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Law Student Designs and Builds Tiny Home for $25k


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Meet Joel Fleck. When he needed to find a home after college he decided instead of paying a high amount of rent in Sonoma county, that he would opt to design and build his own tiny home on wheels instead.

So, according to the story at Faircompanies, he bought an abandoned trailer for only $300 and started building. Two years and $25,000 later he now has his own debt-free tiny house. Did I mention that he’s 6’4″ tall? And the $25k includes purchasing all the tools he needed. Not bad! I’m really excited to share the video tour and interview thanks to Kirsten Dirksen of Faircompanies where you can get his entire story from start to finish, and tour his entire tiny home on a trailer below. Enjoy!

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6’4″ Law Student Living in DIY 150 Sq. Ft. Tiny Home

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Images © Faircompanies/YouTube

Since Joel is in law school, he needed space for books and he also needed a spot to sit and study. And you’ll see how he arranged for that below.

His house weighs in at 14,000 lbs. So if you’re building tiny make sure your trailer axles can handle the load! The weight can definitely add up when you’re done building and put all your stuff inside.

I know you’ll be amazed at all of the nooks, crannies, and hidden storage that Joel was able to create in his tiny home. It’s very inspiring and I believe it might open you up to new ideas as to what you can do with your own custom designed tiny house.

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Images © Faircompanies/YouTube

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Images © Faircompanies/YouTube

Video: Joel Fleck’s (Law Student) DIY Custom Built Bachelor Tiny House

Original story: http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/tall-law-student-tiny-house-bachelor-builds-dorm-on-wheels/

If you enjoyed Joel’s custom designed and built tiny home you’ll absolutely LOVE our free daily tiny house newsletter with even more! Thanks!

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 10 comments… add one }
  • Susie M
    September 5, 2014, 12:25 pm

    Joel, I really admire your confidence to just go ahead and do it! When things are meant to happen – it all just comes into place – like your trailer, shower and oak flooring. Many people have stated that they couldn’t give up their closet space – but you have obviously found a clever way to get around that. What I like most about your tiny house is that you have customized it to your needs – being flexible and innovative enough to figure things out as you go, and change direction if need be – adding the bookcase after the desk – all the nooks and crannies – having a propane hook up even tho’ you are using that monster convection microwave – space and hook up for washer/dryer combo etc.

    You’ve obviously built it to suit your current lifestyle – but left options for changes – smart – and what a way to deal with the ‘ladder in the way’ problem – you are young and don’t have bad knees – for such a big guy to fit so comfortably in a tiny house must take a lot of planning – kudos!!

    Thank you so much for sharing how you and why you tackled aspects the way you did, and for being honest enough to admit that you would have done somethings differently with more experience – that alone is inspiring to those of us who are gathering up the courage to take the plunge; but are intimidated by structural integrity, plumbing and electrical skills.
    You really do have a beautiful tiny house and it looks like you have a terrific future ahead! Good Luck!

    • Alex
      September 5, 2014, 12:59 pm

      I couldn’t agree more with you Susie, thanks for your comment! And huge kudos to Joel! Thanks also to Kirsten (and Faircompanies) for helping in getting this out to everybody.

  • Marsha Cowan
    September 5, 2014, 4:24 pm

    You seem like such a nice guy. Are you sure you want to be a lawyer? Lol! Just kidding! The thought you put into this beautiful and functional house shows in every aspect. Great job! Good luck in all your future endeavors.

  • Kelli
    September 22, 2014, 7:05 am

    Thought I’d mention that Joel Fleck’s house and building experience were featured in the Sunday Omaha World Herald this week. If I recall correctly, it was front page of the housing section in the printed paper. Also available online: http://www.omaha.com/money/former-nebraska-college-student-builds-tiny-house-in-california/article_4b9ebeec-3dba-11e4-aabb-0017a43b2370.html

    • Alex
      September 22, 2014, 1:29 pm

      Cool! Thanks!!

  • Ken Gray
    December 16, 2014, 8:41 pm

    With zoning ordinances in mind, I am wondering where you are allowed to keep it? Is it treated as an RV? Thanks

  • Theresa Perdue
    December 31, 2017, 2:05 pm

    I know he wants to be an attorney but I really like the way he thinks and I would definitely ire him to build y tiny house😊

  • Nancy Brown
    July 6, 2018, 6:07 pm

    Great job, great home!!! You are so commited, and I commend you for that. I wish you all the best, happiness, and joy in your life!!!

    • Stephan of Arkansas
      April 6, 2020, 6:22 pm

      Yes, Nancy, I agree completely with your comments. Highest praises to Joel Fleck for his tiny house’s design and implementation! I wish I had the courage to have a bigger version of a tiny house on wheels, but I live in tornado country, and here in Arkansas I have seen cars, big trucks, mobile homes tossed in the air, twisted like pretzels, and blown around like toys. One should never live in fear, but …. Ain’t nothin’ safe no where no how no time no ma’am. These comments respectfully submitted.

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