tree houses, container houses and luxury accommodation units are dedicated to exhibiting unique, short -term accommodation. He lives in Ohio with his wife and two children. Follow him on Instagram @Levimkelly.
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