Big Goals, Tiny Houses
tinyhouseblog.com
In the United States, the average size of new single family homes grew from 1,780 square feet in 1978 to 2,479 square feet in 2007, and to 2,662 square feet in 2013, despite a decrease in the size of the average family. For folks who have taken a keen interest in the environment and our usage as a species, tiny houses have struck a chord. These houses can range from 1,000 sq. feet (which is considered ‘small’) to as little as 80 sq. feet (considered ‘tiny’).
The appeal lies in not only the affordability for these small structures but in their eco-friendliness. As of 2012, small/tiny houses ranged anywhere from $20,000-$50,000, making them a cost-friendly option to the larger housing units that are standard today. Many are also opting to craft these small housing units as an accessory unit to their larger household, making them a good fit for in-laws and other relatives.
Increasingly, the media has turned its attention to the tiny house market. The serial television show Tiny House Nation focuses on tips and lifestyles for those who want to live in small/tiny houses. Jay Shafer, the man credited with bringing interest to the tiny house market with his 96 sq. ft house on wheels, created the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, which now offers workshops to teach the art of tiny house building.
In fact, in August 2015, The Tiny House Jamboree took place over the course of two days in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Sponsored by manufactured housing company, this event attracted an estimated crowd of 40,000, surpassing the expected attendance number of 10,000 visitors. Those who are interested in building their own tiny houses can plan to attend many of these public events aimed at bringing more people into the world of tiny houses.
Due to the safety concerns with the swelling interest in tiny houses, there have been many legalities that have posed as barriers. For instance, building a tiny house can be difficult, but finding a place to move it can be even more so. Pay attention to zoning regulations when looking into the addition of a small house. The nonprofit American Tiny House Association was formed in 2015 to promote the tiny house as a viable, formally acceptable dwelling option and to work with local government agencies to discuss zoning and coding regulations that can reduce the obstacles to tiny living.
Looking forward, the 2016 Georgia Tiny House Festival is being held Friday-Sunday, March 4-6, 2016, at Crooked Pines Farm in Eatonton, Georgia. This weekend is bringing together experts, professionals, builders, and tiny home owners from throughout the tiny house movement and micro living community.
