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A housing trend has gained prominence across the nation as a solution to looming issues such as foreclosures, skyrocketing rents in urban cities, and increased debt. The trend, known as the Small House Movement, refers to the switch from traditional homes to smaller, minimalist homes typically under 400 square feet. These homes are usually referred to as ‘tiny homes.’ Although the percentage of foreclosures has decreased since the recession, there were still 1.4 million foreclosures in the United States in 2013. The Small House Movement has allowed former homeowners to escape a future of hefty mortgage payments and regain their independence.
High-Priced Rents
Tiny homes have also gained popularity due to rapidly increasing rents. A recent study regarding New York rental prices revealed that rent in Brooklyn and Manhattan is at a five-year peak with an average rental price at $4,008 in Manhattan and $3,209 in Brooklyn. Other dense, urban areas are experiencing similar growth. San Francisco, for example, is no stranger to escalating rents. Rent in San Francisco has now become three times more than the national average. A growing amount of people are finding it impossible to not only pay their rent but find affordable housing in cities nationwide.
Sleek and Functional Designs
The Small House Movement combats the rent issue with micro-apartments in major cities although the movement is also comprised of tiny homes that have the option of attached wheels for mobility. The housing layout of both designs use innovative techniques to maximize space and include many of the same components of a traditional home such as a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, dining room, and den. Architects utilize everything imaginable for storage so that clutter is avoided and a spacious feel is added. Most notably, Hong Kong architect Gary Chang has transformed his 344 square foot apartment into a spacious home with luxurious amenities such as a wet bar, steam room, and library. His secret? Chang uses a combination of hidden sliding doors and compartments that transforms a simple area into nearly any type of room desired. Other design techniques include stairs that double as individual drawers for storage, vanity mirrors with storage space that pop out of floorboards, and tables that rise up and rest against the wall for impromptu shelves. Although many people that participate in small space living use it as their main form of housing, tiny homes have also become a trend among those who want spare offices, in-law quarters, or simply a spare room for guests.
Tiny vs. Traditional
Micro-apartments aside, the average cost of a tiny home is approximately $23,000 if built by the owner rather than a contractor. In contrast, the average price of a home at the end of 2013 was $321,200. However, the tiny home price can dramatically reduce if the consumer chooses to build a tiny home out of reclaimed materials. Although this may take more time, many people are more than willing to wait. Some companies will also provide the ‘shells’ of tiny homes in addition to holding workshops on how to build a tiny home. It is a win-win for both parties since consumers can cut costs by building their own homes and companies can spare their time and labor by transferring it onto the consumer. However, the price can easily skyrocket up to $80,000 if a contractor builds the home in addition to any add-ons such as upscale appliances and materials.
It is important to note that even a hefty start-up cost will reap future benefits due to a lack of mortgage and minimal maintenance. An eliminated mortgage allows people to focus on paying their debts and saving money which is the reason why many choose small space living in the first place. With all of their newfound savings, a growing number of those living in tiny homes have either quit their jobs for more fulfilling occupations or switched from full-time to part-time in order to pursue other passions. With a tiny home comes renewed freedom for many.
Nevertheless, the small space lifestyle is not meant for everyone. A tiny home or micro-apartment can typically house a maximum of two people. In addition, living in small quarters can lose its appeal over time for some. So who does small space living attract? People who live in tiny homes range from retirees who want to downsize, those looking for more affordable living, and people who want to reduce their debt and/or carbon footprint.
Concerns
People who want to build a tiny home may run into multiple issues, depending on their county. Regions differ in the amount of square footage that requires a building permit. Plumbing and electrical permits may also be required. Some builders can bypass a building permit requirement by constructing their home on a trailer platform which makes it a vehicle. In addition to permits, tiny homes may clash with local zoning codes. It is important to meet with local government to figure out the specific laws for the chosen county.
In addition, property prices and zoning codes are prominent issues. This can be non-existent if one simply situates a tiny home on existing property such as a backyard. However, many people forgo traditional housing in lieu of solely living in a tiny home. Some states have small, affordable plots of land available for rent with little restrictions. Other states have costly land that negates the savings a tiny home provides. To solve this problem, people have taken to living in remote areas, the property of friends, or even RV parks.
Novelty or Permanent Fixture?
In 2012, the growing Small House Movement gained considerable coverage when the mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, announced a design competition regarding micro-apartments. At the time, New York City reported 1.8 million households that contained one to two persons. Small households are the ideal profile for micro-apartments. Much like tiny houses, micro-apartments use all of the same sleek and modern design techniques without the hassle of having to locate a property. Mayor Bloomberg’s competition—adAPT NYC—requested proposals for the design, operation, and construction of a micro-unit apartment building in New York City. The building would be constructed on a city-owned site. Bloomberg created the competition in order to keep up with New York City’s growing housing demands.
Regarding the competition, the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Matthew Wambua stated, “The remarkable number of high-quality responses to the adapt NYC RFP validates the position that developing micro-unit living is both financially and physically feasible in the New York City landscape.”
Similarly, expensive housing markets nationwide have followed in New York’s footsteps with micro-apartment developments. Some of the housing markets with current micro-apartment developments include Cleveland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston.
The fact that micro-apartments and tiny homes have had an unwavering presence for years, shows this trend may be more than just a niche. Rather, these alternative living solutions have proven essential to evolving housing markets and population growth. From those who are craving simplified lifestyles, to those seeking affordable housing and beyond, the small house movement is clearly making a name for itself.
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