In a world where minimalism, environmental consciousness, and financial savvy continue to gain traction, the allure of eco-friendly tiny homes has never been stronger.
About Real Estate Development with Justin Draplin
In a world where minimalism, environmental consciousness, and financial savvy continue to gain traction, the allure of eco-friendly tiny homes has never been stronger. But what if we told you that these sustainable living spaces reduce your carbon footprint and offer attractive long-term cost savings? Intrigued? We thought so!
In a recent episode of the Icons of Real Estate podcast, Tim Callaway interviewed Justin Draplin, the founder of Eclipse Cottages, to discuss the company’s innovative approach to sustainable living. Justin shared his journey of how he fell in love with tiny homes and how he integrated sustainable technology into his designs. Join us as we explore the benefits of tiny homes, how they can help you save money on your housing costs, and why it’s time to start thinking smaller.
About Justin Draplin
Introducing Justin Draplin, the dynamic Founder and CEO of (((ECLIPSE))) Cottages. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Justin has a knack for creating and nurturing successful companies. He’s no stranger to accolades, being the co-founder and CEO of the #229 fastest-growing private companies in the USA, as ranked by INC 500. His accomplishments caught the eye of Crain’s Communications, which honored him at their prestigious annual Salute to Entrepreneurs conference.
Justin’s expertise and insights have led him to appear on local and national television, including NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and Bloomberg TV. Furthermore, he’s been featured or quoted in renowned publications like the Wall Street Journal, Crains Detroit, and INC Magazine.
He was recently invited by Icons of Real Estate to be a guest speaker on their podcast. Justin’s unwavering passion is channeled into making ECLIPSE a global frontrunner in housing technology and development. Keep an eye on this visionary as he redefines the future of housing one innovative step at a time.
Justin Draplin’s Journey Into Building Sustainable Homes
When it comes to sustainability and innovation in the world of real estate, few names stand out as brightly as Justin Draplin, the visionary Founder and CEO of (((ECLIPSE))) Cottages.
Justin’s passion for sustainability and real estate began with a piece of land he purchased and fell in love with. Unsure of what to do with it, he explored the tiny homes trend and found it a perfect solution for his land. However, he was not satisfied with the traditional tiny home design and wanted to create something that was both sustainable and efficient. Thus, ECLIPSE Cottages was born.
ECLIPSE Cottages are not only environmentally friendly but also affordable and customizable. The company offers zero percent financing and various options for customization, allowing customers to design a home that fits their unique needs and preferences. The cottages are also off-grid capable, meaning they can be taken anywhere and function properly.
Draplin’s journey into building sustainable homes is a testament to the power of innovation and sustainability in the real estate industry. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in home construction, he is creating a new standard for environmentally friendly, energy-efficient homes that can be built anywhere.
The Concept of Tiny Homes
Over the past decade, the tiny home movement has garnered attention from homeowners and real estate enthusiasts alike. The concept revolves around the idea of living in a smaller, more efficient, and eco-friendly space. This lifestyle shift not only helps to reduce our environmental footprint but also offers significant long-term cost savings that are too good to ignore.
So, what exactly is a tiny home? Typically, these compact living spaces range from 100 to 400 square feet, a stark contrast to the average American home size of 2,600 square feet. Despite their diminutive size, tiny homes are designed to maximize functionality and provide all amenities for comfortable living. This often includes creative storage solutions, multi-purpose furniture, and energy-efficient appliances.
The eco-friendly aspect of tiny homes is impossible to overlook. By embracing a minimalist lifestyle, homeowners can reduce their consumption of resources, minimize waste, and generate a smaller carbon footprint. This can be achieved through sustainable building materials, solar power integration, and water conservation methods.
The Benefits of Living in a Sustainable Home
With the growing concern for the environment and the need to save on energy costs, sustainable homes are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners. By investing in a sustainable home, homeowners can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Here are some of the benefits of living in a sustainable home:
Lower Energy Costs
One of the most significant benefits of living in a sustainable home is lower energy costs. Sustainable homes are designed to be energy-efficient, with features such as integrated solar roofs, super energy-efficient building shells, and water filtration systems. According to Draplin, the integrated solar roof is one of the essential features of their homes. It is not just a solar panel on top of a roof but an all-in-one product that can eliminate your electric bill. With wise energy management, the solar roof can generate enough power to operate the home. It even eliminates the need for an electrical bill.
Environmental Sustainability
Sustainable homes are environmentally friendly and are designed to minimize the negative impact on the environment. According to Draplin, the ECLIPSE Cottages is designed to be a net-zero home, producing as much energy as it consumes. This is achieved through solar roofing, super-insulated walls, and high-efficiency windows. The homes also have water filtration systems that ensure that the water used in the home is clean and safe for consumption.
