Curated from Vermont Public
Vermont is grappling with a significant housing shortage, with estimates indicating a need for 24,000 to 36,000 new homes over the next five years to stabilize the market. In response, some advocates are exploring tiny houses—compact dwellings typically under 400 square feet—as a potential solution to this crisis.
Tiny homes offer several advantages: they are generally less expensive to build than traditional homes, require fewer resources, and can be constructed more quickly. These attributes make them appealing for addressing immediate housing needs, especially in areas facing high construction costs and labor shortages. However, challenges such as zoning regulations and infrastructure requirements can hinder the widespread adoption of these technologies.
Educational institutions like the Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield are contributing by training students to construct tiny houses, fostering a skilled workforce capable of producing these dwellings efficiently .
While tiny homes are not a comprehensive solution, they represent a viable component in a multifaceted approach to alleviating Vermont’s housing shortage.
Tiny homes can also be purchased prebuilt. One such company offering tiny homes in Vermont is The Carriage Shed in White River Junction. Here is a link to their tiny home offering.
If you want to read the entire article on Tiny Homes and how they could be a solution to Vermont’s housing shortage, click here.