Most middle schoolers probably have other things on their minds besides building houses.
But Luke Thill, a 13-year-old from Dubuque, Iowa, is unlike any other middle schooler you’ve seen before.
This talented and proactive boy has crafted his very own little house — in his parent’s backyard.
The project cost him roughly $1,500 USD — and now Luke is living his dream in his little cottage.
Come on in and have a look at what it looks like inside.
I think it’s safe to say that Luke is not like many of his 13-year-old peers. In a time of iPads, smartphones, gadgets, and X-Boxes, this young man decided to keep himself busy in a different and more ‘old-fashioned’ way. As he explains on his YouTube channel, his desire to build a small house grew out of feeling bored last summer.
After some thorough research, Luke had a pretty good idea of how he was going to put his plan into action.
The Process
It took him about a year to get the money and materials he needed to build the house. Luke mowed lawns, started a fund-raiser online, and ran errands for anyone who needed help in the neighborhood to make money.
An electrician Luke was friends with helped him install the electricity in exchange for Luke cleaning his garage out, for instance.
Luke used about 75 percent recycled material, many of which were things left over from his grandma’s house. The front door of the house was a gift from an uncle’s friend.
The 89-square-foot house is 10 feet long and 5 1/2 feet wide, with electricity but no plumbing, so no water or bathroom… yet.
“I liked the minimalism,” he told The Des Moines Register. “And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”
Luke has made several video clips and posted them online, where he talks about his project as many have grown curious about the little house.
As you can imagine, Luke also received some help from his parents, both financially and with the building itself.
But dad Greg made sure that it would be Luke himself who would pay for most of his project and also build most of it himself.
“It was a chance for a kid to do something more than play video games or sports,” Greg told The Des Moines Register. “It teaches life lessons.”
Teenager’s Dream
The house is in many ways a teenager’s dream, an oasis where you can chill and hang out in. It has a microwave, a TV, and a loft with a bed.
There’s even a barbecue and flowers at the back.
Luke usually does his homework after school at his new house and some nights during the week he gets to sleep there.
Luke already has aspirations to build another house — one that’s a little bigger for when he starts college. He also hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams:
“I want to show kids it’s possible to build at this age,” he says in one of his videos.
You can really see how proud he is about his project below.
Luke’s story is a great example of what a child can achieve with a clear goal, a strong worth ethic, and support from home.
He built an 89-square-foot house—wait until you see the inside!
At just 13 years old, Luke Thill from Iowa stands out from his peers—not because of his love for video games or gadgets, but because he built his very own tiny house. Unlike most kids his age, Luke turned his boredom into an ambitious project: a fully functional, 89-square-foot house in his parents’ backyard.
A Dream Built on Determination
Luke’s dream of building a house began with a simple desire to do something meaningful. His project, which cost about $1,500, took a year of hard work to complete.
To fund it, Luke mowed lawns, organized online fundraisers, took on odd jobs, and even bartered for services. For instance, a family friend helped him install electrical wiring in exchange for Luke clearing out his garage.
Luke also incorporated sustainability into his project. About 75% of the materials he used were recycled, including items from his grandmother’s house and a front door gifted by his uncle’s friend.
A Minimalist Sanctuary
The tiny house, measuring just 10 feet long and 5.5 feet wide, has electricity but no plumbing yet. Inside, it’s a cozy retreat complete with a loft bed, a microwave, a TV, and even a barbecue setup outside. It’s a space where Luke can unwind, do his homework, and occasionally spend the night.
“I liked the minimalism,” Luke explained. “And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”
Lessons in Responsibility
Luke’s parents were supportive of his venture but ensured he took ownership of the project. His father, Greg, made sure Luke covered most of the expenses himself.
“It was a chance for a kid to do something more than play video games or sports,” Greg said. “It teaches life lessons.”
Inspiring a Generation
Luke’s story has captured the attention of many, especially through his YouTube channel, where he shares videos documenting his journey. He hopes to inspire other kids to take on big projects and realize their potential.
“I want to show kids it’s possible to build at this age,” Luke said.
Have a look at this project below:
Looking ahead, Luke dreams of building a slightly larger house when he’s older—perhaps one he can use during college.
A Young Visionary
Luke Thill’s tiny house is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a testament to hard work, resourcefulness, and the power of dreaming big. His story is an inspiring example of what young people can accomplish with determination and a little support from their family.
If you’re inspired by Luke’s incredible project, share his story to encourage others to think big and act boldly!
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