The average family is getting smaller because couples choose to have less children or none at all. Because of this, you would think the average house is getting smaller but houses today are actually getting bigger! Apparently, people need more living space but some couples like Christopher Smith and Merete Mueller are bucking this trend and following the small house movement just like these people that built a 160-square-food home out of a shipping container.
Instead of huge “McMansions”, some people prefer to leave a smaller carbon footprint by having a smaller home which reduces living and utility expenses. Also, because the home doesn’t take up a large portion of their lot space, it leaves more space to plant trees, grow gardens, and live in harmony with nature.
Christopher and Merete are a couple who wanted to build a small home in Boulder, Colorado; however, they didn’t have much building experience.
They knew what they wanted and decided to start building and learn along the way.
The process was trial and error but they were building a custom home they always wanted.
Because the home is mobile and built on a flatbed trailer, they were able to move wherever they wanted.
They purchased all the supplies they needed.
All of the framing is done and next up is the roof.
They also get the satisfaction of knowing they hammered every nail and built their entire home with their own two hands.
The exterior looks great and they can now complete the interior.
They already look excited about their new home.
Christopher and Merete learned a lot of new skills that they will never forget.
During the construction phase, they also received help from employees at their local Home Depot to get the best materials and construction advice.
Christopher doing a final sweep before starting construction on the interior.
Their small house sits on 5 acres of land.
Christopher also learned a lot from watching YouTube videos offering home construction techniques and best practices.
This galvanized steel roof will be great for year-round weather protection.
Because of its size and solid construction, their small house is incredibly energy efficient.
It is very well insulated and the loft offers enough space for a queen sized bed.
To improve energy efficiency even more, their small house is powered with the help of solar panels.
The interior is starting to look cozy already.
They built a small washroom with a composting toilet.
Because they are a young couple in their 20s, they don’t have a lot of material possessions to take up unnecessary space in their home.
The couple have learned how to use every inch of living space to their advantage.
Their home is ready for winter.
The view from the loft.
They have all the amenities they need and according to the couple, “The world gets a lot bigger when you’re living small because I can afford to do a lot more things now in terms of cash and time. The whole world is my living room.”
“We don’t all have to give up our material possessions and live in 89 square feet, but let’s think about giving up our McMansions and building a little smarter.”
H/t: Tiny – The Movie
For some people, bigger is not necessarily better and a small home provides so much freedom to do other things because you’re not living paycheck-to-paycheck in order to pay off a large mortgage. Please share this small house that is perfect for this boulder couple with your friends and family.
