Tiny Home Build Tips

Written by Posted On Friday, 17 May 2019 08:54

Thanks to the success of Marie Kondo’s Netflix series and Tiny House Hunters on HGTV we've seen a major shift in how people view the number of possessions they own, the purchases they make, and even the size of their homes. The tiny house phenomenon is one of the biggest trends that has erupted in this downsizing movement. Typically, tiny homes are between 100 and 400 square feet anywhere, as opposed to the typical American home that averages about 2,600 square feet. You may wonder why someone with so little space would choose to live at home. While living in a small house has some obvious disadvantages, it has several advantages as well. Smaller homes have a smaller impact on the environment, are less expensive to buy, are more energy efficient and can be relocated frequently. Because of this, tiny homeowners spend less money on their home and enjoy more freedom than traditional homeowners.

Tiny Homes' Energy Efficiency is one of the largest ways in which homeowners save money is through energy efficiency. If you're looking to build a tiny house, here are some energy-saving techniques to consider:

Use open cell spray foam in the walls to help regulate heating and cooling

Use a breathable house wrap to avoid leakage of air and moisture

Choose a bed near the top of the vehicle or build as it’s typically the warmest part of the house

To encourage passive heating and cooling, place windows on opposite sides of the house

Install blackout shades to keep your tiny house build cooler during sunlight hours

Use LED bulbs only

Install a heat producing wood burning stove

Consider adding solar panels

Choose the right appliances that fit your lifestyle and needs

One of the most important things to determine before you even start designing the layout of your tiny home is which appliances you are going to install. There are two key things to keep in mind when selecting the best appliances for your house:

Which appliances are a necessity?

Finding the best appliances for your small home is the first thing to do. The first thing to do when determining your tiny home's best appliances is to first assess which appliances you can't live without. While some appliances are no brainers (i.e. a water heater), everyone's needs are different.  You may not generate enough dishes in a day, for example, to warrant that you need a dishwasher. In contrast to a traditional oven, other people may prefer to use a convection oven. You may not live in a place that warrants air condition use frequently. Evaluate your individual needs before doing anything else and then set out to search for your must-have appliances, but in a size that fits your tiny house.

What appliances will work for you?

 

Once you've determined which appliances are required for your lifestyle, it's time to look for appliances that fit your tiny home layout. It is essential to maximize space whenever possible while drawing up a floor plan and choosing smaller appliances will help you achieve this.

Here are some compact appliances perfect for small homes:

18 "dishwasher or countertop dishwasher.

A traditional 24-inch dishwasher is too large for a small home. By choosing an 18-inch dishwasher, save yourself 6 inches. If you anticipate that you will need more space in the cabinet, buy a countertop dishwasher that can wash up to 6 settings in one go.

Gas / electric range 22in cooktop/stove

By choosing a compact range, save 8 inches of space. You may prefer to buy an electric cooktop if you don't often use an oven to cook. Choose the model that best suits your lifestyle by choosing the number of burners you need. Be aware that the more burners you have on your countertop, the more space it will occupy.

24-inch all-in-one washer/dryer combo

Purchase an all-in-one washer/dryer combo because a laundry room in your tiny home is probably not going to work. This unit is smaller than a traditional washer and dryer and will save precious space for you.

19-inch fridge/freezer or 24-inch fridge in your tiny house

Get the advantages of having a fridge and freezer, but on a smaller scale. Determine if you prefer a unit that does not extend above the counter or if you need a higher height refrigerator/freezer. Here are a few downsized options  that will accommodate your needs without taking up too much space.

Tankless water heater

These water heater models not only requires less square footage from tank-style water heaters, but they are also more energy-efficient as they only heat the water you use. While the investment may be higher up front, tankless water heaters can last twice as long as traditional water heaters and long-term save money.

Final thoughts: The most important thing to focus on the bare necessities for your lifestyle when planning to build a small house. Choose appliances you know you're going to use and shop around for a model that will help you save space and maximize your new home's functionality!

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