Overview:  The DIY Tiny Home class is for anyone considering building a Tiny Home.  Man or woman, young or old it doesn’t matter.  Don’t let people tell you that it can’t be done … you can do it!  By learning how to build your own tiny home, you can save more than $30,000 plus on labor costs alone.  In addition, we will save you countless hours of wasted time evaluating building codes, materials, tools, technology, and “how to” videos.  We have evaluated all of the materials used to ensure you will minimize your impact on the environment in terms of energy consumption, composition, and waste.  Most importantly, you will have fun learning how to do it with other folks just like you!  Whether you have no building experience or a ton of building experience, we will show you how to get it done!

So how does the DIY Tiny Home class work?  All Terra Vida Academy classes are held in person at our Vernonia Springs eco-campus in Vernonia Springs, Oregon (www.vernoniasprings.com).  Our instructors have decades of experience building small residential structures and are prepared to walk you through the entire process.

First, we will provide you with your own set of professionally designed architectural plans for our most strategic design available … the Epic model.  This 8’ x 12’ design alone is worth over $1000!  As you watch or participate in the complete building of this tiny home during the class, you will begin to understand all of the skills and the process required to build your own tiny home at a fraction of the cost.  We have spent years perfecting this well-thought-out efficient and affordable design to make this project very doable for you.  If you want to make changes to your Epic Tiny Home design, or have ideas for a different design, our partner design team will provide you with affordable design services at a discounted rate.  Step by step … slowly but surely … you will follow our process to complete this project.  While this design is small, expanding the size to meet your needs translates easily and doesn’t require a different set of skills.  In other words, if you can build this tiny home, you can expand the foot print and build a larger version in a similar fashion.

Your training will begin by covering site evaluation and feasibility, recommended tools, building science and more.  Next we teach a systematic and easy-to-follow process to complete your build.  Whether you want to complete your own Tiny Home or just want to hone your building skills for other projects, the skills you will develop through this class will help you with any future building project you may want to complete for the rest of your life.

We also provide you with a material lists that you can order directly from Home Depot, Lowes or other local favorite building supply companies.  Having building material lists will save you countless hours of evaluating building materials, shopping for materials, returning materials etc.  Additionally, most building supply companies can deliver these materials directly to your building site by simply providing them with the order online.  This will save you a HUGE amount of wasted trips to Home Depot and avoid mis ordering materials, just to have to return them and then reorder yet again … NO THANK YOU!  Best of all, our materials list ensure that you receive the best price out there.

Students can take part in the hands-on training or just observe … your choice.  You will also be able to reattend classes throughout the year at no extra charge (1-year limit applies).  You will also be granted access to the DIY Tiny Home Facebook Support Group so that if you have any questions in between classes or after graduating, you will have a support group of fellow students and instructors to answer your questions.  In addition, you will receive all new video training sessions as they are released.

Whether you are ready to build your Tiny Home now or in the future, sign up today so that you will be ready to build your Tiny Home when the opportunity arises.

Class Fees.  The cost is $995 per person.  Classes Start each day at 9:00 am and end at 5:00 PM.  A limited number of students will be accepted into the class.  A 20% deposit (or full payment) is required to hold your spot.  Balance is due 60 days before the class start date.  All paid fees are non-refundable within 60 days of class start date.  You can make payment at the bottom of this page.

Class Location: Terra Vida Academy at Vernonia Springs.  54658 Nehalem Hwy S. Vernonia, Oregon 97064 Vernonia Springs

You will need to bring:  All food, camping gear etc.  Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt.  Brings clothes that you aren’t worried about getting dirty.  If you won’t be renting one of our yurts or platform tents, bring your own tent, sleeping bag etc. as needed.

Who is this class for: This class is open to all people who want to learn.  Must be over 15 years of age to attend.

Pre-requisites: None.

Take Home: By taking this class, you will be granted access to our DIY Tiny Home Building Facebook Group.  Upon successful completion of the DIY Tiny Home Build class you will receive a class completion certificate.

Accommodations:

Meals: Students will provide their own food for the class.  There are several refrigerators available for storing food and an outdoor kitchen complete with BBQ, gas range, Microwave, and sink.  We recommend bringing precooked meals.  Unlimited filtered water is available (meets State of Oregon water standards).  You can also head into downtown Vernonia for multiple restaurants and to visit the fully stocked grocery store.  You can make the easy ride into town on the paved Banks-Vernonia State Trail if you like.  Cooking is only allowed in the outdoor kitchen and is not allowed anywhere else on the property due to extreme fire danger.  On the last night of the class we will do a group ride into town to have dinner and drinks.  Really really fun!

Yurts.  There are 5 yurts available on a first come first serve basis.  $149 fee includes all 3 nights (Saturday – Monday).  Select “yurt” during checkout.  Yurts have linens, comforters, pillows, electricity and heat.  Bring your own towel. 2 person max in each yurt.  If you need a cot, let us know and we will set one up for you (bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel for the cot).

Platform Tents.  There are 5 platform tents available on a first come first serve basis.  $100 fee includes all 3 nights (Saturday – Monday).  Select “Platform Tent” during checkout.  Platform Tents have linens, comforters, pillows, and electricity (no heat).  Bring your own towel.   2 person max in each platform tent.  If you need a cot, let us know and we will set one up for you (bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel for the cot).

Bring Your Own Tents and RV’s.  You can bring your own tent and or RV at no additional cost.  Select “Tent/RV” during checkout.  You also have the option of sleeping in your car at no additional cost.  No hook ups are available.  30 foot maximum RV or Car + Trailer length.  Camping with full hookups is also available 3 miles up the road at Stub Stewart State Park.

Broadband Wifi. is available around lodge area.

Bathrooms and Hot Showers:  There is a commercial bathroom/shower building with flush toilets and hot showers.  Bring your own towels, and biodegradable bath products.

Fires:  There is one central fire pit.  No other fires or cook stoves are allowed due to extreme fire dan

Cycling: Bring a bike if you would like to ride the Banks-Vernonia State Trailer on your free time or after the workshop ends.