TINY HOUSE CRAZE HITS ATLANTA (4/7/15)

     Maybe you've scratched your head watching that new show about tiny houses, asking 'How do they keep from bumping theirs?'

     A 2-day seminar is coming to Atlanta in July to show potential tiny house owners everything they will need to know.  Tumbleweed Tiny House Company is offering workshops on the environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

     A few years back, Ella Jenkins gave the small life a shot.  "I bought plans, went to a workshop with my dad, bought a trailer the next week, and started building a month later."  Now Ella has a name for her mobile smart house.  " Little Yellow is the embodiment of all that I hold dear."

     When asked to test the product though, many couples found an added tool necessary for small living: patience. 

     John and Karen tested the tiny house in an overnight experiment, finding many issues.  "You have to remember the bed is about 8 feet by 6.5 feet," John said.   "That's not a lot of space and can't fit everybody, but we liked it."

     According to Tumbleweed, customizing your own place might be the best solution.  The company is leading seminars across the country, but most of the interest seems to be up the East and West coasts, near water or state parks.

     Some people are just interested in a cheaper option for a second home, or vacation rental.  A lot of couples in recent surveys have said they could survive in a tiny house for the weekend, but most wanted more space.   

     "Studies show we now allot 1,000 square feet per person in living space," said Andrew Morrison, a proponent of the Tiny House Movement.  "...that's nuts!" 

     Morrison and fans stress that you spend a lot more time on other things than house upkeep, and save a bunch of money on utilities

     This might be a time to mention everything in these homes are small...sinks, toilets, and the amount of privacy.  But there is the freedom to move your house wherever the scenery might take you, which sounds priceless to some!
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     To inquire about the Tumbleweed Seminars or download their free catalog, go to Hometown News Freebies/Tiny House.

---Ray Macon