Small Block Living: The Benefits And The Cons!

When deciding to change your lifestyle into one that is more minimalistic, many may only think that this only begins and ends with the things in your home. But what about the home itself? Reducing your “stuff” can also extend into scaling down your current square footage. Not only that but also cutting back on the amount of yard space as well. This is where small block houses come into play. These homes are perfect for those who want to keep things simple when it comes to homeownership. While small block living does allow you to live in surroundings that are more reduced and low-maintenance, it’s not all peachy. We’re going to delve into the good—of which there are many—and the bad of living in a small block house.

What is Small Block Living?

In a nutshell, a small block house is built on a small plot of land. How small? Land lots sizes often range from 80 to 120 square meters or a little over 800 to 1200 square feet. This is considered a micro-lot meaning that any house built on this land will be more narrow and taller than normal suburban homes. Plus, you will have little to no yard to maintain. These compact, small block homes allow you to think differently about not only your lifestyle but how to come up with unique solutions for storage while utilizing the space to the fullest.

The Positives of Small Block Homes

There are several reasons why smaller homes win out over their larger, more spacious counterparts. The most obvious being that you have less space to clean. However, there are plenty of other benefits that you can look forward to if you are considering taking the plunge and downsizing.

Functional and Flexible Rooms – Going smaller means that you are going to have to look more closely at the function of each room. This allows you to find creative solutions for the home to help you find a place for only the things that you need. Each room will have a function and will, in the end, help you keep clutter down to a minimum.

Little to No Yard Work – Not a fan of mowing the lawn? Not a problem. Most of your yardage will be taken up with the width of the house. Part of small block living means that everything is reduced, including the front and backyard. For those who do enjoy having some green space, there are a number of solutions that you can incorporate, which combine modern decor with natural plant life.

Reduced Utility Bills – Small block homes usually mean that your heating, electric, and water expenses are greatly reduced. When there is less square footage to work with, the costs that you would normally incur with a larger home are cut down. This means that you will end up saving more in the long run.

Good Resale Value – For city dwellers who enjoy the benefits of living in an urban area, but prefer having the freedom that homeownership allows, smaller homes are generally in higher demand. This is especially for first-time homeowners who want a smaller space that still has access to all of the events and activities the city can provide while not paying an arm and a leg for it.

The Negatives of Small Block Living

While there are plenty of benefits to owning a small block home, sadly there are some negatives as well. Luckily, the positives far outweigh the negatives. So while you consider if a small block home is the right move for you here are a few more things to keep in mind to help make the decision.

Not the Best Option for Families – While smaller homes are perfect for first-time homeowners, singles, and couples this is normally not the greatest place for those with children. These types of homes are not generally considered child-friendly for those with younger children. This is especially true when thinking of the amount of available space for them to run around.

Building Rules for Developers – No matter where you live, any new construction is subject to the constantly changing rules for development. Your contractor will need to adhere to all of the restrictions that cities have regarding how your home is built.

Architectural Illusions – This is more of an issue when channeling your inner interior designer. Making your home look larger than it actually is can be a challenge. Reduced natural light can mean that you will have to come up with innovative ways to make the home seem brighter and more spacious.

Conclusion

Smaller homes, especially those on reduced lot sizes are great for those who are seeking to have a life that is more about enjoying the moment and living without unnecessary possessions. Small block homes allow for exactly that. They provide enough space to live comfortably while forcing you to rethink what you need to do so. Now you can feel more empowered to go from a home that is too big for one that is just the right size.