Adding a pod, not a mortgage: the Bone family's smart solution for a growing family.
In 2020, the Bone Family – Russell, Sarah, and their two daughters – made the leap into tiny living with a custom-built 3- bedroom Kauri Tiny Home from Tiny House Builders Ltd. As a family that had already started downsizing, they were familiar with the benefits of living with less. What they didn’t anticipate was how tiny living would not only accommodate their current lifestyle but grow with them as their family’s needs evolved.
Russell, working on the Airforce base, and Sarah had found the perfect spot to place their new home, which gave them the ability to remain in the area even though home ownership was not an option. Tiny living had significantly reduced their expenses, allowing the family to be both financially smart and environmentally conscious. In their words, “It was the best move for us. We’ve cut down our costs and reduced our carbon footprint by going tiny, and the savings from living this way enabled us to invest in our two EVs, further minimising our living costs.”
Fast forward four years, and their daughters, now in their early teens, began to desire more personal space. Understanding the importance of keeping the family connected while also giving the girls room to grow, the Bone Family turned to Tiny House Builders once again. Their satisfaction with the original build and service made the decision to expand their home an easy one.
The solution? A custom 2-bedroom tiny pod that connects seamlessly to their existing home via a covered deck. This addition has given their daughters more independence, but it also maintains a sense of connection with the main house. “We love that the new pod and the original house feel like they were always part of the same build,” Sarah says. “Tiny House Builders matched the finishes and materials perfectly, so it all looks like one cohesive home.”
Customisation played a significant role in making the new space perfect for their teenage daughters. The pod includes identical custom wardrobes for each girl, featuring adjustable shelves, a pull-out desk, and ample room for hanging clothes. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to maximise space while maintaining a stylish and functional aesthetic. One of the unexpected bonuses of tiny living for the Bone Family has been the freedom it has given them in other areas of their lives.
With less time spent on housework and maintenance, they’ve been able to focus on what matters most – spending time together and giving back to their community. “We’re able to live more outdoors, enjoy our time as a family, and help others,” Russell shares. “Living in a tiny home has forced us to be smart about what we buy and how we live. It’s made us more aware of our finances and our environmental footprint.” Their tiny home has become more than just a house – it’s a lifestyle that allows them to grow closer as a family and live more sustainably. The fact that their tiny home could expand with their changing needs shows just how adaptable and flexible tiny living can be. For the Bone Family, their journey with Tiny House Builders has been about much more than just downsizing – it’s been about upgrading their quality of life.
Whether it’s a family looking to reduce their footprint, or individuals wanting a more affordable way of living, the Bone Family’s story is proof that tiny living is not just for the short-term. With the right planning and design, tiny homes can grow with you, offering flexibility and adaptability for years to come. When building with Tiny House Builders we consider not only your current functionality but future-proofing aspects. That’s why it’s important to customisation and understands your full project, and your long-term needs, future growth, work-from-home requirements, mobility, land ownership, and future sales considerations. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a tiny house that works for you now and in the future.
