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I like the detail. They are adorable. I couldnt go that small though and I have lived in some tiny places. The smallest was 500 sft. It was my husband's first house. He paid cash and gutted it. He redesigned the floor plan and the house was really functional afterwards. It was kind of unique because there were 4 houses just like it on the block. The rest were 1000 sft bungalows. An elderly woman lived in the same style house we did and she told us the history. She said the small houses were built for the widows from WW II. That is how she lost her husband. She never married again and lived in her house since then. She asked for a double lot and got it. lol.
i think not extra space can be rented rooms. get rid of the junk and replace it with people.
get a smaller car, used, get rid of your gas guzzler. even small drops in consumption have a big affect on price.
Growing up here in Michigan, we have gotten hit a lot harder than most other states, and not only that.. our recession has been going on a lot longer than most other states. You see a lot less people driving high end cars and running up debt, there are a lot more people living within their means in this state, than say some of the other places around the USA that I've been.
I'm not saying it is a clear cut picture, but I think in the coming years, you're going to see the people in the US shifting to a more frugal style of living.
I like the idea of a smaller house. Micro, no. Nor do I want to be hold I need to live in a smaller house or downsize. I will buy or build whatever I can afford and be happy with that.
I am personally an advocate for a smaller footprint but our very own progressive government often prohibits one from putting a very small house on their property. You not only have the International Building code spreading across the land you often butt heads with the Health department who will tell you if your place is habitable or not. Try finding land in a state of your choice and putting a small under 1,000 square ft residence on it. You often are forced into buying very large parcels and don't even mention the HOA that will also now have a say in what you design and build.
Ranging from as little as 100sq feet, up to the behemoth 172sq ft 'Popomo', a lifestyle change for Americans is just a few pages of plans and some lumber away.
Lower power bills, less maintenance (replacing an 8x16ft roof doesn't cost that much), and overhead.
The wave of the future is here. And since banks do not finance these things, they could basically end the "foreclosure crisis" in a couple of years. No more complaining about a 30 year mortgage, adjustable rates, etc. These things are bought the old fashioned way. With cash, and some sweat and labor.
Tumbleweed Houses.
But the irony is, this country is so broke - Less than 80% of working Americans couldn't even afford to buy one them right now even if they wanted to!! Ha, ha.
Americans really do have an obsession with square footage (generally at the expense of quality construction and charm). But this is going too far in the opposite direction.
Americans really do have an obsession with square footage (generally at the expense of quality construction and charm). But this is going too far in the opposite direction.
Americans really do have an obsession with square footage (generally at the expense of quality construction and charm). But this is going too far in the opposite direction.
Granted, living in 1005 square foot house I am not part of the problem, but with my hobbies it's a challenge. In a small house, when you quilt and crochet and sew and cook -- you do run out of room.
My next house will be larger. Not 5000 square feet, but a sensible 1500 or so, with a third bedroom and a second bathroom....
Size isn't always the issue as much as layout. The queen sized bed in our bedroom takes up so much space, no way we can use a king sized bed.
Now 3 beedrooms with and office/library
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