Nelson Tiny Houses are big on charm

Seth Reidy started his family-run company in Nelson, B.C., in 2012

Nelson Tiny Houses builds beautiful homes that are works of art. — Photo courtesy Nelson Tiny Houses

Maybe living in a teepee for three years laid the groundwork for Seth Reidy to start Nelson Tiny Houses in 2012. Whatever the reason, Reidy has tapped into the latest green fad in houses—Lilliputian.

Reidy has built over 20 tiny houses so far. He offers two models in several sizes but 75 per cent of his tiny homes are custom-built. The Acorn House has a gable roof and the V House has a single-pitched roof.

These quality homes are works of art. They are beautiful and full of natural light and the lustrous patina of wood. Hence, downsizing can mean upgrading.

“Most people like the extra-long houses,” said Reidy. “They are approximately 10 by 40 feet. The V House is slightly cheaper to build and offers more interior room so most people go that route, although the Acorn looks a little more charming.”

Nelson Tiny Houses builds three or four houses per year, both mobile and permanent ones. All are CSA-approved.

Tiny houses are growing in popularity as more people want to downsize their homes. — Photo courtesy Nelson Tiny Houses

Tiny homes are appealing to all demographics—Reidy said his clients include old and young folks, single people and families of four.

“Most of our homes are for primary residences but some are for rentals or Airbnbs,” Reidy said. “They are mostly in B.C. but some are in the States and Alberta. We have three on small B.C. islands.

“We try to use as much recycled or local materials as possible, but what makes them more 'green' than anything is purely their size. They cost much less to heat and cool.”

Tiny houses can be custom-built to satisfy the owner's desires. — Photo courtesy Nelson Tiny Houses

With a housing crisis in the Kootenays and beyond, can tiny homes be part of the solution? Reidy said most cities allow tiny homes if they are on a foundation and have a building permit and CSA approval.

“Cities seem to be making it easier and easier,” he said.

Move over big box houses and big box stores. We want less stuff and more life ... more experiences. Minimalism is the new shade of green.

When he was 18 years old, Seth Reidy built his first house with his father, an architect. — Photo courtesy Seth Reidy