Low Maintenance
Sustainable homes are designed to be low maintenance, making them ideal for people who want to spend more time enjoying their lives and less time maintaining their homes. According to Draplin, sustainable homes are particularly attractive to empty nesters and single people who do not want to spend their time cleaning a house or taking care of a yard. With the use of sustainable technology, homes require less maintenance, which can save homeowners both time and money.
Affordability
Another benefit of living in a sustainable home is affordability. While the cost of building a sustainable home may be higher than that of a traditional home, the long-term savings on energy costs can make up for the initial investment. According to Draplin, ECLIPSE Cottages offers zero down financing and even zero percent financing, making it easier for younger people to afford sustainable homes.
Features of Sustainable Homes
As more people become environmentally conscious, the demand for eco-friendly tiny homes has skyrocketed. In the podcast, Justin Draplin also discussed the features of his company’s sustainable homes. Here are some of the features that make sustainable homes like ECLIPSE Cottages stand out:
Integrated Solar Roof
Every ECLIPSE Cottage comes with a steel-integrated solar roof. This is not just a solar panel on top of a roof but a fully integrated system that generates power for the entire home. With the right energy management, the solar roof can eliminate the need for an electrical bill.
Sustainable Building Shell
Another key feature of sustainable homes is the use of a super energy-efficient building shell. ECLIPSE Cottages uses this feature to help reduce energy consumption and keep the home comfortable. The building shell is designed to keep the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.
Water Filtration Systems
Sustainable homes often include water filtration systems that allow homeowners to purify their own water. This feature eliminates the need for bottled water and reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills. With a water filtration system, homeowners can enjoy fresh water straight from the tap.
IoT Technology
Sustainable homes use IoT technology to automate and optimize the home’s systems. This includes smart thermostats, lighting, and security systems that can be controlled remotely from a smartphone or tablet. With IoT technology, homeowners can adjust their energy usage to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills.
Luxury Features
Despite being sustainable, ECLIPSE Cottages are designed to be luxurious and comfortable. They feature full-size appliances, multiple bathrooms, and the ability to connect multiple units together for larger living spaces. You’ll also discover home decor inspiration from these tiny sustainable homes that fits your minimalist lifestyle.
Zero Down Financing
One of the biggest hurdles for many homebuyers interested in sustainable homes is financing. Traditional mortgage lenders often require a large down payment, making it difficult for many people to afford a sustainable home. However, some sustainable home builders offer zero down financing options, making it easier for homebuyers to invest in an eco-friendly home.
Long-term Cost Savings From Sustainable Homes
As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, eco-friendly tiny homes are gaining popularity as a sustainable and cost-effective housing option. According to Justin Draplin, tiny homes are affordable and can lead to long-term cost savings. As he said, “if you’re gonna build cheap, it’s going to cost you more in the long run both in the health perspective and maintenance perspective.” With high-tech features like solar roofing, super energy-efficient building shells, and water filtration systems, these homes are designed to be self-sufficient and reduce energy consumption.
In addition, they require less maintenance than traditional homes, making them ideal for those who want to spend more time enjoying their life rather than maintaining their home. For empty nesters and single individuals, these homes are particularly attractive as they offer the opportunity to downsize and simplify their lives.
Here are other financial benefits of investing in an eco-friendly tiny home.
Lower Property Taxes
Due to their smaller size and often lower assessed value, eco-friendly tiny homes typically come with lower property taxes. This can result in significant annual savings, especially for those choosing to live in a tiny home as their primary residence.
Simplified Lifestyle
The minimalist nature of eco-friendly tiny homes encourages homeowners to prioritize their possessions and reduce consumerism. This can lead to long-term cost savings by reducing unnecessary purchases and promoting mindful spending habits.
Potential for Passive Income
Many eco-friendly tiny homeowners opt to rent out their properties on platforms like Airbnb, generating a steady stream of passive income. This income can sometimes offset the initial investment in the tiny home, making it an even more cost-effective housing solution. So, invest in tiny homes and get inspired with creative advertising ideas to take your investment to the next level.
Tiny Homes, Big Savings
Eco-friendly tiny homes offer a unique opportunity to achieve long-term cost savings while positively impacting the environment. These sustainable abodes marry financial freedom with environmental responsibility. This makes them an ideal housing option for those looking to live a simpler, more efficient lifestyle. By choosing to embrace this sustainable lifestyle, homeowners can enjoy financial freedom while making a positive environmental impact. So, as you consider your next housing move, remember: tiny homes mean big savings and a brighter future for our world.
Article written by Icons of Real Estate – Listen to the Podcast with Justin Draplin HERE (Episode 275 of Icons of Real Estate)