While many people graduate college with substantial debt, 25-year-old Joel Weber decided that he didn't want to be one of them. To save money on room and board, the University of Texas student was determined to build his own tiny home. These eco-friendly type structures are usually around 500 square feet in size, but Weber's abode is considerably smaller at just 145 square feet.
The space may be limited, but it boasts the same features as a full-sized house. It has two lofts with working plumbing and electricity, a shower, a propane-powered stove, and a sink that's crafted from a mango bowl. Weber constructed the entire residence on an 18-foot flatbed trailer, which provides the luxury of mobility and allows him to live anywhere.
In the end, the house took him a year to complete and cost around $20,000 to build. “I saved up quite a bit and what I didn't have, family, friends, and the community around me donated materials,” Weber explained to ABC News. “I designed it and worked with a carpenter and electrician who both volunteered their time.” Now, instead of sinking money into monthly rental payments, the student is able to put his dollars towards living a debt-free life.
Weber and his abode are currently stationed near his hometown of Dallas, Texas. Come fall, they will make the trek to Austin for the new school year.
Joel Weber: Facebook
via [Design TAXI, Daily Mail, ABC News]
