Living Little

The Gift

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They say that all challenges provide us with an opportunity to learn and grow. If this is true, there must be an awful lot of learning and growing going on in the world right now. This pandemic, if nothing else, has certainly has got us thinking. You can't throw a rock without hitting a wide range of opinions and emotions these days. What has this crisis brought up for you?

In my household the conversation inevitably circles back to sustainability.

Should we be relying on chain grocery stores for our food when toilet paper can become as rare as gold overnight?

Is it sustainable to be purchasing food from far flung foreign lands when boarders can be closed at any time?

Is it ok to be spending thousands of dollars annually on electric and gas bills to run a home when income could be cut off or reduced in an instance?

Upon examination of the source of my hyper focus on sustainability, I realized that it is born of the vulnerability that the pandemic has dredged up in me. I don't want corporations or government to hold so much power over my life. Period.

Once identified, I noticed that I really liked how much lighter the thought of relying less on traditional systems made me feel.

Look at how much healthier the world is right now!

Imagine if I was able to generate much of my own energy?

What would it be like if the bank didn't own half of the equity in my home?

What if my hobbies consisted mainly of spending time in nature and that nature was at my doorstep?

How much more secure would I feel in this time of uncertainty if I grew my own food or sourced it locally?

To be fair, all of these thoughts have been bubbling, just below the surface for a long time. As I carried on, sleeping walking through life at times, nothing made me uncomfortable enough to truly consider immediate, drastic changes to my lifestyle. I've been planning for future change, but that no longer feels enough.

So, I've created a list of things that I have begun to change immediately.

1.Rely on locally sourced meat and produce as much as possible –I have signed up for a local delivery service.

2.Look to spend less on transportation – I've start saving for my electric car and my e-bike!

3.Reduce my monthly home energy consumption – This is something I've been planning for some time! I am building a small home development at McKinley Beach called LIV. We have solar panels and electric car chargers. The small footprint home size consumes less energy. My goal is to move into my home at LIV asap!

Has this pandemic stirred up a deep knowing for you? I truly believe that our earth and our society as a whole are going to emerge from this crisis stronger and healthier. My greatest wish is that sustainability and health are the gifts we receive after enduring this challenging time of uncertainty and change.


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New Kelowna subdivision responds to demand for smaller homes

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WATCH the interview ->

It's a new subdivision that, once complete, will offer 20 smaller-sized homes.

"The houses are between 1,100 and 1,250 square feet," said Tara Tschritter, founder and president of Little House Contracting Corporation.

Called the LIV community, the subdivision will be situated in the McKinley Beach area of Kelowna.

Tschritter said the two-to-three bedroom homes were inspired, size-wise, by the past.

"Back in the '40s, '50s there were a lot of small-home neighbourhoods like in the downtown core that we see, where homes were built anywhere form about 800 to 1000 square feet," she said. "That was actually very typical but now ever since the '70s, '80s '90s, houses just seem to get bigger and bigger."

But she said these days, many people are actually wanting smaller homes.

"It's really been increasing over the past, I'd say 10 years," Tschritter said. "With everything now in the media around climate change and the climate crisis, people are looking at different ways to live and this is a simple way to reduce your impact on the environment."

Proponents and developers of smaller-sized home like Tschritter say there are a number of benefits to living in smaller spaces, including environmental and financial.

"Just having a smaller footprint in general means you're consuming less, you're taking up less land, you're requiring less utilities to operate your house, you are requiring less material to build your house and you don't have to fill it with us much," Tschritter said.

Maureen Grainger is purchasing one of the little houses.

"I'm an environmental professional, I have a master's in sustainability so the development…is in complete alignment with my values," she told Global News.

Grainger will lose about 1,000 square feet when she moves form her current home into the new one.

"The smaller the footprint, the more it resonates with me personally…I love the idea of a community and everybody in that community has the same commitment, solar panels and an EV (electrical vehicle) charger….it is just amazing."

The homes start at $488,000. While the price of these little houses may be lower than the average price of a Kelowna home, it's still on par with what it costs to build per square foot.

