When Ashley and Chad found themselves priced out of traditional homeownership despite having a down payment saved, they didn’t give up on their dream. After being denied mortgage pre-approval due to their self-employed status, this resourceful couple decided to invest their savings into constructing a DIY tiny house that would become home to their growing family.
A Design Born from Research and Resourcefulness
Ashley’s dedication to the project was remarkable. She watched every tiny house video available online at the time, cherry-picking her favorite features and sketching them onto paper—no fancy computer programs needed. Their design philosophy centered on sourcing secondhand materials, which meant building creatively around what they could find. They acquired windows first, then constructed walls to fit them. The kitchen sink and other fixtures found their places based on where they would actually fit, creating a truly organic design process.
Structural Innovation and Smart Storage
Chad’s construction expertise shone through in the build quality. The house is through-bolted to the trailer and built above standard house codes to withstand movement during transport. At 28 feet long, 8.5 feet wide, and just under 13.5 feet tall, every inch was maximized for functionality.
The staircase doubles as a pantry with deep drawers storing food and dishware. A full-length closet accommodates cleaning supplies, while built-in shelving above the kitchen houses Chad’s record collection and Ashley’s cherished books—a non-negotiable feature she insisted on keeping.
Thoughtful Amenities for Family Life
Despite the compact footprint, the couple refused to sacrifice certain comforts. Ashley’s must-have feature was a full-sized bathtub—so important that she gave birth to both children in it. They installed a Thorn composting toilet with an excellent urine diverter (a critical component, Ashley emphasizes) and a washer-dryer combo, though she primarily air-dries laundry to save energy.
The kitchen features a retro RV stove with three burners and an oven, proving perfectly adequate for cooking for their family of four. A regular-sized, energy-efficient fridge with a top freezer provides essential food storage.
Evolving Spaces for Growing Needs
The tiny house has transformed alongside their family. A former unused second door became a baby changing station, then evolved into additional kitchen storage with a new hutch. After having their daughter, they extended the sleeping loft by 14 inches to accommodate four individual mattresses—though the kids often migrate to their parents’ bed anyway.
The hammock loft above the living room serves as a cozy retreat where their son can read, watch movies, or escape when he needs space from his little sister. The living room now features a pull-out couch and projector for family movie nights.
The Tiny House Philosophy
Five years into their tiny living journey, Ashley and Chad have discovered that their favorite aspect isn’t the house itself—it’s the forced togetherness. With nowhere to hide, they’ve learned to resolve conflicts quickly and teach their children the same skill. While they anticipate eventually moving to a small (but not tiny) house as the kids grow, they’re savoring these close-quarters years, knowing their children won’t want to be this near forever.
Watch Ashley and Chad’s Full Home Tour Here:
Read this blog post to learn how another family built their DIY Home:
https://tinyhousegiantjourney.com/2025/11/04/family-of-six-diy-shed-to-tiny-home/
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