I had an MPAC person stop by my project, Tiny House Ontario a few days ago. If you don’t know, these are the tax assessors that ensure that the people of Ontario pay their fair share of taxes.
I am not opposed to paying my fair share of tax, what I oppose is the way that building codes do not allow people to build as they wish. I absolutely understand and agree that they need to be put in place so that people don’t just build unsafe, cardboard dwellings in which they, their family and guests could easily burn to death. What I don’t get is the part where we all have to build 2400 square foot McMansions which are totally disconnected from the planet around them.
I don’t get why I should have to worry about my tiny house being somehow unlawful. It seems every new house I pass is not facing in the right direction to benefit from the sun and wind. There is no effort for these homes to be environmental except of course, the compulsory level of insulation. The codes need to be revisited, deconstructed and rewritten in order to reflect a more modern age in building technology and realistic resource consumption. At the very least, in a country were the seasons change passive solar should be considered in every single new structure that is built. Too size limits need to drastically decrease, both in terms of lot size and the footprint of these homes. I took all this into my mind and more, and believe me THO has as tiny a carbon footprint as she does a physical one!
The woman, who came was very pleasant and I think she liked the tiny house which she referred to as a cabin. I disclosed everything to her about the house. No point in omission or in lying. We wait now to see if all will remain okay with respect to the house in the township where it is located. So far, while they knew what I was planning because I called them multiple times, I am unsure if they really know about me being there.
For those of you who are just joining me here, you should know that as with most houses, Tiny House Ontario (or any tiny house) is in constant flux. I am not sure how it happens here. I very rarely buy new stuff, but I guess, I add more blankets as the weather gets cold and move the mats. This year, the big addition to the house was the stone patio and I also bought some horizontal blinds for some of the windows, when there was a sale on. It was not that I was trying to gain privacy from peeping chipmunks. Rather I thought it would be good to block out the sun in those windows that allow too much heat in during the summer months. Both of these improvements were felt and I am happy with them.
The house is not finished, there is still no kitchen, no running water, no furnace and no modern bathroom facilities. There is much to be done in order to make it livable beyond the summer months. As it is, when I am here, I live in a sort of constant state of “glamping” – a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping. Don’t misunderstand me, I don’t mind this. I actually love THO with all its little unrefined bits too. Even so, I do envision a few more comforts in my tiny house.
What I mean to say is now MPAC has been here, so we will find out if the powers that be will allow this little sugar shack to stand and her vision be fulfilled.
A reclaimed antique dresser to put away clothes in. I am sure a high dresser would offer more practical storage, but it would not be nearly as cute as this.
I have a king sized bed in the loft. Actually it is two twins put together in the German style. This makes for a more comfortable sleep even on nights when one of us fidgets.
This is the East side of the house. Do you see? There is rain barrel out there. This window gives me easy access to the spout. The curtained area is the closet, should you just now be looking at my the house for the first time.
The doors to the cloth porch are here in this corner. I bought these doors second hand on kijiji for $100. They work fine but are not very air tight. If I was building again, I would buy the doors new. Or at the very least I would be sure they were better made. I read the Lord of the Rinds trilogy this summer. I have had the quote on a board for many years and have long been a wanderer, so I thought it was time. “Not all those who wander are lost”
Dishes are drying inside. Due to the rain outside, they won’t dry on the porch. I did not get the kitchen put in this summer. I hoped I would earn a little more than I did with my art at the market, but this is the way that the cookie crumbles. When you are trying to support yourself and build a home using only creative earned budget, you can only do a little at a time. No debt gained, and I do have a wonderful now patio too!
This green chair is where Hj likes to sit. I don’t want to air our dirty laundry… BUT in the spirit of sharing what works and what does not… I would like to pitch this chair because he consitantly tilts back in it. This blocks the way to the upstairs, the entry, and the bathroom. A tilting chair (recovered from the road side) is not the best solution for a tiny house, in my opinion. At least NOT in the “route” corner… Still, I like the chair, it has a funkiness about it and it is dead comfy.
Tiny House Ontario 
Where in Grey County can you build a tiny house? We own land in the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, and the bylaw states a minimum 800 sq ft house must be built on the land you own… frustrating! I would like to know how it’s possible to build a tiny house on my land if there’s a bylaw that says I can’t… thank you
You may not be able to. The best thing to do is research what you would like to have and make adaptations as you have to. For example I wanted a single story, 300 square foot, timber frame and straw bale, passive solar, off grid house with a garage. Instead I have a 93.75 square foot, stick built, off grid house with a loft. I adapted my house a lot to make it work in the area where I wanted to build.
