Big Enough: Research phase, 2017-2018

Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity spent over a year in 2017-2018 to develop the “Big Enough” concept, an investigation into small, simple, durable and energy efficient homes as a way to launch more families into the middle class in western Mass. The goal was to explore whether we might develop and pilot construction of a prototype small home with a $50,000 construction cost as an affordable homeownership option for low-income individuals and families. We worked with various partners to explore the financial, regulatory, construction, and social/cultural opportunities and constraints. We researched manufactured, modular and small footprint dwelling options. We seek a model that works for Habitat’s end-user –earners at 60% of the area median income — as well as one that meets the needs of homebuyers with means to pay more, allowing for broader access than is currently available for smaller, greener homes.

Brainstorming Sessions We completed 3 “power hour” rapid brainstorming sessions with experts from the financial, regulatory and construction fields to make sure our research was hitting key opportunities, constraints and intersections.  We also had a “world-cafe” style open forum on small homes where we solicited input from potential home buyers and others interested in small homes as a solution to increasing access to homeownership.

Surveys and Interviews As part of our inquiry into the social and cultural aspects of the pilot, we sought to gather data and responses directly from those residents of the region who might be interested in looking toward smaller homes as an affordable homeownership option. We conducted in-person interviews as well as online surveys which sought to more closely define the demographics, aesthetic preferences, and spatial needs of prospective small home owners.  The research was designed to capture information from individuals and families in western Massachusetts who earn between $16,000 and $52,000 annually and have a household size which does not exceed four people.

The Solutions Lab The Solutions Lab was an opportunity for our partners, as well as members of the larger community, to convene and build upon our knowledge base so far. The goal for the event was to get a better shared understanding of the potential of and challenges to the Big Enough pilot. This one-day event brought together over 50 research and thought leaders to lay the groundwork for implementation.

Zoning is local –
make change in your town!

Many thanks to many people
including:

Big Enough: Pioneering the Small Home Revolution in Western Mass

small house with solar panels and ramp
Rendering of future Habitat home on Smith Street in Greenfield, MA

This spring in Greenfield, Pioneer Valley Habitat is planning to break ground on a small 2 bedroom house that is less than 1,000 square feet.  This home will be super energy efficient and have solar panels donated by our friends at PV Squared and cost less than $135,000 for the future homeowner.  Habitat spent $35,000 on the land and is trying to keep costs for construction to around $100,000. But what would it take to build a house that had half the price tag?  Would it need half the square footage?  What other changes would be needed to get our design and construction to $50,000?

In addition to our regular building work, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity is going to be asking experts and interested people over the next few months to weigh in on this question.  Can we increase access to homeownership options by building small?  What will be big enough?

Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we work with you to pioneer the small home revolution in western Mass.