Living Little

They say that all challenges provide us with an opportunity to learn and grow. If this is true, there must be an awful lot of learning and growing going on in the world right now. This pandemic, if nothing else, has certainly has got us thinking. You can't throw a rock without hitting a wide range of opinions and emotions these days. What has this crisis brought up for you?

In my household the conversation inevitably circles back to sustainability.

Should we be relying on chain grocery stores for our food when toilet paper can become as rare as gold overnight?

Is it sustainable to be purchasing food from far flung foreign lands when boarders can be closed at any time?

Is it ok to be spending thousands of dollars annually on electric and gas bills to run a home when income could be cut off or reduced in an instance?

Upon examination of the source of my hyper focus on sustainability, I realized that it is born of the vulnerability that the pandemic has dredged up in me. I don't want corporations or government to hold so much power over my life. Period.

Once identified, I noticed that I really liked how much lighter the thought of relying less on traditional systems made me feel.

Look at how much healthier the world is right now!

Imagine if I was able to generate much of my own energy?

What would it be like if the bank didn't own half of the equity in my home?

What if my hobbies consisted mainly of spending time in nature and that nature was at my doorstep?

How much more secure would I feel in this time of uncertainty if I grew my own food or sourced it locally?

To be fair, all of these thoughts have been bubbling, just below the surface for a long time. As I carried on, sleeping walking through life at times, nothing made me uncomfortable enough to truly consider immediate, drastic changes to my lifestyle. I've been planning for future change, but that no longer feels enough.

So, I've created a list of things that I have begun to change immediately.

1.Rely on locally sourced meat and produce as much as possible –I have signed up for a local delivery service.

2.Look to spend less on transportation – I've start saving for my electric car and my e-bike!

3.Reduce my monthly home energy consumption – This is something I've been planning for some time! I am building a small home development at McKinley Beach called LIV. We have solar panels and electric car chargers. The small footprint home size consumes less energy. My goal is to move into my home at LIV asap!

Has this pandemic stirred up a deep knowing for you? I truly believe that our earth and our society as a whole are going to emerge from this crisis stronger and healthier. My greatest wish is that sustainability and health are the gifts we receive after enduring this challenging time of uncertainty and change.

WATCH the interview ->

It's a new subdivision that, once complete, will offer 20 smaller-sized homes.

"The houses are between 1,100 and 1,250 square feet," said Tara Tschritter, founder and president of Little House Contracting Corporation.

Called the LIV community, the subdivision will be situated in the McKinley Beach area of Kelowna.

Tschritter said the two-to-three bedroom homes were inspired, size-wise, by the past.

"Back in the '40s, '50s there were a lot of small-home neighbourhoods like in the downtown core that we see, where homes were built anywhere form about 800 to 1000 square feet," she said. "That was actually very typical but now ever since the '70s, '80s '90s, houses just seem to get bigger and bigger."

But she said these days, many people are actually wanting smaller homes.

"It's really been increasing over the past, I'd say 10 years," Tschritter said. "With everything now in the media around climate change and the climate crisis, people are looking at different ways to live and this is a simple way to reduce your impact on the environment."

Proponents and developers of smaller-sized home like Tschritter say there are a number of benefits to living in smaller spaces, including environmental and financial.

"Just having a smaller footprint in general means you're consuming less, you're taking up less land, you're requiring less utilities to operate your house, you are requiring less material to build your house and you don't have to fill it with us much," Tschritter said.

Maureen Grainger is purchasing one of the little houses.

"I'm an environmental professional, I have a master's in sustainability so the development…is in complete alignment with my values," she told Global News.

Grainger will lose about 1,000 square feet when she moves form her current home into the new one.

"The smaller the footprint, the more it resonates with me personally…I love the idea of a community and everybody in that community has the same commitment, solar panels and an EV (electrical vehicle) charger….it is just amazing."

The homes start at $488,000. While the price of these little houses may be lower than the average price of a Kelowna home, it's still on par with what it costs to build per square foot.

"There's been a lot of changes to our building code, which is really, really great for our environment," Tschritter said. "But with that comes an expense to building. Also, we live in a very sought-after community so land costs money, trades costs money, all the materials to build a home costs money."

Grainger's home will be ready in about a year's time. In addition to leaving a smaller footprint on the environment and paying less in utility bills, she's also looking forward to fewer house chores.

"I won't have to vacuum as much," she said.

​Could you live in a little house?

It's a well-designed, well-built, fully detached and stylish 1,100- to 1,250-square-foot two- or three-bedroom home in an upscale lakefront community.

It promises a less complicated, more sustainable lifestyle and the opportunity to connect more with friends, neighbours and the outdoors.

If all this sounds good, then the little houses to be built in the LIV neighbourhood at McKinley Landing could be for you.

This will be Kelowna's first so-called little house neighbourhood, a cluster of 20 Scandinavian-inspired compact homes close to the water, trails and nature.

While small, the design promises modern luxuries like open floor plans, high ceilings and plenty of storage.

The homes, built by Tara Tschritter of Kelowna-based Little House Contracting Co., start at $488,000 and are expected to sell quickly.

Pre-sale appointments begin Nov. 17. Check out LittleHouseCo/Developments.com.

Business excellence awards

Cannabis extraction and packaging company Valens GroWorks was the big winner at the recent Kelowna Business Excellence Awards.

Valens took home the trophy for large business of the year, and CEO Tyler Robson was named young entrepreneur of the year.

The winners in 10 other categories are:

— Business leader of the year: Jeff Stibbard of JDS Mining

— Mid-size business of the year: Hergott Law

— Small business of the year: Peacock Sheridan Group

— Micro business of the year: Serviss Wealth Management

— Technology innovator: Agents of Discovery

— Rising star: Cannary Packaging

— Arts and entertainment: Kelowna Museums Society

— Marketing campaign of the year: Predator Ridge Golf Resort

— Social leadership: Boyd Autobody & Glass

— Not-for-profit excellence: Central Okanagan Community Food Bank.

Mixoff winner

A concoction of Okanagan Spirits BRBN (bourbon-style corn whisky), chai tea simple syrup, lemon juice, Okanagan Spirits blackcurrant liqueur, and plum and sarsaparilla bitters has made Kyle Friesen a winner.

The bartender from Waterfront Cafe picked up both the Judges Choice and People's Choice awards at the recent Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery Mixoff.

Two hundred people and judges attended the event at the Laurel Packinghouse, and voted for their favourite cocktail and best bite.

Chef Rod Butters from Raudz Regional Table won the award for best food with his turkey bacon-wrapped root vegetable torte.

Okanagan Spirits, which has distilleries and stores in both Kelowna and Vernon, organizes the mixoff annually to showcase its products and encourage people to mix its liquors and liqueurs with Okanagan wine, cider and other ingredients to make innovative cocktails.

Steve MacNaull is a reporter at The Daily Courier. Reach him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 If you like the idea of living in a townhouse, but don't want to share a wall, a "Little House Neighbourhood" could be right up your alley.

In 2020, Little House Contracting Corp will be building 20 Scandinavian-inspired homes nestled into a beautiful area in the community of McKinley Beach.

The homes create less impact on the environment, fewer chores, smaller bills and more chances to connect with nature and friends.

"People love the idea of downsizing and simplifying their lives while reducing their impact on the environment," explains LHCC founder Tara Tschritter.

"The issue they face is that the only options currently on the market are condos and townhomes. Many people we speak to want their own space, their own walls, a detached home."

The neighbourhood in McKinley Beach will be called LIV and it'll offer two or three bedrooms homes that are between 1,100 and 1,250 square feet.

Tschritter likens these homes to 1940s-style homes built for the modern day.

Each unit also comes with a solar panel package, which can generate enough energy to charge an electric car.

The homes will start at $488,000 and pre-sales appointments begin on Nov. 17.

For more information, click this link.

Ahhhh home renovations….the very thought conjures images of chaos, dust, decisions and delays. So why would anyone in their right mind ever embark on such a journey? Well, it turns out there are a number of very compelling reasons.

Many of us love the idea of reducing our impact on mother earth. Why buy new when we can refurbish and reuse? Trends towards online marketplaces and brick and mortar re-stores are on the rise, for good reason. Most of us agree that our homes and our communities have more than enough things. If we can reuse what is existing we respect our planet and our future.

This values driven reasoning for renovating is often complimented, or even replaced, by more practical reasons for choosing renovation over a new build. Reusing existing infrastructure is more convenient, accessible and often more affordable than building new. Some homeowners leverage existing home equity to obtain loans to complete their renovation project. Using our existing asset frequently costs less than starting from scratch. In addition, homeowners may be able to stay in their home while a renovation is being completed, eliminating the need to pay for temporary accommodation. In perpetuity, upgrading to energy efficient insulation or windows etc. can reduce monthly utility bills.

If you are considering a home renovation there are some important things to consider. What is your goal?Do you hope to generate revenue, increase the comfort, usability and style of your home, increase energy efficiency, or are you sprucing up to sell? The amount of time you plan on living in your home post renovation should be considered in relation to your goal.

Don't ever overlook good design. We have all driven by houses and thought, egad, that new façade is no better than putting lipstick on a pig. Ultimately, timeless and tasteful design ensures that the time, money and resources you put into renovating your home do not go to waste. Nobody wants a home that looks like a compilation of a million little patchwork jobs rather than a well thought out, intentional design.

Another thing to consider is possible hidden costs. Do you have the budget to deal with getting old electrical up to code or asbestos removed? Are there any possible structural issues? Ensure you have a good contractor assess these issues prior to beginning your job. This pre-emptive assessment is the best way to avoid getting in over your head.

When putting money into your home you are wise to consider if you will get a good return on your investment. The reality is that our homes are likely our biggest investment. When treated as such, our home improvement project choices become more practical and beneficial over the long term.

As a small space construction company we first became interested in renovations with the realization that the concepts of living in smaller spaces and renovating existing spaces both accomplish many of the same goals. We can consume less, reduce our monthly utility bills, generate income and feel better about our environmental legacy. "At its best, preservation engages the past, in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future." William Murtagh

Some people's personalities really compliment their job. Sitting down to interview Lisa Knutson, I instantly felt a sense of ease. Her bright smile and smooth voice gave me the feeling that she's got this. Lisa is the co-owner of a Kelowna-based professional organization company, Dwell Organized. As such, I was very curious to hear her perspective on downsizing and the impact home organization plays in living comfortably in a smaller foot print.

Lisa tells me that Dwell Organized prides itself on creating personalized, practical and functional organizational systems that are easily maintained. One of their areas of expertise is helping clients with downsizing, something that they do frequently.

The two main cohorts that that look to her to help organize their stuff and move into smaller living quarters are those who are choosing to live with less and those going through life transitions.

The first group of downsizers have representation in all age demographics.They are choosing to live in smaller spaces and simplify out of a desire to live a less of complicated life; a life with less stuff and more experiences. Although the idea of living in small spaces is very trendy, it is also addresses the practical concern of housing affordability. This group also values reducing their carbon footprint and living in a way that impacts the environment less. The idea of avoiding massive debt and enjoying life is a common theme. This group has learned from previous generations and are choosing to own less, keeping only what is meaningful & useful to them.

The second group is downsizing because of need. These are empty nesters or retirees who no longer require so much space and seniors who require a more supportive living environment. Lisa really enjoys helping this group by methodically editing, categorizing and prioritizing based on functionality, need and sentimental value. Many have years of history and memories attached to their belongings which makes the assistance of a professional organizer so valuable.Lisa, and her business partner Kristi, offer a full service. They de-clutter, pack, coordinate moves and unpack.

Lisa is excited to address the biggest challenge of downsizing with her clients head on. She helps them balance the values of modern life (consumer focused cultural tendencies) while creating simplicity and a sense of calm in the home. Lisa mused, "Once you make the decision to let something go, it opens up space in your life for other possibilities. A clear, organized space translates to clarity in life." Her passion for the mental wellness benefits of a more minimalist lifestyle is clear. She has witnessed the benefits first hand. Many of her clients report that their closets and pantries stay organized long after she completes her job. "Like everything, it's a habit; once you have a space that looks so nice, you don't want it to change." A mark of a good organizer is a functioning system that works for the entire family; everything labelled, placed in its own special spot. I guess this is the origin of the saying, 'a place for everything and everything in its place'.

Finally, I asked Lisa, taking into consideration everything that she has come to know about people and their stuff, what are the most important things to consider when reducing the size of your home?

"First off, storage solutions become very important cannot be overlooked," states Lisa. Although people are reducing the amount of belongings they have, there will always be some items that you need to tuck away.

Secondly, Lisa recommends multiple purposes for single spaces. Combining a laundry, mud room, entry and storage area can really maximize the square footage.

Her next idea is to maximize underutilized areas of your home like high wall spaces. These spots work well for storing everything that is not a daily use item, such as seasonal goods and clothing, sports gear, family momentos and holiday décor.

Lisa recommends that you don't forget about the garage. Store items on shelving in clearly labeled bins, and use hanging wall systems for sports equipment to help keep the floor space clear.

Lastly, built-ins, built-ins, built-ins. Lisa raves about everything from custom closet organization systems, utilization of space between interior wall studs for items like spices and toiletries, to barn doors that cover book shelves when open.

Clearly, a well thought out system of organization and a methodology for determining what belongings will be kept, are essential components to living in a small space. Sometimes the desire to downsize can be simply overwhelming. Collaboration is key component in creating a holistic customer experience at Little House. The experts at Dwell Organized are an awesome asset for those of us who are passionate about little living. Check them out at www.dwellorganized.ca .

​Opening up small spaces by removing dividing walls, decreasing clutter and lightening the color pallet can create the illusion of spaciousness. Check out one of our favorite customers enjoying her new space.

Building a micro home in the Okanagan just got a little easier with the official launch of The Little House Contracting Corp.

On Friday evening the Laurel Packinghouse was full of people curious to know all about micro homes. 

Tara Tschritter, president and Founder of the company, Allison Ramchuk, director of development, and Fabio Gaudio, project manager, greeted guests to an evening full of wine, cheese, and 3D renderings of the potential little homes.

The company offers five different types of homes, ranging from 320 square feet to 625 square feet.

One of the smallest homes is The Little Pad. The 320 square foot home features a full bath, laundry, vaulted ceilings, a private patio, a gas fireplace, space for sitting, an office nook, and large windows. The pad's starting price is $99,000.

One of the larger properties is The Little Loft. This 625 square foot property features a master bedroom, an open loft, an office nook, vaulted ceilings, large windows, a private courtyard, a walk through closet, and a full bathroom. This loft has a starting price of $140,000.

Micro homes have become a popular way of living, and Little House Contracting thinks it will just continue.

"Have more time and money for hobbies, travel, community service, sporting and leisure activities. With the time and money you save in accommodation costs or the revenue your micro home generates, retirement could be sooner than you think!"

The homes could even be placed in backyards as a second dwelling for grandparents, students, or people who want to live alone, but need a little bit of care.

"Our micro homes are typically between 300 and 650 square feet, mindfully created to get maximum use out of the space with minimum impact on the environment. Our homes are luxurious, designed specifically to enhance and compliment your neighborhood and property. Our company provides full building contract and design services, and, based on established relationships, will act as a liaison with city planners and financial institutions. For homeowners, your micro home could be rented out creating a high return on investment and increasing the value of your property.

"Little House Contracting has partnered with Lee Mullins, as the Little House Designer. Sticks + Stones Design Group has also jumped on board as the Little House Interior Design & Custom Furniture Packages.

Custom Exterior Finishing will be done by Jensen Contract, and Outland Design Landscape Architecture will be in charge of creating beautiful greenery outside.

Little House Contracting has even thought about financing for people interested in the homes. Ted Rhind, mortgage broker with Invis, Candice Thompson, and Christine Dawson with TD Bank are all ready to meet with buyers to talk about financing.

With more than 250 people stopping by for the launch event, the company will be having two open houses for others to check out the designs and to talk to Tschritter and Ramcuck.

Source: Kelownanow.com

Source http://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Assets/Departments+(Administration)/Public+Affairs/Inside+OC/23Feb2016/Formed+shelter+director+to+build+micro+homes.pdf

Micro living doesn't have to be cramped, says the founder of a Kelowna company that's bringing the tiny home craze to the Central Okanagan. 

Tara Tschritter founded Little House Contracting to help Okanagan residents who want to live small, but in luxurious housing.

The company's designs are just 320-625 square feet in size, compared to the more typical 2,000-plus, meaning a smaller footprint and lower operating costs. 

"Our homes can be enjoyed as a primary home, used as home office, a place for a family members to live, a guest house, or even a vacation rental. Big picture, Little House Contacting is not just about the home you live in, it is about choosing an intentional lifestyle that improves individual, community and planetary well being," says Tschritter. 

The company stems from the belief that home ownership should be attainable for all and people should have the opportunity to enjoy the life they work hard for. 

Tschritter and business partner Allison Ramchuk say the firm is here to support people in "taking the next steps in reaping the benefits of living little." 

Micro homes are skyrocketing in popularity in North America, thanks to exposure on television shows touting the lifestyle. 

A belief that everyone deserves to have a home to call their own also led to the decision to donate every 26th home built to a deserving member of the community, in the what the company is calling "the big little give."

Little House is planning two open houses for those curious about downsizing in a big way. 

The first will be held in Kelowna on April 2, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Unitarian Hall. The second open house will be held in West Kelowna at The Hatch Winery on April 5, from 4 p.m. to 7p.m.

Source:  http://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/160595/Tiny-homes-big-dreams