The latest trend toward little houses is a outcome of the financial downswing, but has many benefits to both homeowners and our nation. It is reported that nearly 60% of the builders in the United States are building smaller scale homes, by the American Institute of Architects, and the higher demand for such construction is reinforced by the reduction in other costs of housing.

As everyone’s IRAs hit the skids in early 2008, so did the demand for larger homes causing a lot of the chaos still being ironed out in the real estate market. With the lack of money came a desire for a smaller scale home that worked and the square footage average dropped by over 300 square feet.

Expenses are often being reduced on these smaller houses by using part from other houses or outbuildings again in their construction. Old barns and homes that are being torn down have supplied many materials that can be used again for the builders who are constructing smaller scale homes.

Given that the smaller scale homes are much cheaper in value and can still have many of the extravagances of larger homes, you can understand why the trends are pointing up for them.

The small houses one California builder makes can be put on a foundation or on wheels. The retail costs for his plans are around one thousand dollars and they are constructed for the mid thirties. Relating having a small home built to having a fine suit tailored to you, he says many buyers prefer the small custom homes he builds. Each plan has the homeowner in mind and is adapted to fit any specific desire or need they may express. The traditional construction that many small houses have to utilize are space savers like build in cupboards and storage space.

Even big companies like Lowe’s home improvement stores sell a model of a kit home that is designed for owner construction to save you money.

Since so many of the smaller scale homes seem crowded already, their owners tend to have a reduced desire to accumulate extra material possessions the way larger home do. Many homeowners are taking those exact thoughts to heart and exchanging their energy “McMansions” for little, if not more humble homes.

Many people prefer the modern features of larger residences, but you do not have to go without when you buy a little home. Appliances and features likes double door refrigerators and claw foot tubs are all the rage in the mini-residences being built. With economy in mind and luxury featured, these home are drawing a higher degree of green buyers too.

Featuring reduced energy costs and lower mortgage payments, little residences are really an easy sale. residences that have conventional ceiling heights of about 8 feet have a record of reduced energy costs. This holds true for not only heat but air conditioning as well, so this reduced home plan trend works everywhere from Texas to Alaska.

Finally, have a smaller home built will not only keep your cost of living down, but it can also increase the recreational value of your home. With more room on your lot due to the fact that you home now takes up less space on your lot, you can use your lot to put up solar panels, solar water heaters or grow your own veggies. Maybe you can put that shop in the back you have always dreamed of!

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