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Expandability
Heating/Cooling
Locations
Ease of Construction
Markets
Safety Features
​Bellyband
The 2X12 bellyband is more than just an aesthetic. It allows for easy add-on spaces on all four walls
String Rafters
At 9' on center you can use stringers to create a shed, roof, or room easily
Double-Stud Scheme
This design overcomes the heat transfer through the studs resulting in a near-passive certification. Double-studding also creates a nearly sound-proof cottage
Heat-Pump
To effectively reduce the need for heating and air conditioning the cottage makes use of a heat pump
Flexibility in site locations
With a small 15' by 20' footprint the cottage can fit on nearly any property such as a backyard, farmlands, caretaker unit on commercial property, or rural vacation sites. Governments own many small parcels which could easily accept a cottage: Dead-end streets, abandoned right-of-ways, and more.
Every element of the JRC has been designed with the novice builder in mind. Electrical conduits mounted on the walls and plumbing accessible from outside of the walls help take the frustration out of construction.
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Land Owners
Rental income
The JRC would make an excellent rental home if built onto a current home-owners property. The state of Washington has mandated local jurisdictions to allow people to turn their single-family homes into duplexes or build Detatched Ancillary Dwelling Units (DADU's) on their property. With the ability to hook-up to existing utilities there are significant savings in the cost of construction. This rental could then be used for on-site caregivers, adult children, or simply as additional income and increased property value (The cottage and the underlying land may also be sold separately from the primary residence).
Housing Replacement
On properties where the current residence is deteriorating the JRC could be built adjacent to the previous home and the home owner could move in upon completion of the JRC
Employee Housing
The Cottage is also excellent for on-site employee housing. Taking up only two parking spaces worth of land means that nearly any business has room for a cottage on their site. This would be a win-win situation. The employee now has a place to live and a shorter commute. The employer has a potential care-taker of the property and a satisfied employee who doesn't struggle with housing costs.
Farmers
The JRC would likely exceed the current housing standards and farm workers could work under the supervision of a JRC crew that would ensure a safe and affordable dwelling, reducing the incidence of workers sleeping in tents and cars. Land is often available for multiple cottages where crop circles meet the highway.
Churches
Many churches express a desire to help provide low-income housing and have empty property. With a footprint of 15x20 the JRC could fit in a couple of parking spaces or the back of a property.
Government-owned land
Government at the federal, state, and local levels own a significant amount of property; sometimes in large swaths or small parcels. Cities, for example, typically own up to 25% of the land in their limits. Under-utilized parcels, abandoned railroads, power line right-of-ways, dead-end streets, and extra-wide residential intersections could all be potential construction sites for JRC's where traditional homes simply wouldn't fit.
Resorts / Retreats
New resorts and retreats could be created using the old-school 'motor courts' design with a circle of cottages and a place for people to park their cars (because the JRC has a double staggered stud configuration, the cottages are nearly sound-proof).
Second home / Vacation Homes
For someone looking to build a second home and/or vacation home, the JRC could fit the bill with it's attractive design and sliding scale able to adjust to a wide variety of budgets. No matter what materials are chosen, the JRC will meet needs and budget of anyone looking to increase their long-term enjoyment of their property.
Why no eaves?
Since the walls are waterproof eaves are not necessary to prevent watershed.
Eaves are a leftover from Tudor days in very old England.
Eaves are susceptible to damage from high-winds which can lift and tear the roof off of almost any building. See YouTube for tornado damage to see this effect in action.
The JustRightCottage will survive any storm thrown at it.
In spite of its affordable price, the cottage looks good, in fact it
looks great. It does not look like a grown-up tool shed, but an
inviting and lovely place to live. There is no reason why affordability
must look an unimaginative box. The cottage looks charming and
timeless.
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