By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A Windsor-based tiny home company has some big ideas for Chatham-Kent.
That’s according to Dan Radmore, owner and CEO of Laneway Homes. The firm is looking to expand locally, and the municipality is providing up to $27,000 in rebates to homeowners willing to take the plunge.
“There’s a lot of interest and people are looking to learn about the idea of tiny homes,” Radmore told The Voice prior to a session at the W.I.S.H. Centre.
“They’re not just for laneways,” he added. “They’re for anywhere on a property.”
While mainstream in big urban centres such as Toronto and Vancouver, tiny homes have been slow to catch on in smaller communities. Due to lower real estate prices in smaller communities, building a tiny home wasn’t initially cost effective.
But the winds of change are blowing and the idea of building tiny homes is becoming increasingly popular.
Yet, like anything new, Radmore said it takes a while for a new idea to catch on.
Along with offering affordability, tiny homes can address a number of issues by providing an ADU – an additional dwelling unit. A small home can provide options for multi-generational living by offering close proximity housing to aging parents or adult children.
The homes can also serve as rental units, boosting a property’s value.
With their small carbon footprint, tiny homes are also good for the environment.
“They are a great alternative,” Radmore said. “Tiny homes offer a great opportunity to help solve some of these issues. We want to find solutions and if we can help with any of these issues, I would consider that a success.”
The company’s most popular model is the Iris. At 430 square feet, the dwelling comes with a cathedral ceiling and loft, as well as an open-concept living room and kitchen. Items such as the hot water heater are hidden away, allowing for more living space.
“We try to utilize the space as best as we can,” Radmore explained, adding a home can be built locally for $169,000 all in. He said the builds don’t usually change the use of most backyards, as owners treat them as a sort of park land.
Founded by Radmore seven years ago, Laneway Homes has been building primarily in Windsor-Essex, with its latest structure erected in Comber. He’s hoping one will take shape soon in Chatham-Kent as the municipality has already pre-approved two Laneway Homes’ models with a discount being offered by the company for the month of May.
The company also does additions and can retrofit existing spaces.
“Chatham-Kent is the place to be right now,” Radmore said.
