Self Sufficiency
How To Build A Tiny House | A Step-By-Step Guide

Find out how to build a tiny house, step-by-step, even with a tight budget! Don’t worry if what you have is only a big dream to live small or minimalistic. It can be overwhelming at first but you are not alone in your quest to be self-sufficient. We will take you through the necessary steps to build the tiny house of your dreams. Learn how to build a tiny house with no experience, little idea, and on a budget as you read along!
Learn How to Build a Tiny House on Your Own!
Step 1: Planning and Designing your Tiny House
Looking at tiny house plans and designs probably give you the idea of how living small can be possible. This is where you get started with building a tiny home. You imagine it, consider your options, and start planning. This is an important step which will help you avoid regrets and unnecessary expenses later on.
Step 2: Find a Place to Build your Tiny House
If you have a piece of land ready, you can go on right ahead and build. Whether it’s at the edge of a property or your backyard, it’s a good place to start. If the lot is an issue, consider a tiny house on wheels. This is why this tiny house building guide leans more toward a tiny house trailer design.
Take note, this mobile house will be heavier with the amenities of a fixed home. It’s mobile but will not probably do for cross-country travels. We will go with a simple dual-axle flatbed trailer completed with trailer breaks.
Step 3: Build the Floor
Use standard lumber to build your tiny house floor. If you’re using a trailer, use it as your foundation. Secure your house to the foundation, reinforcing the joints and probable weak points.
With your floor foundation secured, sheath the lumber with plywood or OSB (oriented-strand-board). They are both super sturdy but OSB will cost you less.
Step 4: Framing the Walls
Next step is to give your tiny home a shape or structure. You can use metal bracing to keep the walls together. Don’t fret. The metal bracing will be hidden from view within the interior walling once the house is complete. The braces will do their job from within the interiors of the wall. Sheath the walls with plywood or OSB.
Step 5: Framing the Roof and Installing the Roof Material
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With the walls set up, roofing comes next. It can be a bit tricky if you want to get your things done fast and you’re new to construction. A simple roof design will work out best for you.
Once the roof frame and sheath are done, put on the roofing material for keeping the rain out. Use standing seam metal for long-lasting roofing. Take note, it will be harder to install a steeper and more complicated roofing.
Step 6: Wrapping Up your Tiny House
Next up is to wrap the tiny house with a house wrap. It is a breathable material used as added protection for the house. It allows moisture to be released while keeping the interiors dry and protected from weather elements. This will help your tiny house withstand the weather beatings.
Step 7: Installing the Windows and Doors
The trick with installing doors and windows is in the measurements. Get them to be flawlessly square and level. This is important in tiny homes not only for aesthetic purposes but for the doors and windows to last. This time, you may enlist the help of professionals to get the job done perfectly.
Step 8: Cladding, Trimming, Painting, and Caulking Exterior
You’re almost done and these finishing touches to the exterior are just as important as the other steps. These steps are important for an overall flawless finish. Seal cracks and gaps with caulking and you may use pre-finished materials to sheath the house. This way, you won’t have to add another layer of siding or cladding.
Step 9: Plumbing
This is the slow and meticulous part. There is no room for mistakes here and it can be tricky. You also need to enlist the help of experts here. Plastic plumbing is recommended but you may opt for the classic copper plumbing. The latter costs cheaper but is harder to work with.
Step 10: Rough-in Electricity
This is also a complicated part which needs some expert advice. If you’re a beginner in construction, you need to go with an expert advice you trust and avoid the risk of DIY mistakes. You cannot risks fire and electrocution.
Step 11: Insulation
For your tiny home, use foam board insulation. It is best to use low-VOC for a healthier interior air quality. Make sure to fill every tiny nook and cranny with plastic sheeting and spray foam.
Step 12: Interior Sheathing
With plumbing, electricity, and insulation in place, now comes walling. Most people use wood for their tiny house interior but you can also choose drywall. It costs cheaper and provides an added protection from fire.
Step 13: Interior Stain and Painting
Here comes the exciting part. You can definitely do this part on your own as you only risk paint spillage or worse, a color you hate. Make sure you have a pretty good idea and a whole lot of practice to perfect the job.
Step 14: Finish Electric and Plumbing Connections
Install the electrical and plumbing. Make sure that you still meet safety codes even though you will probably not have to get an inspection for your small house.
Step 15: Flooring
We now come to the final part which is flooring! This is to cover the subfloor with any materials ranging from wood, vinyl, or tiles. Pre-finished wooden floors come highly recommended. You are now ready to furnish your tiny home as you see fit and move in!
Watch this video from Living Big In A Tiny House for more ideas on how to build a tiny house:
Learning how to build a tiny house isn’t at all difficult. It’s a bit tricky but definitely doable. Learning to live in a tiny home though, will take a bit of getting used to. Try to think about the energy you’re saving and the simplicity and beauty of it. You’ll learn to love it as you move along!
Did this article on how to build a tiny house got you planning to build one on your own? We’re interested to know about it in the comments section below!
Up Next: How to Build a Log Cabin By Hand | Homesteading Ideas
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on November 12, 2014, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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Self Sufficiency
NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.
The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.
The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.
“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”
The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller
This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here
Self Sufficiency
How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead
Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe
Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
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Self Sufficiency
9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
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In this article:
Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
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