Friday, July 22, 2016

By John Voket
Household arrangements are adapting to the post-recession economy, with micro apartments, co-living and tiny homes defining trends this summer, according to ApartmentList.com. In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, we explored the first two of those trends; now, we’ll conclude with the last: tiny homes.

Touted for their cost-effectiveness, efficiency and environmental-friendliness, tiny houses have gained popularity over the last few years, appealing to those who value experiences and people over space.

Per ApartmentList.com, buying (or building) a tiny house comes at a lesser cost than that of a full-sized home. Many tiny homebuyers and owners place their houses on wheels to comply with zoning regulations and ensure maximum mobility.

Parking spaces for a tiny house are scarce, but an RV park or tiny house eco-village are available in some areas.

The tiny house movement is not without controversy. Reports recently surfaced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) plans to outlaw tiny houses, but a report by Snopes.com squashed them as rumors. (The HUD proposal only pertains to the classification of structures—even tiny houses—marketed as year-round residences, ensuring compliance with building codes and safety standards.)

According to the American Tiny House Association, tiny houses built on foundations should be constructed according to local codes. Mobile tiny house builders, on the other hand, should consult the Association’s guidelines at AmericanTinyHouseAssociation.org.

For more summer housing trends, visit ApartmentList.com.
 

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