As of the publication of this article, the first true small house community builder has not yet emerged. This would be a company that builds 400-900 square foot detached houses. And I’m not talking about building a few here and there. I’m talking about building neighborhoods and master-planned communities exclusively for small houses.
I imagine local building codes that mandate minimum square footage requirements are the main obstacle. However, I would expect large home builders to influence building code decisions considerably since their economic impact is so huge. So I can’t imagine their reluctance except profits or ignorance. I say ignorance because I believe a massive opportunity is being overlooked.
The facts are clear. Singles and seniors are the two largest and fastest-growing demographic groups in the U.S. and other countries. If these two groups could buy a condo or a small house, they would pick the latter if the price was right.
How do you build a low-cost small house, make a profit, and attract buyers? I have no experience in the home building industry, and I’m not an architect, but I have an extensive background in marketing, product development, and design. Here are my thoughts.
To create a low-cost small house that would entice buyers, the design approach must look past current building styles, materials, and square footage minimums. A new standard needs to be created.
This new standard will draw upon the way houses were designed before World War II, take advantage of the latest technologies, and serve the specific needs of singles, seniors, couples, and small families separately!
Not only would there be small houses designed exclusively for each of these four groups, but there would also be neighborhoods designed for them. Imagine it! There would be separate master-planned communities or neighborhoods for singles, seniors, couples, and small families.
What might this new standard look like? It will look like nothing that currently exists in the new housing market. It will be smaller than current-day tract small houses, have fewer interior walls, and the spaces, furniture, and electronics will serve multiple purposes.
Who will be the inventive and courageous small house community builder? I’m ready to lead it.