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A year out of undergrad, Mariah found herself in an emotional — and financial — crisis. She was trying to make sense of some childhood instability and find direction, when she stumbled upon a woman living in her tiny house. Graciously, that THOW-owner welcomed Mariah to look around, and that’s when everything changed for her.
She had no building experience (and not a lot of money), but after four years she had completed her amazing tiny house, and she’s been living in it for three years. Her self-built success inspired her to start a tiny house coaching/spacial design company, which supports her.
Some of the home’s unique features include a half-loft bedroom, sky-lit shower, and Shou-Sugi Ban clapboarding that Mariah burned herself! Enjoy the Tiny House Giant Journey interview below.
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From No Building Experience to Self-Built Home-Owner
She went with an open, minimalist design.
Her counter space folds down when not needed.
This shower is what dreams are made of!
She had barely used a drill when she got started.
VIDEO: She Built a Beautiful TINY HOUSE for only $12,384
Learn more:
- Follow Mariah on Instagram
- Mariah’s Business website
- Subscribe to Tiny House Giant Journey on YouTube
Related stories:
- Lindsay and Eric’s DIY THOW with a Steam Room!
- Jon & Christina’s SIP-Built DIY THOW in Florida
- Former Lead THOW Carpenter Builds His Own $16K Tiny House
Our big thanks to Jenna for sharing! ?
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Natalie C. McKee
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overall a pretty nice build. where is the toilet or did I miss that?
also, what is the cost for land rental in your location?
thx!
At 11:50 she says that there is a communal bathroom on the property, but will be adding a compost toilet in the future.
This build is wonderful and inspiring! I love the minimalist design style. No matter what other style I’m thinking about that I want to employ I always incorporate minimalist design techniques…more space, order and escape from life’s tendency to be rather clutteristic…yeah, another one of my words….lol
I really respect and admire this young lady…great job, Mariah! What an inspiration you are! Love your T.H.O.W.!
“Clutterisitc” is a fantastic word. And I agree! While I’m not into the white/modern aesthetic in my own home, I have been on a mission to get rid of stuff! Less clutter, more peace.
Beautiful design. Love the clean open feeling.
Currently no toilet as she uses a Bath House on the property…but she did say also in the video she has plans to just a compost toilet…heck, with that beautifully designed and built shower w/skylight I wouldn’t mind walking a bit to do my business…so probably she’ll have a really cool, minimalistic approach on the new ‘leu…Let’s see what she can do with say….5 sq ft…whatever she does I already know it’ll be AMAZING! I feel another video coming from her when she finishes…please share! 🙂
Except when its raining, or indeed the middle of winter.
It’s San Diego, not Wisconsin. ? Weather isn’t a huge problem.
I love it but no way would I be able to use a communal bathroom. I get up several times during the night. That’s my problem. I still love it.
Point taken… for now. But what if she moves? There’s a famous quote “Never say never.”
Exactly! I don’t think she could go wrong. I would probably just stick a cassette toilet in the shower that could be taken out during showers. But I need to get up in the middle of the night at least once haha.
What a wonderful place you have built for yourself Jenna! Congratulations!
Shame. If she could have only saved $39 she would have had a $12345 house. ; )
Great house btw.
LOL, Eric! I was impressed with how specific the build cost was ha.
So was I. But that was just too good to pass up.
While I like it. Good size. Its cost is in 4 yrs. Cost would be more for keeping it somewhere to work on and keep safe all that time. As I rent now, then I’d have to rent to do that build. But. Glad for her. It will last a good long while. Changes can always be made . & being Tiny. It can be moved or added on.
Really nice! Nothing beats making an income doing something you love. Great job!
Still wondering what is the land rental fee ?
Yes! I saw this when it was first posted on YouTube. Incredible job, I love the clean lines and how everything is so sensible and clutter free. It gives you a calming feeling. This is something to be mastered, I’m in the process of culling my things. Great inspo!