While many people typically wait until they are at least 30 years old to build their dream home, the thrill of hand-crafting your ideal living space is unmatched.
Imagine the journey of creating a plan, putting your heart and soul into it, and finally seeing your vision come to life. That’s exactly what Tom did. At just 17 years old, he used his skill, creativity, and determination to make his dream a reality.
Driven by rising housing costs and a desire for independence, Tom set out to build a modest home using recycled materials. He discovered he could create something completely from scratch while staying within a budget.
“My vision for the cabin was to keep things simple and provide a stress-free lifestyle. Everything I have is mine; I paid for everything”, Tom explained.
Now, at 20, Tom is relieved knowing he won’t have to spend his hard-earned money on rent. “It’s a no-brainer life and once you’ve built something, it really is yours”, he added.
Tom’s house is located on his grandfather’s extensive property and retains a charming English country aesthetic, complete with a side window. At 17, he bought a caravan and immediately began building it while working and completing his carpentry apprenticeship, which he completed in December.
The front of his house is made of larch wood, sourced cheaply from a local sawmill, while the side walls are made of fence boards. All the windows are recycled, sourced from a website that specializes in used materials. He recently added a porch, using boards from a scaffolding company and other scrap and reclaimed wood he recovered from the job.
Upon entering Tom’s home, visitors are greeted by beautiful reclaimed wood and a tranquil poster of a seascape. “My goal was to use only reclaimed wood for the build because it’s budget-friendly,” Tom noted. Much of the wood in his home was salvaged from old homes that he personally stripped down, sanded and repurposed.
The living area includes a compact workspace for his work and meals, a standard sofa, and a wall-mounted TV. In the future, he hopes to upgrade to a multifunctional sofa with built-in storage.
Tom especially loves his kitchen, where he made a fully functional worktop out of recycled scaffolding boards and spent hours sanding and painting it. The kitchen is equipped with essential appliances such as a fridge, stove and toaster.
Opposite the kitchen is a compact bathroom with a small chemical toilet with electric flush. The shower area has corrugated iron walls and copper fittings, evoking a rustic farmhouse feel. Back in the living room, a ladder leads to the loft, which leads to Tom’s cozy bedroom with double mattress.
Tom began building his dream home at age 17 with a budget of $8,200 and an hourly wage of $5.50 and managed to save most of his income to finance the construction of his home using recycled materials.
Imagine how his home will evolve as he completes the various upgrades he has in mind! For a full tour of Tom’s home, check out the video below
“Reunited in Love: The Heartwarming Adoption Journey of Tre and Ke’Lynn”
The brothers, Tre and Ke’Lynn, had endured the pain of separation for years, shuffled between different foster homes. Despite the physical distance, their hearts remained intertwined, longing for the comfort of each other’s presence. Through the occasional monthly visits, they clung to the hope of reuniting permanently, their tears marking the passing of time.
Their connection was forged through shared experiences of hardship and uncertainty, yet amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope burned brightly. Their story captured the attention of many, including Dr. Robert Beck, whose compassionate heart was deeply stirred. Recognizing the profound bond between Tre and Ke’Lynn, Dr. Beck made a decision that would change their lives forever.
On that unforgettable day of July 18, 2018, in a courtroom filled with anticipation, the brothers received the surprise of a lifetime. As Dr. Beck stepped forward, their eyes widened with disbelief, quickly giving way to tears of overwhelming joy. In that moment, the dream they had cherished for so long became a reality as they were embraced by their new father.
The courtroom echoed with the palpable emotions of love and belonging as Tre and Ke’Lynn found themselves enveloped in the warmth of their forever family. With Dr. Beck’s adoption, they gained not only a father but also an older brother, eager helpers, and the promise of unwavering love and protection for a lifetime. Their journey, marked by trials and tribulations, had finally led them home.
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