PORTFOLIO

Self-managed remodeling of our family home.  Improvements included:

• Installation of a new kitchen

• Refinishing the hardwood flooring

• Adding new hardwood

• Installation of new brick front porch

• Demo and remodel of our back porch

Nearly a decade ago, with limited construction experience and unhindered optimism, my wife and I took on the project of building a tiny home after viewing the documentary ‘Tiny’ one evening.  We loved the limited environmental footprint, cheaper cost of living and freedom from stuff and clutter to allow for more freetime to do the things we loved. 

Fast forward a year and a half (plus one child) later - we began living in the bus (although the home still lacked heat, a functioning shower and sported a plywood countertop😆).  The bus was completed over the next year while we lived in the bus.  After more than 1,800 hours worked (including help we are forever grateful for from friends and family) the project was complete. 

Highlights of the build include:

• Gutting the school bus and raising the full roof just over 2 feet

• Marble countertops

• Custom cabinetry throughout

• Bunk cribs

• Bathroom with shower and always entertaining discussion of the composting toilet

• Bamboo flooring

• Beadboard ceiling along the curve of the roof

• Cedar shingles 

• Lofted bed over the driving cab

• Minisplit for heating and cooling

• Wrap around deck in final resting spot at Lenz Family Farm

This bushouse/ tinyhome/ skoolie has been symbolic for the construction and life journey we have embarked on as a couple and has been a jumpstart for so many positive things in our lives to follow.

My family and I lived in this tiny home happily for three years, including an era with two boys in bunk cribs and a third baby brewing.  Since then, we have been grateful to have had two other young families rent the home from us and enjoy the space while saving up for homes for their own. 

Do you have space for an ADU or want a tiny house of your own? You can do it! Lenz Construction would be happy to help in the consulting and/or construction of your home.

Coming soon - Full breakdown of timeline, costs and lessons learned from this project in ebook format.