10-NV - North Shore News - Friday, February 18, 2000 Small he PROSPECTIVE new home builders contemplating the range of home plan choices should consider an increas- ingly popular option: the than by any set square footage goal. This optimizanon can be achieved in a number of ways: by minimizing circulation (such as halls and corn- dors) through careful planning, oy keeping room sizes to comfortable but modest dimensions; and by avoiding intrequently-used single purpose spaces (like formal dining rooms) in favedr er making cooms Al multiple functions. But even though small it can be made to tcel spacious and function well with open planning, efficient uses are in or but well-appointed kitchen and baths, plenty of storage. lots of nat- ural lignt, and good connection with porches and the outdoors. Information on the merits of building smatler homes and a grow- ing selection of small home plans can be found at Gower’s Web site: ewww bemoantainhomes.com>. There, designer Gower also offers examples of finished small homes and custom design services to those wish- ing Co create a custom home to their specifications. “small” or “compact” house. Five hundred to 1,000 square teet __. __ _ ee . _ _. smaller than the average 3-4 bed- room home, small houses are in growing demand for some powerful reasons. Demographic uends in society are moving toward downsizing as famili.. become smaller, aging boomers become “empty nesters” ard © single-person households become more commonplace. Among younger people there is less affluence than in previous gener- ations and more of a focus on lifestyle and recreation and less on the acquisition ef material goods. For many, the small home just makes sense. According to Nelson, B.C. architectural designer and com- pact home specialist John Gower, “The compact house is an idea whose time has arrived. It costs less to build and maintain. It makes sense ecologically — because it requires less materials to construct and less energy to heat and cool. It makes sense in an era of increasing land costs and decreasing lot sizes. And it makes sense given the way more and more people want to be freed from the tyranny of cleaning and main- taining a large home to pursue other interests.” An added advantage is that home- owners can invest the money saved on unnecessary extra space into a higher level of finishes and detail throughout, resulting in a home that is rich in craftsmanship, visually interesting and stands out from the crowd. Gower says the small house is defined more by the intent to make the best use of space in a home rather Living it up RESIDENTS of the upper floors of Lower Lonsdaie’s Observatory have a bird’s eye view of local mountains. VAL FEDORA! , President's Club B7 985-1321 REX HELPING FAMILIES B.A. Sc. Crest Realty MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE NEW LISTING ae) Foo OVER 1/4 ACRE LOT * Custom built one owner home which shows pride of ownership « Vaultad ceilings, hardwood under the carpet upstairs, gas fireplace, spacious kitchen with an eating area & adjacent family room * lower level has large rec room, bed- room, bath and a separate entrance * ample parking for cars & RV's THE TRADEWINDS ¢ Unique heritage style building with a central courtyard. * Suite nas 11ft ceilings, designer colours. gas fireplace and an open layout © 2 bedrooms & 2 full baths « Enjoy summer BBQ's and sunset colours on a fabulous, private west facing patio ih (i ‘al emma | = START HERZ! Spacious 2 bedroom upper level apartment in a great location, close to Capilano College, shopping and transportation and more! Quiet east facing unit with insuite laundry, updated bathroom and HUGE insuite storage. Pets allowed and outdoor pool included! Call Val for details: 988-8000 CAPILANO COLLEGE » Large garden level 1 bedroom suite * Sliders to a generous sized patio * Great location - close to Second Narrows Bridge, Cap College, transit & shopping ° $8,785 dwnpmt & 615 monthly pmt OAC LOWER LONSDALE ¢ Close to 700 sq.ft. - 1 bdrm & den » New paint, & baseboards, newer appliances ¢ Den perfect for a computer area « Stroll to the Quay & Seabus ° $8,500 dwnpmt & 690 monthly pmt OAC Considering a move this year? Gur busy Spring Season has begun! Call Val now for a free Market Consultation- Whether Buying or Selling!