Alley Flats are designed to be good for the environment as well. For example, when they are built, they will be done with a minimal amount of resources, both in construction and in long-term use. They are already small, but the builders will take extra precautions to make sure there isn’t much waste and that the materials used inside are energy efficient and good for the environment.
The efficient design of these buildings and their smaller size will help to design a low operational cost compared to a traditional home. In fact, it is estimated that it averages 60% less per square foot compared to a traditional home when it comes to energy consumption. Not only are these properties affordable to purchase or rent, they will be more affordable to live in as well.
What is the Long-Term Objective of the Alley Flat Initiative?
In the short-term, this initiative is encouraging homeowners to find more use for the lots they already own and to consider sustainable and environmentally friendly materials to get the work done. But the Alley Flat Initiative does have some long-term objectives ready to go and that is at the heart of this process.
The long-term objectives for this initiative is to help create a self-perpetuating and adaptive delivery system for affordable and sustainable housing in the Austin area. Austin, like many other areas in the country, is dealing with skyrocketing housing prices that are hard to keep up with and many people are feeling the pinch. With the help of ther homeowners utilizing their current properties and building these alley flats, it is possible to cut down on some of these problems early on.
The delivery system that is encouraged by this initiative would not only include some of the efficient designs in housing that we discussed earlier, but would also consider some innovative methods for homeownership and financing. While on the surface this may only seem to benefit the homeowners who will be able to profit off thse alley flats, when it is done right, it can actually provide benefits to all neighborhoods throughout Austin, making it a community effort.
Choosing the Alley Flat Initiatives
Homeowners who are looking into the Alley Flats Initiative will have many reasons to do this. They may want to make some extra income and will utilize this building as a rental. Others may need their own office space or are looking for a place to put an aging parent or another relative to make them as comfortable as possible. If you have room on your plot already and access from the alleyway that is already there in Austin, TX, this initiative can help you have the resources to get it done.