Walmart sells tiny houses for $9,101, so are they worth it?
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Even if it seems like there’s not enough space in your home as it is now, the idea of moving into a barely there dwelling has taken off in earnest in the past few years. Interestingly, what started as a difficult design job has become so popular that it is practically possible to pick a tiny house right off the shelf and customize it according to your needs. Major national retailers are also getting into the game by adding offerings to their product assortments. But before you decide to move into one of the tiny homes Walmart is selling for just over $9,000, there are a few things to consider. Read on to find out what experts think about the product and whether it’s worth the time, money and effort.
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Whether the current state of the housing market has you convinced you’ll never own a home or you simply don’t want to maintain a lot of space, it’s becoming easier to see why tiny homes are becoming more popular. Now, more designers and potential buyers are comfortable with the idea of an “off-the-shelf” product they can move into.
The latest product to catch shoppers’ attention is the Best Barns Arlington 12×20 Wood Storage Shed Kit, which retails on Walmart’s website for just over $9,101. According to the item description, the unit features ample space, including a four- to six-foot elevated second floor. Although there are no reviews for this product, it is available for free shipping to US addresses in just over a week.
Besides the ease of bringing them directly to your property, there are a lot of positives that stand out.
“The tiny house itself has a very nice design and feels like a very cozy space,” he says. Sebastian Jania, owner of Ontario Property Buyers. “Moreover, for under $10,000, a person can get a frame property with some interior features. For someone looking to get an RV or live out of a trailer, this can be a wise alternative to simple living.”
according to Nicole Abbottan interior designer at Floor360, says it’s also about how the unit uses its space.
“This model home has built-in storage space on the loft/second floor, which is a useful feature for a small home. So this is a versatile feature that’s worth the money,” she says. “The upper floor can be used as a sleeping area with a mattress placed on the floor as well.”
And it’s not just the interior that stands out. “It’s a colonial ranch-style home that has some charming design details and goes beyond the usual small, barn-like home offerings,” Abbott explains. “This is the style you can rely on when creating outdoor living areas.”
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Of course, many shoppers are still wary of getting what they pay for when it comes to good deals. Unfortunately, you can expect to spend a significant amount of money to make the tiny house habitable.
“What Walmart is offering here is just a storage kit,” he says. Sergey Mashkov, Sales Director at Sheds Unlimited. “And while sheds are incredibly versatile, the cost and amount of work required to turn them into a livable space can be quite prohibitive. You start with a $10,000 storage shed and then have to spend $40,000 to $60,000 to finish the interior and add insulation.” .Cushion work, proper ventilation, electricity, plumbing, and changing windows and doors.”
Jania points out that buyers need to keep in mind that even with a model as cheap as this one, there are still many things the owner needs to do, like researching and obtaining permits and other building materials — including adding basics like floorboards and roof skirting. .
“For someone with a little experience who may be in a situation where they desperately need to buy something like this, they may find themselves with much higher expenses than they thought,” he warns. “If the goal is to make it as cheap as possible, you would expect companies to continue removing more features from the tiny home to create the illusion of value.”
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When all is said and done, choosing to move into a tiny house is a big decision in itself. But when it comes to this unit sold at Walmart, it may be a better fit for those looking for a DIY project.
“This is definitely an affordable home frame, but the amount of work that will need to be done will still be a significant cost,” he says. Justin Drablin, CEO of Eclipse Cottages. “So it might be best to do a little research and find a small home manufacturer that can provide you with a finished product within your budget.”
However, some experts say this trend will not replace traditional home buying and building any time soon.
“In my practice, I see people making building decisions responsibly, but few are building smaller.” Lee Calistesays Real Estate Bees Strategic Construction Consultant Best life. “In the simplest terms, I see it as a fad that will die, but I hope it sparks a deeper conversation that leads to a more sustainable solution for a broader segment of the population. Therefore, it was worth trying.”
