The phenomenon of mini houses in Quebec and its realities

Mini-houses have been presented for several years as an original and economical option to access the real estate market.

In Quebec, there are already some real estate projects that are entirely dedicated to them.

These small accommodations are presented as a way of living in harmony with nature.

However, the idea remains more difficult to materialize in Quebec.

Regulations to be adapted

Municipal regulations are often an obstacle for those who want to carry out this type of project. Indeed, many municipalities are considering, among other things, the fact that these houses are smaller, are worth less and bring in less property tax.

In addition, in Quebec, the Construction Code imposes minimum interior surface areas that are difficult to meet in the case of a house of barely 28 square meters, for example.

Some believe that the province and municipalities would benefit from adapting their regulations to allow “backyard” mini-houses, as is done in Vancouver and Ontario.

According to them, this option is more attractive than a basement dwelling for intergenerational arrangements with retired parents, for example, without the small windows and humidity of a basement dwelling.

Several municipalities are adapting their regulations to accommodate these mini-houses. This is the case, for example, in Gatineau and Trois-Rivières.

A high cost

Another obstacle to the development of mini-houses in Quebec. The cost is often high.

Semi-detached or even single-family homes can be the same price as mini-homes.

The price of a new mini-house, depending on the materials and size, can vary from $ 100,000 to $ 160,000 for an area ranging from 300 to 800 square feet.

Concrete projects

Despite these obstacles and our harsh winter, the concept seems to adapt to the reality of Quebec.

Le Petit Quartier claims to be the first urban development of mini-houses in Canada. This 73-owner cooperative has a building that everyone owns to compensate for the loss of living space in winter.

This therefore means that each of the owners manages their own minimum house, but also has a say in the management of the building stock, in its maintenance and development; the whole according to the rules which are registered in the declaration of co-ownership.

According to the project manager, the idea would be to facilitate access to property and to create a community within which the values of democracy, mutual aid, equity, equality, autonomy, solidarity and accountability are put forward.

The manufacturer of prefabricated houses Maisons Confort Design is behind many projects of mini or micro-houses, including that of Domaine Nature sur le lac in Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson.

Located on 13 million square feet of land in the heart of the Laurentians, this micro-house project includes a view of Lac Marier and access to a private beach. To date, around ten micro-houses have already been installed on the site and more than twenty have been pre-sold, and will therefore be built soon. In total, it is 200 homes that we want to build by 2022.

As for the builder Construction Richard Chabot, he is offering Espace Pur, a new district of Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval entirely reserved for mini-houses.

Eight models of mini-houses are offered to buyers. There are only 12 out of 36 courts left!

More ecological ?

As it requires less materials and energy, we can say that the mini-house is more ecological than a standard residence.

Yes and no. The use of a condominium or an apartment is much more so, because they allow their occupants to share several common spaces as well as the heat.

In addition, the energy efficiency performance of the mini-house will also vary depending on the materials and technologies used.

Customers

Minimum houses are seen as an alternative to soaring prices on real estate markets in large urban centers.

The growing clientele of 50 to 75 year olds is definitely looking to reduce their investment in housing in order to enjoy life more and maximize their leisure dollars.

The minimum house therefore attracts both families and retirees.

Some followers are also betting on a simpler lifestyle and optimization of space.

They wish to integrate a community in which they hope to rediscover the values of democracy, mutual aid, equity, equality, autonomy, solidarity and accountability.

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