Off The Record

College Student Build A Tiny House For Less Than 15,000$, But Wait Till You See It Inside… WOW

Published on July 15, 2024

Joel Weber, a design major, decided he wasn’t cut out for dorm life before enrolling at the University of Texas at Austin after seeing the escalating cost of living for a struggling college student.

Approximately $1,135 is the monthly cost of a room in one of the residence halls at the school. Off-campus living is just as tolerant.

Real estate website Zumper reports that the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a nearby downtown area has increased to $1,913.

Weber then attempted downsizing. In the backyard of a friend, he built a little cottage that measured 145 square feet. Building it took less than fifteen thousand dollars because of kind gifts and a little ingenuity. The 25-year-old now pays no rent and intends to graduate debt-free. Prior to enrolling at UT-Austin as a sophomore, he obtained his associate degree and toured.

Check out this unusual “student housing” he has:

Weber, a design major, began by putting rope in the backyard in the approximate shape of his prospective tiny home.

“I would sit in it and imagine where I’d want my bathroom,” said Weber.

Weber would need assistance building the dream home, but he had some experience with plumbing and carpentry.

While a full-time transfer student, he worked as an apprentice for a plumber and a carpenter and checked out architectural books from the library.

He depleted his emergency cash and reserves as well. Weber smiles and says, “I knew it was a risk.“

The house was finished after a year and about 15000 dollars. Weber was ecstatic about everything.

The aesthetic is characterized by him as “organic contemporary.” Stainless steel and reclaimed wood combine.

In the entrance are steps that lead to the loft, a workstation, and storage.

During construction, Weber was given wood scraps by people who provided him with shelter, which he utilized to build a seating area. “That’s how their homes live on with me,” he replies.

He was able to afford some luxuries, such as the stainless steel light switch covers and the rain shower head, thanks to his inventiveness.

He carved and epoxy-finished a mango wood bowl to create the sink.

Above the kitchen, the loft offers a serene little haven. A twin or queen-size bed can fit in it.

Weber exchanges land for a family’s daycare and housekeeping services. He uses their electricity to keep his living expenses down.

Despite receiving several offers to purchase it, he intends to stay in his modest cottage for as long as he can. One day, Weber might put it up for rent on Airbnb.

“It’s a feeling of being underneath a canopy of trees,” Weber says. “You feel that space embrace you.“

“The return on this kind of investment is one of the best choices I’ve ever made,” he adds.