Tiny Little Houses (Hilo, Volcano: refrigerator, buy, school)

[manekiNEK0]

@ OpenD

Yeah I've been researching all the subdivisions and their CC&Rs to make sure I'm on the up and up when it comes time to buy and build. I would love to build a little house much like the one I've already got here but it looks like I'll have to go bigger. I keep coming back to Nanawale because of the cheap lots, active community association and decent infrastructure (comparatively) but I'd have to have at least 880 sqft to meet CC&Rs. Thinking of building a 900 sqft studio type dwelling to keep costs down and then just enjoy all that open space. Thanks for the tips!

@ nullgeo

I am enthralled by people who choose to live like you do. I want to see your liveaboard!

[MyrrMade]

This is really interesting. I, too, am a minimalist at heart---currently living in less than 500 sq. ft. (but on 5 acres with astonishing views...) It's plenty for me, as my exercise equipment is in an outbuilding. I lived in a tent for years, and in a camper shell (not a camper--couldn't even sit up) for over a year in Vermont---right through the winter!

So I admire Nullgeo and others who thrive in such a lifestyle. And I thought of building one of those tiny houses someday on the B.I., but like others, my research found the CCR's in most of the "better" subs are around 800 sq. ft. Having built houses before, I know it is always wise to consider resale, much as you may think you will never move.

So as much as I admire the tiny house movement, now I'm looking at plans that have a connecting lanai to make up a large part of the required space, with modest bedrooms on one side and kitchen area on the other. The living room/dining area would be the covered lanai. Adds up to about 800 sq. ft.

Now to find equally astonishing views "over there"---in my price range!

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by MyrrMade

So as much as I admire the tiny house movement, now I'm looking at plans that have a connecting lanai to make up a large part of the required space, with modest bedrooms on one side and kitchen area on the other. The living room/dining area would be the covered lanai. Adds up to about 800 sq. ft.

Better check your assumptions. It sounds to me like what is called a "dog run" in Texas.... two separate enclosed spaces with an open roofed space in between. I've designed several houses like that, and think it's a very practical way to get a lot of usable space in the tropics at a minimal expense.

But...

Open space under a roof, even when screened in, is not considered part of the taxable area in Hawai'i, so two 8 x 20', 160 sq ft ISO containers, for instance, plus a 20 x 25, 500 sq ft screened lanai between them, would be listed on the tax rolls as a 320 sq ft residence, not 820 sq ft.

[manekiNEK0]

@ MyrrMade

I have looked into this type of structure as well and unfortunately covered lanai space is not considered square footage. I sure wish it did as I would love to live in a home like the one you describe.

You could do it someplace like Fern Forest easily enough though.

[MyrrMade]

Hmmm....so the tax rolls may not consider the covered lanai as square footage, but maybe the CCR's do? For the subdivision, the aesthetics are what counts, right? how the structure looks, as in, not tiny? I wouldn't mind being taxed on LESS!

But, I'll certainly check it all out....its a long way in the possible future....but good to get all the info I can...

If I end up on HOVE, who cares!

[manekiNEK0]

Originally Posted by MyrrMade

Hmmm....so the tax rolls may not consider the covered lanai as square footage, but maybe the CCR's do? For the subdivision, the aesthetics are what counts, right? how the structure looks, as in, not tiny? I wouldn't mind being taxed on LESS!

But, I'll certainly check it all out....its a long way in the possible future....but good to get all the info I can...

If I end up on HOVE, who cares!

Yeah you make a good point. It would be fantastic if the CC&Rs count a covered lanai as square footage. And I'm all about less taxes thats for sure

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by MyrrMade

If I end up on HOVE, who cares!

Just remember, we're trying to make HOVE sound more Hawaiian, so're calling it Hovela now... Ho ve la

[Jungjohann]

HEY!!!! IT'S AN 'ESTATE' PO'O LIKEKE!!!!!!!!! I may actually build something down there.. HPM has some very nice models, check out the Kekaha, or the 750sf cottage. Perfect for anywhere over here, small living space, split pitch Hawaiian style roof, and nice big covered lanai.
In your best Higgins accent,,,, "I dare say, Thomas, do you still own that hideous chunk of barely chilled lava up at the 'Estates'? They even have a store now!!!!

Aloha

[RockNRollRocks]

do you live near H.O.V.E.? LOTS OF LAVA fields up that way!
the mainland is all about their "stuff", tiny yards & keeping up with the
Joneses!
Absurd, imho.
Hawaii is all about enjoying the aina & being outside.
No womder Lanais are.so popular. Love the views in Hawaii.
they are amazing, especially higher up, like near Kealakekua, & Waimea & Kohala
Hills.
Love when you can see.Maui from da BI too.

[RockNRollRocks]

we used to live on 20 acre farm on BI. The views were unreal..
even though steep walk up to our coffee shack.