While many people typically wait until they are at least 30 years old to build their dream home, the thrill of hand-crafting your ideal living space is unmatched.
Imagine the journey of creating a plan, putting your heart and soul into it, and finally seeing your vision come to life. That’s exactly what Tom did. At just 17 years old, he used his skill, creativity, and determination to make his dream a reality.
Driven by rising housing costs and a desire for independence, Tom set out to build a modest home using recycled materials. He discovered he could create something completely from scratch while staying within a budget.
“My vision for the cabin was to keep things simple and provide a stress-free lifestyle. Everything I have is mine; I paid for everything”, Tom explained.
Now, at 20, Tom is relieved knowing he won’t have to spend his hard-earned money on rent. “It’s a no-brainer life and once you’ve built something, it really is yours”, he added.
Tom’s house is located on his grandfather’s extensive property and retains a charming English country aesthetic, complete with a side window. At 17, he bought a caravan and immediately began building it while working and completing his carpentry apprenticeship, which he completed in December.
The front of his house is made of larch wood, sourced cheaply from a local sawmill, while the side walls are made of fence boards. All the windows are recycled, sourced from a website that specializes in used materials. He recently added a porch, using boards from a scaffolding company and other scrap and reclaimed wood he recovered from the job.
Upon entering Tom’s home, visitors are greeted by beautiful reclaimed wood and a tranquil poster of a seascape. “My goal was to use only reclaimed wood for the build because it’s budget-friendly,” Tom noted. Much of the wood in his home was salvaged from old homes that he personally stripped down, sanded and repurposed.
The living area includes a compact workspace for his work and meals, a standard sofa, and a wall-mounted TV. In the future, he hopes to upgrade to a multifunctional sofa with built-in storage.
Tom especially loves his kitchen, where he made a fully functional worktop out of recycled scaffolding boards and spent hours sanding and painting it. The kitchen is equipped with essential appliances such as a fridge, stove and toaster.
Opposite the kitchen is a compact bathroom with a small chemical toilet with electric flush. The shower area has corrugated iron walls and copper fittings, evoking a rustic farmhouse feel. Back in the living room, a ladder leads to the loft, which leads to Tom’s cozy bedroom with double mattress.
Tom began building his dream home at age 17 with a budget of $8,200 and an hourly wage of $5.50 and managed to save most of his income to finance the construction of his home using recycled materials.
Imagine how his home will evolve as he completes the various upgrades he has in mind! For a full tour of Tom’s home, check out the video below
What Kids Who Once Became World Famous for Their Beauty Look Like Now
When kids, who were once recognized by the world for their beauty, grow up, they might still choose to continue their adult life under the spotlight. Some might become actors, and others famous models or influencers with millions of followers. After all, being used to the cameras and to the demands of fame since childhood can make a life of stardom more familiar and accessible.
Bright Side appreciates all kinds of beauty and grace. And this time we’ll share what some of the world’s most beautiful boys and girls look like now, in adulthood.
1. Lucky Blue Smith, 23 years old
2. Lily Chee, 18 years old
3. Anna Zak, 20 years old
4. Malina Weissman, 18 years old
5. Yara Shahidi, 21 years old
6. Peyton List, 23 years old
7. Audreyana Michelle, 22 yeas old
8. Thomas Kuc, 19 years old
9. Mackenzie Foy, 20 years old
10. Bella Harris, 21 years old
11. Oona Laurence, 19 years old
12. Ekaterina Samsonov, 18 years old
13. Nikki Hahn, 18 years old
14. Harvey Petito, 18 years old
15. Fátima Ptacek, 21 years old
16. Thylane Blondeau, 20 years old
Is it beauty or intelligence that can bring us more opportunities in life? Do you think beauty can play a negative role in the development of a child’s personality?
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