In the 1950s, the average area of a typical American house was just over 90 square meters. meters. By 2004, this indicator rose to 217 square meters. meters. But is it really more - it means better?
Demand for compact country cottages is not reduced for various reasons, including economic. Of course, there are not enough places in them, but other parameters may be advantageous. Let's talk about the benefits.
First, small houses are cheaper, because the area among other factors determines the price of real estate. But it's not just about the cost of buying a cottage. The cost of utilities and repairs also depends on the number of square meters.
Different people have little idea of compactness, but in this article we will consider houses of up to 110 square meters. meters.
Small living space is subject to a lower tax and insurance premiums. And even a mortgage loan for it may not be so burdensome.
You can save on the exterior decoration of the house. Roofing, cladding and painting will require less financial costs.
Given that the materials for finishing small houses are required less, you can treat yourself to something special. For example, to tile the roof with beautiful tiles.
Or include in the design elements of natural stone.
Or get a countertop for the kitchen island and the equipment that I've dreamed of for years.
But more importantly, caring for a small house takes less time, which ultimately improves the quality of life. There is an opportunity to do what you really like.
For example, having fun with friends. Small cottages encourage unity! They always have one or several cozy corners, and if the space is organized well, people gravitate toward it.
While in spacious mansions with a huge number of rooms, guests can spread out in small groups, the compact size of the cottage will make them stay together. Even if all of them are busy studying their own smartphones, they will have to do it side by side with each other.
Benjamin Franklin, apparently, was a supporter of the concept of unity. He said that conversations at the dinner table are much more lively, if the knees of the conversers touch.
Verandas, which almost always equip cottages, look, as a rule, very friendly, as if inviting neighbors and passers-by to come into the house. To spend a couple of evening hours on it with a glass of wine is a pleasure.
Life in a small cottage can be simple and natural. This is like a return to the past, when almost homeowners cultivated their own vegetable gardens and kept several chickens, and there were no shopping centers in sight.
The inhabitants of cottages do not need to spend much time shopping - there's simply no place to store a huge number of things. In this situation, you have to carefully consider each purchase and give up what you can do without.
The erection of cottages up to 110 square meters. meters contributes to reducing the impact on the environment. Studies show that the construction of smaller homes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the volume of construction debris. It is noted that the owners of cottages often use secondary and recycled materials than wealthy owners of luxury villas.
In addition to financial, social and environmental benefits, the cottages have incredibly comfortable energy and the ability to create a warm atmosphere. Obviously, these properties are due to their non-standard and, of course, compact dimensions.
Whatever the arguments in favor of small cottages, one thing is for sure: they are worth considering about their acquisition.