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
Newlyweds Killed Less Than 48 Hours After Their Wedding
According to the Knoxville Police, the fatal accident took place on Sunday morning around 3 a.m. The trio was traveling on the Weisgarber exit ramp along Interstate 40 when their Dodge pickup truck veered off the road and collided with a guardrail. After exiting their vehicle, a Chevy pickup struck both their Dodge and them, leading to the heartbreaking loss of all three individuals at the scene. The driver of the Chevy sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
For Jessiah Plemons and Lily Rose, their love story was just beginning, and they were living their best lives. Lily, described as having a bubbly and carefree personality, brought joy to everyone she encountered. Her cousin, August McClelland, fondly remembers her as someone who loved having fun, often creating TikTok videos with friends and family.Lily was just the life of our family. She would just brighten up the room. Her laughter would fill the room,” shared Selena McClelland, Lily’s aunt.
Jessiah was passionate about music, and his love for it was evident in his actions. He introduced Lily to her first concert and gifted her with her very first guitar. While he learned to play the drums, Lily learned to strum the guitar, creating a harmonious bond between them.Despite battling addiction, Jessiah had turned his life around and was dedicated to helping others overcome similar challenges. He often sponsored individuals struggling with addiction, shared his experiences at local jails, and made a difference in countless lives. His mother, Michelle Plemon, remembered him as a caring soul who always made sure everyone else was okay.
Additionally, Jessiah extended his love and support to his older sister’s two young children, providing them with a loving home to prevent them from entering the Department of Children’s Services’ care.
Lily Rose was a devoted mother to her own children, a son and a daughter, and cherished every moment of motherhood. Together, Jessiah and Lily were planning to blend their families into one of six.They eloped in secret, and their families had no idea about the wedding. Jessiah had asked his sister Milea Effler to watch the children on Friday, but the reason remained a mystery. Tragically, Effler discovered their secret wedding through social media and, shortly thereafter, received the devastating news of the accident.
This accident has left a community grappling with profound loss, grieving the lives of these young individuals who were filled with hope and dreams for the future.They eloped in secret, and their families had no idea about the wedding. Jessiah had asked his sister Milea Effler to watch the children on Friday, but the reason remained a mystery. Tragically, Effler discovered their secret wedding through social media and, shortly thereafter, received the devastating news of the accident.
This accident has left a community grappling with profound loss, grieving the lives of these young individuals who were filled with hope and dreams for the future.
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