In past weeks, we’ve looked into some alternative living styles, particularly cohousing and shared living. And the list goes on. In an expanding paradigm, many people are seeking new, perhaps better, less expensive, and more exciting or more inclusive ways to set up home. As the shape of living units evolve, as more people decide to live together, whether for economic reasons or an attempt to form communities, the traditional single family house is morphing into new forms to accommodate these individuals, entities and groups.
A brief introduction follows. In weeks and months to come, we will zoom into some of these for a closer analysis. But for now, a smorgasbord of happy, new choices:
RVs: Taking to the road to save money and gain variety is a popular option. For anywhere from $25,000 to $75,000, you can pick up a new fifth wheel (a trailer that rides in a full size bed); and for another $30,000 or so, a new truck to pull it. You’ll need an RV site or many (these for about $25 a day), auto insurance and fuel. But no more real estate taxes and you can be quite comfy as you zip about to climate friendly zones.
Trailer Parks: I’m kidding, right? Well no, actually. Though trailers in the past have been shoddy and seamy, the idea is not actually a bad one, provided housing units are upgraded. You get to rent your pad, as with RVs and houseboats, so they are economical, and can be charming. Clayton, a builder in the U.S. has put such a prototype on the market. Check out the I-House, a green mobile home. This may be one of the waves of the future.
Boats: Living on a boat isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a water baby, it might be your calling. Houseboats come in all sizes, budgets and configurations, and can be “parked” on salt and fresh water. Green designs are popping up for this type of wave living as well.
New house materials: When it comes to building fixed homes, green influences are bringing lots of interesting materials to the table. Shipping containers are durable and can be stacked vertically or horizontally. Inexpensive pallets don’t have the tensile strength, but can be fashioned for more temporary structures. Then there are earth bags (bags of dirt, for the uninitiated); recycled bottles which create earth ships that look like castles; and let’s not forget the very fashionable geodesic dome shape and the lovely tree-house. If you google any of these names, you will turn up some sensationally beautiful and creative homes du jour.
In the lust for a modern and sustainable utopia, we found several new names for community models. There are “Transition Towns”, a movement to build low or no-energy communities according to 12 guiding principles. These may have many similarities with “ecovillages”, another brand of sustainable community. And certainly “cohousing”, which we previously discussed, may fall into this category. For further information of these communities, visit www.transitionus.org, www.gen.ecovillage.org and www.ic.org.
It’s a new world, and choices in housing abound. Some older forms may warrant revisiting, and some newer a browse around the web. La vida loca? Not really. Just some new ideas to make a 2015 home sweet home.
_______________________________________________________________
Del Phillips is a California Licensed Real Estate agent. He is a member of the National, California and San Diego Association of Realtors. You can reach Del at Ascent Real Estate at 619-298-6666 or at Del@DelPhillips.com DRE LIC #01267333.
