Lina designed and built The Lucky Penny for herself in 2014

This profile will introduce you to my tiny house on wheels, The Lucky Penny. The Lucky Penny is now set up as an official Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Walla Walla, WA. It’s a fully furnished mid-term rental, typically occupied for 3-6 months at a time by traveling nurses, students, etc. If you’re interested in trying The Lucky Penny on for size, contact me.

Check out the current Furnished Finder listing (with more photos and descriptions). If you’d like to see historical photos and articles, read Lucky Penny's Public Debut.

If you have questions, please be sure to take a peek at my Frequently Asked Questions and if your question isn't addressed there, please contact me. If you want to see a video tour, please check out the Lucky Penny Tiny House Tour by Jenna and Guillaume of Tiny House Giant Journey. You can also check out other posts about The Lucky Penny on my blog.

Fast Facts

• Name: The Lucky Penny

• Location: Walla Walla, WA

• Location Type: Backyard Cottage & Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to a ground-bound 2-bedroom house

• Setting: Urban

• Designer: Lina Menard of Niche Consulting LLC (yup, that's me!)

• Builder: Lina Menard & Friends (I hosted work parties most weekends!)

• Plan Set: In the Works (if you’d like to hear when they’re available, Contact Me)

• Number of Full-Time Inhabitants: 1

Size Details

• House Width (Exterior): 8'-4" (100")

• House Width (Interior): 7'-4" (88")

• House Length (Exterior): 14'-9" (177")

• House Length (Interior) = 13'-9" (165")

• Exterior Square Footage: 123

• Interior Square Footage: 100

• House Height: appox. 12'-6"

• Weight: Unknown

Construction Details

• Style: Vardo

• Roof Shape: Vardo (curved)

• Foundation Type: Single 5000 # Iron Eagle Vardo Trailer with side extensions, welded-on stabilizing jacks

• Construction Type: SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)

• Insulation Type: EPS (expanded polystyrene foam)

Systems

• electric point-of-use water heater

• electric space heater (Oct-Mar)

• mini-fridge

• one-burner induction cooktop

• convection toaster oven

• kitchen sink

• bathroom shower

• dual-flush toilet

• heat recovery ventilator

Sustainability Features

• salvaged door, windows, and finish materials

• electric-only appliances

• SIPs construction for energy-efficiency

• liquid-applied water resistant barrier for air sealing and energy-efficiency

• all LED lighting

• energy-efficient appliances

• low-VOC paints, stains, and sealants

 Budget

• Total Budget: $25,000

• Total Build Cost: $24,250

• Building Materials: $14,000

• Car & Truck Rental: $2,750 (I don't own a car, so I rented cars and trucks for my build)

• Build Space Rental: $2,250 ($250/month for 9 months)

• Volunteer Meals: $1,500 (I ran work parties most weekends and provided coffee, continental breakfast, snacks, a picnic lunch and for those who stuck with me till the end, dinner!)

• Furnishings: $1,500

• Contracted Labor: $1,250 ($750 roofer, $300 welding for flip-up porch, $200 electrical consultation)

• Appliances: $1,000

• Estimated Sweat Equity: $16,000 (800 hours at $20/hour*)

• Total Value: $40,250 (this cost does not reflect the expense of getting The Lucky Penny situated as an official ADU - those figures are forthcoming)