Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: very small/ compact housing

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

On Jan 17, 2006, at 3:13 PM, Lynn Nadeau wrote:

> What is the smallest  2-3-4 BR housing in your experience that can 
> "work"? "Work" meaning people don't then feel the need to build 
> storage buildings, garages, or move away for lack of space. Do you 
> live in a house that's particularly compact?

At Takoma Village in DC, we have single parents with one and two 
children living in approximately 700 square ft units -- one bedroom and 
a den. We also have single people living in three bedroom townhouses 
with full basements.

The reality of space is cost. As you plan, work with a square footage 
number that is as close to actual price in two years as possible. 
Construction costs will go up every year so over-estimate costs and you 
will be happier. There will always be a place to spend that "extra" 
money.

If you do this you will find that people will downsize much more easily.

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Building Community: A Guide to Creating New Neighborhoods
http://www.buildingcommunitynews.org