Understanding Micro-Homes

Micro-homes are a growing trend due to their environmental sustainability, their functionality, and their low costs. Micro-homes are very small housing structures, just large enough to accommodate sleeping arrangements and other bare necessities, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Many of the homes may not even have space for anything but a sleeping area.

Affordability

As you can imagine, the utility bills for a micro home are extremely low. Micro-homes are also incredibly affordable independent of utilities. Because many of these homes are constructed of recycled material such as steel and lumber, they are inexpensive to both assemble and purchase. They range in price depending on the size of the home and the materials used, but they can often be purchased for as little as 14,000 USD.

Sustainability

Micro-homes are usually modern in design and are generally less than 300 square feet, with the smallest being 60 square feet. As a result of the small living space, you won’t need many items in your house and your resources will be far less than the average consumer. The amount of energy it takes to power a micro-home is significantly less than it would take to power the average dwelling. Many homes will utilize passive heating and cooling techniques in order to further maximize energy savings.

Some homes even go beyond eco-friendly energy practices, with many companies building houses out of fully recyclable, salvaged or sustainable material. These homes have the potential to reduce carbon footprints drastically as they reduce emissions by avoiding excess manufacturing of the steel they are composed of or the logging that otherwise be caused by its construction.

Designs

Due to their tiny nature, micro-home living is simple and easily manageable. With enough space for food storage and sleeping accommodations, but not enough for areas like a living room or den or commodities such as a television, and other pieces of the home not often utilized by home dwellers, many individuals looking to simplify or take a minimalist approach to their lives can do so with ease. Micro-homes are a great way to eliminate superfluous aspects of a home that may be contributing to hampering one’s lifestyle.

In addition to being an unconventional option to minimalizing a person’s lifestyle, these homes are available in a variety of designs that will suit anyone’s personal taste. Some designs may retain that classic home style, others are designed to look like miniature rustic cabins, and others are more modern and encompass the International style of architecture.

Considerations

Before purchasing a micro-home, keep in mind others who may inhabit the home with you. If individuals intend on raising children, there are certain designs that can accommodate a growing family. There are many options available to suit the needs of many situations and lifestyles. It is important to consider the location, region and ordinances of the area you will be choosing to reside in when purchasing a micro-home. Certain regions and climates will be more hospitable to certain materials used to construct the home. When purchasing any home, it is important to be aware of the location and other members of the household before making any decisions.

About the Author

Mike Gordon is a recent college graduate and environmentally conscious weekend hiker. If you decide to go the micro-home route, you made need off-site storage for your extra stuff. Mike suggests looking into cheap storage in Philadelphia, and all around the country.