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HOUSING OPTIONS WITH INNOVATIVE ELEMENTS
!CCESSORY !PARTMENTS AND 4INY (OUSE -OVEMENT
Accessory Apartment Model: William’s Home William lived with his parents but wanted more freedom. His family converted their two-
ACCESSORY APARTMENTS are living units that are added or created within a single-family home. Sometimes called a “mother/daughter home,” relatives live in close proximity yet have their own private space. Available in some states, ELDER COTTAGE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES (ECHO) units are small modular cottages. These accessory units can be installed adjacent to a caregiver’s house for people who are elderly or have disabilities. This type of housing is best located on larger parcels of land and may require local zoning approvals.
car garage into an efficiency apartment with a barrier-free BATHROOM FOR HIM (E OBTAINS HOURS PER WEEK OF PERSONAL care attendant services from a state plan service called the Personal Preference Program to assist him with some activities of daily living like dressing and bathing. During the daytime hours, he has day habilitation services from DDD. His family is steps away from him, if he needs additional help, especially during the overnight hours. On overnights and weekends, family and friends provide him with support.
TINY HOUSE MOVEMENT The concept of tiny houses is growing nationally and internationally. As shown on HGTV and A&E Network’s Tiny House Nation, people interested in a simpler lifestyle without financial burdens are downsizing. Small communities are being established internationally. For more information visit WWWSMALLHOUSESOCIETYNET . Such compact housing can be developed more cost effectively than traditional housing. The living space of 100 to 300 square feet is comparable to the size of a shed
up to a single car garage. It can be built on wheels for portability. Similarly, small houses are between 400 and 1700 square feet. In some instances, shipping containers have been re-purposed into small housing units. The durable material of these containers lends themselves to modular construction. These units interlock so more than one container can be connected into a larger living space. The internet supplies many creative interior and exterior designs for this cost effective re-purposing. For more information visit WWWHOMEDSGN COM MODERN SHIPPING CONTAINER HOMES AROUND THE WORLD . This micro house idea is applicable for someone seeking inexpensive housing. Numerous floor plan designs are readily available on the internet. Construction is efficient and sustainable while being attentive to the environment by using natural, health conscious materials. Some units are self-sufficient using propane gas and holding tanks. Optional solar roof panels provide low cost energy. Local utilities’ hookup connections can also be made when available.
Zoning ordinances may not specifically apply to small house dwellings and will have to be addressed on a local level.
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