An important investment for your Ohio tiny home is good insulation to keep your home cool and comfortable during the sultry summer months. We use spray foam insulation and 2×4 framing. Spray foam has by far the highest R-value available for the tiny home application, and wooden construction allows less air infiltration than steel framing when the temperature rises. Additionally, we use LP SmartSide for a low-maintenance and durable siding that won’t warp or change with fluctuating temperatures (and which can be painted any custom color you like).

Another consideration for the hotter months is humidity—an important factor for an Ohio tiny home. You’ll want a reliable and efficient HVAC system in your home, and may want to explore other options for dehumidifying your tiny home as well. This will work in tandem with your insulation and framing to keep the hot out and cold in.

If you’re opting for an off-grid lifestyle, investing in solar power is also a good idea. If the set-up of your Ohio tiny home is permanent or semi-permanent, we recommend a ground mounted solar array. And housing the heavy batteries in a separate outbuilding will allow you to make the most of your tiny home’s precious square footage.

Another key design element for Ohio tiny homes is an exterior deck. Your builder should be able to assist with your overall site plan and may even be able to create a set of deck construction documents to be used for building your deck on-site.

We recommend giving thought to the placement of your tiny home on your site as well. Consider landscaping that will increase the comfort of your home as well as its curb appeal. For example, placing your tiny home in a shaded area or planting trees and shrubbery can give you free added heat protection during the summer months. It also helps maximize your heat from the sun in the winter, which stays low in the southern sky.