Jamaica Cottage Shop

Hand-crafted cottages and sheds created by Vermont artisans in the post-and-beam tradition.
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Building Book Resources

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When it comes to making a large purchase for your homestead there are overwhelming choices across the internet. Choosing a garden shed is further complicated with financing, logistics, and designs. Many of the popular solutions include simple and flimsy materials that are inadequate against mother nature. Composite wood, plastic, tube, and tarps even steel buildings crush under the weight of snow and cave from a blast of wind. Many of these small backyard shed designs end up in twisted heaps only to be replaced after a couple of seasons.

 

By far some of the best companies that are expanding across North America are unfolding new designs and proven methods for getting a strong and affordable building into your back yard. Many of the backyard shed designs found on this list, like the kids’ cottage playhouse pictured above, are convertible into other uses such as home offices, a getaway retreat, and can be turned into living quarters as a spare bedroom. The main use for many of these buildings has been a space dedicated to hobbies such as gardening and yoga practice.

 

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SHOPPING FOR A STORAGE SHELTER.

 

FITTING THE SPACE

Put four lines around your stuff and measure to determine the best size. Do this in the proposed location of the new structure to confirm meeting zoning setbacks and zoning restrictions. There is always one complaint that is most prevalent when the project is complete… “I wish I got a bigger one”

 

AFFORDABILITY

Budget and price are always a concern when purchasing a large item. Consider signing up for email notifications of current offers and promotions many of the companies offer discounts during the winter offseason. Watch for financing and free shipping. Getting added bonus points on credit cards is good but paying overtime with little to no interest works too.

 

LOGISTICS

No matter if you build the project yourself or have the unit brought into the space in one-piece access to your backyard will need to be considered. A clear path to the site is ideal. Whatever the obstacle a few pictures to present to the delivery crew beforehand are desirable. Whether you plan to do the work yourself, hire a professional, or have it delivered the more information supplied beforehand from both parties make the transaction of moving the heavy bulky materials go smooth.

 

REPUTATION

Many of these smaller shed retailers supply products built by others, some shops do it all. Whatever direction you choose to explore look at the length of time in business and the reviews a company has received. Companies with strong reviews are the best to work with, you will thank me for this if there is ever a service issue.

 

DESIGN

Too many storage sheds supply cheap poor backyard shed designs; when searching for a company to partner with, seek out the style that most appeals to you. The style of building as well as the overall look will be long-lasting. Consider the long term effects of the decision. A custom shed built by a contractor may not be the best for the wallet. Take a look at companies that specialize in small outbuildings and ask for references.

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TAKE THE QUIZ- WHAT CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

Submitted by Domenic Mangano, he is the founder and senior designer of Jamaica Cottage Shop, Inc. After thousands of builds he now regularly shares his knowledge and experiences of building small dwellings. The Vermont company started in 1995 and offers an impressive array of designs in several formats including DIY plans, kits designated for beginners and complete turn key builds.

Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay (edited for What can you NOT live without-Take-the-Quiz)

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Up to 15% of 18–34 years old say they would live in a tiny house, according to tiny house statistics at Restoring Simple. But why are many people still renting? More than 50% of today’s millennials tend to rent houses because they can’t afford to buy a home. While renting is still a great option, owning a tiny home could be quite beneficial to such people. Having a tiny house means mobility, decreased maintenance, reduced carbon footprint, lower taxes, self-sufficiency and of course less energy consumption which can lower the energy bills you get to pay monthly. However, when choosing a tiny home, you need to pick one that will make surviving throughout the year easy.
Paying attention to aspects such as the quality of tiny home windows is, therefore, essential. Here’s all you need to know about the quality of windows for small houses:

WHAT REQUIREMENTS SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR?

Aspects such as the ventilation of your tiny home should come into play when choosing windows. You don’t want a window that exposes you to high humidity levels or even rain. Since moisture can easily ruin the quality of air in your small space, installing windows that are moisture resistant is wise. Insulation should also be a vital factor to consider when choosing windows for your tiny house. Well-insulated tiny house windows will make sure that your small interior space remains warm even during the cold winter months.

INSPECTING THE WINDOWS FOR THESE REQUIREMENTS

The energy lost through windows constitutes 25% of the overall heating and cooling costs of the average American home according to the U.S. Department of energy. This means that having a tiny home with reliable windows can significantly reduce your energy costs. If you’re looking for resilient tiny home window frames, think in the line of aluminum and vinyl materials. Tiny home builders do their best to deliver quality products. However, if you feel something was not done right, you have the option to file a complaint with the builder. About functionality, working with awning and casement windows will offer you enough cross breeze protection and ventilation. As for insulation, use low-e double pane tiny home windows.

