When Cheryl retired after 30 years as a public school teacher, she was living in a 1,400-square-foot home. Having raised her son as a single mom, she was ready for something new. She knew the only way she could afford a tiny house would be to build it herself, so she found a workshop with Incredible Tiny Homes. The company built a shell to her specifications, then she and some friends stayed on site to finish the interior.
Although the house is only 140 square feet with a small storage loft, it has everything she needs. She even fit in her sewing machine, a sewing table, and all her supplies. After seven years of tiny living in two different communities, she’s now at The Bird’s Nest in Texas.
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DIY Tiny House Built with Incredible Tiny Homes
Images via Tiny House Expedition
Main Floor Futon Bed in Living Area
Images via Tiny House Expedition
Stained Glass Window Adds Character
Images via Tiny House Expedition
Kitchen with Farmhouse Sink
Images via Tiny House Expedition
Video Tour: Retired Teacher’s Affordable Tiny House
Design Details
- Owner: Cheryl
- Previous Career: Public school teacher (30 years)
- Previous Home: 1,400 sq ft
- Tiny House Size: 140 sq ft (1/10th of previous home)
- Loft: Small storage loft
- Build Method: Workshop with Incredible Tiny Homes
- Shell: Built by company to her specifications
- Interior Finish: Completed by Cheryl with friends
- Financing: Son provided loan for down payment
- Sleeping: Futon bed on main floor
- Kitchen Feature: Farmhouse sink
- Special Feature: Stained glass window
- Hobby Space: Sewing machine, table, and supplies
- Time in Tiny House: Seven years
- Communities Lived In: Two (currently The Bird’s Nest, Texas)
Lessons from This Build
- Workshop Programs Make DIY Accessible: Cheryl didn’t have construction skills, but Incredible Tiny Homes’ workshop model let her participate in building her own home with professional guidance
- Shell-Plus-DIY Balances Cost and Quality: Having professionals build the structural shell while finishing the interior yourself combines the safety of expert framing with the savings of DIY labor
- Family Can Bridge Financing Gaps: When Cheryl couldn’t sell her big house before needing a down payment, her son’s loan made the transition possible—a reminder that timing challenges have creative solutions
- Hobbies Can Fit in 140 Square Feet: Despite the compact space, Cheryl found room for her sewing machine, table, and supplies, proving you don’t have to give up meaningful activities
- Community Flexibility Matters: Having lived in two different tiny house communities over seven years shows that tiny homes on wheels provide options if circumstances change
Learn More
Related Stories
- Social Worker’s Tiny House Retirement in Florida Community
- Her Indigo River Tiny House in Texas Community
- 400 Sq Ft Anchored Tiny Home in Island Cove Park Community
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Alex
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