"There's been a lot of changes to our building code, which is really, really great for our environment," Tschritter said. "But with that comes an expense to building. Also, we live in a very sought-after community so land costs money, trades costs money, all the materials to build a home costs money."

Grainger's home will be ready in about a year's time. In addition to leaving a smaller footprint on the environment and paying less in utility bills, she's also looking forward to fewer house chores.

"I won't have to vacuum as much," she said.

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Lakeside homes small in size, big in features

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Could you live in a little house?

It's a well-designed, well-built, fully detached and stylish 1,100- to 1,250-square-foot two- or three-bedroom home in an upscale lakefront community.

It promises a less complicated, more sustainable lifestyle and the opportunity to connect more with friends, neighbours and the outdoors.

If all this sounds good, then the little houses to be built in the LIV neighbourhood at McKinley Landing could be for you.

This will be Kelowna's first so-called little house neighbourhood, a cluster of 20 Scandinavian-inspired compact homes close to the water, trails and nature.

While small, the design promises modern luxuries like open floor plans, high ceilings and plenty of storage.

The homes, built by Tara Tschritter of Kelowna-based Little House Contracting Co., start at $488,000 and are expected to sell quickly.

Pre-sale appointments begin Nov. 17. Check out LittleHouseCo/Developments.com.

Business excellence awards

Cannabis extraction and packaging company Valens GroWorks was the big winner at the recent Kelowna Business Excellence Awards.

Valens took home the trophy for large business of the year, and CEO Tyler Robson was named young entrepreneur of the year.

The winners in 10 other categories are:

— Business leader of the year: Jeff Stibbard of JDS Mining

— Mid-size business of the year: Hergott Law

— Small business of the year: Peacock Sheridan Group

— Micro business of the year: Serviss Wealth Management

— Technology innovator: Agents of Discovery

— Rising star: Cannary Packaging

— Arts and entertainment: Kelowna Museums Society

— Marketing campaign of the year: Predator Ridge Golf Resort

— Social leadership: Boyd Autobody & Glass

— Not-for-profit excellence: Central Okanagan Community Food Bank.

Mixoff winner

A concoction of Okanagan Spirits BRBN (bourbon-style corn whisky), chai tea simple syrup, lemon juice, Okanagan Spirits blackcurrant liqueur, and plum and sarsaparilla bitters has made Kyle Friesen a winner.

The bartender from Waterfront Cafe picked up both the Judges Choice and People's Choice awards at the recent Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery Mixoff.

Two hundred people and judges attended the event at the Laurel Packinghouse, and voted for their favourite cocktail and best bite.

Chef Rod Butters from Raudz Regional Table won the award for best food with his turkey bacon-wrapped root vegetable torte.

Okanagan Spirits, which has distilleries and stores in both Kelowna and Vernon, organizes the mixoff annually to showcase its products and encourage people to mix its liquors and liqueurs with Okanagan wine, cider and other ingredients to make innovative cocktails.

Steve MacNaull is a reporter at The Daily Courier. Reach him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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A ‘Little House Neighbourhood’ is being built in McKinley Beach next year

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 If you like the idea of living in a townhouse, but don't want to share a wall, a "Little House Neighbourhood" could be right up your alley.

In 2020, Little House Contracting Corp will be building 20 Scandinavian-inspired homes nestled into a beautiful area in the community of McKinley Beach.

The homes create less impact on the environment, fewer chores, smaller bills and more chances to connect with nature and friends.

"People love the idea of downsizing and simplifying their lives while reducing their impact on the environment," explains LHCC founder Tara Tschritter.

"The issue they face is that the only options currently on the market are condos and townhomes. Many people we speak to want their own space, their own walls, a detached home."

The neighbourhood in McKinley Beach will be called LIV and it'll offer two or three bedrooms homes that are between 1,100 and 1,250 square feet.

Tschritter likens these homes to 1940s-style homes built for the modern day.

Each unit also comes with a solar panel package, which can generate enough energy to charge an electric car.

The homes will start at $488,000 and pre-sales appointments begin on Nov. 17.

For more information, click this link.