Once you know back to front what you want start calling the building department and find out what you can and cannot do. For example – can you live there in a trailer (aka tiny house on wheels) or is this allowed in undeveloped land? Can you build a small structure on undeveloped land such as a shed? If you build this shed, can you camp in it? Are you allowed two sheds?
The best advocate for you, is you. I am sorry but I clearly cannot call all the building departments and figure this out for all of the people who want this.
Best of luck!
Laura
Hey there Laura, I love your stairs. Can you tell me more about them- did you design them yourself or did you find the plans from another Tiny House Builder? My partner and I are in the planning stages of our tiny home and would love a set of stairs instead of a ladder, to make it easier for our cat to come into our lofted space.
Thanks for any insight!
Mary
Here is an article I did about my stairs from last year. http://tinyhouselistings.com/the-taming-of-the-stairs/
When I did mine I measured everything, BUT Steven from Tiny House Listings has since done a FANTASTIC on line tutorial on making this process a little easier. http://youtu.be/1Pn0lUrylgk
I would like to add, that if I could do this over I would actually use 2×10 boards for the steps, cut them out in the shape that is similar to the end result of mine (reciprocal stairs) and use the principals that Steven did on the above video.
You should know this is MUCH easier than it looks! Let me know how it goes.
xo Laura
The interior shots are very nice… It’s coming along quite nicely…
Are you open to visits from friendly strangers? We are looking at land owen sound/tobermory area and building a tiny house off the grid (as much as possible) as well. Would love some inspiration in person if you are comfortable with visitor? (my wife daughter and i). xxxxxxx@xx.com if you are open to it. Thanks! Love what you are doing.
Hi Ben,
I am glad that you are inspired by THO, but I do wish to keep my home private. I get hundreds of requests like yours a year, some from people who are curious, some from people who are considering building, some who are students that want to write on the topic, others from journalists. Clearly, my private home was not built with a revolving door. I am sure you understand now that you are aware that you are among hundreds of others who make this request.
However, if you have specific questions I will do my best to answer your questions.
Thanks very much for your compliments.
xo
L
Are you in Ontario canada? I am and I would love to do this but not sure where to go. Would love more advice from someone who has already done this.
Ontario, Canada yes.
I have written about every aspect of my built from purchasing land, through the building, to landscaping, building codes, wiring and living off grid. Please feel free to read through, start at the beginning (which is at the end in blogs and work your way through like a book). If there are specific things you wish to know, use the search mechanism.
Hi Kelly,
I am thinking of building a tiny house also and also very new to this, I was wondering if you are interested in learning together(I’ve been researching and have some ideas), if you are and you are based in Toronto, feel free to contact me and maybe we can do this together! kimseto@mail.com, thanks!
These pictures are gorgeous. Next time we are up in Michigan during the summer (rather than the winter like usual) we should plan a trip up to THO!
Thanks Laura! The place is coming along a tiny bit at a time.
As for your coming up here, sounds like a great idea! I am hoping to make it down there next April for the workshop at Steven’s place. I am not sure yet due to the art thing I have going on. Hopefully between me hopefully going there and you hopefully coming here, we will finally meet!
Best, xoxo
😀
L
You could put your sweet low dresser up on a wooden box (attach securely, maybe lightly attach dresser to wall). Add a door at end of box for additional low storage.
Yes, I suppose I could lift it a little. Thanks for the suggestion.
xo
L
Love the art on the walls of your sweet little home! I presume you’re the artist, as you mentioned selling your art at the market. Do you have pictures of your art & prices?
Thank you very much for your kind words. My work is here.
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/laura-moreland.html
xo Laura
THO is talking shape beautifully!!! Good luck with the assessment!
Love it! Well done! 🙂
Hi Laura: We built a small house (108 sq ft) this summer/fall. We will be anxiously waiting for a visit from those folks, too. My advice is, no matter what the assessment – appeal it. Appeals almost always result in a lower assessment.
You are doing a GREAT job! Keep it up. Will be interested is seeing what the lady tax accessor says.
Keep us posted. North Carolina