Safety is important in a tiny house, just like it is in any other house. However, for the DIY builder, there are some tiny house-specific safety concerns that need to be addressed.
1. Fire
Fire in a tiny house needs to be addressed from the perspective of the safety of the inhabitants and the safety of the house itself. Many tiny houses are built of wood and placed in wooded areas, making them susceptible to fire damage or destruction. Make sure that your home exterior has wood that is treated with fire-retardant chemicals (if you're using wood for your siding at all).
To protect the people inside, make sure that you have egress that is up to code. If you have a loft, that means that there should be a way to exit from the loft. Many also choose to have multiple doors so people can exit through the back or front of the house should an emergency arise.
2. Flood
Since many tiny homes are placed on land that may otherwise not be suitable for a home, it is important to make sure that the house is not in a flood plain. This is especially important because tiny houses are particularly lightweight and movable compared to a traditional home. Your local zoning department can help you determine where to put your house safely.
3. Wind
Wind is particularly important and easily overlooked for tiny houses. If you live in a windy area, your tiny house roofing and siding need to be able to withstand the wind.
The THOW is especially vulnerable when on the road, so don't just think about materials when in place but also when driving on a highway.
4. Snow
For those living in snowy climates, you have to make sure that your roof can sustain the weight of snow, and that the roof properly allows snow to melt and fall off of your roof. This means choosing a properly pitched roof and, in some cases, angling the tiny house so that the roof gets more direct sunlight.
5. Transportation Vehicle
Don't just assume that your pickup truck or SUV will tow your tiny house properly. Furthermore, don't think that just because your vehicle can tow your THOW that it can do so safely. Towing a tiny house requires that your vehicle is powerful enough to do so, and that the hitch is properly rated. Don't skip researching this, as you are at risk of a car accident that could ruin your home if you do.
You should also make sure that your tiny house is insured for transportation!
6. Land
Many people who go the tiny house route buy the land for it first. If you are buying undeveloped land and living off-grid, make sure that the land is actually suitable. Flood plains, soil health, and water cleanliness all matter. Do your due diligence before buying the land, if possible. (Bonus: how to find land for a tiny house)
7. Electricity
Anyone who builds their house DIY needs to respect the power of electricity and the unforgiving nature of electrical systems done wrong. At the bare minimum, make sure that an electrician does your work. On the flip side, have an electrician do all of your electrical installation. This is quite common in the tiny house world, even among DIYers.
8. Mold
Often overlooked among first-time tiny house owners, mold is a particularly common problem in tiny houses and can lead to adverse health effects as well as structural integrity issues of the walls themselves.
Mold is best prevented through proper design. This means choosing the right insulation and the right vapor barrier for your climate. It also means constructing the house properly so water and air don't seep into places they shouldn't.
9. Theft of the tiny house
Believe it or not, tiny houses do get stolen, especially those on wheels. If you can tow your THOW easily, so can somebody else. It is recommended that you use hitch locks, wheel locks, and even consider a GPS tracker in the event of theft.
10. Burglary and vandalism of the house
Somebody could burglarize your home or damage it if they so choose. You can easily find a security company that will help you to make sure that your tiny house is protected. Even putting up a sign or a fake camera can do wonders.
Of course, make sure your doors and windows have locks on them as well, and don't advertize when you're out of town on social media.
11. Air quality
Similar to the mold issue, air quality is super important. You can prevent air quality issues through sound construction, proper insulation, proper ventilation, and choosing the right system for temperature control. Any one of these being done incorrectly can result in air that is not a safe humidity or not a safe level of cleanliness. This is particularly challenging in a tiny house!
You should also use smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and consider humidity and radon monitors where applicable.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by some of these issues or just getting started in general, I get it. That's why I wrote a tiny house beginner's book: Live Tiny & Be Free. Check it out...maybe it'll help!
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