Are you interested in looking for alternative housing options? Housing is a necessity but isn’t always affordable. Thankfully, several alternative living solutions are available that are realistic and cost-effective. While some of these ideas may seem unorthodox, these alternative housing options have been tried and tested. Whether you are looking to rent or buy, this list of alternatives should give you an idea of other options besides traditional housing.
Barndominium
The concept of a barndominium is both fascinating and functional. Rapidly growing in popularity, a barndominium is generally a steel, metal, or wood building with a working space (barn) and a living space (minium, like a condominium). However, don’t be fooled by functionality and work; there are several beautiful, custom, and luxurious barndominiums. With this type of structure, the possibilities are endless!
Many people are interested in this home style because of the lower cost and fast construction. Barndominiums are also extremely durable. The metal materials on the exterior offer optimal protection, insulation, and weatherization against natural elements, eliminating the need for extra cooling or heating appliances. Their metal roofs also do wonders for conserving energy by having high reflectivity ratings.
Because barndominiums are typically open designs, the homes can be customized to your needs. No matter what you have in mind, a barndominium is likely versatile enough to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re looking for something rustic or a bit more modern, a barndominium can be a great option.
Tiny House
While there is no true definition of a tiny house, it is generally considered a small house under 600 square feet. While they can be built on foundations, most tiny homeowners choose to build their tiny homes on a trailer, allowing for unlimited mobility. In addition to the mobility of these homes, an added benefit is getting around local rules that dictate minimum structure size. Since the house is built on a trailer, it is not typically governed by local building codes.
The financial benefits of a tiny home are considerable. You can build a tiny house for less than the cost of most vehicles. And because they are built to the same quality as conventional homes, they can be expected to have a similar lifespan. After building, the savings don’t stop. A smaller home means smaller maintenance costs and reduced property taxes. Using fewer utilities saves money and has a smaller impact on the environment. A tiny house will force you to simplify your life because less space = less stuff. Living tiny results in owning less. With that comes less thinking about your stuff, less time upgrading your stuff, less time maintaining your stuff, you get the picture.
Log Cabin/Home
Log cabin homes have been catching the attention of homeowners since the 1600s. Their aesthetic embraces a simple, quiet state of mind allowing dwellers to escape the modern expectation of being in constant motion. Log homes are as unique as the people who build them. With endless possibilities of styles– different trees, corner construction, stacking, and anchoring– each factor changes a log home’s appearance drastically. Log homes have become synonymous with wide open spaces and
beautiful scenery precisely because their rustic appearance flows better out
in the wilderness or countryside. No matter your tastes, you don’t want one pattern dominating every room. Don’t be afraid to break up the character of your home with large wall-hanging pieces or a splash of paint. A log home isn’t any less of a
log home just because you’ve deviated from the 100 percent rustic aesthetic.
Building a log home by hand is an incredible learning experience, but it can take years to complete. Instead, consider a log cabin or home kit in which all necessary parts are delivered to your door for assembly. This means the chopping, drying, and shaping of the logs isn’t a process you have to worry about! Many companies offer log home kits, giving you an ideal rustic getaway within a few weeks. Today’s log homes have come a long way from simple structures in the woods and can be designed to fit almost anyone’s taste.
Shipping Container Home
Shipping container homes are single- or multi-family residences that use new or used shipping containers as the primary material. These containers, designed to hold cargo, are made from heavy-duty, corrosion-resistant steel, making them extremely durable and weather- and water-resistant. They offer homeowners the versatility to build a tiny home with a single container, connect several containers to form a larger home or stack several containers to create a unique and modern multi-story home.
Building a container home can be cost-effective. Purchasing a ready-made or custom-made model is even significantly cheaper than a traditional home of the same size. Once permitting and site prep are done, pre-fab container homes can be built in as little as ten weeks. Of course, timing on DIY projects will vary depending on the complexity of the build. But having the basic structure ready at the outset is a time-saver.
Earth Berm Home
Earth-sheltered homes are popular among eco-friendly homeowners, but they should be popular among everyone! They are storm-proof, earthquake and fire-resistant, plus extremely energy-efficient, soundproof, less susceptible than typical houses to extreme temperatures, and require less maintenance. These factors lower home insurance costs because of the extra protection against high winds, hailstorms, and natural disasters.
Bermed homes are more efficient in heating and cooling, resulting in energy cost savings of as much as 60-85 percent. These homes also require less exterior maintenance than a traditional home since most wall surfaces are not exposed to weathering. The overall maintenance of a bermed house is also cheaper. The piping for this home style is all underground, so there is no chance of them freezing in cold climates. Plus, the homes are made of more substantial waterproof materials, so leaks are less of an issue. In addition to these advantages, the earth surrounding the house provides reduced sound from outside, creating a much quieter and serene interior environment.
From tiny homes to houses created from eco-friendly materials, there are many alternative living solutions for you to explore. So take a risk and follow the path less traveled. You may find a new living situation that you never thought possible and have a little extra money in your pocket.
Trustworthy Title & Escrow provides numerous title-related services to ensure your ownership is protected. With our experience and knowledge, we can provide quick title and escrow services to ensure your transactions and funds are protected and secure. To learn more, call us at 402-513-9760.