The tiny house movement is an architectural and social movement that emphasizes home affordability, environmental friendliness and downsizing of living space. Generally, any house measuring between 100 and 400 square feet is regarded as a tiny house and Advocates of this movement believe that everyone should be able to afford the home they live in.
In recent times, the tiny home movement in the USA has increased in popularity with media outfits such as the CNN, NBC, AP, PBS and the Guardian, beaming their searchlights on it more frequently.
Why The Tiny House Movement In The USA Is Catching On
Financial Considerations: With prices steadily on the increase, the issue of home affordability has become a major concern. For most Americans, home ownership means parting with more than a third of your income annually for as long as 30 years. The implication of this is that many people (about 70% of the population) have to live from paycheck to paycheck for a good chunk of their adult lives. With the tiny homes movement, having a roof over your head becomes more affordable, allowing you time to plan for and gradually scale up your home size as the need arises.
Also, an average of about $25,000 is required across board, to construct a tiny home. This amount is less than 10% of the cost of owning a standard sized house, excluding the accompanying mortgage and tax obligations. Requiring about half of the down payment you need for a standard accommodation, with a tiny home, you can set aside more money for savings and investment without the burden of debt.
Flexibility: Not only do tiny houses simplify your lifestyle, it also gives you the freedom to choose the style and design of your home. You can apply as much of creativity and inventiveness as you desire.
Environmental Friendliness: Tiny homes are constructed with non-toxic and energy efficient materials which do not pose any ecological or environmental threat.
There is more efficient use of space and energy in a tiny house because owners require fewer resources for heating, maintenance, and repairs
Better Planning: People who own tiny houses can save more and plan for retirement or other financial goals better. Also, because it takes off the financial and emotional pressure, people are more likely to live happier and build better relationships.
Ideal As A Second Or Retirement Home: Senior citizens are increasingly fancying tiny homes for retirement as statistics show that this group own 40% of available tiny homes. Also, if you are already paying mortgage on your home, having a tiny house as a second home is a great idea.
Obstacles To Growth Of The Tiny House Movement In The USA
Legal Issues: Existing minimum square footage requirements in many localities do not favor the construction of tiny houses. This is due largely to the higher taxes accruable from larger properties.
Not for Everyone: Tiny homes are better suited for single young adults and small single families because living in a tiny home can be discomfiting as the number of dwellers increase.
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