Without going as far as a moving into a microhouse, inhabiting a more modestly sized residence offers several benefits.
Homeowners may decide to downsize for many reasons, whether it be to reduce their carbon footprint or to reduce their expenses. Here are 5 arguments that just might make you reconsider living in a smaller space!
1- Lower Construction Costs
This should be of particular interest to you if you are having your house built or if you intend to have an existing construction demolished and rebuilt from the ground up. Significant savings can be achieved if you scale down your vision since this decreases the costs of materials and labour. Considering how much such prices have risen in residential development over the past few months, less square footage means a lot more money stays in your pocket!
Here’s a simple idea. If you are working from an existing foundation or a gutted structure, reduce the number of interior square feet and offer yourself a functional outdoor area. The residence will be far less expensive to build, and the integrated patio, for example, will act as a seamless—and cost effective—extension of the living space.
2- Less Maintenance
The second advantage is that you can maintain a modest residence with much less fuss than a multistorey palace. When it comes to weekend chores, bigger is definitely not better! Being a homeowner implies having to carry out a whole range of upkeep tasks varying in complexity and cost.
For example, a large roof is more expensive to repair or replace. This is also the case for a bigger floor area. You will simply need more of everything, wall paint, artificial light sources, windows dressings, furnishings, in a grandiose home.
Regarding resale value, it should be noted that a property that has been well cared over the years will undoubtedly fetch a better price on the market compared to a mansion that has been neglected.
3- A Tight-Knit Family
Generally, overall well-being is exponentially multiplied for family members who are on good terms with each other. If there are several of you living together, additional cold empty space divided by flimsy walls is not the solution to improving privacy. A compact home with quality doors, thick walls and well-insulated floors is the right prescription for harmonious cohabitation. And when you all do spend time as a family in the dining or living room, you will feel even more connected thanks to the cozy atmosphere.
4- Less Clutter
Another non-negligible benefit to living in a small-scaled space: less mess! Indeed, if you are well organized, you will find a place for everything and will automatically put everything back in its place because there will be no room for it anywhere else! This is apparent in the homes of those who have embraced a minimalist lifestyle. Consequently, these homeowners can make their house spick and span in a fraction of the time it would take for a more substantial residence.
5- Energy Savings
Quebec winters can put quite a dent in the budget! Heating a more compact house is obviously less expensive than heating a larger one, whether with electricity or natural gas. This is just as true in summer regarding air conditioning costs, as there is a smaller volume of air to cool.
Are you aware of any other advantages of living in a smaller home? If you are thinking of downsizing, contact a RE/MAX broker who will find beautiful properties for you to visit that are as a charming as they are functional. Who knows? You might discover a gem that puts your castle to shame!