"Backdoor Revolution"

According to an article in Realtor Magazine, a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders found 53 percent of those surveyed said they would consider the possibility of buying a small home. According to the report, more than half of millennials and Generation X members are open to the idea of living in a tiny home, but the percentages go lower for baby boomers (45 percent) and seniors (29 percent). Most tiny homes have sleeping areas in lofts that require climbing a ladder of narrow stairs—likely a reason for the lowered interest among older populations.

A tiny home is often defined as a home under 600 square feet, and not necessarily a home on wheels of 100-200 square feet. Permanent, smaller homes built as accessory dwelling units are increasingly popular in many cities, including Bend and Portland. The fact that there's available land in developed areas with infrastructure already in place makes this highly desirable from the perspective of environmental impact and cost. There are, however, many hurdles to jump in getting this done. A recent book by Kol Peterson, "Backdoor Revolution The Definitive Guide to ADU Development," addresses many of these issues.

For those interested in learning more, Peterson is teaching an all-day class on ADU strategies and how to build one on your lot in Bend March 10 at Trinity Episcopal Church. There will also be an Environmental Center Green Drinks reception on March 8 to meet the author and where a brief presentation will be provided.

Thurs., March 8

5-7pm

The Environmental Center

16 NW Kansas Ave., Bend

envirocenter.org

Sat., March 10

9am-5pm

Trinity Episcopal Church

469 NW Wall St., Bend