Böcker av Sheri Koones

Smaller, more environmentally-friendly houses seem to be the wave of the future. As people chose to move out of cities, finances and life style will limit the size of the houses these new home owners will choose. This book includes lots of examples of small house options around the country, including ADUs (accessory dwelling units). Whether you're building a small house, renovating an older home, or purchasing something new, this book will provide inspiration. It compiles lots of previously difficult-to-find information in one place. The sidebars describe home systems and new materials helpful to any homeowner concerned about the environment and hoping to save money on energy and maintenance.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller housing unit built on the same lot as a primary dwelling (also known as Additional or Auxiliary Dwelling Units) -- think granny flat, in-law unit, laneway house). It has an arrangement for sleeping, cooking, and lavatory. An ADU can be detached, attached, a garage conversion, or a basement conversion. The uses are myriad--for family members, guest spaces, rental income, or more.

Prefabricated housing is a practical solution since it is faster to build, less expensive than site-built houses, and potentially more energy efficient--all aspects that are attractive to homeowners. According to manufacturers, they are seeing the trend for house size coming down but with higher quality amenities. Sheri Koones has authored a series of five prefabulous books; this one is her sixth. She includes a variety of prefab homes from small to large, including modular, SIPS (structural insulated panels), panelized, and kit built. The houses are from a range of locations across the United States and Canada. Koones includes luxurious, expensive houses as well as some modest, lower-cost homes. She includes two houses that replaced homes that burned down in the California fires. There are several ADUs (accessory dwelling units). The prefab manufacturers have changed in many cases since she wrote her last Prefabulous book in 2016. Although this book includes some of the best older companies, it also includes houses built by new, up-and-coming manufacturers.

Scale back and simplify living. This book presents 25 houses owned by people who have made a conscious decision to downsize from a larger home to a smaller one.