Fixed Foundation vs Trailer? Check out our ebook to explore the pros and cons of the two most sought-after methods for constructing tiny homes: fixed foundations and trailer-based designs.

‍

Understanding your Foundation Options

Understanding the foundation’s options is necessary to consider its repair choices. Here are the two types of foundation choices for tiny houses:

Mobile Foundations

A mobile foundation usually entails placing the tiny home on a truck chassis or a trailer, where one can then transport it from one location to another. This option is preferred by people who appreciate the possibility of changing the location of their home.

Permanent Foundations

A permanent system entails mounting the tiny home on a concrete pad, a raised floor system, or a completely encapsulated basement. This option is good for those who plan to live in one area and want a basic housing experience.

Foundation Repair Considerations

No matter if a person decides to have a mobile or permanent base for a tiny house, it is necessary to consider the repair types of the foundation for permanent and long-term living. Here are detailed points to keep in mind to maintain your tiny home’s foundation:

Regular Inspections

The mobile and permanent foundations must observe regular inspections. In the case of mobile tiny homes, this entails challenging the trailer chassis, axles, and wheels. Check specifically for rust, wear, or damage, especially on components and areas critical to the chassis structural strength. Also, focus on areas where the home connects to the trailer; this element should not be compromised and should be as strong as it was at the start.

‍

The checks of the permanent foundation should mainly involve mold removal such as the concrete slab, the crawl space, or the basement, depending on its design. Look for signs of cracks on the walls, the floor, and the ceiling, uneven settling, and any signs of moisture getting into your home. Cracks can develop over time, and if small, they have the potential to extend and cause extreme cases of building structural problems. If these early signs of wear and tear are noticed, then you can avoid small problems to progress into major problems.

Preventative Maintenance

The application of professional measures of protection can enhance the durability of the foundational system by a large margin. In addition, rust is the mortal enemy of mobile foundations, so maintaining the chassis’ integrity is crucial. It is to be noted that the workshop contains many metal parts of large vehicles; periodic cleaning and application of anti-corrosion solutions on these parts prevent rust formation. Grease the bearing sections, the wheels, and other elements related to motion to enable free movement in their relevant contexts and to reduce the chances that they will wear out.

‍

Water control plays an important role in permanent foundations. Maintain good drainage on the perimeter of your home erection to prevent water pooling since water can cause the foundation wall to weaken and, hence, sink. Provision of a gutter and downspout to direct rainwater away from the foundation helps keep the compound dry and firm. Also, make sure the ground around your house gently slopes downwards away from the structure to prevent water from being congested around the house.

Professional Assessment

Thus, one must seek immediate professional help once one identifies signs of foundation repair and mold removal problems. When it comes to solving any problem, be it technical or social, people who are professionals in their respective fields can observe things that may be hard for any ordinary person to notice. In the case of mobile foundation, an expert can inspect the trailer's chassis, suspension, and attaching points for wear and tear. Also, they can advise on how to improve or strengthen the tiny house structure.

‍

For permanent foundations, a structural engineer or foundation specialist will need to assess the structure, and some of the common problems include settling, cracking, or moisture damage. They can also inform you about the type of soil surrounding your home, as this influences the foundation. Thus, they will be able to suggest the relevant repair solutions, including underpinning, foundation piers, or drainage improvements.

‍

Proactive Steps

In addition to routine check-ups and repairs, some measures can be taken to curb the occurrence of foundation repair problems. For mobile foundations, please make sure that when the tiny house is positioned, and the structure is properly leveled. Since loads are not always balanced, this puts stress on the chassis and the attachments, resulting in destruction. If you want to ensure a very stable level, you should use very high-quality leveling blocks or jacks.

‍

In the case of permanent foundations, observe the changes occurring around your home, especially landscaping. If large trees and shrubs are planted close to the house foundation, the roots and soil movement will affect the foundation. Make sure that vegetation around a building is well maintained because it provides moisture and can be trimmed to enable root barriers to be installed around foundations.

‍

Conclusion

You can ensure the longevity and safety of your tiny home's foundation by following simple inspection rules, maintaining it, and seeking help from foundations. Whether your home was built on a mobile foundation or a permanent one, adequate maintenance and repair work are necessary to ensure its safety. Using these helpful tips, one can experience the lifestyle of living in a tiny home without worrying about foundation problems.