Why We Chose a Shell Stage Build: Sheylas adventure

Hi, I’m Sheyla, and I’ve got some exciting news to share: our family is about to embark on a DIY tiny home journey, thanks to Ruru Tiny Homes.

Our beautiful shell-stage build will arrive in March, and I can’t wait to see it parked in our backyard, waiting for us to bring it to life.

Let me tell you why we decided to go with a shell stage rather than a fully finished home – and how my very talented (and slightly opinionated) family played a role in this decision.

Why We Chose a Shell Stage

First of all, we’re a pretty handy crew. My brother is a plumber who loves nothing more than “educating” us about water systems (seriously, he never stops). My partner is an electrician who has big plans for our home’s wiring, complete with all the smart tech gadgets you could imagine. And then there’s my dad – our family’s self-proclaimed “fix-it guy,” with a garage full of tools and a habit of saying, “Why pay someone when you can do it yourself?”

With all this talent under one roof, we figured we could tackle the interior finishing on our own. But here’s the catch: while we’re confident in painting, tiling, and making the space ours, none of us felt equipped to handle the structural aspects like framing, bracing, roofing, and mezzanine building. We’re good, but we’re not that good. So, we made the smart choice: order a professionally built shell stage from Ruru Tiny Homes to ensure everything is safe, sound, and built to last.

The Perks of DIY (When You Know Your Limits)

Choosing a shell stage was all about balance. We get the security of knowing the structural bones of our home are top-notch – thanks to the talented team at Ruru – and we also get the freedom to customize the interior exactly the way we want.

I’ll be honest: my dad was a little skeptical at first. “Why not just build the whole thing ourselves?” he asked (holding a hammer, of course). But when we explained that we want our tiny home to meet high building standards, and be thought through like you can only do it when you do many, many tiny homes and have the absolute sound experience, he quickly agreed. “Alright,” he said. “Let the pros handle the tricky stuff – we’ll make it look good.”

Now, instead of stressing about load-bearing walls and weatherproofing, we can focus on the fun stuff: picking out colors, tiles, and maybe even arguing over kitchen layouts. (Spoiler: my partner wants everything voice-activated. I just want a coffee machine that works.)

A Family Project with Heart

What makes this project so special is that it’s truly a family effort. My brother’s plumbing expertise, my partner’s wiring skills, and my dad’s “handyman magic” are all coming together to turn this shell into a home. It’s not just about saving money – although, let’s be real, that’s a bonus – it’s about creating something that reflects who we are as a family.

We’re already planning weekends of sanding, painting, and probably laughing (or bickering) over whether to install a skylight. It’s going to be a labor of love, and I know we’ll appreciate every inch of that house even more because we’ll have built it together.

Why Ruru Tiny Homes Was the Right Choice

When it came to choosing a shell stage builder, Ruru Tiny Homes was a no-brainer. Their designs are gorgeous, their workmanship is incredible, and the team was so supportive throughout the whole process. They listened to our needs, gave us all the advice we could possibly need, and made sure our shell stage is tailored perfectly to our plans.

Most importantly, they’ve given us a solid knowledge foundation to work with – literally. Knowing that the structure is safe, will last, and is professionally approved, means we can dive into the DIY part with total peace of mind.

Ready to Roll

So here we are: one professionally built tiny home shell, one enthusiastic family, and a shared dream of turning it into something amazing. I won’t lie – I know there will be moments when we’ll question why we didn’t just order a finished home (probably during our third coat of paint). But in the end, I know it’ll all be worth it.

If you’re thinking about a tiny home and wondering whether a shell stage might be right for you, my advice is simple: go for it. Trust the pros to handle what they do best, and trust yourself to create something beautiful. With a little teamwork, a lot of laughter, and maybe the occasional heated debate over tile choices, you might just surprise yourself.

Here’s to the adventure ahead – wish us luck!

Sheyla (& family)