What Young Canadians Are Facing With Todays Housing Crisis. How a Tiny Home Can Help.
Despite Canada’s significant wealth and size, recent findings shed light on the challenging landscape of housing affordability in the country. It appears that individuals over the age of 40 generally enjoy a relatively stable housing situation. However, for the younger demographic, there are substantial concerns, as articulated by GenSqueeze:
The surge in housing prices, while beneficial to some, particularly those whose parents and grandparents acquired homes decades ago, presents a conundrum for the rest of us. The steep rise in housing costs places immense financial strain on generations under the age of 40, burdening them with substantial debts. These debts must be managed using income levels that have declined compared to previous generations, often within job positions that do not provide pension plans. In contrast, the government allocates significantly less financial support, approximately $12,000 per Canadian under 45, in comparison to over $33,000 for each retiree.
For individuals in their 40s and younger, this arrangement does not bode well. Despite Canada’s thriving economy, the investments directed towards our generation appear insufficient and disproportionate. This concern becomes even more pronounced when considering the broader challenges of government and environmental debts that we inherit.
Nevertheless, our generation persists in adapting to these circumstances. We strive to secure better employment opportunities by investing additional years in education and grappling with rising tuition costs. When it comes to homeownership, we willingly accept jobs or contracts that demand several more years of work to accumulate a down payment. Consequently, for many, this translates into extended periods of residence in our parents’ homes or delayed attainment of financial independence, often spanning several years.
At Kleena Homes, we hold the conviction that achieving affordable housing hinges on a multifaceted approach. Our belief encompasses a range of strategies aimed at broadening housing opportunities, thereby enabling greater homeownership. This involves a commitment from more cities to construct affordable housing units, the implementation of restrictions and taxes on foreign buyers acquiring homes, and the introduction of incentives designed to encourage individuals to invest in compact dwellings, such as small homes, tiny homes, modular homes, park model homes, shipping container homes, and others. These housing alternatives must be economically accessible, ensuring that young individuals have the opportunity to purchase homes rather than being constrained to a lifetime of renting.
“Nearly a fifth of Canadian renters spend more than half their total income on their rent, according to an analysis from Harvard University that suggests governments may want to get back into the business of building affordable housing.
Canada joined the U.S., Spain and U.K. among the countries where the largest shares of the population spend more than half their income on shelter alone.”
Exploring Alternative Housing Options
Apart from advocating for essential governmental policy changes, what choices do young Canadians have? Must we remain renters indefinitely while hoping for systemic shifts? And what if these changes are slow to materialize? Are we destined to continue paying someone else’s mortgage without accumulating any assets? Let’s explore some alternative housing solutions.
- RTM Modular Homes: A modular home is constructed indoors, typically within a factory setting. These homes are built in a controlled environment and then transported to their designated locations, where they are assembled by a builder. It’s important to note that modular homes are not mobile homes; rather, they are simply homes built off-site instead of on-site. Green Terra Homes, for example, offers models compliant with CSA A277 Standards, boasting a diverse range of floor plans that can be customized in a modular format to suit evolving needs. These homes are constructed with steel studs, offering the option of mono-slope or traditional peaked roofs, with additional choices like live roofs and solar panels. Units can be stacked and combined to create various structural configurations. Prices for modular homes start at $48,000 and can vary based on customization.
- Park Model Homes: Park model homes are classified as recreational vehicles and are transportable. They are primarily designed for long-term or permanent placement at destinations where RVs or mobile homes are permitted. Once set up, park models are connected to necessary utilities, allowing for home-style fixtures and appliances. These homes offer all the comforts of a traditional residence. Prices for park model homes begin at $90,000 and can vary depending on features and location.
- Mobile Homes (Manufactured Homes): Manufactured homes, previously referred to as mobile homes, are constructed on a steel frame and are typically placed on concrete blocks or supported by cement or metal pylons. Modular homes are built to comply with the Canadian Standards Association A-277 (Canadian National Building Code). These homes come in various widths, ranging from 10 to 16 feet, and lengths spanning from 40 to 76 feet. Prices for manufactured homes start at $46,000 and may vary based on size and specifications.
- Tiny Homes: A typical tiny house, often mounted on wheels, usually measures less than 12 feet by 50 feet, providing a compact and mobile living space totaling up to 600 square feet or less. Our website features an extensive selection of these tiny homes, with prices varying widely.
- Steel Frame Home Kits: We offer comprehensive DIY steel frame panelized kits, complete with sheathing. These kits include roof trusses and rafters where applicable, as well as floor joist systems if needed. They are ready for delivery to your site, facilitating swift installation onto your pre-constructed foundation, be it post-and-beam, slab, or block/concrete foundation wall. Our kits come in a diverse range of floor plans or can be customized to your preferences. Prices for these kits commence at $15,000.
- Modular SHELL Homes: Our modular SHELL homes are designed and fabricated in a factory as complete SHELL structures. These homes are assembled in modules that can be placed on a foundation and then shipped with OSB and house wrap, complete with fully framed and sheathed interior and exterior walls using OSB and Tyvek. Door and window headers are framed, making them ready for OSB cutouts to accommodate your chosen windows and doors. Prices for these modular SHELL homes start at $44,000.
- Shipping Container Homes: Originally designed for storage and transportation, shipping containers are constructed from sturdy steel and engineered to withstand stacking, various weather conditions, and ocean travel. While they can endure for up to 30 years, their typical working lifespan is around 10 years or less. Consequently, there is an estimated surplus of over 30 million unused shipping containers worldwide, with prices starting as low as $4,000 for purchase.
- A frame Homes: These home styles have been around since the 1970’s, but have been growing in popularity over the past 10 years due to their Beauty and simplicity. Imagine a two level A frame with living quarters on the 2nd level with a covered garage below to cover your vehicle from the Manitoba elements.
These alternative housing options provide opportunities for individuals seeking affordable homeownership, allowing them to break free from the cycle of renting without building equity.
Final Thoughts
An an ideal scenario, every Canadian should have the opportunity to attain the freedom of owning and residing in an affordable and suitable home that meets their requirements. Communities ought to be characterized by diversity, affordability, and safety, providing an environment conducive to living, raising families, establishing businesses, and more. However, without active citizen engagement urging our government to take additional steps, these prospects could slip through our grasp.
We urge you to become an advocate for affordable housing and to exercise prudence when making decisions during your journey towards homeownership. With options like the ones we’ve presented here, you do indeed possess a range of choices.
To explore Kleena Homes efforts in providing beautifully crafted, highly functional tiny homes, please visit our models page at Kleenahomes.ca or contact us at (204) 890-5784.
We Are Here For You From Start To Finnish. From Design, Build, Delivery & Set Up, You Can Trust Kleena Homes To Deliver.
