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Our FAQs

We are an evolving group with a very active project.  Folks often have some common questions for us on where we are at and how this all works.  Here are some of those answered here!

1

What is co-housing?

Co-housing forms when a diverse group of people want to live a community-centered existence. People own their individual homes, but they share common areas with their neighbors. Neighbors use the common areas to gather. They may share meals and other community chores, such as gardening or landscaping. Everyone participates in decision-making for the community.

2

Is co-housing a commune or cult?

Nope, just a well built neighborhood. Communes, by definition, involve sharing income, which is not true for cohousing. Cults require participants to buy into a belief system. Co-housing is an intentionally designed neighborhood that encourages a more natural way to know your neighbors.

3

How much will a co-housing home cost?

Housing costs in cohousing are normally at market price for the area. We won’t know until the design process is through, but we expect that the cost will be near the usual cost for new construction in the area. However, because the community provides some space that normally would be within an individual home, you will probably need a smaller house, which will be less expensive.

4

How long will it take?

Cohousing takes longer than most new construction because of the participatory process and the recruiting required to form a community. Realistically, it takes 2-5 years after land acquisition.

5

How are community decisions made?

Different co-housing communities use different decision-making processes. Cheney Co-housing employs a process called sociocracy. Sociocracy is a governing system in which the participants create a safe space for participants to express their opinions. The idea is to get consent through discussion and through the solicitation of every participant’s opinion.

6

What if neighbors don’t agree?

We hope that neighbors would communicate openly with one another to solve their problems. If that doesn’t work, the community will work with people to come to a resolution.

7

Will I own my home? Can I sell it?

Yes, you will own you home, and you can sell it. Buyers will be subject to the community rules, just as if that person were buying a home that is within a homeowners’ association.

8

What kind of monthly fees will there be?

There will be a monthly fee that will be used to support the common areas. At this time, we don’t know how much that will be, but monthly fees usually run from $200-500/month

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