A couple in central Texas took on the ambitious project of building a tiny home for Yeli Heidecker’s mother after receiving quotes as high as $63,000 from contractors. By leveraging their own skills and determination, they completed the project for approximately $33,000, significantly reducing costs and creating a more permanent living space for Heidecker’s mother.
Yeli Heidecker, 32, and her husband found themselves in need of a better living arrangement for her mother, who had been living in an RV on their property since 2024. The decision to have her closer to their family was motivated by health concerns, and while the RV provided some independence, it was not a long-term solution. “We decided it was the best move to have her a little bit closer,” Heidecker explained in an interview with Business Insider.
In March 2025, after completing their own barndominium, the Heideckers began considering a more permanent structure for her mother. They envisioned a tiny home, or “tiny casita,” that would match their existing residence. However, quotes for building a small barndominium ranged from $63,000 for a 20-by-15 foot home to an astonishing $97,000 for a larger option.
Faced with these high estimates, the couple opted to undertake much of the construction themselves. Despite lacking professional experience, they were determined to save money. “We were literally looking everything up and watching videos,” Heidecker noted, highlighting their commitment to the DIY approach.
Work on the tiny home commenced in September 2025, while Heidecker’s mother was visiting family in Mexico. The couple designed the layout and contracted professionals only for the exterior shell and the concrete flooring, which they deemed too challenging to handle alone. They ensured safety by hiring electricians for the wiring.
Throughout the construction period, both Heidecker and her husband balanced their busy lives—he is a pilot and she is a content creator and stay-at-home mom. “As he would get out of work, it was like, ‘OK, let’s go to work,'” she recalled. This shared effort not only brought the tiny home to life but also strengthened their partnership.
The completed structure features a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, all designed to maximize the limited space. “Basically, you open the door, and it’s this open area of the living room, the kitchen with the laundry area, and then her bedroom is in the back,” explained Heidecker. The design mirrors their own home, complete with a black roof and white walls, creating a cozy and functional space.
Despite the small footprint, the kitchen is equipped with a full-sized oven, stove, and refrigerator, along with a butcher-block countertop island. The bedroom accommodates a queen-sized bed and offers ample storage, while the bathroom is still under construction. Heidecker’s mother officially moved in November 2025, although she has been using the main house’s shower until the bathroom is complete.
The total cost of the project was around $33,000. “I really think that at least in labor, we were probably saving about $20,000 or more,” Heidecker stated, emphasizing the financial benefits of their hands-on approach. They took advantage of discounts and bulk purchases at local hardware stores to further reduce expenses.
Reflecting on the project, Heidecker mentioned a few adjustments she would have made, such as slightly increasing the home’s size to accommodate future accessibility needs. Despite these minor regrets, the tiny home has provided a sense of permanence and comfort for her mother, which has positively impacted the entire family.
The children enjoy visiting their grandmother in her new home, with Heidecker sharing a lighthearted anecdote about her toddler frequently wandering over to her mother’s house. For those contemplating similar DIY projects, she encourages embracing the challenges of the process: “It’s so fun, especially when you’re doing it yourself.”
The success of this family project underscores the potential of DIY homebuilding to create meaningful living spaces while also fostering family bonds.
