Teenage boy raises money to build tiny house in parent’s backyard

Most people at the age of 13, hardly know what they want to do with their lives or where to even start. Not Luke Thill, an Iowa middle school (secondary school) student knew he wanted to build stuff and so spent over a year constructing a tiny house in his family’s backyard. The young man has since gone on to build a tiny, teardrop camper with his twin, with the intention of travelling in it.

Useful obsession

Inspired by a YouTube video, Luke set out in 2017 to build his own tiny house where he could hang out and host friends. He raised $1,500 through mowing lawns and performing other menial tasks for neighbours and friends, according to ABC News.

I was just on YouTube looking around and came across a tiny house idea and then that spiraled into looking at almost every YouTube video there is, it felt like. I got obsessed with them and decided to build my own.

With approval from his parents, young Luke began construction of the 89 square foot house in 2016. His father, Greg helped with the construction work, while his mother, Angie was on interior furnishings duty. His sister, twin brother and friends and neighbours helped out too.

'Not short or easy'

The interior of the tiny home features a TV, seating area, mini refrigerator, heating, air-conditioning and a fold-up dining room table. Despite having all the trimmings of a liveable space, Luke doesn’t live in the tiny house. Unsurprisingly, his friend’s think the house is ‘cool’ and would often go by the house to hang out there.

In an interview with People, Luke said, although everything turned out great at the end, ‘the process was not short or easy’.

Seeing everything come together was very satisfying. There were some very challenging times throughout the build but I never wanted to quit.

His next project involved helping his brother, Cole, to build a teardrop trailer. Then he plans to return to where he started and build another house.

Sources used:

ABC News: 13-year-old builds $1,500 tiny house in family's backyard

People: This Iowa Teen Built an 89 Sq. Ft. Tiny House in His Backyard — Then a Tiny Camper for Traveling!

YouTube: Luke Thilll