There’s been a trend toward smaller houses for a few years now. In 2007, the size of newly constructed homes topped out at 2,479 square feet. In 2009, the size of new construction had dropped to 2,094 square feet – the first drop in 30 years! And a decade after that, ‘tiny homes’ became a well-known phrase and the topic of many TV shows.
Why Build a Smaller Home in Roatan?
For many people moving to Roatan, they want to downsize. Part of the attraction about life in the Caribbean is a slower pace of life and more focus on enjoying experiences – not stuff. Smaller homes a common here. Afterall, the weather is beautiful almost year-round and we have world class beaches out our doorstep. In fact, many people building a home on Roatan put a major focus on the size and style of their patio, decking and overall outdoor living space.
Lots of folks are discovering the many ways they can save money with a smaller home. Downgrading can save you a lot more than you might think!
Consider these money-saving advantages of a smaller home in Roatan:
Reduced building or purchase costs –Obviously, bigger homes have bigger price tags. The most apparent advantage of smaller houses is the reduced building or acquisition cost. Fewer materials and less square footage equal a smaller mortgage.
A smaller home can have a smaller yard –That’s less money (and time) that you’ll need to spend on landscaping and other yard maintenance.
Less hoarding –With less storage space, you’ll be less likely to purchase things you don’t need. Big homes with empty rooms call out for things to fill them up. A smaller home can encourage you to cut back on your spending.
Less maintenance – A smaller home is less expensive to paint and re-roof. It’s also less expensive to re-carpet and replace the siding. With less area to cover, the costs are decreased.
Lower property taxes – Think about how much you’ll pay over your lifetime in property taxes.
Increased energy efficiency –There’s simply less space to heat and cool in a smaller home. Less space means it’s also less expensive to upgrade to higher quality windows and insulation.
More and more people are enjoying the advantages of a smaller house. Smaller homes are less expensive to acquire and maintain. The shift to smaller homes is also indicative of a shift to a simpler lifestyle, which can save you many thousands of dollars and help you enjoy laid back living in the Bay Islands. Perhaps a smaller home in a tropical paradise would feel right for you!
