Little Homes Make Giant Splash In Meridian Idaho reos!
November 7th, 2009 by Nina LoppThe latest trend toward smaller homes is a result of the economic recession, but has many benefits to both homeowners and our nation. It is reported that nearly 60% of the builders in the United States are building smaller scale homes, by the American Institute of Architects, and the higher demand for such construction is reinforced by the reduction in other costs of housing.
As everyone’s IRAs hit the skids in early 2008, so did the demand for larger houses causing a lot of the chaos still being ironed out in the real estate market. With the lack of money came a desire for a smaller scale home that worked and the square footage average dropped by over 300 square feet.
These mini-houses can even be erected using re-used parts from other homes or outbuildings to lower the expense. In some of these “cottages” the wood is salvaged from old barns, deconstructed residences or some other source of materials to accommodate the reduced budget of today’s homeowners.
Given that the little homes are much cheaper in value and can still have many of the extravagances of larger homes, you can understand why the trends are pointing up for them.
The small residences one California builder makes can be put on a foundation or on wheels. The retail costs for his plans are around one thousand dollars and they are erected for the mid thirties. He says that building a small home is similar to having a suit tailored to fit. As with any custom home, each small home showcases the exact desires of the homeowner it is designer for. Given the limited amount of space, many of the small residences have built-in space saving features and can store as much as larger residences.
When big businesses like Home Depot and Lowe’s get into the business of selling home kits, you know that it is becoming a growing trend.
Given the tendency of people with extra room to accumulate more stuff, the little home size helps many people deal with the materialist nature we all tend to have. Many homeowners are taking those exact thoughts to heart and exchanging their energy “McMansions” for smaller, if not more humble homes.
Do not be fooled into thinking that these smaller scale residences are lacking in luxuries or the modern creature comforts of larger homes. Appliances and features likes double door refrigerators and claw foot tubs are all the rage in the mini-houses being built. The green houses angle is one that cannot be overlooked in terms of a smaller home size either.
Not only do smaller residences have a lower mortgage payment but they also have reduced energy expenses. The smaller scale homes tend to have an 8 foot ceiling height which is more energy compliant than a vaulted or cathedral ceiling. With fewer square feet in the floorplan, smaller houses require less energy to either heat or cool them off so you can save on your energy costs in a big way with them.
Not only can you save on your energy costs but you can also save in regard to the way you use your building lot. With a little portion of your building lot taken up by the building, you can use more of it to grow tomatoes, raise goats or other pets, or any other recreational pursuit you may choose. Putting up that extra concrete pad for a basketball hoop may even be a reality!
The author enjoys writing articles on foreclosures in Meridian Idaho and Meridian Idaho foreclosures.
