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Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Green Efficient Scaled Down Dwellings Attracting Homeowners Attention

By Gavin J. King

The recession has created an interesting tendency in real estate construction, little houses that are more affordable and more energy efficient. The American Institute of Architects has reported a 59% change in the number of home builders in the U.S. featuring little homes and those trends are only reflecting the market trend of buyers preferring smaller scale homes.

As everyone's IRAs hit the skids in early 2008, so did the demand for larger homes causing a lot of the chaos still being ironed out in the real estate market. With the lack of money came a desire for a smaller scale home that worked and the square footage average dropped by over 300 square feet.

Expenses are often being reduced on these smaller houses by using part from other homes or outbuildings again in their construction. Many of the smaller residences that are being built are utilizing wood from old barns that are being torn down, or even older residences that are no longer able to be occupied.

Given that the smaller residences are much cheaper in value and can still have many of the extravagances of larger homes, you can understand why the trends are pointing up for them.

The small houses one California builder makes can be put on a foundation or on wheels. The retail costs for his plans are around one thousand dollars and they are built for the mid thirties. He relates constructing a small home to tailoring a suit. Each plan has the homeowner in mind and is adapted to fit any specific desire or need they may express. Given the limited amount of space, many of the small homes have built-in space saving features and can store as much as larger houses.

Even big companies like Lowe's home improvement stores sell a model of a kit home that is designed for owner construction to save you money.

Given the tendency of people with extra room to accumulate more stuff, the smaller home size helps many people deal with the materialist nature we all tend to have. Many homeowners are taking those exact thoughts to heart and exchanging their energy "McMansions" for smaller, if not more humble residences.

Many people prefer the modern features of larger residences, but you do not have to go without when you buy a smaller scale home. Appliances and features likes double door refrigerators and claw foot tubs are all the rage in the mini-houses being built. With a smaller scale home comes certain unexpected benefits like a higher degree of energy efficiency.

Featuring reduced energy costs and lower mortgage payments, little homes are really an easy sale. little home favor lower ceiling heights that make energy efficiency easier. Regardless of if the climate is hot or cold the energy efficient traits of smaller houses pay off due to the fact that you are treating a smaller volume of air.

Finally, have a smaller scale home erected will not only keep your cost of living down, but it can also increase the recreational value of your home. With more room on your lot due to the fact that you home now takes up less space on your lot, you can use your lot to put up solar panels, solar water heaters or grow your own veggies. Maybe you can put that shop in the back you have always dreamed of! - 23208

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