Teen Builds $1,500 Tiny House in Backyard: A Year-Long DIY Adventure

Luke Thill, a 13-year-old middle school student from Iowa, spent a year building his own tiny house in his family’s backyard.

This impressive project, spanning 89 square feet, was funded by the $1,500 Luke earned through mowing lawns and helping neighbors.

A Spark of Inspiration

Luke’s fascination with tiny homes began after a YouTube binge.

“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,” Luke told ABC News. “I got obsessed with them and decided to build my own.”

Support from His Family

Luke’s parents, Greg and Angie Thill, were supportive of his ambition, provided he adhered to certain conditions.

Greg Thill recounted, “We said, ‘If you’re that serious, we have to set some ground rules.’ We told him he had to have the financial responsibility of it, raise the money, choose the materials, and stay in the budget.”

Starting the Build

Construction began in June 2016. Luke’s dad assisted with the build, while his mom helped with interior design.

His sister and twin brother also pitched in, and Luke learned to barter for materials and skills, using reclaimed items wherever possible.

Community Contributions

The project was a community effort. Luke traded services with neighbors and friends, leveraging their skills to complete his home.

“I have a neighbor who is a professional electrician, so I cleaned his garage out, and he taught me how to wire the house,” Luke explained. “And in Cub Scouts, I knew a guy who was a carpet layer. I mowed at his apartment buildings, and he helped me install the carpet.”

Features of the Tiny Home

Luke’s tiny home is fully equipped with a TV, seating area, mini refrigerator, and a fold-up dining room table.

His friends frequently visit, impressed by the unique space. “He’s a very driven kid for his age,” said Greg Thill. “There were times the project got stalled out and he had to earn more money for the next phase. He wouldn’t let it go and kept working at it.”

Inspiring Others

Luke’s dedication earned him an invitation to speak at a tiny home conference in Iowa.

He documented his building process on YouTube, aiming to inspire other kids to pursue their dreams regardless of their age. “I couldn’t find anyone younger than 14,” Luke said. “I thought if no one was out there, I might as well do it, so I started documenting the whole process and putting it on YouTube.”

Future Projects

With his first tiny house complete, Luke is now assisting his brother Cole in building a teardrop trailer.

He has bigger plans on the horizon. “In a couple of years, I want to build a bigger house and stay in it full-time,” he said.

Final Thoughts

Luke Thill’s story is a testament to the power of determination, community support, and the pursuit of one’s passions.

His tiny home project not only provided a unique living space but also inspired a new generation of young builders.