Dive Brief:
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The New Hampshire Lottery is partnering with the New Hampshire Home Builders Association on Tiny House New Hampshire, a workforce development program that culminates in a competition.
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The initiative will allow roughly 100 students from technical construction programs at four high schools throughout the state to build tiny houses, which stem from the increasingly popular Tiny House Movement, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported. The Lottery will issue a scratch ticket in January, with the winner receiving $10,000 and the second-place participant getting a tiny house.
- A tiny house can cost from $15,000 to $80,000, depending on materials, utilities and location. Those who live in tiny houses cite their affordability and minimalist nature.
Dive Insight:
The Tiny House Movement has gained interest nationally, particularly as a TV shows like "Tiny House Nation" and "Tiny House Hunters" have drawn viewers. However, tiny home construction companies feel less pressure from the commercialization of tiny homes. Rather, pre-existing zoning conditions present one of the biggest challenges to the movement's longevity, according to Brian Persse, a builder based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Still, Persse believes that tiny houses are here to stay. In particular, Persse and his company, Tiny Living Inc., have sold structures across North America, primarily to college students, young couples and retirees. Additionally, a number of cities have already decided to give the tiny house movement a better chance by making changes in zoning laws. Washington, DC, recently revised its accessory dwelling unit regulations so that some homeowners could build tiny houses in backyards. And, Pima County, AZ officials said that the city would allow tiny houses to be constructed wherever residents can build a single-family home.
The New Hampshire Lottery's construction plan not only feeds into the tiny house trend but also offers students a chance to gain real world construction experience — something that several industry leaders have expressed concern over amid a continual shortage of skilled construction labor.
