Housing Alternatives For The Practical Homeowner
With the high costs of properties on the market, some people are discouraged from buying a home. But there are housing alternatives available for people to choose from. Here are some of them.
Most people aspire to have their own homes. They put this goal in their long-term plans and save for it to become a reality. Home loans help to lessen the cost of buying a home. But, some people still cannot afford to achieve this dream.
Cost is the number one factor why some people resort to alternative housing ideas. Some choose other housing options because these are more fit for their lifestyles. Are you on the lookout for having a home you can call your own? You may get some creative ideas with the options below.
Manufactured Homes
This housing alternative is a type of home built off-site, either in part or as a whole. Then it is transported and placed in a rectangular chassis in a place selected by the homeowner. This site could be a rented lot, a private property, or even a space in a mobile home park. Its older version allows the mobility of the whole house. The modern version, though, seldom takes another move once it gets installed.
Manufactured homes are frontrunners in more affordable housing alternatives. Also, homeowners now have security because of the availability of manufactured home insurance. Their property has the appropriate coverage against damages and losses.
Other advantages of manufactured homes are energy-efficiency, design flexibility, and sturdiness. Builders of these homes help people to save on heating and cooling systems. Also, there is a wide range of designs and materials to choose from. Its structural strength must also pass the HUD standards.
Tree Houses
Tree houses are a child’s wonderland. This is where kids pretend to be in faraway places as they conquer adventure after adventure. But tree houses are not for children only. These structures are now considered a housing alternative.
Living high above the ground allows the homeowner some solitude. Fresh air is also in abundance from this vantage point. Tree houses are open for customization. Do not be deceived by the idea that a tree house should be tiny. Structural engineers can help people design tree houses with up to three floors.
Shipping Container Homes
Another famous home option is a shipping container home. Those steel containers transitioned from being storage materials to home construction materials. This housing alternative is affordable because homeowners can even repurpose old shipping containers. Of course, using brand-new ones is more advisable. Still, these materials are affordable because of their wide availability.
Shipping container homes are also very durable. Because their main purpose is for storage, they can withstand elements of nature. These materials are also stackable. This gives the homeowner to add on more rooms and floors to their existing home depending on their needs. Creativity is key in designing a shipper container home. The possibilities are endless.
Recreational Vehicles
If you are the kind of homeowner that is always on the go, recreational vehicles are the perfect fit for you. Your motor home can be a temporary accommodation or a permanent one. You must assess what you want before deciding on RV living.
An advantage of living in your RV is the sense of freedom. You are not bound by location. Every day is an adventure, and nature is always near. Another perk of living in your motor home is it encourages a minimalist lifestyle. You would learn what matters most. If you are a parent, you can teach your children the value of being frugal.
Contemporary RVs have also come a long way from their older counterparts. There are many amenities that one can include in a modern RV. The most notable ones are a bathroom, toilet, and heating and cooling system. You may also install some home entertainment such as television sets. But still, space will remain to be a consideration. Thus, you must be specific on what you need.
Fixer-Uppers
These are traditional homes. Still, they are cheaper than most properties in the market because they have major repairs. Choosing fixer-uppers means less competition and a high probability of a good neighborhood. Most people do not prefer buying a house with many issues. What they do not realize is that these properties are often found in friendly neighborhoods.
Another advantage in getting fixer-uppers is the control over what you would renovate. You can make some tweaks that will fit your style, which may not be possible in newer properties.
Each alternative housing idea has an advantage that is unique to them. Most of them have affordability and the chance to make custom designs in common. The rest of the choice depends on your preference and needs. With these options, having your dream house can now become a reality.