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Family Helps Younger Brother with Tiny Salvaged Cottage


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This tiny house story is a guest post by Mendonna Rogers. – Share yours!

Here is our tiny salvaged cottage for my little brother.

First, let me explain that we have a large family (8 girls and 3 boys) and both parents are deceased many years ago. We have always been very close and if any sibling is in need we are there to help.

My little brother’s house burned down and he lost everything including his small dog. He was just able to get out alive before the whole house was gone. He had his house on a family property so we had the land. My sister and I started looking at trailer houses, then we found this little house.

The house is one large room with a small bathroom. It had been empty for many years and was in need of a complete re-do. First we had to try and get the owner to sell us this house at the right price so we could then afford to have it moved to his land.

Please enjoy, learn more and re-share below. Thank you!

Family Helps Younger Brother with Tiny Salvaged House

Little Brother Tiny House-001

Images © Mendonna Rogers

Little Brother Tiny House-002

We were able to buy the house for $500.00 and then found someone to move it for $1200.00 including setup. After the house was moved and setup we had to remove all sheet rock and replace the wall boards on the outside that were rotten. We also salvaged for tin roofing.

Little Brother Tiny House-003

A good place to find roof tin and sinks and most anything is at local Habitat for Humanity stores. They get in all kinds of remodeling household items from contractors and sell it cheap.

Little Brother Tiny House-004

We re-wired the electrical and put in a new electrical panel and ran new plumbing and hookup to the septic system. This was all done by our family (no outside cost). We did hire a local handyman to install the sheetrock and paint. He charged $250.00 to do the job.

Little Brother Tiny House-005

Once the walls were done we had several floor boards to replace. Then we installed a vinyl floor covering that cost about $200.00. My sister was able to find a kitchen counter top with cabinets and a sink for under $200.00.

Little Brother Tiny House-006

My husband installed the shower and we bought the drain pan at Lowe’s for around $140.00. He did the shower walls out of galvanized tin. The total cost of the shower was about $300.00. We also insulated the walls and ceiling. We covered the ceiling with tin for a rustic look. All total I would say we spent around $4,000.00 to complete this 500 sq. ft. tiny house.

Little Brother Tiny House-007

Images © Mendonna Rogers

Our big thanks to Mendonna Rogers for sharing this story with us!

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Related: 83-year-old Widow Gets Barn Tiny Home

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Andrea is a contributor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the Tiny House Newsletter! She has a passion for sharing tiny and small house stories and introducing you to new people, ideas, and homes.
{ 10 comments… add one }
  • jenna
    September 11, 2015, 3:46 pm

    What a sad but wonderful story! And a great small house, affordable and liveable 🙂

  • Brian
    September 11, 2015, 3:47 pm

    You are truly blessed to have such a supportive, caring and loving family. I love your new house and thanks for sharing. Cheers from Australia.

  • Deadrock
    September 11, 2015, 4:20 pm

    R.I.P., li’l pooch.

  • Pam
    September 11, 2015, 8:14 pm

    I hope you managed to get yourself another wee mate. God bless you!

  • Dominick Bundy
    September 11, 2015, 9:01 pm

    Hmm, I was sort of wondering if this tiny one room house that was found and moved. Maybe was at one time one of those 1950’s roadside tourist cabins ? That later motels took their place with.. It sort of looks like one on the outside..

  • gale
    September 12, 2015, 7:33 am

    What a wonderful loving family. This little home has it all with room to add on if and when needed. It’s cosy and warm and filled with love. God bless you all.

  • Kate
    September 12, 2015, 8:20 pm

    It is thrilling to read of the family unity you guys share. Seems in this day and age, brotherly love is not the norm.
    And you all made some new memories!! Your parents would be proud of all of you working together.

  • Marsha Cowan
    September 12, 2015, 9:05 pm

    Hurray for close families! This was a great story as well as a great makeover of a darling little house. Thanks for sharing!

  • MENDONNA ROGERS
    May 24, 2021, 11:41 am

    Update on our Tiny House. My brother enjoyed his little house until his passing 2017 from cancer. Our family still gets together every Christmas here.
    Thank you for all the comments.
    Mendonna Rogers & Family

    • Natalie C. McKee
      May 25, 2021, 1:54 pm

      So sorry for your loss. Thank you for the update and I hope you have many lovely family gatherings to come.

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