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On Trend - Just Say No to New

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Ahhhh home renovations….the very thought conjures images of chaos, dust, decisions and delays. So why would anyone in their right mind ever embark on such a journey? Well, it turns out there are a number of very compelling reasons.

Many of us love the idea of reducing our impact on mother earth. Why buy new when we can refurbish and reuse? Trends towards online marketplaces and brick and mortar re-stores are on the rise, for good reason. Most of us agree that our homes and our communities have more than enough things. If we can reuse what is existing we respect our planet and our future.

This values driven reasoning for renovating is often complimented, or even replaced, by more practical reasons for choosing renovation over a new build. Reusing existing infrastructure is more convenient, accessible and often more affordable than building new. Some homeowners leverage existing home equity to obtain loans to complete their renovation project. Using our existing asset frequently costs less than starting from scratch. In addition, homeowners may be able to stay in their home while a renovation is being completed, eliminating the need to pay for temporary accommodation. In perpetuity, upgrading to energy efficient insulation or windows etc. can reduce monthly utility bills.

If you are considering a home renovation there are some important things to consider. What is your goal?Do you hope to generate revenue, increase the comfort, usability and style of your home, increase energy efficiency, or are you sprucing up to sell? The amount of time you plan on living in your home post renovation should be considered in relation to your goal.

Don't ever overlook good design. We have all driven by houses and thought, egad, that new façade is no better than putting lipstick on a pig. Ultimately, timeless and tasteful design ensures that the time, money and resources you put into renovating your home do not go to waste. Nobody wants a home that looks like a compilation of a million little patchwork jobs rather than a well thought out, intentional design.

Another thing to consider is possible hidden costs. Do you have the budget to deal with getting old electrical up to code or asbestos removed? Are there any possible structural issues? Ensure you have a good contractor assess these issues prior to beginning your job. This pre-emptive assessment is the best way to avoid getting in over your head.

When putting money into your home you are wise to consider if you will get a good return on your investment. The reality is that our homes are likely our biggest investment. When treated as such, our home improvement project choices become more practical and beneficial over the long term.

As a small space construction company we first became interested in renovations with the realization that the concepts of living in smaller spaces and renovating existing spaces both accomplish many of the same goals. We can consume less, reduce our monthly utility bills, generate income and feel better about our environmental legacy. "At its best, preservation engages the past, in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future." William Murtagh

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Organization for Small Space Living

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Some people's personalities really compliment their job. Sitting down to interview Lisa Knutson, I instantly felt a sense of ease. Her bright smile and smooth voice gave me the feeling that she's got this. Lisa is the co-owner of a Kelowna-based professional organization company, Dwell Organized. As such, I was very curious to hear her perspective on downsizing and the impact home organization plays in living comfortably in a smaller foot print.

Lisa tells me that Dwell Organized prides itself on creating personalized, practical and functional organizational systems that are easily maintained. One of their areas of expertise is helping clients with downsizing, something that they do frequently.

The two main cohorts that that look to her to help organize their stuff and move into smaller living quarters are those who are choosing to live with less and those going through life transitions.

The first group of downsizers have representation in all age demographics.They are choosing to live in smaller spaces and simplify out of a desire to live a less of complicated life; a life with less stuff and more experiences. Although the idea of living in small spaces is very trendy, it is also addresses the practical concern of housing affordability. This group also values reducing their carbon footprint and living in a way that impacts the environment less. The idea of avoiding massive debt and enjoying life is a common theme. This group has learned from previous generations and are choosing to own less, keeping only what is meaningful & useful to them.

The second group is downsizing because of need. These are empty nesters or retirees who no longer require so much space and seniors who require a more supportive living environment. Lisa really enjoys helping this group by methodically editing, categorizing and prioritizing based on functionality, need and sentimental value. Many have years of history and memories attached to their belongings which makes the assistance of a professional organizer so valuable.Lisa, and her business partner Kristi, offer a full service. They de-clutter, pack, coordinate moves and unpack.

