16 year old builds tiny home to guarantee mortgage-free future

Austin Hay is still in high school, but he's building his own house. It's only 130 square feet, but it makes him a homeowner without a mortgage at just 16 years old. Right now, it's parked in his parents' backyard, but he's built it on wheels so he plans to take it to college and then wherever he goes after he graduates. 
He's been sleeping in his tiny home for a few months now and he's already decided not to return to big (his parents' home is 1800 square feet). "Living small means less bills, living big means more bills," he explained from the tiny stoop of his new home. "I don't want to pay big bills". 

Hay's 130-square-foot home may make him the youngest member of the growing Small House Movement.

Hay expects to spend about $12,000 building his home (the used trailer cost him $2000) and he's paying for it working two summer jobs (at a camp and at a park snack bar). He's cut his costs in half (the home's estimated DIY price is $23,000) because Hay has scavenged everything from doors, windows and flooring to the kitchen sink (the hardwood floors were $25 at a salvage yard and so was the stainless steel sink).
For more info & links, original story here: http://faircompanies.com/videos/view/...

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[Mousytom]

his dad so built that

[Mark Bartlett]

good on ya mate.

[Joxxer36]

how do you get insurance on something like that

[l ortiz]

Could have saved on weight by other drilling holes in the sold wood..Used composite wood..You did not need to use a solid floor for your loft could left gaps....Over all looks nice.

[tehtapemonkey]

Okay, this kid is my hero

[tehtapemonkey]

Looks like he's about 18 now? Bet he's getting so much tail :P

[alexis strickling]

this dude reminds me alot about my dad and me!!! realy smart and loves to build and be creative!!!! im 10 almost 11 and wanting to build a tree house whith my dad! and i think i changed my mind i want to do something like this but a little bit bigger but it wont be right now because i need to save up!!! wich will be hard because i am a girl who loves buying makeup and clothes but that can hold off!

[alexis strickling]

no im pretty shure by the way he said it he did not mean it like that

[alexis strickling]

just shut up he put alot of time and work and it is AMAZING for a 16 year old guy to do this!

[Prussiapants]

This kid is an inspiration! Wow! I'm definitely going to watch the whole documentary now <3