9 Home Exterior Remodeling Tips to Renovate Your Tiny House

1. Come up with a Plan

Ready for a tiny home facelift? The first step of the remodeling process is to come up with ideas.

If you live in a tiny house, this might be harder than you expect. You have to find renovations that compliment the size and functionality of your small space.

So, do some research.

Look up other tiny houses online to get some inspiration. If you have the opportunity to attend a tiny living event, go to get ideas first-hand. Take pictures and notes.

Don't settle with an idea you don't love. It's okay if this step takes some time. It's better to go slow and find something you love than rush into a renovation and spend money on something you hate.

2. Focus on ROI Projects 

You should focus on projects that'll give you a high ROI or return on investment.

By improving the value of your home, you'll be able to make more money when/if you have to sell later.

Here are a few exterior projects that guarantee a high ROI:

• Fresh coat of paint
• Firepit
• Outdoor kitchen
• New Siding
• New garage door

Though, there's another kind of ROI to consider too— long-term durability and the daily pleasure of returning to a beautiful home.

Again, make sure any idea you choose is practical for a tiny house.

For example, an outdoor kitchen might not mesh with the purpose of a tiny home (such as downsizing and portability). But a fresh coat of paint can give your tiny home a beautiful makeover.

And stick with projects that are good for your location, including any building regulation. For example, if you live in Australia, you'll want to make sure your renovations will fit with the future of Australian residential property.

3. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Once you know what renovations you want to do, make sure you set a budget.

It's very easy to overspend on renovations. Many renovation materials, such as wood or siding, are priced by the foot. Because of this, it might not feel like you're spending very much money, but those small amounts add up fast.

Try to stick to your budget!

If you go over your budget, you might run the risk of going into debt. It's always better to wait and save money than spend money you don't have.

4. Sometimes DIY Isn't Worth It

No matter how good at DIYing you are, it's ok to ask for help or hire out for parts or all your exterior renovation projects.

Why not do-it-yourself?

First of all, it will take a lot longer. You're only one person, so a job that might take a contractor two days might take you two weeks to finish.

Unless you have a lot of experience, it's also easy to make mistakes. These can be costly. You might have to buy new materials and start over, or you might end up needing to hire a professional to repair your mistakes for you.

DIYing might seem like it saves money, but most of the time, it costs a lot more—both time and money.

5. Hire an Experienced Contractor 

While hiring a contractor is a good idea, you shouldn't just pick the first name that pops up on Google.

Do some research.

Pick at least three different contractors in your area and set up a time to talk to all of them. Ask them about their experience, if they've worked on similar projects, and if they're insured. You should also ask to see references and read reviews so you can see what past customers thought.

And don't ignore the price. (Remember, you have a budget.) Get a quote from each contractor and find the one that best fits into your budget.

Hint: this might not be the cheapest option. You get what you pay for, so sometimes it's better to invest a bit more money into your contractor.

6. Think About Functionality 

Design and style are essential, but you also need to think about functionality.

This is especially true for tiny homeowners.

Those brick front steps may look nice, but they might also be tripping hazards. They might even get in the way of one of the key features of a tiny home: portability.

Ultimately, don't choose something that doesn't work for your home.

7. Consider Your Interior Design

Your home already has a specific design and style.  Before you start any renovations, make sure they flow with what you already have. Otherwise, you'll spend a lot of money on something that feels out of place and awkward.

Though, you may be ready for a dramatic change. If it feels right, go for it!

8. Don't Rush 

The renovation process is going to take a while, so don't rush it.

While you might be excited to see the finished project (who isn't?), making your contractor rush through it will only result in a poor-quality job.

If you want your renovation to look good and last for years to come, be patient.

9. Be Prepared for Delays 

It's frustrating, but you should also expect delays.

While these are annoying, they are a normal part of renovation projects.

Plan delays into your schedule so you aren't surprised when the project takes longer than you initially thought it would.

Try These Home Exterior Remodeling Tips for Your Tiny Home

Renovating your tiny home can be a long process, but it doesn't have to be a difficult one.

Do your research, set a budget, and, when in doubt of your DIY skills, hire an experienced contractor. And get excited! You should enjoy this process (at least as much as you can).

Want some other home exterior remodeling tips? Make sure you check out the rest of our blog!