World Business

Living small may become an industry in the US

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-10-15 16:10

Jay Shafer, owner of Tumbleweed Tiny Houses, exits a tiny house he built for himself in Graton, Calififornia on Oct 14, 2010. [Photo / AP]

In a country where most people want to live large, Jay Shafer, owner of the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, helps people live small.

Jay Shafer designed and built the tiny house that would later become known as Tumbleweed 12 years ago. He's been, designing, building and inhabiting little houses ever since. He built a dozen with his own hands and created designs for hundreds of other people.

The house, which includes a range of amenities in spaces smaller than some people's closets, is sold for $40,000 to $50,000 ready-made, but it will cost half as much if you build it yourself.

Interest in tiny homes has grown among young people since the housing crisis and recession began.