Having a house with rooms that are seldom used is a waste of space and energy. Add to this the number of hours that you are away at work or play and the whole idea of a massive amount of square footage becomes quite silly. In 1950, the average size of a home was 983 square feet. By 2011, this number had grown to 2,480. Perhaps our priorities have changed and bigger does not necessarily mean better.
The Tiny House Audience
You would think that tiny houses would draw the attention of the senior citizen crowd. After all, seniors are known to downsize and become mobile in their retirement years. However, the opposite seems to be true with tiny houses. Only 2 out of 5 tiny homeowners are over the age of 50. That means the rest are between 20 and 50 years of age.
Staying out of the Mortgage Trap
Most homeowners put approximately ½ of their income into their house payment and upkeep of the property. Sure, your home may be your castle, but no king has ever had to give up his pay to live so well. Personal freedom and green living are now taking the place of a sizeable mortgage. Worry means less stress and a happier and healthier life.
Using Reclaimed Materials
The era of throw-away plastics is beginning to disintegrate. Finding metals and wood that have already withstood the test of time is not only sturdy, but comforting in style. Read more here concerning the types of materials that are sought after for tiny homes today:
http://thetinylife.com/the-fallacy-of-a-tiny-house/
Other ideas include barn doors that can be installed to slide. This keeps doors from taking up extra space by swinging inward or outward. Barn doors also provide charm and character in a small space. Architectural hardware can be made to add your own personal style. There is nothing more substantial than wood that has been through Mother Nature’s drama, the feeling of different family history and the texture that always uplifts a room.
Lofts and Dormers
Building up is a great way to achieve more space without more square footage. Lofts and dormers can add sleeping space where walking around is not necessary. Finished or unfinished interiors can make a rustic or contemporary look. Pull down beds are another idea that was quite appealing back in the 30s when apartments were small and room was limited. The ideas for using reclaimed metal and wood for sleeping areas are endless.
Tiny houses are not for everyone. However, by exploring the options, talking to like-minded people and considering the amount of money that you can save, they are becoming very attractive to active young people all over the country. A good place to start is visiting a Chat Room on tiny houses. Here you can learn everything about going minimalist, social changes and living off the grid. Always check with your area’s regulations and local codes on how they classify tiny houses before undertaking your new project.
