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
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
She went with an open, minimalist design.
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
Her counter space folds down when not needed.
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
This shower is what dreams are made of!
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
She had barely used a drill when she got started.
Images via Tiny House Giant Journey
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!