Tiny Houses: filling a need for Sustainable Housing options.
Big potential for options on Tiny House Design.
Tiny Houses were big news in 2008 when the housing market turned south.
Now they are in the headlines again, this time because of housing demand and sustainability concerns. See how this may affect your community and business.
The takeaway:
Real Estate: Agents:
Tiny Houses can offer marketing ideas. 1. added income to a property as an ADU or 2. potential land use options. Additional housing solutions are being sought by not only homeowners but also by communities. Follow zoning changes that might open up new marketing opportunities for your listings.
Homeowners:
1. A Tiny House could provide additional income and value if put in on your homesite. 2. An opportunity to own a second home in a desirable destination. 3. The price point is reduced by prefab kits
Brief History
Variations of small living spaces have always been an option, whether a woodsy cabin or the Texas Sunday house. https://www.ingreenliving.com/living-buildings-blog/the-texas-sunday-house-may-be-the-original-tiny-home.
But when Jay Sheldon began promoting the simple life in 1999, the Tiny Home concept grew. That same year he broke ground for a community called the Tumble Weeds Tiny House Company. From here, collaboration spawned between other tiny house fans and even created the tiny house society. Jay found himself talking on the Oprah show, which inspired new T.V. Shows:
· Tiny House Big Living
· Tiny House Hunters
· Tiny House Living
· Tiny House World
· Tiny House Nation
For Tiny Houses to be sold as Real Estate, the structure has to be attached to the ground. If not, it is best sold by an R.V. Salesperson. Yet If you are a developer like Jay with a chunk of land zoned for tiny houses to build his Tumbleweed community. If you want to add a house by itself on residential land, you will need to check with planning and Zoning.
Tiny House pros and cons
Pros
Affordability: Tiny houses can be much more affordable than traditional homes, especially in high-cost areas. The median price of a tiny house is around $30,000, compared to the median price of a single-family home in the United States, which is over $370,000.
Environmental impact: Tiny houses require less space and resources than traditional homes, which can help to reduce their environmental impact. They also use less energy and water, and they can be built with sustainable materials.
Minimalist lifestyle: Tiny houses can force people to simplify their lives and focus on what is truly important. This can lead to a more fulfilling and less stressful lifestyle.
Sense of community: There is a growing community of tiny house enthusiasts who can provide support and advice to those considering living in a tiny house.
Cons
Limited space: Tiny houses have limited space, so it can be difficult to fit all your belongings. You must be creative with storage solutions and learn to live with less.
Zoning restrictions: Tiny houses may not be allowed in all areas. You must check with your local zoning laws before building or buying a tiny house.
Building codes: Tiny houses may need to meet certain building codes, which can add to the construction cost.
Privacy: Tiny houses can be challenging to find privacy inside and outside if in a community.
Social life: Tiny houses can make it more difficult to entertain guests or have a social life.
Freedom??? If Tiny houses are moved easily, it is probably a version of an R.V. or a modified travel trailer. A true tiny home is attached to the ground.
Changes in Tiny Homes for home buyers and Real Estate agents.
The demand for housing has caused old, restrictive zoning laws to soften. The top three are:
Tiny houses to be considered an ADU (additional dwelling unit).
Worker housing in areas such as ski towns.
Homeless solutions in urban areas.
Tiny home Kits & other useful links.
Like a small version of Sears Roebuck houses this prefab construction offers various models that can be purchased from many other companies. Home Depot now offers their version. And contemporary style is even made from shipping containers Once again, to be considered a true Tiny Home, there is a cap of 400 sq. ft and must be tied to the ground.
Sampling of kits. https://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/g43700870/tiny-house-home-depot/
Here is the Tiny Home Society website, which is filled with regional information. https://www.tinysociety.co/articles/tiny-house-laws-united-states/.
Municipal level for housing solutions: https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/tiny-houses-homeless-veterans-2-approaches-Kansas-City-Syracuse-Colorado/690835/
Conclusion
This is a micro niche that remains strong for temporary housing solutions. As adorable as they appear, it is still a tiny space to live in long term. History shows us that usefulness will repeat itself in various forms and Tiny Homes serves a purpose.
With In Green Living, Joni Keefe shares nature-based design choices for urban greenspaces, Interior Design, and outdoor rooms. Her interests also follow sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly building products, and the latest in sustainable housing. She is a published writer with design work featured in national publications.