Kent Homes unveils secret tiny homes project

One of New Brunswick's biggest home builders is now in the tiny homes business.

Kent Homes has been working on the project in secret for about a year and unveiled its prototype at the annual retailers seminar in Shediac on Thursday.

"We wanted to surprise our retailer network and our guests that we have here today. And we are excited," said general manager Steve Wheeler.

The first model in the "micro homes" series is 270 square feet and will sell for between $59,000 and $79,000, he said.

"It is compact, but if you go inside, it is well laid-out and it's comfortable," said Wheeler.

The tiny house has an entertainment centre area with a TV and a small electric fireplace on the wall.

The kitchen comes equipped with a propane stove and an electric and propane fridge, and the washroom has a shower, sink, toilet and medicine cabinet.

The bedroom is in a loft area accessed via a steep staircase near the kitchen.

Tiny homes, which are built on trailers, have become popular in recent years with the help of a few specialty TV shows.

"We thought it would be a great idea to do our own version of it," said Wheeler.

"It's different. You're mobile, obviously. And I think it's a neat thing and I think it's a conversation piece as well as a comfortable thing to spend some time in during the summer months in various parks around the region," he said.

"It's great, we love it and we look forward to getting on the road for the tour that we are planning."

The tiny homes will be manufactured at Kent's Bouctouche plant.

Wheeler expects they will be available within the coming weeks. They will be sold across North America, but will only be built by pre-orders, he said.