As house prices continue to skyrocket, most American families find it tough to buy their own homes. Home Depot, an American home improvement company, may have a nifty solution to this issue – a compact tiny home kit priced under $44,000.
A recent survey by the National Association of Realtors shows that homes are now out of their budget for three out of four families due to rising mortgage rates and property prices. Rents are also on an upward curve, adding to the burden.
This is where the trend of tiny homes comes in, offering a pocket-friendly alternative. Many Americans are shifting gears, settling for smaller, more affordable homes instead of the conventional, spacious family home with a white picket fence. The RV Industry Association’s recent reports reflect the increased demand for such homes.
With dreams of home ownership not completely dashed, many searches for rural lands to set up their small dream homes without getting crushed under massive debt. Home Depot hopes its “Getaway Pad” will be the perfect solution for aspiring homeowners.
The “Getaway Pad” is a snug one-bedroom, one-bathroom house spanning 540 square feet. Plus 1 Home Kits, the creators of this tiny home, advertise it as not just a home but also a guest house, home office, cabin, or even a rental unit for your backyard. The place even sports a roof deck!
The first floor has a compact living area that can fit a small kitchen, a bedroom with a closet, and a bathroom. Additionally, it has a 453 square feet rooftop entertainment area accessible by an external staircase (sold separately) which can be decked out with a barbecue, bathroom, and sink.
The tiny home kit, which includes pre-assembled steel panels, is delivered free to most locations in the U.S. The company claims that with a bit of help, the house can be up and ready within a week. Detailed assembly instructions and necessary certificates are provided to guide homeowners.
But before you start dreaming about a tiny home, remember that the $44,000 price tag only covers the steel frames. The home needs to be built on your concrete foundation, and the buyer must arrange all finishings and furnishings.
Home Depot’s website suggests interested buyers get in touch for additional discussions on the finishing cost. A rough estimate provided by a licensed contractor suggests that finishing costs range from $50,000 to $75,000.
With most Americans feeling home ownership is out of their reach, innovative solutions like the “Getaway Pad” might seem like a lifeline. However, potential buyers need to evaluate the costs and benefits before leaping, as the final price might tally up to a similar cost as a small existing home in some areas, especially for those without pre-owned land.
