This is the story of Ingrid Stanwa and how she built her very own tiny house in Australia.
With no prior experience, just a desire to make her tiny house dreams a reality, she made it happen. Here’s her story. Enjoy!
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Her DIY Tiny House, Built in Australia
© Ingrid Stanway
Hi. I’m from West Australia. 6 years ago I was crippled in debt by my mortgage, forced to work away in the mines to pay for a house I didn’t really want because I thought I was supposed to.
© Ingrid Stanway
Tiny houses kept showing up and one day I just decided “that’s me! I’m going to build myself a tiny house! A year later the trailer arrived and I started to build “tiny tootz” (pronounced like tootsie in the movie).
© Ingrid Stanway
I was single at the time 41yrs old and living in a rental with my mother after selling my 4/2 house. I literally borrowed tools, bought some tools, watched endless youtube videos on how to DIY, read books of inspiration, and just started ‘going for it’.
© Ingrid Stanway
The process was longer than I expected (I had to get really creative with just 1 pair of hands doing the work) and double the budget I was hoping for, but that’s partly because of where I live and a lot to do with my taste for “little luxuries”….lol.
© Ingrid Stanway
Two years later With just my two hands, two plastic trestles tables, and a really good ladder, I was moving in!
© Ingrid Stanway
It was and still is by far the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and my confidence in my abilities to achieve my dreams is unwavering because of it.
© Ingrid Stanway
A year after moving in I added the outdoor patio/deck which is free-standing and the deck is built in an old caravan chassis… all removable!
© Ingrid Stanway
I’m still making changes/improvements as I go, such as benchtop dishwasher, natures head toilet, mini-split, etc…. but despite that, there isn’t a day go by that I’m not extremely proud and grateful for my gorgeous little piece of home!
© Ingrid Stanway
© Ingrid Stanway
© Ingrid Stanway
© Ingrid Stanway
© Ingrid Stanway
© Ingrid Stanway
© Ingrid Stanway
VIDEO TOUR of her Tiny House as of January 2021
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An amazing job well done
She did a great job. Lots of good storage ideas, excellent use of space. I also like the western style; not what I would do for my own house, but she put it together well and it is appealing and comfortable.
No experience? Did it by herself? Well there’s your super woman right there. She did an amazing job and I really like it. Those glass cabinets above the sink are beautiful. I am truly in awe of this woman.
Right!? She’s fantastic!
Thank you for your amazing comments. I wasn’t kidding when I said I spent more hrs researching “how to diy” than actually doing it! I did mess a few things up but I managed to fix up little mistakes as I went along. Nothing detrimental to the structure, at least I dont think so!…. I guess I’ll see in a few more years!
Dam Girl, It’s Freakin Awsome!!
You knocked it Out.
Proud of you Girl.
Good Job!!!!!👍👍
Hi is there such a thing as a place in USA that has the land I have to have one of these and survive and be at peace thank you honey
Hi Mona — while the rules are different in every town in the US, rural places are your best bet in general. They have fewer rules/codes and fewer neighbors to tattle if you bend the rules…
Right, but it only takes one neighbour to tattle and its goodbye home. Time to change laws. Your land, your rules, so long as its tidy and safe.
I love your tiny house. It so beautiful. You did a great job. I bought a shed. I have to finish paying it before I can do anything with it. So wish me luck!! God bless you and your family!!!
Just go for it. Once you start its pretty awkward for them to stop you. So long as you keep up the payments on it.
Wow! That is amazing! What a beauty.
Ingrid… your home is definitely first rate, beautiful job!
Great Job!!! Be very proud of your self!
I am currently working on a “ small house” on my property. (450 sq ft). Seeing your results is very encouraging! Best to you!
– Carrie ( USA)
WOW. I’m so impressed. This is something I think I may like to do one day (yes, I’ve been stalking this site for the better part of a decade), so this is very inspiring!
And it’s GORGEOUS. I love the layout and all the storage…stairs and not a ladder, and I adore the deck. Well done!
So glad this inspired you!
Hello.
I’m interested to build a tiny house in Australia by myself. If I have a small budget and would like to build a house by myself, how is realistic to make.
Thank you.