Typical development stages

The following table illustrates the optimal path of a cohousing project:

1. Formation

2. Planning

3. Execution

Successful cohousing projects have sufficient numbers of people who have a coherent & shared vision, and have the collective ability to execute a cohousing project. Be patient until there is critical mass:

Where do you want to live? When would you move in? What type of cohousing are you interested in? Provide details of what you are specifically interested in.

Most cohousing groups encourage the reading of McCamant & Durrett’s work on cohousing as a prerequisite. This provides inspiration, prevents reinventing wheels and speeds up the learning curve of all participants this critical stage of formation.

This clarification allows for an effective clustering / matching of potential participants to preferred location & timeframe.

Participate in workshops which develop a shared understanding of:

the tasks ahead.
common values & expectations
Definitions of success
Reality checks & opportunity inventories

For example, members may be surprised at the lack of local or state government subsidies, or disappointed at the modest savings derived from economies of scale. Research shows that the purchase of a house is rarely cheaper. On a positive note, the cost of living in cohousing often lower, and the creative process can be fun!

The planning process should lead to:

In / Out Decisions
Feasibility studies
Strategic Plan / Process

A clearly formed group, and well-planned process will lead to:

Formation of Rapid Response Teams
Evaluation of opportunities
Offers (in sequenced list)
Handover
Project goes live

Consider the difference in negotiations with a real estate agent when you have a cohesive & funded group, versus a group which is yet to get emotional & financial buy-in.

Even the most cohesive groups will be competing with developers, and members do well to consider Chris ScottHanson’s pragmatic advice as described in his Cohousing Handbook.

Hans Tilstra, April 2008