The Cost to Maintain a Tiny House
A tiny house is a small, typically movable structure that offers an alternative to the larger and more expensive American home. The downside of living in such a space is just how much work it takes to maintain one.
The cost to maintain a tiny house varies widely. From year to year, the average yearly maintenance costs will range from $550 – $1000. The more expensive your build is initially, the easier it will be for you to maintain it over time. Better finishes and fixtures have a longer lifespan with less need for maintenance and repairs.
Keep in mind; this does not account for events beyond your control. There are many factors to take into consideration when making a budget for tiny house maintenance. Some of these will include:
- Unexpected events.
- Initial build quality.
- Routine maintenance.
- Addons and improvements.
Unexpected Expenses
Many things can happen to a tiny home that are not in your control. Acts of God or nature and what is not in your control are considered “unexpected expenses.” These can include everything from a tree branch falling through the roof to an ice storm knocking out power.
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, and fires are all-natural disasters that can create unexpected expenses. Some of these can be pretty costly.
To prevent these disasters from destroying your home, it is essential to consider the risks present in an area. When thinking about a new housing location and how much you will need for maintenance, be sure to consider any natural disaster risk that may exist there and, for example, living in “tornado alley.”
Repairs to Appliances and Furniture
Stuff happens, your generator will break down, or the toilet will stop working. These expenses can pile up quickly and cost a lot. Make sure you plan for these costs as well. The cost to repair a generator can cost up to $800.
If the generator needs to be replaced, it can cost as much as $4000. A new toilet will typically cost around $300-$400. Most repairs range from $150-$200 on average. These are only two examples of how these expenses could add up quickly, so keep them in mind when budgeting.
Initial Build Quality
How well your tiny house is put together can influence its longevity. If you have a good quality build, this will help reduce the cost of maintenance because there is less likely to be issues with structural stability and pests such as termites. If your tiny house was poorly constructed in the beginning, then you will be faced with a higher cost to maintain because of the increased likelihood of structural issues.
Routine Maintenance
Maintenance is a concern for any house. The good news is, just as your home will be smaller, your maintenance budget should be too. There are always variables and unexpected things that can happen. Still, for the most part, maintenance on your tiny home will be minimal if the build was done well.
Routine maintenance can include things like changing a light bulb, minor plumbing repairs if you have any. You can use your time to do this maintenance or hire someone to do it for you! Here are some other maintenance requirements to keep in mind.
- Replace an appliance that’s on its way out,
- Clean the exterior of the home and maintain windows
- Wash all surfaces inside your house, especially if you have pets or kids. This isn’t always necessary, but it can be helpful to boost your home’s health!
The cost will vary from person to person depending on the size of the tiny home and how much you’re willing to do on your own.
Projects and Improvements
Tiny homes can be more expensive to maintain in the long run when you have higher-cost projects and improvements that are needed over time. For example, if your porch is too small or does not line up with the front of your house, this could result in a costly addition being necessary down the road.
There is no one size fits all budget when it comes to tiny house improvements. Some people might be okay with living in a 200-square foot home and not wanting any additional space, while others may feel that their tiny house needs an addition for more room. Make sure you account for these expenses down the road.
Dealing with the Unknowns During Projects
Regardless of what type of project or improvement you want to make on your tiny home, there will always be some unknowns. You cannot always predict what will happen when you take on a project. Odds are it will cost more than you think it will, and it may take longer to complete than anticipated.
You might want to set a budget for your project, but make sure you’re flexible with the timeline so that if something goes wrong or takes more time than expected, it doesn’t throw off your entire plan.
Be Proactive About Your Tiny House!
As mentioned above, many things can happen to your tiny home that aren’t in your control. However, this does not mean you shouldn’t take every possible precaution to future maintenance costs. The better prepared you are, the less stress you will have when the inevitable problem does occur.
Sources:
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Tiny Home and Maintain It? | Real Estate | US News