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She Built Her 152-sq.-ft. Tiny House For $12,384


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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

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Natalie C. McKee

Natalie C. McKee is a contributor for Tiny House Talk and the Tiny House Newsletter. She's a wife, and mama of three little kids. She and her family are homesteaders with sheep, goats, chickens, ducks and quail on their happy little acre.

Latest posts by Natalie C. McKee (see all)

{ 18 comments… add one }
  • ronn
    September 12, 2021, 8:47 am

    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!

    • Ann
      September 14, 2021, 4:24 pm

      At 11:50 she says that there is a communal bathroom on the property, but will be adding a compost toilet in the future.

  • FRANK DAVIS
    September 12, 2021, 10:27 am

    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.!

    • Natalie C. McKee
      September 14, 2021, 6:12 am

      “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.

  • Joanna Huskey
    September 12, 2021, 10:57 am

    Beautiful design. Love the clean open feeling.

  • FRANK DAVIS
    September 12, 2021, 11:24 am

    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! 🙂

    • Eric
      September 13, 2021, 4:57 pm

      Except when its raining, or indeed the middle of winter.

      • Shirley
        September 13, 2021, 7:55 pm

        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.

        • Eric
          September 21, 2021, 7:46 pm

          Point taken… for now. But what if she moves? There’s a famous quote “Never say never.”

    • Natalie C. McKee
      September 14, 2021, 6:11 am

      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.

  • Kathy
    September 13, 2021, 4:02 pm

    What a wonderful place you have built for yourself Jenna! Congratulations!

  • Eric
    September 13, 2021, 5:00 pm

    Shame. If she could have only saved $39 she would have had a $12345 house. ; )

    Great house btw.

    • Natalie C. McKee
      September 14, 2021, 6:07 am

      LOL, Eric! I was impressed with how specific the build cost was ha.

      • Eric
        September 21, 2021, 7:48 pm

        So was I. But that was just too good to pass up.

  • BJ
    September 13, 2021, 8:48 pm

    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.

  • Marsha Cowan
    September 14, 2021, 8:45 am

    Really nice! Nothing beats making an income doing something you love. Great job!

  • MARY ANN Jarzembowski
    December 13, 2021, 1:04 pm

    Still wondering what is the land rental fee ?

  • Michelle Torres
    April 2, 2022, 8:59 am

    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!

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