A Tiny Alternative
As you may know, I use to live, in a dome home. I would love to live in one again, but, I’m also happy in my current home. Another type of home, I’m interested in, and had you explore with me, was an Earthship . The truth is, I love browsing the web for alternative, affordable, and most importantly, sustainable ways to live.
The aftermath of the real estate bust, and a down economy, may have placed, a tiny bright spot in the housing market. As a way to save money, or simplify their lives, a small but growing number of Americans, are buying or building homes, that could fit inside many people’s, current living rooms, according to entrepreneurs, in the small house industry. Thus, giving a new meaning to downsizing.
/rel=nofollow
“It’s very un-American, in the sense that living small, means consuming less,” according to Jay Shafer, the 46 year old, co-founder of the Small House Society. “Living in a small house like this, really entails knowing what you need to be happy and getting rid of everything else.”
“The Small House Book,” authored by Shafer, tells of how he built the 89-square-foot house himself, a decade ago. He lived in it full-time, until his son was born, last year. Inside, a space the size of an ice cream truck, he has a kitchen with a gas stove and sink, bathroom with shower, a two-seater porch, a bedroom loft, and a “great room,” where he can work and entertain. More than a couple of guests, can tend to get a little crowded, though.
Shafer, and his family, now live in a slightly larger, 500 square foot, home right next door, to the tiny one. He required a bit more space, since the birth of his son, last year. Some of the larger models, are shown in the clip below.
/rel=nofollow
Shafer, is now co-owner, of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, where he designs and builds, miniature homes with a minimalist style. The prize is quality over quantity, and he makes sure no cubic inch goes to waste. Most of the tiny houses,can be hooked up to public utilities. They also,pack a range of amenities, in spaces smaller than some people’s closets. They are sold for $40,000 to $50,000, ready-made, but cost half as much, if you build it yourself. That’s a bargain, if you can sacrifice space. The average house, here in the U.S., is over 2,000 square feet, and most are at least in the $200K, price range.
Tumbleweed’s business, has grown significantly, since the housing crisis began. Shafer, has sold about 50 blueprints, which cost $400 to $1,000 each. Five years ago,he sold 10, in an entire year. He also teaches, eight workshops, around the country each year, that attract 40 participants on average.
“People’s reasons for living small vary a lot, but there seems to be a common thread of sustainability,” Shafer said. “A lot of people don’t want to use many more resources, or put out more emissions than they have to.” With emphasis, on a small footprint, it is a great way to go green.
Compared to trailers, these little houses, are built with higher-quality materials, better insulation and eye-catching design. But, they still have wheels that make them portable. This factor, allows owners to get around housing regulations for stationary homes.
Whether you are downsizing, a baby-boomer, or just wanting your own space, this is an affordable way to meet peoples housing needs. Much interest has been shown, in people downsizing. There are a lot of people, who don’t want to be tied down with a huge mortgage, in this economy. This, is a viable way, to achieve that goal. You do need to know, what you can sacrifice and part with, so this decision, can help you prioritize your needs.
While, not for everyone, especially if you can’t handle small spaces, they are very well planned and thought out, maximizing all space into usable space, without sacrificing quality. It just might be, a small world after all!