With increasing property prices, the tiny house movement has taken off in recent years, offering a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle for those looking to downsize or find a cheaper property option.
But while the appeal of tiny homes often lies in their simplicity, maintaining these small spaces does require careful attention to detail to ensure that your home is maintained correctly.
The maintenance a tiny home requires isn’t too dissimilar to that of a normal home, but there are a few factors that are relevant only to tiny homes.
Regular Exterior Checks
Tiny homes often feature unique exteriors, regardless of the material used it is important to check the exterior regularly to identify and address any potential issues before they escalate. So, what to check? We recommend that you regularly check:
- Cladding for rust, corrosion, or damage.
- Roof to ensure that there are no damages, or nothing has slipped out of place.
- Window seals and doors to prevent water coming in.
If you have a tiny home on wheels, we also recommend that you check the wheels and their surrounding components regularly.
Cooling and Heating Efficiency
Just like in a standard home, you need to regularly check that your air conditioning system is in good working order. Clean the vents and filters regularly, and ensure you have a service done at least once every year to keep your system working better for longer.
In addition to your air conditioner, if you didn’t have insulation installed when your tiny home was being built it is worth seeing if it is possible to have this added. Insulation will keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Also consider adding weather-stripping to your doors – this is a big factor when considering heat loss, you may be surprised as to just how much cool air can seep in under doors.
Maintaining Your Plumbing
This factor is important when you own a tiny home. Often these homes are built with compact plumbing systems which means they require more frequent checks than you may be used to. You should regularly check for leaks in your taps, and address any issues quickly – dripping taps can quickly turn into major leaks which can quickly lead to major damage.
Depending on the plumbing system that was installed in your tiny home you may want to consider using environmentally friendly cleaning products to avoid damage to your plumbing system.
Maximise Storage Efficiency
We all know that tiny homes mean minimal storage space and it is easy for clutter to start to build up. While you should regularly assess and declutter your belongings to ensure you have an organised and functional living space, it is also worth considering multi-functional furniture that can be utilised for storage to store seasonal items, and other items you don’t want to dispose of.
As part of your regular decluttering, you should check for wear and tear on drawers, hinges, and other furniture, repairing or replacing as needed. Things such as loose screws or broken hinges can affect your day to day living so replacing these items contributes to the overall liveability of your home.
Regular Cleaning
Space-saving cleaning tools and products can help to take up minimal space, and a cleaning schedule that suits your lifestyle can ensure you have a clean home at the end of the day. As with any home, paying attention to high-traffic areas, and regularly cleaning and ventilating wet areas to prevent mould and mildew is essential.
Weather Proofing
Australia’s weather can be harsh, and depending on where you live, you may regularly have to put up with high winds, lots of rain or hot sun. All these weather conditions can start to deteriorate your home, but there are a few things you do that will help to make your home waterproof. Firstly, seal windows and doors to prevent drafts, and if you haven’t already, install weather stripping to keep the cool air out. Using thermal curtains can also be a great way to control the interior temperatures of your home.
Make sure you do a walk around your home after a heavy storm or high winds to ensure that everything is in its place.
Proper weatherproofing, and regular checks ensures that your tiny home remains comfortable and damage free throughout the seasons.
Regular Trailer Maintenance
For those who have a tiny home on wheels, regular trailer maintenance is essential. Before you set off, check the trailer hitch, wheels and tires for wear and tear. If you are parked up for some time, you should also check these items regularly.
As with any vehicle, ensure that you have functioning brakes and lights, and lubricate any moving parts to help prevent rust.
Maintaining your trailer regularly is essential for the safety and longevity of your home.
Tiny Home Maintenance is Important
When you live in a tiny home, you are living a unique and often rewarding lifestyle, but it does come with its challenges. If you can incorporate some basic (but essential) maintenance into your regular routine, you have a better chance of ensuring that your home remains in top shape and continues to provide a comfortable living space.
Whether you choose to do these checks yourself or hire someone to do them on a regular basis, proactive maintenance is the key to keeping your home in its best condition.
If you haven’t yet purchased a tiny home, but it is on your to-do list, reach out to the friendly team at Tinee Homes, and book a consultation with our designers and builders to see how we can help you with your new home.