A couple in Texas has successfully constructed a tiny home for Yeli Heidecker’s mother, significantly reducing costs compared to initial contractor estimates. The project, completed in November 2025, came together for approximately $33,000, allowing the Heidecker family to save around $30,000 compared to contractor quotes that reached as high as $63,000 for a smaller design.
Yeli Heidecker, 32, resides in central Texas with her husband and their four children, who range in age from 5 months to 7 years. In 2024, her mother faced health challenges and relocated to an RV on the family property. “We decided it was the best move to have her a little bit closer,” Heidecker explained to Business Insider. While her mother appreciated the independence the RV provided, it was clear that a more permanent solution was needed.
After moving into a barndominium on their property in March 2025, the Heideckers began planning a more suitable living space for her mother. They envisioned a small home that would resemble their own but be tailored to her mother’s needs. Their journey began when they sought quotes from contractors for a tiny home of 400 square feet. They received a staggering quote of $97,000 for a 20-by-30 foot design and $63,000 for a 20-by-15 foot option, prompting the couple to take matters into their own hands.
Determined to stay within their budget, Yeli and her husband opted to manage as much of the construction as possible. Despite lacking professional building experience—Yeli’s husband is a pilot by profession—the couple researched and utilized online resources to learn essential skills. “We were literally looking everything up and watching videos and just figuring everything out,” Yeli said.
Construction began in September 2025, timed with her mother’s six-week trip to Mexico. During this period, the couple designed the layout while hiring professionals to handle the exterior shell and concrete flooring. They also ensured electrical wiring was performed by experts to meet safety standards.
The couple faced various challenges during the build. With two busy careers—Yeli as a content creator and stay-at-home mother—their schedules were tight. “As he would get out of work, it was like, ‘OK, let’s go to work and let’s go do this,'” Yeli recounted. Managing the children during construction added another layer of complexity, but they found ways to navigate it.
Ultimately, the tiny home mirrors the couple’s barndominium with its black roof and white walls. The interior features an open-concept layout that includes a living area, kitchen, laundry space, restroom, and a bedroom large enough for a queen-sized bed. Yeli expressed her fondness for the cozy living area, which they adorned with a couch, a printed rug, and plants to create a warm atmosphere.
While the construction took longer than the anticipated six weeks, the family was pleased with the results. The total cost of $33,000 included everything from the shell to insulation. Yeli estimated they saved over $20,000 in labor costs alone. Their strategic shopping at local stores like Lowe’s and taking advantage of sales contributed to their savings.
Though the bathroom was not fully complete when her mother moved in, Yeli remains proud of the project. “It makes my mom feel more at home,” she said, noting that her children enjoy visiting their grandmother in her new space.
Looking ahead, Yeli has a few ideas for adjustments, including slightly increasing the home’s size to potentially accommodate future needs. Nevertheless, she emphasized the joy and fulfillment the project has brought her family. For anyone considering a similar endeavor, Yeli encourages them to embrace the journey, even amid difficulties. “It’s so fun, especially when you’re doing it yourself,” she concluded.