Lisa is excited to address the biggest challenge of downsizing with her clients head on. She helps them balance the values of modern life (consumer focused cultural tendencies) while creating simplicity and a sense of calm in the home. Lisa mused, "Once you make the decision to let something go, it opens up space in your life for other possibilities. A clear, organized space translates to clarity in life." Her passion for the mental wellness benefits of a more minimalist lifestyle is clear. She has witnessed the benefits first hand. Many of her clients report that their closets and pantries stay organized long after she completes her job. "Like everything, it's a habit; once you have a space that looks so nice, you don't want it to change." A mark of a good organizer is a functioning system that works for the entire family; everything labelled, placed in its own special spot. I guess this is the origin of the saying, 'a place for everything and everything in its place'.

Finally, I asked Lisa, taking into consideration everything that she has come to know about people and their stuff, what are the most important things to consider when reducing the size of your home?

"First off, storage solutions become very important cannot be overlooked," states Lisa. Although people are reducing the amount of belongings they have, there will always be some items that you need to tuck away.

Secondly, Lisa recommends multiple purposes for single spaces. Combining a laundry, mud room, entry and storage area can really maximize the square footage.

Her next idea is to maximize underutilized areas of your home like high wall spaces. These spots work well for storing everything that is not a daily use item, such as seasonal goods and clothing, sports gear, family momentos and holiday décor.

Lisa recommends that you don't forget about the garage. Store items on shelving in clearly labeled bins, and use hanging wall systems for sports equipment to help keep the floor space clear.

Lastly, built-ins, built-ins, built-ins. Lisa raves about everything from custom closet organization systems, utilization of space between interior wall studs for items like spices and toiletries, to barn doors that cover book shelves when open.

Clearly, a well thought out system of organization and a methodology for determining what belongings will be kept, are essential components to living in a small space. Sometimes the desire to downsize can be simply overwhelming. Collaboration is key component in creating a holistic customer experience at Little House. The experts at Dwell Organized are an awesome asset for those of us who are passionate about little living. Check them out at www.dwellorganized.ca .

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Happy Homeowner - Townhome Renovation

Happy Homeowner - Townhome Renovation

​Opening up small spaces by removing dividing walls, decreasing clutter and lightening the color pallet can create the illusion of spaciousness. Check out one of our favorite customers enjoying her new space.


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Small Space Transformation

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Little House Contracting specializes in creating and transforming small spaces. Most recently we renovated a 1200 sq ft town home. I think you will agree that the space evolved from dated and chopped up to modern, open and airy.

Before photos show the wall space dividing the kitchen and living areas, dated colors and finishings as well as low ceilings:

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To pull off this transformation we removed the dated fixtures and vaulted the ceilings:

Sands Progress 01
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The final results:

Sands After 01
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Help Us Choose an Architectural Style

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At Little House Contracting we are busy planning for our very first development and we would love to hear from you! What style of home do you like the best? Mid-century Modern or Scandinavian? Go to our facebook page to weigh in: Housing Style Vote - FB

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Social Innovations in the Okanagan

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Recently, Little House was honored to have the opportunity to speak at an evening highlighting social innovations that impact housing in the Okanagan. Thank-you to the Kelowna Capital News for their coverage of this inspirational event: https://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/panelists-discuss-new-ways-to-address-housing-in-the-okanagan/

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Little House Options

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What a supportive community we live in! Fellow entrepreneur, Alan Monk, has started a new Moving Guide dedicated to reducing the cost and stress of moving by providing accurate information and direct communication between moving households and the relevant suppliers of goods and services. In his spring/summer issue of the magazine Alan did an editorial on Little House. A friend dropped off a copy to us today - check it out!

 

 

 

 

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Golf Tournament Planned in Aid of Two Local Charities

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http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/life/article_857540fa-9dbb-11e7-b58a-b79ae7fa6b72.html

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Showing The Community Some LOVE

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As a business owner I am invested in our community. A community that is thriving is good for business after all. As a mother, I am committed to modelling values of love and kindness to my children. Earlier this year, my son Dayton and I decided to do a fundraiser golf tournament because honestly, in a world still plagued by sexism and racism we wanted to do something positive. 

Months ago we came up with the idea of helping support two humanitarian charities that have had tremendous impact, both locally and globally – while offering a fun, team-oriented, family-friendly golf event for everyone in the Okanagan to enjoy.

