The Most Common Repairs of Tiny House Living

Tiny house living isn’t always as relaxing and stress-free as it is made out to be. There will undoubtedly be things that break, modifications you’ll want to make, and appliances that may need regular maintenance as time goes on. The good news is that, since you are living tiny, there aren’t nearly as many things that can go wrong and you can typically fix the most common repairs yourself! So, try not to get too bummed out if obstacles arise - instead, use it as an opportunity to learn something new. Tp helps you prepare, here are the most common tiny house repairs you can expect to have over the next few years.

1. Leaky Pipes

If you transport your tiny house often, you may be more at risk for pipe leakage due to the rattling and shaking your house undergoes while driving around. So, check up on your water pipes and gas pipes often, especially after long road trips. In fact, take pictures of your entire plumbing and electrical systems so that you can use the photo as a reference during routine checks. To reduce the risk of serious damage, go with a compost toilet, simplify your water systems as much as possible and make sure your gas and water systems are easy to access if things go wrong. 

2.Heating/Cooling 

It can be a challenge to get the temperature just right in your small space. Staying cozy and warm with thin walls is no easy feat. It can certainly take some trial and error until you figure out what heating and cooling systems work right for you. If you are living off the grid, you may want to stay away from electrical heaters and A/C systems because they take up a lot of power. Try out a wood stove or portable propane heater instead. No matter what climate you live in, having plenty of insulation and ventilation is key for living in comfort! 

3. Scratched Up Flooring 

Heavy traffic on a small surface area means you are bound to see some wear and tear as the years go by. The most popular flooring options for tiny homes typically include floating hardwood, laminate and vinyl - which are all very susceptible to scratches. If your tiny home is on foundation in a warm climate, consider going with tile flooring. If you are building a tiny home on wheels, lay a rug down wherever you can and go shoe-free in your home. Find a floor that won’t show scratches so you won’t have to worry about replacing them one day!

4. Keeping Painted Surfaces Fresh 

It is no secret that dirt and dust easily accumulate in a small space. Keeping your painted surfaces looking brand new will require almost constant cleaning and wiping, especially if they are light in color. Luckily in a small living space, it takes almost no time at all to get your home in tip-top shape. To avoid spending so much time cleaning, go with a darker color palette for your doors, walls and cabinets. 

5. Car Trouble 

Let’s be real - there isn’t much that can go wrong in tiny house living besides possible damage from transportation, faulty appliances and severe weather. Otherwise, it is just a game of making sure your plumbing and electrical systems are in check. If you have a car for transportation - it is likely that is where the bulk of you monthly maintenance costs will go! 

In the end, tiny living will allow you to spend less money and time on maintenance and more time living. If you move your tiny home around often - you may be more at risk for things to break during transportation so frequently check up on water and gas systems. The most important factor is just making sure your tiny home is structurally sound and that the foundation is not at risk of damage! For more on tiny home living, check out blogs to discover more.

6. Deck Repairs

One of the areas that home owners should concentrate on is having their decks in proper shape. According to JVK & Sons Construction, as decks are exposed to the harshness of the weather, the wear and tear can take place pretty rapidly. This is why you need to ensure that regular maintenance, painting, etc. are being done to extend the longevity of the decks either on your garden or by the poolside.