She decides to buy a gorgeous custom tiny home for her solo lifestyle as rent prices skyrocket

Struggling with rising housing costs, a Seattle woman turned to a customized tiny home as a solution.

Addie, who had always dreamed of owning a home, found traditional options out of reach due to skyrocketing prices.

“With today’s housing prices, I couldn’t afford a traditional house, so I started looking for alternatives,” she said.

Ultimately, she decided to take charge by designing and building a tiny house perfectly tailored to her lifestyle.

The Search for the Right Builder

The process began when Addie discovered Traci from Big Bliss Tiny Homes, a builder based just a few miles away in Tacoma.

She instantly connected with Traci’s designs, which felt warm and welcoming. Addie’s goal for the customized tiny home was simple: she wanted it to feel like a natural home, only smaller.

This meant practical features, like avoiding a ladder to climb into the bed and keeping the clothes storage separate from the kitchen.

From Solo to Shared Living

Initially designed for herself and her dog, Addie’s customized tiny home became a shared getaway after meeting her now-husband.

Though he already owned a home, the couple decided to make the tiny house their retreat. However, with two adults and two dogs, the space, while cozy, felt a bit cramped.

Despite the tight quarters, they love the area and spend most of their time outdoors, where the space feels much larger.

They found a perfect 2.5-acre property along a river, providing a peaceful and scenic setting with the calming sound of the river nearby.

“Both my husband and I work remotely, which lets us spend more time here, often turning weekend getaways into weeklong stays,” Addie shared.

The Cost of Building the Tiny House

The construction of Addie’s customized tiny home cost approximately $65,000, with additional savings made possible by her father, a siding contractor.

He used leftover materials from job sites for the home’s exterior. While Addie covered the cost of these materials, her father provided his labor free of charge.

Measuring 10 feet wide by 26 feet long, the house is slightly larger than most tiny homes.

It also features a matching deck, which Addie and her husband equipped with an awning to protect against heavy snowfall in their area.

The awning ensures the outward-opening door remains clear of snow.

“When we first bought the property, there was nothing here except a well,” said Addie, explaining that they installed a septic system, water, and power, even extending electricity from the road.

The deck has become a favorite spot for year-round use—featuring a propane fire pit in winter and a picnic table for summer outdoor dining.

In addition to their tiny house, Addie and her husband have a bunkhouse for guests.

This small structure, with electricity and a cozy electric fireplace, has become a popular visitor spot.

The couple also rents out two campsites along the river during the summer for those seeking a peaceful getaway in the area.

Managing Utilities Efficiently

The customized tiny home is designed with a practical utility system to handle harsh winters.

An on-demand hot water heater is installed on the side, and foam board skirting around the base adds insulation.

To prevent frozen pipes during the area’s heavy snowfalls—sometimes reaching up to four feet—the couple wrapped the pipes in insulation and equipped them with a cord heater for added security.

A standout feature of the home is the outdoor shower, crafted from cedar planks. Larger than the indoor shower, it becomes their go-to option during warmer months.

They rely on the indoor shower in colder weather, which remains a cozy and efficient alternative.

Inside the Tiny House

The interior of the customized tiny home is thoughtfully designed to balance comfort and efficiency.

Guests are welcomed by a cozy “bar area,” a seating nook with two outward-facing windows that provide stunning mountain views. While not often used for meals, it’s a perfect spot for enjoying a morning coffee.

A couch from the couple’s previous home fits seamlessly into the space, alongside a shelf built by Addie’s father, which displays travel souvenirs and artwork.

White birch plywood walls create a warm, cabin-like feel, while exposed beams add character and a sense of spaciousness.

The kitchen spans one side of the house, offering enough room for two people to move around quickly.

There are also custom-built cabinets and hardware selected by the couple to provide a personalized touch.

Moreover, a Lazy Susan in a corner unit stores pantry essentials, and stick-on tiles designed to resemble mountain ranges serve as a fitting backsplash for their Cascade setting.

The Ikea-sourced countertop was a pandemic-era compromise due to material shortages, but it complements the space.

The kitchen also features an RV stove with three burners and a propane oven that heats quickly, making it ideal for the compact kitchen.

The tiny home’s bathroom is more spacious than expected for a tiny home, though the indoor shower is notably small.

The couple prefers using their larger outdoor shower during warmer months but appreciates the convenience of the indoor shower during colder weather, with the ceiling-mounted rainfall shower head and a flushing toilet adding comfort and functionality.

Initially considering a composting toilet for off-grid living, they installed a septic system instead.

The bathroom also has a vented washer-dryer combo that saves space and works efficiently, enhancing the home’s practicality.

Going up, the stairs to the loft double as storage, with each step concealing space for items like dog food.

In the loft, the couple chose a step instead of a ladder to access the bed, a solution they’ve adapted to despite its challenges.

The loft also includes a skylight, providing breathtaking views of the stars. Though navigating the space and making the bed requires effort, it suits their needs.

There are built-in cubbies along the loft’s edges that offer storage for small essentials like water and remotes, with additional cubbies on the opposite side for extra items.

To ensure airflow under the mattress, they repurposed Ikea slats from an old bed frame, a practical choice given their dry climate.

Meanwhile, humidity and mold are non-issues thanks to the arid conditions, making the setup functional and low maintenance.

For Addie, living in a customized tiny home is the realization of years of planning, saving, and dreaming.

The home has blessed her and her husband, offering them a peaceful escape from city life.

They often spend long weekends or even weeks there, enjoying the calm and tranquility of their surroundings. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.

“I think it’s just a great escape from everyday life to have this amazing place. Every once in a while, I still pinch myself because I can’t believe it.”

See Addie’s customized tiny home through the video below:

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