Tiny Homes: The Future of Housing Communities in The U.S.
This is an article in the series adapting to the pandemic, where we intend to share useful tips for making it through these troublesome times.
The 21st century has seen a rise in new architectural styles and a rise in alternative lifestyles that allow people to live mindful of their space and how they contribute to global waste. Among these newer trends are tiny homes.
These homes make the word “small” an understatement. Tiny homes don’t typically exceed 500 square feet. It’s a wonder why even a few people would choose to live in such small spaces. It’s certainly more curious that tiny home living has increased dramatically in the past few years.
Why are tiny houses becoming popular?
Living in a tiny home is minimalism to the max. Tiny home buyers typically live a lifestyle that thrives on very few materialistic items and minimal waste. That said, there are a number of reasons that have contributed to the tiny home movement’s rise in popularity.
Tiny homes are budget-friendly.
The major shift toward smaller homes started after the 2008 recession. With many people seeking to limit their expenses, the market for large homes that require an exorbitant amount of energy decreased. The majority of tiny homeowners live without a mortgage loan.
Tiny homes are perfect for downsizing.
Tiny homes have a very limited amount of space. Unlike traditional homes, there aren’t many spaces that can be solely dedicated to holding numerous belongings.
Not only do tiny homeowners have to get creative with their storage spaces, but they also tend to possess only essential items and those that “spark joy,” in the words of Marie Kondo. Whether you’re a mid-aged couple with an empty nest or a young professional living alone, a tiny home could be the right choice for you.
Tiny homes can be hitched to a trailer.
If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug and loathe the idea of being stuck in one space, then a tiny home might be right up your alley.
A tiny home can be built on a trailer that can be transported via a hitch. While it’s not viable to take these homes overseas, they can be brought across the state and even country lines, so that you’re always close to home.
How can cities benefit from tiny homes?
There are many ways that cities can benefit from tiny homes. However, don’t expect tiny homes to take over the same way that other housing divisions have in cities like New York or Los Angeles.
Tiny homes can offer a viable solution to the housing crisis that currently afflicts many major cities. As tiny homes have a much smaller footprint, it’s possible to create additional housing in spaces that aren’t being used or have been abandoned. Not to mention, it takes significantly less time to build many tiny houses than it does to build a single skyscraper.
How quickly can they be built?
Tiny home construction plans have a much shorter timeline and can be made liveable in much less time than an average-scaled home. However, the time it takes to complete a tiny house differs significantly based on experience. The average DIY tiny home builder should expect the build to take at least 480 hours from start to finish. However, professional builders and craftsmen can finish a DIY home in around 120 hours.
It’s easy to consider taking on the job alone as a DIY builder, but if you aren’t a professional, you may end up losing more time and money than you anticipated. If you’re not a general contractor or don’t have previous experience, hire someone to do the work.
COVID-19 & Tiny Houses
The current global pandemic has altered many things, including how we plan to move forward economically. We’re going to have to get creative with how funds are allocated in our personal lives, citywide, statewide, and countrywide. From small business owners to U.S. postal service workers, millions of Americans are in vulnerable financial states.
This may cause a rise in tiny housing, as many individuals choose to reduce costs by selling their homes or ending their lease agreements to pursue the mortgage-free life that tiny house living makes possible.
Key Takeaways
Tiny home living is a true act of discipline. Though the concept is growing on Americans, it’s still on the outskirts of mainstream living. It requires a significant lifestyle change, but it also offers financial and travels freedoms that other housing situations don’t. Standing in the wake of the current pandemic, it can be difficult to predict the future of the housing market but consider for a moment how your life could benefit from such a tiny change.