Tumbleweed Cypress 20 Overlook – TumbleweedHouses.com

tumbleweedTumbleweed Tiny House Company is known by most in the tiny house movement. In addition to their custom-built tiny house RVs, the company offers building guides and resources for people looking to build their own tiny houses. The plans are very comprehensive and easy for a beginner builder to follow.Note: the plans we reviewed are Cypress 20 Overlook (Fencl) plans from 2012. House plans purchased from Tumbleweed today may look different from those we viewed.

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The Tiny Life’s Review of The Plans:

The graphics feature standard black and white architectural line work. They may lack the stylish flair of other plans, but they’re simple to read and include all the building details you need. There are 49 pages included, definitely the lengthiest plans we viewed. Each sheet is 8.5”x14”. It is better read printed out on paper. The materials list is very detailed, a big plus for these plans. There’s no tool list included.

Plumbing renderings are not included, which can pose a challenge to the novice builder. The wiring renderings are industry standard, and might require some extra research on the builder’s part depending on their level of experience with electrical work.

There are lots of fantastic cutaways that are all quite detailed, including anchoring details and roof-to-wall attachment points. They’re rendered in 2D only, but they’re easy to comprehend.

The framing plans are very clear, detailed, and easy to read. The plans thoroughly show you how to attach the house to the trailer. The plans are done by a structural engineer, so you know they’re sound. There are very thorough step-by-step guides outlined to lead you through the process of preparing your trailer for building. It’s important to note that Tumbleweed now sells custom trailers specifically designed for their houses.

The plans we looked at included many building guides for the interior components, including the front door, built-in shelves, kitchen cabinets, and ladder. They’re all meticulously detailed with some different angle views shown. They’re very thorough and they make these plans extra special.

There’s a list for all door and window components including brands. The materials list includes some actual parts numbers for the appliances.

What would we like to see out of these plans? We’d like to see more 3D renderings and cutaways of some of the finer construction details. We’d also like to see more detail with the wiring renderings, as well as the inclusion of a plumbing schematic.

Ranking:

Comprehensive

These plans are geared toward the beginner builder, featuring lots of guides and details. They also feature helpful special extras.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a classic Craftsman look and lots of customization in your tiny house design, Tumbleweed is a great way to go. Tumbleweed plans are popular for a reason, and that’s because they’re thorough and easy to use.

The Tiny Life’s Interview With The Plan Designers

Can you give us a quick bio about yourself? Tumbleweed Tiny House Company designs and builds tiny house RVs for those looking to live a tiny lifestyle. Their plans and designs have been a mainstay in the tiny house movement for over ten years.

What is your background in tiny house design (and design/architecture in general)? Tumbleweed is armed with a team of architects that have designed a wide selection of tiny house shell and floor plan layouts. If you can dream it, they can build it.

Who did you design the house for? This house easily accommodates a single person or a couple. Other plans from Tumbleweed feature ground floor bed options for children or guests.

What makes your house different from other tiny houses? Tumbleweed plans are easily customizable. They feature a classic cabin style with lots of charm and curb appeal. Tumbleweed is one of the biggest tiny house design and building companies in the US today.

How did you design the layout for maximum space use? The 2012 Cypress plan we viewed (formerly called The Fencl) features structural elements that also pack in tons of storage into a very small footprint. The front bump-out maximizes seating space within the living area.

This house is for someone if: they want a more traditional look to their tiny house than some of the more modern plans, or if they want the customization that Tumbleweed offers.

This house is not for someone if: they have kids or large pets, if they want to move the house often, if they’re looking for an abundance of storage space, or if they want a house for cheap.

How much can one expect to spend to build this house? A person can expect to spend $20,000 – $30,000 to build this house themselves and $60,000-$70,000 if you were to pay someone to build it for you.

Is this house designed for single person, a couple, or a family? This house is best for a single person or a couple.

How heavy is the finished home? The house weighs about 10,000 pounds.

How would you describe the aesthetic of the house? Cozy and classic.

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