Do More With a Smaller House

Smaller homes are energy efficient, use less materials, and take up less land.  But how do you make a 1200-1500 square foot home on a small lot appealing for a buyer?

Forest Creek Development in Parrish, Florida has discovered the secret.  Their cottage program offers homes no larger than 1600 square feet, all on lots that are 27 feet wide.  And, they are selling like hotcakes!

Here are some ideas on how to design a small home that has market appeal:

1. “Let the light in” - Window walls and windows set high up on the wall let in lots of light, allow the placement of furniture, and make the spaces seem larger.

2. “Make the indoors private” – Placement of windows is key when homes are so close together (as close as one foot in Forest Creek).  Stagger window placement in each house so no one has to worry about being looked in on.

3. “Reserve outdoor space that’s private” – High outside walls allow families to have privacy in their yards, as well as their houses.

4. “Don’t forget the front porch” – Porches are a luxury item that add value to a home.  The cottages at Forest Creek offer 50 square feet of front porch area for neighborhood socializing.

5. “Keep it open” – Wide hallways and vaulted ceilings add an open feeling to a house.

6. “Build a simple structure” – All the cottages at Forest Creek are square.  Architectural details are installed only on the front of the house, reducing costs.

7. “Landscape it right” – Pay attention to the streetscape and overall look of a development to make homes more appealing.

For more information on the Forest Creek Development community and how they implemented the above measures, see the article published by Housing Zone.