The prospect of starting out in the hospitality business is exhilarating and scary at the same time. Starting out with a tiny house built is even more so. The building aspect of your business is something you need to consider to start with and despite all the other business aspects like marketing, customer satisfaction, business planning etc. being as important, the biggest chunk of your investment will be made there. Guest experience is of first and foremost importance to your business success and that starts with the quality of the build of your tiny, the feel of the interior and the ease of use. The location is also key and the all important land regulation issues and bureaucratic considerations. Our experience with building tiny houses for hospitality has taught us invaluable lessons that we can share with you so that you don’t have to find out the hard way.

Below we offer some insights into what to look out for when starting out especially on less- known subjects such as land regulations, design and construction considerations and maintenance aspects.

First Things First.

You need to dive in deep and do some research to start with. By conducting this initial research you will be well-equipped to answer a number of the questions with regards to the big and small details and might help with some unclear areas in your business.

Location.

A clear vision of where you want to go is constructed largely of the understanding of the local aspects of the place you are thinking to position your tiny house. Its location is paramount to your success.

You should have a good portion of local knowledge in terms of climate and geographical characteristics, local communities and landmarks around together with seasonal customs and traditions in the area so you can create the most immersive experience for your future guests. Whether you are thinking about foothills of a mountain or farmland, a place with breathtaking views or distinct seasonal changes, you need to know where the strengths lie in this particular area. Here are some key aspects of the local area you may want to think about:

• Proximity to services and access
• Weather/seasonal characteristics
• Natural surroundings & landmarks
• Local communities - traits and customs 
• Competitors in the area
• Law and legislation regarding tiny houses
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Target Audience.

Your target audience is another major aspect of building the foundations of a good hospitality business. Considering your ideal guests and designing the experience with them in mind can be the key to surviving in this competitive landscape. Creating an ideal customer avatar (ICA) will help you identify with your ideal guests and pave the way for you to decide what features in your tiny build, the look and feel, and the finishing touches are all contributing to the overall experience that you will offer them. From conception to completion, if you are working through every aspect of the design and build of your tiny, keeping your ICA close to your heart you will make the process easier and much more enjoyable. Not to mention that the end result will be so much more intended and authentic.

Knowing your audience through analysing their preferences, needs and wants is definitely a part that will play a major role while making decisions along the way and will pay off in the long run.

Planning.

Your business plan will serve as a roadmap for your tiny house hospitality venture.

Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, marketing strategy, pricing structure, and financial projections.

Legal Aspects.

Understand the legal and regulatory requirements for operating a hospitality business in your area. This may include zoning regulations, building codes, and permits for short-term rentals.

Design and Construction.

Design your tiny houses to be functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. You may want to work with architects and builders who have experience in designing tiny homes. Ensure that the houses are well-insulated and equipped with essential amenities.

In Koleliba we have been with several of our B2B clients from the very early stages of concept design, through budgeting and marketing strategies to help out as much as we can. We have a team of architects and engineers that could not only build but also develop and design a prototype unique for your business.

Marketing and Branding.

Develop a strong brand identity and marketing strategy. Utilise online platforms and social media to promote your tiny house accommodations. Consider creating a professional website with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions of each unit.

Pricing

• Set competitive and attractive pricing for your tiny houses. Consider seasonal rates and special promotions to attract guests.
• Justify your price with the experience you offer.

Amenities and Services

• Offer amenities and services that cater to the needs and desires of your target audience. This may include Wi-Fi, outdoor seating areas, barbecue facilities, and eco-friendly features
• Or a completely off-grid experience that targets people who truly want to disconnect at least for a couple of days.

Online Booking and Management

• Use a reliable online booking system to manage reservations and payments efficiently. There are various property management software options available for hospitality businesses.
• We work with some of the well-known brands for self-check-in that offer keyless entry, on-line check-in, an app that serves as a communication platform between you and the client and could also operate as a security system.

Guest Experience

• Focus on providing an exceptional guest experience. Ensure that your tiny houses are clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything guests may need during their stay.
• Consider adding personal touches to make their experience memorable.

Sustainability

• Emphasise sustainability in your tiny house business. Use eco-friendly building materials, energy-efficient appliances, and implement waste reduction and recycling practices.
• The tiny houses on wheels have the great advantage of being zero footprint, meaning that they leave no permanent damage to the land where they are installed. No concrete foundations are needed, making the installation process a one day job for a non-professional.
• Being zero-footprint also means that your Glamping could be on a naturally sensitive land that you could not get a regular building permit for.

Customer Feedback

• Encourage and gather feedback from guests to continuously improve your offerings. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations are crucial for the success of your business.
• In our experience after releasing the first unit, it is good to put it to test with real-life clients. Their reviews will make all the houses that will follow even better.

Scaling

• Once your initial tiny house units are successful, consider expanding your business by adding more units or exploring additional revenue streams, such as offering workshops or events.
• Or simply growing by diversifying locations.

Starting a hospitality business with tiny houses can be a fulfilling and profitable venture, especially if you prioritise guest satisfaction and sustainability, as well as key aspects like wise and financially-sound planning for your tiny build with Koleliba. Visit our orders & pricing page for more details about the process of ordering your first tiny build.