How long do tiny homes last? A friend asked me some weeks back. I guess this is also the question on your mind. A lot of people are concerned about the durability of tiny homes. Tiny homes as the name implies are tiny, beautiful, and may seem frail. Frail? That’s not true. Keep reading to get the answer to this and more.
How Long Do Tiny Homes Last
A tiny house can last for about 20 to 50 years with regular maintenance. For a tiny house to last, depends on several factors. However, tiny homes on foundation tend to last more than tiny homes on wheels. Tiny homes on wheels tend to break down faster.
Factors That Ascertain How Long A Tiny House Lasts
A tiny home can last for decades but it depends on these factors. The factors include:
1. How Long Do Tiny Homes Last have to do with Design
For a tiny house to last, it starts from the design of the home. Whether on foundation or wheels, the architect or designer should be able to design the home in a way that there is uniform load distribution. Everything should be uniform and have the right amount of space to suit the tiny home, so one side doesn’t age before the other.
2. How Long Do Tiny Homes Last have to do with the type of Tiny House
We have the tiny house on foundation and the tiny house on wheels. Tiny houses on permanent foundations last longer than tiny houses on wheels. The tiny houses on wheels experience wear and tear due to their mobility.
RELATED: There Are More Types Of Tiny Houses & Homes Than You Realize
3. How Long Do Tiny Homes Last? have to do with quality of materials used.
The quality and types of materials used in building a tiny home are very important. The materials used inside matter more. The outside look may be in a good condition while the things inside like door handles, cabinets, floor, kitchen, appliances, etc may look very bad.
It’s better to spend more and get durable materials than get cheap ones that may not last and will require you to keep changing them. Look for materials that would last, this would enable your tiny home last. For example, using treated wood is better than raw wood because it prevents mold and wards off bugs.
Note that when buying a tiny house, you need to check or ask about the quality and type of materials used. Some manufacturers produce tiny houses in mass without considering the quality of materials used.
4. Weather
You need to know the weather condition of the place where you would like to situate your tiny house. Strong winds and storms can cause a lot of damage to your roof, wood, etc. Your tiny house will last longer if you place it where the weather condition is favorable.
5. Usage
Some people use tiny homes as their second homes. They live in it only a few times a year. You may not want to stay in a tiny house full time but staying in it once in a while leaves it without constant maintenance and reduces its lifespan.
6. Frequent Movement
One of the reasons people prefer a tiny house on wheels is because of its mobility. Moving your tiny house frequently will increase its damage risk. The process of relocation is stressful for your home, considering the bumpy roads, vibrations, or sudden jolts.
Performing an annual inspection on the pipes, water tanks, insulation systems, and others can help note and repair any problem to increase the lifespan of the home. You put less stress on your tiny home if you don’t move it frequently.
The plumbing and insulation systems are likely to remain in place, including screws and nails that are less likely to loosen if you leave your tiny house for a while without moving it. Tiny homes should be moved no more that 3 to 6 months.
7. Maintenance
Just like traditional homes require maintenance, so do tiny homes. You can’t just build it and leave it to lie in waste. You have to live in it and constantly perform some maintenance works like cleaning, retouching the paintwork, changing damaged floor or wall pieces, checking the plumbing, etc.
The maintenance work may seem small and too regular but it is better than when it is piled up, it may cost more. This will help to extend the lifespan of the tiny home.
How To Ensure Your Tiny House Lasts Longer
#1. Use Quality Materials
Go for durable materials for your tiny home either for building or for use in the home. Consider the type of furniture, flooring, appliances, and other materials needed that would last. Although you might want to go for something flashy or has designer look, you should consider if it will last. Select other durable floorings over carpets. Carpets do not last like others especially if it’s going to be a family house.
#2. Make Quick Repairs
Now we know that mobility can cause water and tear. We recommend that after the movement, check for things that may have loosened or damaged and repair or replace them immediately. Even if it wasn’t caused by mobility, repair and replace spoilt things in your tiny home to avoid further risk and damage.
#3. Avoid Locations with Violent Weather
Avoid places that have violent weather conditions. Strong winds, storms, and other violent weather conditions can cause a lot of damage to your tiny home. If your tiny home withstood any weather conditions, inspect the home for damage and make repairs quickly.
#4. Avoid Frequent Movement
Moving your tiny home frequently causes a lot of stress to the structure. It may result in damage to some appliances, fasteners loosened, damage to plumbing and insulation systems, and more. So, it is better to reduce frequent mobility.
How Long Do Tiny Homes Last: Conclusion
In summary, tiny homes can last longer depending on several factors. You should note that if you want your tiny house to last you have to start right from the design to constant maintenance of the home. The durability of the tiny home depends on how you maintain it. With proper cleaning, repairs, less mobility, and the use of quality materials, your beautiful tiny home can last for many decades.
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