A couple in North Carolina has spent two months building their dream floating tiny home on a lake, and they have no intention of going back to living on land. Sarah Spiro, 27, and Brandon Jones, 40, felt a deep connection to the water and decided that a floating house was the perfect way to incorporate their love for water sports into their everyday lives. After purchasing their first floating home and renovating it extensively, they seized the opportunity to build a larger, brand-new floating home from scratch.
The couple completed the construction of their 360-square-foot home in just two months, motivated by their desire to finish before their work schedules became busier. Sarah, who works as a guide at an outdoor adventure company, and Brandon, a marina manager, now enjoy a tranquil and affordable lifestyle surrounded by breathtaking lake views. They also share their unique living experience with thousands of interested viewers via social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. However, Sarah advises thorough research into local regulations before embarking on such an alternative lifestyle.
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Building a New Floating Tiny Home
Building a new floating home can be an exciting and unique endeavor for those who are looking to embrace an alternative way of living. For Sarah Spiro and Brandon Jones, living on the water was a lifelong dream that they successfully turned into reality when they built their own floating tiny home on Fontana Lake in North Carolina. In just two months, they went from start to finish, creating a tranquil and off-grid lifestyle that they say they will never go back from. However, building a floating home comes with its own set of challenges and considerations, so it’s important to understand how living on the water works and to check local regulations before diving into this lifestyle.
Two Months from Start to Finish
Despite the challenges involved, Spiro and Jones managed to build their new 360-square-foot floating home in just two months. With prior renovation experience and a strong motivation to finish the project before their jobs got busy, they dedicated themselves to working on their home every day, eight to ten hours a day. Living in their previous home during the construction process added urgency to their timeline, as they wanted to be able to rent it out once their new home was completed. Their hard work and dedication paid off, and they were able to enjoy their new floating home within a short timeframe.
How Living on the Water Works
Living on a floating home offers a unique and peaceful experience. For Spiro and Jones, the benefits include having their favorite hobbies right at their doorstep, breathtaking views of the water, and a sense of tranquility. Their floating home is off-grid, which means they do not rely on traditional utilities for their daily needs. Instead, they pay a yearly mooring fee of $5,000, which includes dock space and access to city water from the marina. This significantly reduces their expenses compared to living in a traditional home. Additionally, living on the water provides them with a closer connection to nature, as they are nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest.
The Challenges of Building in the Middle of Nowhere
Building a floating home in a remote location like Fontana Lake comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest logistical difficulties for Spiro and Jones was securing and transporting construction materials. With the nearest hardware store being about an hour and 15 minutes away, they had to carefully plan their trips to ensure they had all the necessary supplies. Furthermore, forgetting something at the store would require a lengthy journey to retrieve it. Despite these challenges, the couple managed to navigate these logistical hurdles and complete their project successfully.
A Tranquil Life
Living on a floating home offers a peaceful and relaxed way of life. Spiro and Jones enjoy the open and airy feel of their 360-square-foot home, thanks to its high ceilings and strategically placed windows. The ability to look out at the water and embrace the natural surroundings creates a sense of tranquility regardless of the activity at hand. While this lifestyle may not suit everyone, Spiro and Jones have found it to be the perfect fit for their interests and preferences. They also appreciate the affordability of their floating home, with minimal bills and the satisfaction of owning a beautiful, paid-off property.
Changing Perspectives
Living on the water has expanded Spiro’s horizons and opened her mind to other forms of alternative living. She and Jones have dreams of living on a sailboat in the future, which she admits seemed improbable in the past. However, the experience of living in a floating home has made the sailboat idea more attainable. Sharing their journey on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube has allowed them to connect with others and broaden their perspectives. Many people find their lifestyle fascinating and are interested in learning more about the joys and challenges of living on the water.
Check Local Regulations Before Diving into this Lifestyle
Before embarking on the journey of building a floating home, it is crucial to thoroughly research and understand the local regulations. Not all areas allow the construction of floating homes, so it is essential to check with local authorities and obtain any required permits. Spiro emphasizes the importance of following regulations and not assuming that building a floating home is universally permitted. However, for those who find a suitable location that allows this lifestyle, Spiro encourages them to go for it. Living on the water can offer a comfortable and unique way of life that they believe is worth exploring.
In conclusion, building a new floating home is both an exciting and challenging endeavor. Spiro and Jones demonstrate how it is possible to turn a dream into reality with dedication, perseverance, and careful planning. Living on the water allows for a tranquil and off-grid lifestyle, while also providing a closer connection to nature. However, it is essential to be aware of the challenges involved, such as securing construction materials in remote locations. Checking local regulations and ensuring compliance is crucial before embarking on this unique way of living. For those who embrace this lifestyle, living on a floating home can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that offers a fresh perspective on alternative living.
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