The event benefits two local charities: HOPE Outreach and Safe House (HOPE) and the Central Okanagan Refugee Committee (CORC).

These organizations are grass roots and the money goes directly to the people – both are almost totally volunteer run.

HOPE provides a nightly downtown outreach for women on Kelowna’s downtown streets, offering information about community resources, basic hygiene and health supplies, harm reduction kits to combat the overdose crisis, emotional support, and community connections. HOPE provides a safe house for women wanting to exit the trauma and exploitation of the street lifestyle.  The House of HOPE provides a supportive atmosphere for recovery, counselling, and the pursuit of educational and career goals to empower women to change the direction of their lives.

One of the women told me that the house “changed my life - I have my children back, have my own business, and now am a volunteer with HOPE.”

Central Okanagan Refugee Committee (CORC), is a consortium working together to sponsor refugees in partnership with Canadian Immigration. My friend Mohammad told me the story about his family fleeing Syria while tanks rolled through their neighbourhood killing people.  He is so happy to be in Canada. He said that being in Canada makes his family “feel that we are human.” It is so incredible to me that there was a time they felt less than human.

Alongside Little House Contracting, numerous community business sponsors have stepped up to ensure the event is enjoyable for all and features lots of fun games and prizes.  TD Wealth Management, Outland Landscape Design, House of Floors, Touchstone Law Group, Jensen Contracting, Odlum Brown Limited, and ESD Simulation Training are all proud to be supporters of these initiatives that help change the lives of so many – both those impacted by the charities and the children and teens looking for ways to make a difference towards positive change.

The Golf Tournament will be held at Gallagher’s Canyon on Saturday, September 23rd.  Teams start at 3:00 p.m. shotgun at the Pinnacle Course, and the tournament includes lots of fun games and prizes, plus a dinner to follow. Speakers from HOPE Outreach and the Central Okanagan Refugee Committee will share with us during dinner - it will be a great opportunity to learn about people that we might not otherwise get the chance to meet. 

PLEASE CONSIDER REGISTERING! The more people that come out, the more money we can raise:  https://gallagherscanyon.golfems2.com/event/little-house-contracting-community-golf-tournament

This blog post was written by Tara Tschritter in collaboration with Joanna Cockerline, B.A., M.A. Writer, Editor, and Publicist 

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Innovative Solutions Required to Address Soaring Cost of Living

Innovative Solutions Required to Address Soaring Cost of Living

Good grief, if you are anything like me, Kelowna’s current real estate market may be causing you feelings of nervousness, uncertainty or simply disbelief.

 I find myself thinking thoughts like, really, $600,000 for a tear down? How are these prices possible? This market cannot be sustainable! My kids are never going to be able to own a home in Kelowna.

I’m willing to bet that many of you who have been looking to purchase real estate in Kelowna in past year have had similar thoughts. Whether you are looking for a primary home to call your own, or you are an investor looking to obtain a revenue or development property; the numbers just don’t seem to add up.

According to the Okanagan Mainline Real-estate Board’s statistics, the average price of real estate in Kelowna has increased 10 per cent since March 2016.

High demand and low interest rates are driving prices up in our beautiful city. How much longer can this go on? When a half million dollar price tag on a town home doesn’t even seem shocking any more I have to wonder, where it will end?

Since CMHC is insuring mortgages and offsetting bank risk, will our banks just keep lending more and more money to the average Canadian? When interest rates rise, and people default on their mortgages, the banks won’t be out of pocket, the consumer will be.

Is our economy on the verge of a downturn or is it as strong as it seems? We know BC exports such a lumber and coal (yes, I said coal – that is a whole other blog) are thriving and are the backbone of our stable economy here in BC. Perhaps, with this natural resource economic base, our growing post secondary institution infrastructure, a strong tourism and tech sector as well as a steady stream of people moving to the Okanagan from all over our country, we could be in for high land and home prices for the foreseeable future.

