What if a teenager decided to build their own tiny house instead of accepting the traditional path of college dorms and apartments? That’s exactly what Austin Hay did, becoming one of the youngest tiny house builders in the movement’s history.
At just 16 years old, Austin began building his own Fencl tiny house in the backyard of his parents’ home in Santa Rosa, California. His goal was to have his own space to live in through high school, college, and beyond—without the burden of dorm costs or rent.
Photo Credit: Austin Hay
The Build: A 130 Square Foot DIY Tiny House
Austin’s build demonstrates what’s possible when determination meets resourcefulness. His 130 square foot Fencl-style tiny home was built with an impressive focus on sustainability—the entire project produced only two garbage cans worth of scraps.
Beyond environmentalism, Austin was motivated by his love of woodworking and the challenges the project presented. His parents were supportive throughout the entire process, providing encouragement and the backyard space to make it happen.
Funding the Dream
One of the most inspiring aspects of Austin’s story is how he funded the project himself. He earned money by working as a summer camp counselor and helping his father with his landscaping business.
The total cost for his fully-featured tiny house? Just $12,000—significantly less than the typical $20,000+ for a DIY build of this type at the time.
Lessons from Austin’s Build
Austin’s story offers valuable takeaways for aspiring tiny house builders of any age:
- Start where you are: Building in his parents’ backyard gave Austin a safe place to learn and make mistakes
- Fund creatively: Multiple income streams made the project possible without debt
- Minimize waste: Careful planning kept scraps to just two garbage cans
- Get support: Parental encouragement was crucial to the project’s success
- Think long-term: Austin built with his future in mind, not just immediate needs
Your Thoughts
Austin’s build proves that with determination and resourcefulness, even a teenager can build their own tiny house. What’s stopping you from starting your own tiny house journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Photo Credits: Austin Hay
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Alex
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