Home Depot unveils a $44,000 tiny house called Gateway Pad as millions of homebuyers get priced out

Home Depot unveils a $44,000 tiny house called Gateway Pad as millions of homebuyers get priced out

Time Stamp: June 15, 2023 4:51 PM
Source Node: 2729289

Move over, Boxabl! Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, is entering the DIY tiny house movement as millions of Americans get priced out of traditional family homes, contributing to one of the most severe housing affordability crises in recent history.

As Americans struggle to pay their mortgages and make ends meet, Home Depot is now offering an incredible opportunity to own a prefab home called “Getaway Pad.” In just a few days after launch, the prefab home went viral online. The initial “framing kit” which starts at $43,832, includes the steel structure and assembly parts needed to get started.

The launch comes two years when Las Vegas-based tech startup Boxabl made headlines after it was revealed that Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk bought the company’s 375-square-foot prefab tiny home. Thanks to Elon Musk, today the Las Vegas-based startup Boxabl says it now has a waitlist of 47,000 customers, and over 2,000 of them have already put down a deposit.

However, the 540-square-foot kit prefab home from Home Depot offers everything one needs for comfortable living. It features a living room, kitchen, one full bathroom, a bedroom, and even a rooftop deck accessible via a spiral staircase. For those looking for an added touch of luxury, an optional upgrade includes a spiral staircase leading to a delightful roof deck, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.

Before embarking on this exciting project, it’s essential to consider local zoning regulations and seek the necessary permissions and assistance to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). These smaller homes have become increasingly popular due to their affordability, especially among millennial and Gen Z homebuyers who are seeking more accessible options in today’s competitive housing market.

If you’re on a tighter budget, don’t worry! Amazon got you covered. The retail giant also offers a wide range of homes that cater to different price points, ranging from as low as $1,000 to $100,000. This variety ensures that there’s a suitable option for everyone, regardless of their financial constraints.

The Getaway Pad is a framing kit provided by PLUS 1, and Home Depot offers a range of additional finishing materials required to complete the personalization of the space. These include doors, windows, electrical components, plumbing supplies, and various finishes, all conveniently available on Home Depot’s website or in their stores. It’s important to note that the final cost of the home may vary depending on the specific furnishings and finishes chosen.

Home Depot’s entry into the tiny home market reflects the growing demand for smaller dwellings. The National Association of Realtors and Realtor.com recently reported that 75% of homes are now considered too expensive for middle-class buyers. As mortgage rates soar and housing prices remain elevated due to limited inventory, millions of Americans find themselves priced out of the market. In response, building a tiny home on affordable land has become an increasingly popular trend, offering an alternative path to homeownership.

For middle-class buyers, the traditional notion of owning a home with a white picket fence has given way to the appeal of affordable mobile homes. The RV Industry Association recently published a report showing a surge in demand for mobile homes during the first quarter of 2023.

Until mortgage rates decrease, housing affordability is unlikely to improve significantly. This situation has led many middle-class buyers trapped in a cycle of renting to consider purchasing land in rural areas and constructing tiny homes as a means to escape the challenges posed by inflation and limited housing options.

You can learn more from the video below.

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Below are the product Details

Plus 1 Home Kits’ Getaway Pad 620 SQ.FT. 1BD 1.5BA. Ground level consists of 540 SQ.FT. with an 81 SQ.FT. half bathroom upstairs and a 453 SQ.FT. Rooftop Deck. (Square footage approximate, please see this listing’s “Measurement Guide” for the Preliminary Plans)Please Note: This listing only includes the Steel Stud Frame and NOADDITIONAL MATERIALS. The finished renderings are intended to give you an idea of what your Steel Stud Frame can look likeafter it has been constructed using both labor and materials.

  • INCLUDED IN YOUR PURCHASE:● Preliminary Plans● Assembly Hardware● Assembly Instructions● Panelized Steel Framing (lumber framing package alternative)● Stamped Structural Engineering Calculation Plans (to local building codes)
  • After completing your purchase, a representative from Plus 1 will contact you to discuss the product and answer any questions you may have. During your conversation with the representative, pleaserequest the Rough Dry In Take-Off List. It is important to note that this list utilizes a rough material breakdown of costs; therefore, customized materials such as cabinets, tile, countertops, etc. areNOT included in this list.
  • PANELIZED FRAME:● Alternative to a traditional lumber framing package for construction projects.● Panelized framing involves assembling a house’s framing components in the factory, suchas wall, floor, and roof trusses, and screwing them into panels.● Pre-punched access holes for easy installation of electrical wiring and plumbing fixtures,ensuring a hassle-free assembly of rough construction finishes.● Reduces on-site cutting and stud assembly, making it an efficient option for your construction project.
  • FOUNDATION:● PLUS 1 Home Kits are architecturally designed to be constructed on your own concrete slab foundation.● If you have an existing foundation, crawl space, or basement, we strongly recommend that you contact Plus 1 directly before purchasing a frame. This will allow our team to providethe necessary hardware based on your foundation type. *See Brochure for Plus 1 contact information.*
  • CITY APPROVAL:● Frame Kits are made to order and designed by an architect & approved by a professional engineer to meet the building codes & zoning requirements of your location.● Our steel frame kits are engineered to withstand harsh climates such as cyclones & hurricanes, making them a reliable choice.● The Preliminary Plans are not designed to be used for construction.● Plus 1 Home Kits can be utilized as a Single-Family Residence (SFR) or an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
  • ● Your city may require a stamped set of MEP plans for permit approval. MEP plans are NOT included in your purchase.● Please download the preliminary plans from this listing’s “Additional Resources” section and take them to your city for review. If any corrections are needed, please contact us so our team can make the necessary corrections according to your city’s requirements.● If you require assistance in architectural detailing or foundation engineering, please contact us to discuss these additional services.
  • PROJECT BUDGET:Visit our website or contact us to discover how our Pre-Construction Research Report (PCRR) can assist you in differentiating between soft and hard costs prior to purchasing a home kit from Plus 1.
  • ECO BENEFITS:Our Panelized Steel Stud Frames are designed to resist termites, mold, rodents, and bugs, while also being fire-resistant. With these features, you can rest assured that your home will be durable and reliable for years to come. Choose sustainability and peace of mind with Plus 1 Home Kits.
  • * Please note that MEPS plans and any permits required for your frame are not included in your purchase.

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