Telha
At just 13 years old, Luke Thill from Iowa wasn’t your average teenager.
Most kids his age were busy with school, sports, or video games. But Luke had an entirely different vision.
He decided to build his very own tiny house.
Nestled in his parents’ backyard, this impressive little sanctuary cost Luke about $1,500 to complete.
From start to finish, he handled the project with remarkable dedication and creativity.
Let’s take a closer look at this incredible achievement!
A Bold Decision in a Digital World
In an age where smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems dominate most teens’ lives, Luke chose a more hands-on and traditional approach to occupy his time. Boredom sparked his idea, and he decided to channel his energy into building a tiny house.
He even documented the entire process on his YouTube channel, sharing his motivation and the steps he took to turn his dream into reality.
Planning, Saving, and Building
After months of research and careful planning, Luke put his vision into action. It took him about a year to gather the necessary materials and funds. To finance the project, he mowed lawns, did odd jobs, organized online fundraisers, and helped out wherever he could.
Luke also made use of recycled materials, with about 75% of his house being built from salvaged items. For example, he repurposed materials from his grandmother’s home, used a front door gifted by a family friend, and even bartered his labor—helping a neighbor clean out their garage in exchange for electrical work on his house.
The Finished Tiny House
The result? A cozy 89-square-foot house measuring 10 feet in length and 5.5 feet in width. The house is equipped with electricity but lacks plumbing for now, meaning no sink, shower, or toilet yet.
Luke shared his thoughts on the minimalist lifestyle, saying:
“I liked the minimalism. And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”
His tiny home is a dream space for any teenager. It includes a microwave, TV, and a loft bed. Out back, there’s even a barbecue grill. After school, Luke diligently does his homework in the house, and some nights, he sleeps there too.
Support and Life Lessons
While Luke’s parents supported him throughout the project, his father, Greg, made sure that Luke bore most of the financial responsibility himself. Greg explained:
“It was a chance for a kid to do something more than play video games or sports. It teaches life lessons.”
Future Plans and Inspiration
Luke isn’t stopping here. He’s already dreaming of building a slightly larger house for when he heads off to college. He also hopes to inspire other kids to take on similar challenges.
In his own words:
“I want to show kids it’s possible to build at this age.”
Luke’s story is a testament to what a clear goal, determination, and a strong work ethic can achieve—with a little support from family along the way.
Check out his incredible project below and see what’s possible when creativity meets hard work!
