Book excerpt: Table of Contents Chapter One: Introduction to Tiny Houses Chapter Two: Building Codes and Zoning Requirements Chapter Three: Buying and Registering a Trailer Chapter Four: Tools and Materials required Chapter Five: Foundation Chapter Six: Flooring Chapter Seven: Walls Chapter Eight: Roofs Chapter Nine: Doors and Windows Chapter Ten: A note on Wiring and Plumbing Chapter Eleven: Tips Pointers for decluttering your wardrobe: Plans Resource Guide Publisher Introduction to Tiny Houses The Tiny House Movement The tiny house movement is gaining momentum and popularity for it cost effectiveness and simplicity. People who support this movement are happy to live in a downsized home -- their tiny house is a lifestyle that they adopt/adapt and are happy in doing so. While one might argue the disadvantages of living in a tiny space, the financial freedom that it brings along cannot be disregarded. The average size of a house in the United States of America was 1,500 square feet in the 1950's; now, when the family sizes are shrinking, the average house size is 2,400 square feet. The lavish spaces in a 2,400 square feet house lies dormant for most part of the year. One such classic example is the living room, which serves it purpose for a couple of hours during the Christmas season... rest of the time its existence is hardly noticed or acknowledged; ditto for the multiple bathrooms, the huge dining room, bedrooms, and garage parking. The cost one pays for a huge home that is hardly used is hefty -- a mortgage that stretches almost until the end of one's retirement. Add to this the maintenance cost and the carbon footprint of a huge house!