Finally, a college course that helps prepare students for the real world: At Paul Smith’s College in Upstate New York, Deb Naybor, an associate professor of environmental studies, teaches undergrads how to build their own tiny homes. Sparked by her students’ fears about affording housing after graduation, Naybor’s course walks them through the nuts and bolts of constructing DIY mini-dwellings they can take with them when they leave campus. We caught up with Naybor. Here’s what she had to say:
Q: What inspired you to teach kids to build tiny homes? “I’ve always been fascinated with tiny houses since I was a kid, building shelters out of sticks. I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for years and saw the positive impact of creating affordable housing. When I became a professor, I discovered that many students were worried about finding affordable housing. In 2018, I enrolled in a tiny house building class, then created a tiny house design class.”
Q: What are the steepest learning curves for students? “Lack of knowledge on building codes, zoning laws, and local regulations, finding financing, and how to design a safe and livable space. A friend taught me that you can build a house fast, cheap, or well. Pick two. We teach students how to make good decisions.”
Q: How much do tiny homes typically cost? “Last semester, students built an 8-by-12-foot insulated house for $2,800. However, it didn’t have power or plumbing. For a house to meet building codes and remain livable for a reasonable amount of time, costs can range between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on whether they use recycled materials. A 300-square-foot tiny house on wheels can easily cost over $200,000.”
Q: What do kids hope to do with these homes and skills after graduating? “Many students want the flexibility to move to where the best jobs are or to an incredible location, such as the wilds of Montana. Others want to build a small house near their family. Building a tiny house gives them a kickstart and can increase their options for where to live, while also making a positive difference for others. One student created a plan to start a cooperative housing project for displaced people to build their own tiny homes.”
See more photos of these students’ tiny homes below.
Paul Smith's College
Paul Smith's College
Paul Smith's College
Paul Smith's College
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