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I can see the value of owning and maintaining less and downsizing to an energy efficient home under 800 square feet for 2 adults. This could possibly provide more time for travel, hobbies, etc. outside of work instead of spending as much time for maintenance of a larger home. Utilities would cost less as well. I have seen TV shows, articles, etc. about the tiny house movement that seems to be picking up some steam from people who are tired of being tied down by their possessions and want to live simpler lives. Seems appealing. Most of them, however, have the bed in a loft above the living space. This is very unappealing to use as we are both closing in on retirement in about five years and don't relish the idea of climbing up and down steep ladders or stairs to get into our bed every night. Also unappealing is the idea of two people living in less than 400 square feet. No "away" space for a wee bit of solitude when needed. There must be something out there in the 600-800 square foot range with a downstairs bedroom, or maybe not. Possibly would have to build on a lot, which brings up another issue…restrictions on size…have to be certain square foot minimums met.
Anyone out there familiar with that to which I am referring, and can give ideas on where in this area such a home could be found for sale or areas to build? I am NOT interested in homes built on wheels than can be transported from place to place. Are there builders in the area whom specialize in these smaller builds? Is there a community of tiny/small homes in the Triangle area? Can anyone speak from experience about life in a home from 600-800 square feet…pluses? challenges? unexpected benefits? We do not want to purchase an existing home under 800 square foot in an economically challenged area. We keep hearing about and seeing articles on lovely little homes in very nice areas (in other parts of the country), and would like to find out if that is feasible in this area.
Last edited by MoMo_Gnome; 02-12-2015 at 06:00 PM..
Reason: added information
I've been investigating small home living and minimalism for a few years now -- I even posted a thread on it here months ago.
Not sure about options in the Triangle (I am moving there myself from upstate NY in April), but there are tons of house plans out there of all varieties (just find an available lot you like and build) and many prefab and on-site builder options.
Doesn't it make more sense to move in to an apartment if you're only looking for 800 square feet?
I like smaller houses too although I don't think anything less than around 1,300 square feet is practical.
If some industrious developer started building sub 1,500 sq ft houses in a nice rural area around Raleigh people would probably be tripping over themselves to buy them. Tons of retiring Baby Boomers want low maintenance ranch homes that forgo things like granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances to help make the houses more affordable.
If you are looking for new construction I think finding stuff smaller than 1,500 sq/ft is a challenge. But if older homes are an option I would look into the Belvidere Park neighborhood in Raleigh. It is a nice older neighborhood just outside of downtown with smaller homes 750-1,000 square feet. Very affordable price range too IMO.
The problem with ultra small houses is they are cheap. Being cheap means certain socio-economic groups tend to own them. You're not going to find the well to do single or married retired couple that take really good care of their homes living in an 800-1000 sq ft home in most areas, except maybe Washington DC, NYC and LA (due to home prices).
I'm huge into efficiency in every day life, but I'm also realistic too.
I think about the only way to accomplish what you're looking for is to buy property and build it on your own.
If you insulate and design it correctly (ie take advantage of sun in winter, shade in summer) you can achieve similar results with a larger home, while having a much greater resale value as well.
given the number of folks who see developers as evil and greedy, if there was truly enough interest in tiny homes, we'd already have one or more developments. it would be incredibly easy to develop.
Right now, they're still a one-off proposition locally, in my opinion.
If you are looking for new construction I think finding stuff smaller than 1,500 sq/ft is a challenge. But if older homes are an option I would look into the Belvidere Park neighborhood in Raleigh. It is a nice older neighborhood just outside of downtown with smaller homes 750-1,000 square feet. Very affordable price range too IMO.
Belvidere Park is perfect. I just can't get my wife on board. Location is great! Many of my junior and high school classmates grew up there in the 50's and 60's.
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