Watch out for mini-houses for less than $6,000 as Walmart sells one with free delivery – They may delight many Americans for their convenience and simplicity as a shed

As housing costs rise and Americans seek affordable and sustainable options, tiny houses are gaining popularity. Retailers like Walmart are also getting in on the action, selling small, customizable shed kits that can be repurposed as a living space for a fraction of the cost of a traditional home.

Why tiny houses are getting popular

The global tiny house market is projected to grow by $4.82 billion between 2024 and 2028, with 54% of the growth being contributed by North America, as per a Technavio report. Several factors are propelling this trend:

• Affordability concerns in the traditional housing market.
  
• Environmental awareness and the desire for lower carbon footprints.
  
• Minimalist lifestyles that favor convenience and simplicity.
  
• Flexibility and mobility, especially appealing to remote workers and retirees.
  

Walmart enters the tiny house market

Retailers like Walmart are jumping on the tiny house bandwagon, offering kits that provide affordable substitutes for conventional houses. One of the most widely debated choices is the Best Barn Mill Creek Shed Kit, which can be ordered on Walmart.com for a whopping $5,620, with shipping free to your driveway.

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Highlights of the best barn Mill Creek Shed Kit

This barn kit is being marketed as a storage unit, but it is easy to convert into a cozy living space. Some of its key features are

• Price: $5,620 with free shipping.
  
• Space: 144 square feet of floor area.
  
• Structure:
  
  • 7-foot side wall height.
    
  • Loft/attic area for additional storage or sleeping space.
    
  • Traditional barn door with a 6-foot-wide by 6-foot-4-inch-high entry.
    
  • Gabled overhang for protection from the weather.
    
• Materials:
  
  • Pre-primed 3.8-inch LP SmartSide panel siding.
    
  • Includes hurricane braces, glue, and full assembly instructions.
    
  • Shingles and roof trim must be purchased separately.
    
• Warranty: 50-year limited warranty on siding.
  

This model strikes a balance between utility and affordability, making it a practical option for people seeking extra living space or a backyard retreat.

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What you should know about tiny homes

Before jumping into the tiny house lifestyle, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for:

• Definition: According to the 2021 International Residential Code, a tiny home is defined as a dwelling unit under 400 square feet (excluding lofts).
  
• Average Size: Per Porch.com and the U.S. Census Bureau, the average tiny home is just 225 square feet, while the average traditional home is 2,383 square feet.
  
• 10x Smaller: That makes the typical tiny house about 10 times smaller than a standard American home.
  

Who should consider a tiny house?

Tiny homes are ideal for:

• First-time homeowners or DIY enthusiasts.
  
• People are looking to downsize and live more simply.
  
• Those wanting a guest house, home office, or studio in their backyard.
  
• Anyone concerned about their environmental impact or who values minimalism. Walmart’s shed kit might not be a full-blown house yet, but with a little creativity, it could be the tiny dream home you’ve been looking for without breaking the bank.

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