Tiny houses (usually 400 square feet or less) have become popular with many people, as they offer these benefits:
- quick access to a comfortable home with probably no mortgage payments.
- you can learn from your home-building mistakes if you decide to build a larger home.
- lower home ownership costs with the possibility of living off-grid.
- an environmentally-friendly design with little or no toxins.
- a simpler, less cluttered life with creative ideas to effectively use space.
- potential for better communication with family members as a result of close quarters.
However, common drawbacks of buying and living in a tiny house include:
- limited privacy, no place for solitude.
- limited living space; little room for entertaining guests and family.
- limited kitchen and storage space.
- more trips to the store-no buying in bulk, and usually driving further to stores.
- tiny houses may be on wheels or on a foundation, restrictions may exist as to where you may park or build.
For additional information on tiny houses:
Teaching Suggestions
- Have students search for online videos about tiny house living to obtain additional information on benefits and drawbacks.
- Have students design a tiny house that would fit their life situation.
Discussion QuestionsÂ
- What personal factors should be considered when building a tiny house?
- Describe life situations of people who might be appropriate for tiny house living.
Melissa Hart
Focus on Personal Finance, 7e 