Korallus Tiny Homes

by Hunter Harrell

Even As Costs Across The Country

CONTINUE TO RISE, the owners of Korallus Tiny Homes want to provide an affordable alternative to traditional homes. That’s why Daniel and Alyssa Korallus began building tiny homes in 2020, providing people with a solution for simple and sustainable living wherever they settle.

A passion for building and design unites the husband and wife. Before moving to Bayfield, the couple remodeled homes in Oklahoma. Daniel’s skill with construction and Alyssa’s eye for design proved successful for the pair. So, when they made their way to Southwest Colorado, they pondered starting a business in Bayfield that would allow them the freedom and flexibility to spend more time with their three young daughters.

“Tiny houses exploded during this time because people were working from home and they wanted to be able to downsize and have a simpler life,” Alyssa said.

While many see tiny homes as a passing trend in home design, Daniel and Alyssa see valuable opportunities for their clients to pursue their own dreams. While each customer has a different reason for downsizing, many of them see similar benefits to simple living, including a lower cost of entry for ownership.

In addition to lower costs, owners also tout energy efficiency and minimal maintenance as large benefits of small living. And though most clients prefer modern amenities in their personalized space, Korallus Tiny Homes does design the homes to function fully off-grid, if desired.

“It is hard to price out a tiny home because the cost of materials is so out of control right now,” Alyssa said. “I also want people to realize that tiny houses aren’t necessarily $10,000. They do cost money, but they are a much cheaper option than buying a house and taking out a $400,000 mortgage.”

To keep costs reasonable, Daniel and Alyssa work with the buyer’s budget to source materials. Fortunately, Alyssa said she doesn’t mind shopping around for the best deals. She loves sorting through salvage yards and thrift stores for items to reclaim and repurpose.

Since starting the business venture, the couple has completed six projects of various aesthetics and sizes, which sold for between $80,000 and $130,000. The couple sources trailers from Montrose, Colorado to construct the home. Each project is inspected by a third party and NOAHcertified to ensure it meets safety, structural and energy efficiency standards.

Though each interior is customized for the buyer, Korallus Tiny Homes uses inspiration from coastal, traditional farmhouse and modern craftsman designs. The builds incorporate elements, such as clean lines, light tones and natural colors, exposed wood beams and large skylights.

With every build, Korallus Tiny Homes has learned new ways to incorporate every aspect of a traditional home in a smaller footprint. Their designs prioritize closet space, pantries and storage for linens and towels. Daniel even designed a signature spiral staircase, which is situated over the trailer hitch, to maximize living space.

Another quality that sets them apart from other tiny home builders is their willingness to answer questions from the public and engage in the tiny home community. Though the custom construction of each home keeps them busy year-round, Alyssa said she enjoys being able to schedule time to talk to other people, not just customers, about tiny houses and simple living.