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, […]
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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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 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 […]