May 23, 2022
As we get older and become empty nesters, one question naturally arises: “Should we downsize to a smaller house?” It’s clear we don’t need all that space—or the continued expense and time it takes to maintain a large family home. But…we still love the idea of living in our own home. Where can we go? Better call Sheri. In today’s episode, we call on Sheri Koones, an award-winning author and recognized national authority on home construction, who explains the mass shift from expensive suburban and urban living to smaller, more affordable homes. Sheri, the author of 10 books over 20 years, has written on a wide array of housing topics, from the growing movement in “tiny houses,” to the latest trends in prefabricated, energy-efficient and sustainable homes. In her latest, recently published book, “Bigger than Tiny, Smaller than Average,” Sheri offers examples of small-house options around the country. In today’s conversation, she’ll talk about what kinds of consumers are driving the small-housing movement, in some cases driven by a desire for a different lifestyle, in other cases compelled by a need to create a smaller environmental footprint. As we move forward through the pandemic-turned-endemic, Sheri will also describe the shift toward homeowners interested in more practical spaces, including accessory dwelling units known as ADUs, and innovative designs that can make smaller houses feel larger than they are. Whether you’re thinking buying, building or renovating a smaller home, Sheri will inspire you with a dazzling range of ideas and options for your next living space.