With all of these thoughts swirling in my mind I decided to ask some local experts. I spoke with my friend, Ted Rhind, a mortgage broker with Invis. I asked him what trends he was seeing in the lending industry.  He stated that he has noticed more people co-owing homes together, whether it be with siblings, friends or parents. Also, he noted, more and more clients are looking for homes with suites. Interesting stuff; people are getting creative, looking for new ways to generate more income through renters or co-ownership in order to qualify or a mortgage.

I then asked the knowledgeable Terri Ann Novello, from Century 21, about her thoughts on the future of the local real estate industry. She predicted that Kelowna's real estate market will remain strong over the next 5 years. She has clients from the East to the West Coast of Canada. She told me she believes that as a strong community, we have to keep in mind not everyone can afford the average priced single family home. As a result she has noticed that our City Council and local builders have started to become creative so that buyers will be able to purchase a home in our community. She sees this innovation as essential in keeping Kelowna one of the best and most diverse places to live.

Again, our expert has provided us with some interesting insight. Novello speaks to the need for new and innovative solutions to keep housing options diverse and more affordable. Our current City Council does seem open to new urban planning concepts. Most recently, they created a four dwelling housing zone called RU7.

Perhaps it is time for even more forward thinking zoning options.  A micro home zone that allows for smaller lot sizes to maximize land use for small, efficient, single family dwellings comes to mind. One of the biggest challenges faced by those wishing to follow the “little living” movement is with City zoning bylaws. Could our City become a model for innovative bylaws that allow people to live more affordably and with less environmental impact? I think I’ll ask them.

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Kelowna's First Micro House Going on Display - Global News - Nov 2 2016

Kelowna's First Micro House Going on Display - Global News - Nov 2 2016

Thank-you to Global News for your coverage of our first Little House build! Come downtown to 755 Stockwell Ave Saturday Nov 5 from 10 am - 2 pm to tour this beautiful micro home!

http://globalnews.ca/news/3042297/kelownas-first-micro-house-going-on-display/

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Micro Style Housing Continues to Trend in Kelowna - Kelowna Now - Nov 2 2016

Micro Style Housing Continues to Trend in Kelowna - Kelowna Now - Nov 2 2016

A big thank-you to our friends at Kelowna Now for highlighting the our first Little House - Open House this coming weekend, Saturday Nov 5 from 10 am - 2 pm.

https://www.kelownanow.com/watercooler/news/news/Kelowna/16/11/02/Micro_style_housing_continues_to_trend_in_Kelowna/

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Home Billed as Kelowna's First Micro House - Daily Courier Nov 3 2016

Home Billed as Kelowna's First Micro House - Daily Courier Nov 3 2016

Thanks so much to Steve MacNaull and his daughter Grace for the great story about Little House in the Daily Courier!

http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/business_news/article_a7a4a376-a183-11e6-b241-8f763688e3bf.html?mode=story

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Tiny Living Taking Off In Kelowna

Watch our very own Allison Ramchuk on CHBC - Global Okanagan sharing information about Little House Contracting and our Kelowna microhomes:

 http://globalnews.ca/…/2…/tiny-living-taking-off-in-kelowna/

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Kelowna Micro Homes have a Starting Price of $99K

Kelowna Micro Homes have a Starting Price of $99K

Building a micro home in the Okanagan just got a little easier with the official launch of The Little House Contracting Corp.

On Friday evening the Laurel Packinghouse was full of people curious to know all about micro homes. 

Tara Tschritter, president and Founder of the company, Allison Ramchuk, director of development, and Fabio Gaudio, project manager, greeted guests to an evening full of wine, cheese, and 3D renderings of the potential little homes.

The company offers five different types of homes, ranging from 320 square feet to 625 square feet.

One of the smallest homes is The Little Pad. The 320 square foot home features a full bath, laundry, vaulted ceilings, a private patio, a gas fireplace, space for sitting, an office nook, and large windows. The pad's starting price is $99,000.

One of the larger properties is The Little Loft. This 625 square foot property features a master bedroom, an open loft, an office nook, vaulted ceilings, large windows, a private courtyard, a walk through closet, and a full bathroom. This loft has a starting price of $140,000.

