If your tool skills are limited to a screwdriver and a bottle
opener, you can still build your own house.
Teal Panels makes structures from molded polyethylene
panels that fasten together using nothing more than a
Phillips head screwdriver. The wall and corner panels can be
configured into pod-like playhouses, fishing cabins, guest
suites, and backyard offices.
You can build a 10-by-10-foot structure in about 90 minutes,
says Teal Panels president Lawrence Drake. Pretty zippy if
you’re into the tiny house movement.
Drake originally designed the panels to make lightweight
camper shells for pickup trucks, but quickly realized the
potential of the modular design.
“Everything has been designed to use the fewest number of
parts and the simplest building techniques,” says Drake.
It’s easy, accessible construction.”
Highlights of a Teal Panels structure include:
- Interlocking tabs help the 21-inch-wide, 20-lb. panels fit
- together, and waterproof gaskets between the panels seal
- out air and moisture.
- Panels can be ordered with windows and polyurethane
- insulation. The panels nest together to reduce shipping
- bulk, and for compact storage.
- Lightweight canvas roofing is available, but home owners
- may decide to build their own roofs from plywood or metal.
- Flooring is not part of the package. You’ll have to provide
- your own using a wood deck or a concrete slab. You can
- put a Teals Panel structure right on the ground — it’s rot-
- proof — but you’d be wise to add a PVC vapor barrier over
- the ground or under a gravel bed to ward off dampness.
- Cabinets, vanities, dinettes, and other accessories are
- available. Space-saving designs include wooden cabinets
- that fold up when not in use, and canvas “bag cabinets”
- that collapse to save space.
- You’ll have to provide your own plumbing service and
- electrical service.
- Other custom options include skylights, exhaust vents, and
- exterior colors.
Right now, Teal Panels is putting the finishing touches on
their production facilities, and Drake estimates the panels
will be available for purchase in late fall. Expect a basic wall
panel to cost $175 to $200.
And when you’re done assembling your own mini-house,
And when you’re done assembling your own mini-house,
you can use your other tool — that bottle opener — to
celebrate.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/blog/home-
improvement/easy-build-house/?
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