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Chattel Houses - The History Behind Authentic Chattel House Fretwork
Chattel Houses

The History Behind Authentic Chattel House Fretwork

Have you every wondered about the origins of chattel house fretwork? What was the purpose of adding this decorative wooden trim to houses? In modern architectural designs that use elements of historic Caribbean architecture, fretwork is a charming decorative feature. However, in the days when chattel houses were the main housing solution for determined homeowners, […]

Chattel Houses - How to Find a Good Contractor
Building

How to Find a Good Contractor to Build Your Home

There are too are many property owners who have lost money to unscrupulous contractors. We all know at least one person who has told us their construction horror stories and their struggles to find a good contractor. Sometimes it feels as though you are doomed even when you take the right steps. You get the […]

Chattel Houses - The Basics of Home Maintenance - Foodica
Living

The Basics of Home Maintenance

Did you know that undertaking a few home maintenance processes and projects could save you thousands of dollars? The act of preserving your tiny home, comes from a place of protecting an investment and keeping your home safe, so that you have somewhere safe to live. The key to ensuring that your home is safe […]

Chattel Houses - Are Chattel Houses Hurricane Proof - Foodica
Building

Are Chattel Houses Hurricane Proof?

One of the questions that has been asked by several visitors to the Chattel Houses Instagram page is if chattel houses are hurricane proof. Depending on who you ask, you might receive either an affirmative answer or a negative answer. Truth be told, this question requires an assessment of several variables. These variables include building […]

Chattel Houses - The Traditional Barbadian Chattel House - Foodica
Chattel Houses

The Traditional Barbadian Chattel House

When I think back to my childhood in the eighties, the Barbadian chattel house is one of my brightest memories. These tiny, wooden structures were distinctive landmarks dotted around a country that had left most of its slavery past behind. If I had known then that the chattel house was a strong symbol of freedom, […]

Chattel Houses - How to Maximize Space in a Small House - Foodica
Living

How to Maximize Space in a Small House

It’s no secret that unless you’re really creative it can be difficult to maximize space in a small house. If you’re lucky enough to have had the opportunity to design your own home, then you might have incorporated some innovative and savvy storage solutions in your space. However, if you bought your home, it might […]

Chattel Houses - Permission to Build a Chattel House in Barbados - Foodica
Building

Permission to Build a Chattel House in Barbados

In Barbados, the Town and Country Development Planning Office regulates all planning applications for land development. If you want to build a chattel house in Barbados, you have to apply for permission from the department. Failure to submit applications for development may result in the property being demolished. Town and Country Planning Act The Town […]

Chattel Houses - Chattel Houses and the Small Home Movement - Foodica
Social

Chattel Houses and the Small Home Movement

The small home movement, also known as the small house movement, is a transition to homes that are smaller than one thousand (1,000) square feet. Homes in North America are large, with a median square footage of two thousand six hundred (2,600) square feet. However, many people are turning to the small house movement and the […]