Micro homes have become a popular way of living, and Little House Contracting thinks it will just continue.

"Have more time and money for hobbies, travel, community service, sporting and leisure activities. With the time and money you save in accommodation costs or the revenue your micro home generates, retirement could be sooner than you think!"

The homes could even be placed in backyards as a second dwelling for grandparents, students, or people who want to live alone, but need a little bit of care.

"Our micro homes are typically between 300 and 650 square feet, mindfully created to get maximum use out of the space with minimum impact on the environment. Our homes are luxurious, designed specifically to enhance and compliment your neighborhood and property. Our company provides full building contract and design services, and, based on established relationships, will act as a liaison with city planners and financial institutions. For homeowners, your micro home could be rented out creating a high return on investment and increasing the value of your property.

"Little House Contracting has partnered with Lee Mullins, as the Little House Designer. Sticks + Stones Design Group has also jumped on board as the Little House Interior Design & Custom Furniture Packages.

Custom Exterior Finishing will be done by Jensen Contract, and Outland Design Landscape Architecture will be in charge of creating beautiful greenery outside.

Little House Contracting has even thought about financing for people interested in the homes. Ted Rhind, mortgage broker with Invis, Candice Thompson, and Christine Dawson with TD Bank are all ready to meet with buyers to talk about financing.

With more than 250 people stopping by for the launch event, the company will be having two open houses for others to check out the designs and to talk to Tschritter and Ramcuck.

Source: Kelownanow.com

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Former shelter director to build micro homes

Former shelter director to build micro homes
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Tiny homes, big dreams

Tiny homes, big dreams

Micro living doesn't have to be cramped, says the founder of a Kelowna company that's bringing the tiny home craze to the Central Okanagan. 

Tara Tschritter founded Little House Contracting to help Okanagan residents who want to live small, but in luxurious housing.

The company's designs are just 320-625 square feet in size, compared to the more typical 2,000-plus, meaning a smaller footprint and lower operating costs. 

"Our homes can be enjoyed as a primary home, used as home office, a place for a family members to live, a guest house, or even a vacation rental. Big picture, Little House Contacting is not just about the home you live in, it is about choosing an intentional lifestyle that improves individual, community and planetary well being," says Tschritter. 

The company stems from the belief that home ownership should be attainable for all and people should have the opportunity to enjoy the life they work hard for. 

Tschritter and business partner Allison Ramchuk say the firm is here to support people in "taking the next steps in reaping the benefits of living little." 

Micro homes are skyrocketing in popularity in North America, thanks to exposure on television shows touting the lifestyle. 

A belief that everyone deserves to have a home to call their own also led to the decision to donate every 26th home built to a deserving member of the community, in the what the company is calling "the big little give."

Little House is planning two open houses for those curious about downsizing in a big way. 

The first will be held in Kelowna on April 2, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Unitarian Hall. The second open house will be held in West Kelowna at The Hatch Winery on April 5, from 4 p.m. to 7p.m.

Source:  http://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/160595/Tiny-homes-big-dreams

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Kelowna Micro Home Business Plans Two Open Houses

Kelowna Micro Home Business Plans Two Open Houses
A new micro home business is launching in Kelowna, and after the complete success of selling tickets for the launch, they've decided to hold two open houses. Little House Contracting is a micro home building company founded by Tara Tschritter. Tschritter is working with Allison Ramchuck, who is the director of business development.

The two women announced at the beginning of February that they would be launching the business in March. The launch event will be held on March 11th at Laurel Packing House and is for ticket holders only.

Tickets for the event were sold out ten minutes after KelownaNow.com published the article about the evening. On Facebook Little House Contracting announced that they released another 50 tickets, which also almost sold out immediately.

Tschritter said the success of the launch tickets have made them decide to hold two open houses about the new business as well.

The first open house will be held in Kelowna on April 2nd from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., at the Unitarian Hall.

The second open house will be held in West Kelowna at The Hatch Winery on April 5th. The open house will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

People can stop by for a cup of coffee and check out the business plans and talk to Tschritter and Ramchuck. Little House Contracting's website will be launched on March 11th, during the launch event.
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