32-year-old woman and her husband built her mom a tiny home in their backyard for under $32,000
Yeli and Benjamin Heidecker built her mom a tiny home in their backyard.Yeli Heidecker
When Yeli Heidecker and her husband, Benjamin, both 32, decided to downsize to a barndominium — a barn-style structure with a traditional living space inside — they began searching for the right piece of land.
In early 2024, the couple bought a two-acre lot in west-central Texas for $45,000 and started building their new home. Around the same time, they encouraged Yeli’s mother, Liliana Villanueva, to move closer and live in an RV on the property.
Villanueva had been dealing with health concerns, and Yeli, a stay-at-home mom and content creator, felt she could more easily help if her mother was nearby. The idea of having the children’s grandmother close by was an added bonus. Not long after the couple moved into their barndominium in late 2025, they began thinking about a more permanent living arrangement for Villanueva.
“We were worried she might trip and fall or get hurt. That’s when we had the idea to build a tiny barndo like ours, but do it ourselves,” Yeli told CNBC Make It.
Choosing the DIY route
Before committing to building it themselves, the Heideckers requested quotes for a roughly 400-square-foot barndominium. Estimates ranged from $63,000 to $93,000. Instead, they set a goal to complete the project on their own for about $30,000.
They also decided to make it a surprise. While Villanueva was visiting family in Mexico for six weeks, the couple began construction on the tiny home.
“I won’t sugarcoat it — it was chaotic,” Yeli said. “It was definitely hard, but also incredibly fulfilling to see everything come together.”
They hired contractors to handle the shell, electrical work and concrete flooring. Most of the remaining work — installing the kitchen, painting, framing walls and putting up drywall — was done by Benjamin, with Yeli helping when she wasn’t caring for their four young children.
“It was special because we built this for Abuela,” Yeli said, using the Spanish word for grandmother. “Finishing it was emotional because of all the time and effort we put into it together. It brought us closer.”
When Villanueva returned to Texas in November 2025, she moved into the tiny home even though it wasn’t completely finished.
“It was the most beautiful surprise after my trip,” Villanueva said. “The house is small, but it has everything I need. I love being close to my daughter and grandchildren. I feel safe and cared for here.”
Yeli added that seeing her mother enjoy the space was deeply meaningful. “As immigrants, you’re always chasing the American Dream. Even though she’s never owned a home on paper, having this space for herself was very emotional for us.”
Inside the tiny home
The one-bedroom, one-bathroom home includes a washer and dryer, as well as a full-size oven, stove and refrigerator. The layout was designed with Villanueva’s needs in mind. As of January, the only remaining task is tiling the bathroom.
According to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It, the major expenses included:
-
Trim: $250
-
Paint: $350
-
Flooring: $600
-
AC mini split: $750
-
Cabinets: $1,300
-
Plumbing: $1,500
-
Drywall and lumber: $1,700
-
Electrical: $1,775
-
Appliances: $2,000
-
Insulation: $2,100
-
Miscellaneous (tools, lighting, countertops, faucets): $6,500
-
Barn shell: $12,500
In total, the project cost $31,325.
Because the tiny home sits on the same property as the couple’s house, there are no separate utility bills. The Heideckers cover the shared water, electricity and gas costs, while Villanueva pays about $100 per month for cable television.
Yeli said their only regret is not making the bedroom slightly larger. Still, for both mother and daughter, the greatest benefit is living side by side.
“It’s wonderful for my kids to have Grandma right there, especially after we spent so many years living far from family,” Yeli said.
Although the tiny home isn’t fully finished, Villanueva considers it her forever home, just as the barndominium is for Yeli’s family.
“I’m very happy here and have no plans to leave,” Villanueva said. “I get to enjoy this life with my family every day.”
Despite the intense pace and challenges of building the home in such a short time, Yeli said she would do it again and encourages others to consider a similar setup.
“It’s worth it if you have aging parents,” she said. “Even if you don’t, having a separate space for family or guests is something really special.”
About Post Author
