The years after World War 2 the United States was the most prosperous country ever on earth. Everything was bigger and better. No one went without for all intent and purpose. People moved around and found work to better themselves. It was a wonderful time. But now things have changed. The age of excess led to financial collapses, our nation has developed a welfare state that never existed before and the list goes on. Money is not coming in as fast, and as Americans in the past have, so now they are doing the same. They are adjusting, learning how to make do with what they have. Hence the Tiny house boom.
In 2010, during the economic slump, when many building plans were being shelved, Portland presciently began to allow homeowners the right to develop accessory dwelling units on standard 5,000-square-foot residential lots for the first time. The city also eliminated development charges of up to $15,000 for new accessory dwelling units to spur homeowners to build.
Smaller homes are less expensive than larger ones in terms of taxes and building, heating, maintenance, and repair costs. The lower cost of living may be advantageous to those 55 and older with little savings. In addition to costing less, small houses may encourage a less cluttered and simpler lifestyle. The typical size of a small home seldom exceeds 500 square feet. The typical tiny house on wheels is usually less than 8′ by 20,’with livable space totaling 120 square feet or less, for ease of towing and to exempt it from the need for a building permit. It does sound like the future in America with lack of wage growth anywhere visible in the near future. But the thought of such a confined area with one person, never mind two is more than I could bare. I’m fine right where I am, How about you?