Charles Harrison Chandler, an engineering graduate and construction specialist, is an advocate for the tiny house movement, which emphasizes living in smaller, cost-effective homes ranging from 65 to 400 square feet. This lifestyle promotes mindfulness about possessions and personal priorities, offering benefits like reduced cleaning time, lower utility bills, and a smaller environmental footprint. The typical cost to build a tiny house is between $25,000 and $30,000, with opportunities to lower expenses through the use of recycled materials.

1. THE TINY HOUSE
MOVEMENT
Charles Harrison Chandler

2. Introduction
 A graduate in engineering at Illinois State University,
Charles Harrison Chandler serves as a construction
specialist at Kirk Engineering in St. Louis. Charles
Harrison Chandler has developed an abiding interest
in the so-called tiny house movement and has built
several “tiny houses” for friends.
The philosophy behind this concept is one of
downsizing by living in smaller, less expensive, and
less cluttered homes. People have different ideas as
to the best size for a tiny house, but they typically
range from 65 to 400 square feet. Some prefer the
term “small houses,” which can cover as much as
1,700 square feet.

3. Tiny House Movement
 Living in a tiny house can take on a deep meaning. The low square
footage requires residents to become very selective about the
possessions they include to meet their needs. This encourages
reflection on personal goals and priorities, and ridding oneself of
“baggage” that prevents fulfillment.
In practical terms, a tiny house has several benefits. It reduces time
spent on cleaning and upkeep, and the small space makes these
homes seem cozy. Tiny houses also make for lower utility bills and
have less environmental impact than traditional homes.
Assuming residents will contribute their own labor, prices to build a
tiny house range from $25,000 to $30,000 in materials. This covers
the costs of a trailer, new appliances, plans, and building materials.
One way to reduce expenses is to use recycled products wherever
possible. These can often be obtained at Habitat for Humanity
ReStore centers.