11 Tiny House Building Tips and Hacks

Over the last few years Tiny Homes have become a big buzz. For many single and first-time homebuyers a tiny space makes sense. In parts of British Columbia where the cost of purchasing property requires a small fortune, tiny homes can be a great alternative. We have built a few 500 – 800 square foot log homes and cabins over the years and wanted to share with you some tips and hacks to think about if you are building a tiny home and want to maximize your space.

Keep your window-to-wall ratio high

Using larger windows will help draw in more light to both heat up and brighten up the space making it appear larger than it is.

Install floor-to-ceiling bookshelves

One of the biggest challenges in tiny spaces is the lack of available storage. Building floor-to-ceiling bookshelves can add additional storage for books and other items and can also be an artistic focal point.

Use semi-opaque materials to allow light into windowless rooms

Most of all you want to avoid the feeling of dark, dreary rooms in your tiny home. In places like closets and bathrooms, where you may not have windows to allow natural light indirectly, use semi-opaque materials to filter light into these spaces.

Create large outdoor living spaces

Use the outdoor space to create a large deck, living roof, garden and outdoor eating areas etc. This is a great way to extend the living area and add square footage to your space at a minimum cost.

Add a loft

Building with high ceilings that allow you to have a loft can help you optimize floor space. Creating a bedroom, office or just a useful space upstairs can provide you with a little bit of extra living and privacy.

Utilize the space under stairs

When building a tiny home you want to find multi-purpose functions for everything you can. Consider using the space under your stairs as a storage area by installing shelves or drawers.

Sliding walls

Doors can section spaces and make the area feel smaller. Consider using sliding walls to provide the illusion of more space but still allow for privacy when needed.

Utilize free walls

If there is a free wall in the house, utilize it for some form of storage. Hooks, shelves, and cupboards etc. provide extra storage space; organization, in the long run, will be a huge benefit.

Get creative with room dividers

We had mentioned using sliding walls as a way to help separate rooms. Come up with other ways to help separate spaces without losing your space. Dividers and curtains are easy ways to create division but easily open up spaces if and when needed.

Add color

Many tiny spaces don’t have enough wall space or the right tone to hang multiple pieces of art work, so use paint and color to provide the necessary pop to your living spaces.

Appliances

You may think that creating a tiny home will require you to give up some luxuries like a bathtub or a dishwasher, but you would be surprised to know that there are some fantastic new compact models made specifically for small spaces so you don’t have to give it all up.

When it comes to building any home—large or small—you should consider building it for your lifestyle and not to fit all the “stuff”. If you are someone that wants simplicity and enjoys more outdoor living, then a tiny house or cabin would be perfect for you. If you are someone with a large family and mostly live indoors, then a more traditional home may be a better fit. You can view our galleries to see some of the designs and plans or contact us for more details.

 

 

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