About a year or two ago, I started hearing about how people losing their homes were buying storage buildings, putting them in the backyards of other family members, and renovating them for habitation.  You know… some of these buildings are actually pretty cute so I can understand how simple it would be to turn them into homes!

However, a man in Vermont is taking the idea of a tiny house literally.  He has begun to build 100 square foot homes for people because houses under a certain square footage don’t have to pass some city and county building restrictions.  The homes are heated with solar panels, but the water supply could be challenging.  Furniture?  Big enough for a bed, a chair and a table.

The benefits can be huge – namely you can live in these at a minimal cost.  No mortgage debt.  No worries should you lose the house (easy to replace).  Lower taxes.  The good folks at Frugal Dad bring us more infomation and a video interview with the builder.   Be sure to watch the video to the end so you can hear the fantastic quote about how the builder feels when he sits in the screened in porch house.

Benefits of Buying a Smaller Home

• Lower monthly mortgage payment
• Lower taxes
• Easier to pay off mortgage completely in a shorter time
• Less space to fill with furniture
• Smaller lot (maybe) to maintain
• Significantly lower utilities

The idea of downsizing to me is very appealing, but the notion of living in a space so small is horrifying. But if the idea is something you very much like, visit Tumbleweed Tiny House Company for ideas!

House shown is from the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company.  It is 130 square feet and costs $23,000 if you build it yourself – or nearly $50,000 if they build it for you.