Building a Tiny Home on Wheels: A Youtuber’s Journey
David Rule, a Youtuber with zero construction experience, embarked on an ambitious project to build a tiny home on wheels for a mere $15,000. His inspiration came from the growing popularity of tiny homes as alternative living solutions due to concerns over rising homebuying costs and sustainability.
David started with a 16-foot trailer and spent an entire summer building the structure, relying solely on advice and tutorials from YouTube. To make the tiny home comfortable and functional, he designed the interior meticulously.
He began by installing vinyl flooring to create a homey atmosphere. Insulation was crucial to withstand different weather conditions, so David insulated the walls and ceiling. He then crafted cabinets that doubled as stairs leading to the loft bedroom. The tallest cabinet featured a closet rod for hanging clothes, while the smaller cabinets had drawers for storage.
David meticulously constructed all the drawers and cabinet doors, a tedious but necessary task. Cedar planking covered the walls and ceiling, with LED lights strategically placed in drilled holes for illumination. “Putting the cedar together was like playing with expert-mode Lincoln logs,” David joked, witnessing the transformation from a rusty trailer to an actual house.
Back on the first floor, David installed a shower by drilling a hole in the floor and built a frame to support the water tank. The kitchen featured a pull-out shelf for the fridge and freezer under the counter, a butcher block counter, a built-in propane stove top, and a deep sink.
David added finishing touches like a cozy rug, overhead lights, and an essential coffee maker. After two summers of dedicated work, the tiny home was complete. The exterior cost around $7,000, while the interior came in at $8,000.
David is currently seeking land to place his tiny home, which will likely add to the overall cost. His ultimate goal is to rent it out on Airbnb to recoup the expenses of building it. The tiny home movement is gaining momentum, offering alternative living options for those looking for affordability and sustainability.
