Luke Teull, 13, isn’t your typical teenager. While most kids think about other things besides building houses, Luke from Iowa stands out from any student you’ve seen before!

This talented kid has actively created his own little paradise in a house located in his parents’ backyard. This small project cost him about $1,500, but it’s his dream house—come and see it!

It’s incredible that this bold teenager is doing what he’s doing, especially in an era of smartphones, iPads, and revolutionary gaming computers and systems. He decided to challenge himself in a more “traditional” way.

He explains all of this on his YouTube channel, detailing his desire to build a small house and how his boredom pushed him toward this project.

After much thought, planning, and considerable research, Luke had a pretty good idea of how his vision would come to life!

It took him about a year to gather money and materials for the house. He mowed lawns, raised funds online, did work for anyone he could, and did whatever he could to raise the money. Luke was friends with someone knowledgeable in electrical work, and he helped him set up all the wiring in exchange for clearing out his garage—a swap for a swap.

In his project, Luke used about 75% recycled materials, with many items coming from his grandmother’s house, and a friend of his uncle donated the front door!

The small house is about 89 square feet, 10 feet long, and around 5 ½ feet wide. It has electricity but no plumbing, so there’s currently no sink or shower! Luke said:

“I liked the minimalism.”

“And I wanted to have a house without a huge mortgage.”

Luke made many short videos to post on YouTube, sharing his project and his motivation with viewers interested in his story.

Luke received significant help from his parents, both in building and finances, but his dad, Greg, made sure Luke paid for most of it himself. Greg said:

“For a kid, this was a chance to do something more than video games or sports.”

“He’s learning life lessons.”

The house is a true dream home for a teenager—a small retreat where he can express himself and have his own space, complete with a microwave, TV, and a loft bed, plus a barbecue in the back!

Luke diligently does his homework after school in his little house, and at night, at least sometimes, he sleeps there too!

Luke already has ideas and dreams of building another house, but this time a bit larger for when he goes to college, and he also wants to inspire others!

He said:

“I want to show kids that you can build things at this age.”

Check out his project below: