Everyone has heard about the tiny house movement - unless of course you're living under a rock, off grid. The YouTube videos show families of four living happily in 250 square feet with no running water, one closet and a Nature's Head compost toilet. Living the dream? Now that my children have left the nest (well, almost all the children) I admit I have thought about buying a tiny house. I mean who wouldn't be drawn in by the prospect of no mortgage or rent and little to no utilities? But, it only takes a moment standing in my vast (by tiny house standards) walk-in closet bursting with my beloved wardrobe and 32 pairs of essential shoes and boots, for me to realize I'd need a minimum of two tiny residences and a storage shed to live my particular dream. This dilemma had me asking, "how tiny is the right tiny?" Luckily there are alternatives to the conventional tiny house; mini and modular homes are available on Prince Edward Island and may be the perfect size for you. Available in sizes from 500 sq. ft. to 3000 sq. ft. there is the perfect house waiting for you.
These are not the mobile homes or trailers from the 70s - these are customizable, modular homes that are fabricated off site and delivered to your lot. This option not only saves you money but, allows you to build your home regardless of the weather - a huge plus when you consider how unpredictable Mother Nature is on the Island. How do you determine how big or how small to make your home? Consider your lifestyle. Will you be spending winters south of the border and using your new home as a summer retreat? Is this a first home that needs to accommodate a growing family or a retirement home allowing you to age in place? In addition, you can tweak the available floor plans to better suit your needs. Floor- plans come in a variety of styles and sizes; bungalows, two-story, split-levels, you can choose a Craftsman style home or a slick modern floor-plan. Although floor-plans are available online, it's best to sit down with a builder who specializes in modular homes to discuss your specific needs.
Depending on how detailed or how large your floor plan is will determine how long the build will take, once complete, your home will be delivered where the utilities will be hooked up and finishing touches will be completed. Choose your building site as carefully as you choose the floor plan; the added cost to have utilities installed depend greatly on the lot's location so take this into consideration. Finishes and detail options should be discussed with your builder as early on as possible as these decisions can affect the cost. Don't splurge on the finishes and neglect the important things - a granite countertop is beautiful but installing quality doors and windows should have priority with your budget.
Find the perfect home for you; the right size, the right style and simply love the space you're in.
Summer 2017 pei-living.ca
51
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator