In 2022, the cheapest home in the GTA was purchased by an ambitious renovator, Laurel. Laurel already had experience refurbishing alternative housing, including a 1921 former school house, so the 250-square-foot caboose was supposed to be another exciting project to add to her accomplishments. However, she never expected the tiny home to pose such a challenge.
“It’s hard to find a place that allows alternative housing. The tiny home movement is poised to take off amid the current rental and housing crisis. But people who want to do it are prevented from doing it because of zoning regulations,” said Laurel. Currently, the caboose is sitting in a lot in Milton as she tries to find land for the property.
One thing she knows for sure is that she doesn’t want to sell it. “It’s a really cool structure that’s a piece of history,” added Laurel. Though she never planned to live in the caboose full-time, she does have dreams of using it as a recreational property.
Despite these hiccups, her project hasn’t completely derailed. She’s pulled down the fake mirror on the ceiling – revealing the lovely original wood ceiling. She also pulled up the floor, took out the limo seats and added her own personal charms to the home.
Take a look at the before and after photos below.
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For those wishing to follow in Laurel’s tracks – or in this case train tracks – she has some words of advice. “For tiny homes, secure your land before you buy it. And for people who can afford it, a tiny house built to code is the way to go. There are all kinds of cool options out there on the internet – treehouses and shipping containers – but they’re just not allowed in most places,” said Laurel.
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Tiny homes require work, but the payoff can be worthwhile. Unlike traditional homes that require endless upkeep, monthly mortgage and insurance payments, tiny homes remove those obligations and free up a lot of time and cash.
Especially for people who want to live a life outside of the typical suburban dream, the tiny home community offers an affordable alternative. “When your living area is more restrictive, it makes you more mindful,” shared Laurel.
Laurel also offered some wisdom that can apply to all future homeowners: “Do your research as much as you can. There’s always stuff that creeps up after you buy something, whether it be a tiny or traditional home.”
If you’re interested in starting your own dream home search, contact us today. Whether it be a caboose or a cabin, our experienced realtors are ready to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
