Jack set out with a clear goal: build a tiny house on wheels as the foundation for a fully off-grid, self-sustaining homestead in Colorado. After three years of hands-on work and a total budget of just $22,000, the result is an inspiring DIY THOW that proves you don’t need a fortune to create a beautiful home.
From the beetle kill pine walls to the cedar-lined shower, every detail reflects Jack’s dedication to craftsmanship on a budget. His design choices — an instant hot water heater, a deep farmhouse sink, a mini woodstove, and a sleek shed-style roof — show that practical can also be beautiful.
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Jack’s THOW on 3.5 Acres with Off-Grid Potential
Images via Tiny House Listings
One of the standout aspects of Jack’s build is the 3.5-acre property in Colorado where the THOW is parked. The land gives him room to develop the off-grid homestead he’s been working toward — a reminder that tiny living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing outdoor space.
Cozy Interior with Beetle Kill Pine
The interior walls are finished in beetle kill pine — a beautiful reclaimed wood sourced from trees killed by pine bark beetles, common throughout Colorado’s forests. The natural blue-gray tones of the wood give the space a unique character that you won’t find in a typical build. It’s also an eco-friendly choice, putting wood to use that would otherwise go to waste.
Cedar Shower and Thoughtful Bathroom Design
Images via Tiny House Listings
Through the bathroom doorway, you can see the cedar-lined shower — a natural choice that resists moisture and smells incredible. Cedar is a popular option in tiny house bathrooms because it’s naturally rot-resistant and adds a spa-like quality to the space without requiring tiles or waterproof paneling.
Stand-Up Loft Bedroom
Images via Tiny House Listings
Unlike many tiny house lofts where you have to crawl, Jack designed his loft bedroom with enough headroom to stand comfortably. This makes a real difference in daily livability and is one of the smartest design decisions in the build. The shed-style roof plays a big role here, creating the extra ceiling height that makes this possible.
Video Tour: He Built His Dream Tiny House
Watch the full tour of Jack’s $22K DIY tiny house and hear his story of building it from scratch over three years:
Highlights of This DIY Tiny House
- Builder: Jack (DIY with family help)
- Cost: $22,000 total
- Build Time: 3 years
- Type: Tiny house on wheels (THOW)
- Location: 3.5-acre property in Colorado
- Interior Finish: Beetle kill pine walls
- Kitchen: Deep farmhouse sink, instant hot water heater
- Heating: Mini woodstove
- Bathroom: Cedar-lined shower
- Bedroom: Stand-up loft with full headroom
- Roof Style: Shed-style for modern aesthetic and loft height
- Goal: Fully off-grid, self-sustaining homestead
Key Takeaways for Your DIY Tiny House Build
- Budget builds are possible: Jack’s $22K total proves that a quality tiny house doesn’t require a six-figure budget
- Take your time: A multi-year build allows you to learn as you go and avoid costly mistakes
- Source local materials: Beetle kill pine is abundant in Colorado and gives a unique, beautiful finish at a fraction of the cost of new lumber
- Plan your loft height: Being able to stand in your loft bedroom makes a huge difference in daily comfort
- Think beyond the house: Jack’s 3.5-acre property gives him room to grow into full off-grid living
Learn More
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Alex
Except for the stairs bein a bit steep with too tall risers, this looks great! I am sure it’s necessary to make the stairs like that for the small space. I might choose pull down stairs to remedy the situation.
Or perhaps put one more step in there making the risers closer to normal size??
Hmm… alternating tread stairs might be an option?… I really like these Rocky Mountain style builds, but maybe with an elevator bed. Really like this house!
I like this house. Very nice!
I’ve seen thousands of tiny builds. But there is something really special about this one. I absolutely love it! My favorite thing is the handrail, towel bars, and shelves made with the black pipes. Swoon!