Living in a tiny house has tons of incredible advantages, but it also requires maintenance to keep your tiny house working as good as it looks.

When it comes to maintaining your itty bitty home, there are a few mistakes every homeowner should know about.

Read on for a list of nine tiny house maintenance mistakes, and how you can avoid them for a long-lasting, beautiful home you'll love.

1. Ignoring Your HVAC System

Sure, it costs less to operate an HVAC system in a tiny home. However, that doesn't mean that you won't need to do a bit of maintenance now and then to maintain the right indoor temperature control.

Make sure you change the air filter in your unit every 30 days to prevent the system from becoming overloaded. An annual inspection of the system should also be part of your regular maintenance routine. When you take care of this part of your tiny home, your home will take care of you.

2. Accumulating Clutter

Part of the appeal of tiny house living is the fact that you can downsize. Over time, it can be quite easy to let new stuff accumulate, creating a cramped and cluttered space.

One of the key parts of tiny house maintenance is to keep things organized. Try not to buy too much and if you start to feel overwhelmed, it could be time to purge. Do your best to keep new purchases to a minimum or find new ways to organize your tiny house so you don't feel closed in.

3. Forgetting a Tiny House Maintenance Budget

Whether it's a mansion, an apartment, or a tiny house, every homeowner needs to have a house maintenance budget. Set aside some cash in a savings account and assign that money to make repairs or paying for maintenance in the future.

Failing to have a budget put aside for home maintenance could leave you in dire straights if you need to make repairs later. You don't need to put a ton of money away, but every little bit helps. When you establish a budget, you won't need to panic when a problem arises. Another way to prepare for the future is if you have an extended warranty that covers the expensive costs to repair or replace your tiny home's major appliances and systems.

4. Neglecting Appliances

Much like other components in your tiny house, the appliances need a bit of TLC, too. Take good care of your fridge and stove, and clean them regularly to keep them in tip-top shape.

When possible, turn off your oven a bit early to save energy and keep the indoor temperatures cooler. Check all appliances every so often to ensure they're running smoothly. Many tiny home appliances are more expensive, so it's crucial to keep them in good shape so you can avoid paying to replace them before their time is up.

5. Your Tiny House Isn't Level

Traditional homes must be on a level foundation in order to be habitable. The same applies to your tiny house, so it's crucial to make sure that you place it on an even, solid foundation to prevent damage.

If you're concerned about your tiny house, have a professional come and check to make sure it's on a level, solid ground. Homes that aren't level can leak, have drainage problems, and windows and doors can become uneven or loose. This simple step should be your first priority if your tiny house will be placed on a permanent foundation.

6. Not Keeping Up With the Siding

A standard home, has eaves and overhangs designed to protect the outside of the home. On a tiny house, the roof overhangs typically do not extend out over the sides of the house as far as a traditional house. This leaves the siding more exposed and therefore in need of more upkeep and maintenance.

The siding will usually have a stain or paint finish with caulking around the trim and siding to seal the edges and gaps for proper insulation.

Caulk can easily crack and wear off over time and the paint or stain will need a re-coat every few years. This is especially true if you live in an area with a lot of inclement weather or wild temperature swings. Practice proper tiny home siding maintenance by checking the condition of the paint, stain, and caulk often. Pay special attention around windows and doors and right under the roof overhangs.

7. You Forgot About the Roof

Speaking of your roof, make sure to get up high enough to inspect the roof on a quarterly to bi-yearly basis. Tiny home roofs are especially crucial to keep up to date as they are typically built at a shallower slope due to the height restraints that tiny houses face.

Depending on where your small house is situated, leaves and branches or other debris can quickly build up and start creating small pools of water that if given enough time can find weaknesses in your roofing. Practice proper tiny roof maintenance by checking the condition of the flashing, gutters, and any caulking. And of course, take a look at the roof's shingles or metal panels, so that you know the roof is in good condition.

8. Humidity Levels Get Out of Control

Small spaces like tiny homes can have issues with humidity since the moisture tends to stay trapped inside. If you let humidity get out of hand, it can cause issues like mold, mildew, and rot.

To combat humidity in your tiny house, use a dehumidifier during months where humidity levels are high. Make sure your bathroom and kitchen have the proper venting to allow extra moisture to escape. Monitor humidity levels carefully and try not to let it get over 50% or else you may end up with some moisture issues later.

9. You Forgot to Winterize

If you live in a colder climate, make sure your tiny house is skirted to protect the utilities underneath from freezing. Check your water lines and insulate them if they're exposed to the elements during the colder months of the year.

Let your faucet drip during the night so that the water lines don't freeze. Check to ensure you have a backup heat source just in case yours goes on the fritz. Winterizing your home can protect your plumbing and your tiny house's integrity.

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Happy Tiny House, Happy Life

Consider these common tiny house maintenance mistakes, and take the steps to avoid them for a solid home. With a bit of care and time, your tiny house will be ready for anything.

Check your roof, HVAC system, and plumbing to ensure that everything is in good condition.

For more great articles about tiny house living or to learn more, visit our website or contact us today.

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