With house prices increasing, it’s becoming harder to afford a home in the U.S. For those who are looking for a cheaper option, or simply want a lifestyle change, these are the most realistic housing alternatives. –Irena Marincevic
1. Tiny Homes
For many people, a tiny home can be a good answer to the housing crisis. A tiny home is a dwelling that is 400 sq. ft. or smaller. The average tiny house can cost between $40,000 to $80,000 and can be built using different methods including kits, modular builds, and custom builds.
2. Modular Homes
A modular home is built in a factory before being transported to the final job site and finished there. Modular homes have a foundation and can come in many different sizes and styles. Prefab modular homes cost as low as $50 a square foot and are a much more affordable way to build in general.
3. Mobile Homes
Another lower-cost alternative is a mobile home. Both modular and mobile homes are types of manufactured homes or factory-built homes. Mobile homes cost around $60,000 to $120,000 on average. If you opt for a mobile home park, you may have added monthly fees.
4. RV Park Model Homes
If you like the idea of travel, you may want to consider buying an RV. You can move them from campsite to campsite, or place them in an RV park. The cost of a true RV motorhome starts at around $100,000, although you can find cheaper models that are pulled behind cars for as low as $20,000.
5. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
If you have friends or family who are willing to let you build on their land, you may want to consider an Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU. An ADU is a small home like a backyard cottage, an In-law apartment, or even a tiny home that is built behind the main home on the property. An ADU has starting costs of around $100,000.
6. Shipping Container Home
If you’re looking for lower costs and a more sustainable home, a shipping container home may be a good fit. Shipping container homes use recycled containers as the shell of the building. They can range in cost from $10,000 for a small home to $175,000 for something large and luxurious.
7. Pole Barns and Barndominiums
Another lower cost alternative to a traditional home is a pole barn home or barndominium. A pole barn is a structure built without a traditional foundation. They have costs to build around $100 to $250 a square foot or $130,000 to $500,000 on average.
The Bottom Line
Housing costs do not look like they’re going down any time soon. For those that want a more affordable alternative to traditional housing, and who do not wish to rent, an alternative housing solution may be the right answer.
Read Irena Martincevic complete article HERE.
Photos and original article from fixr.com