Couple Builds $40k Tiny House then had 2 Kids!
When it comes to homeownership, it's easy to feel the pressure to have a big house with all the bells and whistles. But what if there was another way? Meet Aaron and Christina; they built a tiny house for just $40k on their parent's homestead in Kaufman County, Texas. They're living proof that tiny homes can be a great affordable alternative to traditional homes or apartments, leading to a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life.
With six years of tiny home living under their belts, Aaron and Christina share their inspiring DIY story to help other tiny home enthusiasts make their homeownership dreams a reality.
Aaron & Christina got married in their tiny house after completing the build.
Creating their own American Dream
"So what's happening in North America with the youth is you've been programmed to say, OK, I graduated high school. Now I need to go to a good college. Now, after college, I get a degree, now I need a big house, I need a new car, I need a dog, I need a family, I need all these things.
But then you meet people like her family, where they just need a place to sleep to eat, and they don't have these internal wants that everybody else does. So, the whole purpose behind the tiny home is to branch away from this mainstream blueprint that these people have set for their own futures.
The American dream, or we'll say the North American dream. But I think there's a branch, and then now we're seeing, especially how the economy is, inflation, all these other things, you're seeing that branch. And then when you see people like us who don't know anything, but we have internet, and we can figure out how to do that thing for ourselves."
-Aaron Sixta, @6ta_tinyhouse
Inside their Self-Built $40k Tiny House
When Aaron and Christina decided to downsize, they knew a tiny home was the way to go. They took on the challenging task of building their own tiny house, with an estimated cost of $40,000. At 35 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 280 square feet on the inside, they were able to create a space that fulfilled all their needs while still feeling open and spacious.
They carefully designed their home to maximize storage and functionality while maintaining high ceilings and plenty of windows for natural light. It's evolved over time as their family has grown. For instance, there's a queen-size trundle bed for the kids that doubles as a sofa. This sits below their king-size bed with built-in storage. Other must-haves for their family include full-sized appliances and a bathtub.
Simple Living Benefits
One of the most significant benefits of tiny home living is the reduced impact on the environment, but it also has positive effects on mental health. Aaron and Christina are fortunate to have a natural environment surrounding their tiny home that offers peace, serenity, and a sense of connection with nature.
This environment provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, and even stargazing, all beneficial for mental and physical well-being.
While living in a tiny home may not be for everyone, Aaron and Christina love their lifestyle and have no plans to move anytime soon. They credit their family's support and understanding for their minimalist choices, not attaching material things to success or happiness. It's an admirable mindset that allows them to focus on what's truly important.
DIY Building Advice
If you're considering building your own tiny house, Aaron and Christina advise thorough research before embarking on such a project. They found excellent resources on YouTube University, sharing that they learned much from videos about the dos and don'ts of tiny homes. Safety is critical during a build. So don't be afraid to ask for help! Further, they stress the importance of designing a home that fits your unique needs and lifestyle.
A spacious covered deck offers more living space--a must-have for their family!
Having Kids in a Tiny House
They initially wanted to live in the tiny home for at least five years before having kids. But now, even with children, they have adapted well to their living situation. The positives of having kids in a tiny home are that parents can monitor them easily and enjoy quality family time together. Also, it can be an affordable way to save up for a larger home. The negatives are that it can be messy, so organization and minimalism are vital for living comfortably in a tiny home with kids.
"Having kids in a tiny house is one word, messy. Can we put that in, like, big letters above us? Messy."
Aaron and Christina's story is a testament to the fact that tiny home living is a feasible, affordable, and rewarding lifestyle choice. Their DIY project is a reminder that living large in a small space is possible with some creativity, careful planning, and community support. Their story gives us hope that, with a little bit of research and planning, we can all make our living spaces feel like home, no matter what curveballs come our way!
Watch the tour of their $40k Tiny House!
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