EXPERT ADVICE HOME BUILDER
Build Small — Build Smart
T hose over the age of 65 could represent 25 per cent of the population by 2036. Single parent households are also choosing smaller homes — it simply makes sense. Smaller homes equal reduced utility expenses and building smaller homes is more affordable. What is considered 'small'? Small homes can be anywhere from 500 to 1000 square feet so it's important that when you build small -you need to build smart . The following are basic guidelines to building a smaller home.
the inside in the future. Vaulted ceilings can make a smaller home feel like it has more room and there may also be room to expand into the attic.
Darren MacKenzie Master Builder/Owner MacKenzie Builders Services Ltd.
Natural light
Natural light is a great way to lighten up your home without added electricity cost. Also, more light makes a smaller space feel much bigger. So if you are concerned about a small home feeling cramped, then I highly recommend adding more windows to give lots of light.
There's a growing trend, homes are getting smaller. It might be the housing crisis ten years ago or it could simply be the fact the population is aging.
Small doesn't mean boring
It's whats inside that matter
The first thing you need to realize is that smaller houses can be just as interesting as larger ones. Less square footage once would’ve meant a pretty boring and simple home. But that isn’t the case anymore.
A smaller house needs to function as well as it possibly can. You need to do as much as you can to protect your investment. That way, if you ever have to sell it, you should be able to get the best price possible for it. So when building a smaller house, be sure to not waste any space inside.
Start with a good foundation
Obviously, when building a home you need a foundation. You can choose between a crawl space, pier style foundations, as well as slab and frost wall or a full depth basement. So, although the top floor is only 800 square feet, the basement adds another 800 square feet or so. This is still a small house, but the extra square footage makes room to add some extra bedrooms, an office or a family room.
Outdoor space
Porches and decks can be a great additional living space that is just outdoors. Adding a porch or deck to a smaller home is not only a good investment — it's just smart building. Attached garages or additional out- buildings can be perfect solutions for extra storage.
MacKenzie Builder Services Ltd. 262 Howe Point Road, Eglington 902.687.1508 C: 902.969.0425 E: darren@mackenziebuilders.ca www.mackenziebuilders.ca
Pitch perfect
The pitch of the roof makes all of the difference when it comes to expanding
SPRING 2018 www.pei-living.ca
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