MAINTAINING THE WINDOWS

It is one thing to have quality windows for small houses and another to maintain them properly. Replacing cracked windows will prevent any danger that they pose as well as help avoid high utility bills that will accumulate from overheating your tiny home. In addition to cleaning the window panes, you should also pay close attention to the window tracks. This will ensure that they are good enough to hold the windows in place. While low-e window films help in reflecting UV rays away from your home’s interior, lack of regular care can ruin their integrity. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning the films.

WHAT IF YOU DISCOVER DEFECTS LATER?

Buyers and sellers will typically need to sign a disclosure statement that determines the state of the tiny home. The statement will include information on any defects in the appliances, windows, and floors to name a few parts. It should also include information on whether the issues were resolved. Despite signing the statement, it is still possible to later discover problems with the windows for your small house as well as other parts of the tiny home. While sometimes they might have been omitted from the statement unintentionally, other times the sellers might have lied to the buyer. To avoid any errors, have the home thoroughly inspected before moving into it. Additionally, take some time to assess the issues that have been labelled as fixed on the disclosure statement. In case hidden defects are identified before signing the contract, then you can nullify the transaction. Alternatively, you can settle the matter with the seller. However, different States will call for a specific approach when it comes to dealing with a defect if it is identified as post-sale. For such situations, working with a lawyer will help you know the best way to get compensated according to your state laws.
A quality tiny home will make living quite convenient. With the right choice of windows and maintenance techniques, you can turn your small space into a haven. Pay attention to the above guidelines to uphold the quality of your tiny home.

Sally Writes

Gustavo Zambelli

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Gardens can be a great environment to spend time in, especially if you are living in a smaller house with not that much room for relaxation. In the spring of 2017, an astounding 117.6 million Americans were reported to engage in gardening, which means that more and more people are taking to their gardens as both a hobby and form of relaxation.

Apart from the amazing health benefits such as boosted self-esteem and improved heart-health, gardening can create a breathtaking backdrop while enhancing the beauty of your tiny home.  However, as much as we all wish it was that easy, you can’t just randomly start gardening by planting a couple of plants here and there around your home. Certain things should be considered when you decide to build a tiny house garden that is both practical and beautiful. Check out some of Jamaica Cottage Shop’s gardening ideas for small gardens below to get started!

CREATE A GARDEN THAT IS BEAUTIFUL AS WELL AS PRACTICAL

When creating a small garden next to your cabin, make an effort to create a garden that not only boats a multitude of beautiful flowers but a variety of herbs and vegetables as well.  The best way to describe this is to refer to it as a kitchen garden. If you have ample free space you can create a partition with veggies and herbs on one side and flowers on the other.  Kitchen gardens such as these are also a great way to save money on fresh produce.

ADD A WATER FEATURE OR SPLASH POOL

Water features and splash pools can add a lot of dynamic to a tiny house garden. The harmonic flow of a water feature is very relaxing and will greatly complement the overall ambiance of your garden. Bird baths, water fountains and waterfalls will all bring something unique to your outdoor space. A splash pool will offer a welcome reprieve from the heat during summer and is also far easier to maintain than what is commonly believed. As long as you familiarize yourself with basic pool chemistry you will be well on your way to ensure that your pool remains crystal clean and sparkling at all times.

LIGHTING

Lighting is really important for any garden. Good lighting will not only make your garden even more beautiful but will also make it safe and accessible at night time. You can use beam light or diffuse light, or choose to install the light near the water feature to highlight it beautifully.  Underwater lights in both your water features and pool can be used to create a striking illusion.

It is important to remember that the work is not limited to only creating a tiny house garden. It is of equal, if not more, importance to set aside time daily to ensure your garden and pool keep flourishing. Whenever you have some extra time on your hands, try spend it in your garden, continuously nurturing it until you are completely satisfied with the end-product.

By: Sally Writes

Photo by Nazar Hrabovyi on Unsplash

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The Maple Sugar Book by the well known pioneering New Englanders

Maple Sugar Book by Helen and Scott Nearing

Helen & Scott Nearing

From their famous “Good Life” series

“Maple sugaring was an important source of cash for the Nearings, as it continues to be for many New England farmers today. This book is filled with a history of sugaring from Native American to modern times, with practical tips on how to sap trees, process sap, and market syrup. In an age of microchips and software that are obsolete before you can install them, maple sugaring is a process that’s stood the test of time. Fifty years after its original publication in 1950, The Maple Sugar Book is as relevant as ever to the homestead or small-scale commercial practitioner.”

“Chelsea Green publishing (White River Junction, Vermont) is pleased to honor their example by publishing a new edition of The Maple Sugar Book, complete with a new section of never-before-published photos of the Nearings working on the sugaring operation, and an essay by local Greg Joly (Jamaica, Vermont) relating the story behind the book and placing the Nearings’ work in the context of their neighborhood and today’s maple industry.”

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By Art Boericke/Barry Shapiro

This book is strongly suggested for anyone looking for inspiration. This compilation of photos is a great visual library for getting those creative juices flowing.