When Yeri Heidecker and her husband Benjamin, both 32, decided to downsize to a barndominium (a building designed to look like a barn, but with traditional living spaces inside), they started looking for the perfect property.
In early 2024, the couple purchased two acres of land in west central Texas for $45,000 and began construction on Barndominium. Around the same time, they convinced Yeri’s mother, Liliana Villanueva, to move out and live in an RV on the property.
Yeri said Villanueva had health problems at the time. Yeri also says that being a stay-at-home mom and a content creator makes it easy for her to be there to help her mother. Plus, she added, she thought the idea of having the children’s grandmother nearby was great.
The couple was able to build a small house for Yeri’s mother for less than $32,000.
Yeri Heidecker
But shortly after the couple moved into Barndominium in late 2025, they began considering a more permanent housing arrangement for Villanueva, Yeri said.
“We were worried that she would trip and fall and get hurt. We had a great idea to make a little Barnardo like us, but we would do it ourselves,” Yeri told CNBC Make It.
Take the DIY path
Before choosing the DIY route, the Heideckers obtained a quote for a small barndominium, about 400 square feet. Estimates ranged from $63,000 to $93,000, so they decided their best option was to keep their budget at $30,000 and do it themselves.
In addition, Yeri and Benjamin decided to surprise Villanueva with a small house while he was in Mexico visiting family for six weeks.
“I’m not going to surface it. It was chaotic,” Yeri says. “It was definitely tough, but at the same time it was incredibly fulfilling and amazing to see all the work we did.”
The couple hired a contractor to do the barndominium’s exterior walls, electrical work and concrete flooring. Yeri said Benjamin primarily did the rest of the work, including installing the kitchen, painting the house, and installing walls and drywall, but he also helped out when he wasn’t caring for their four young children.
“It was special because I made it for my abuela,” Yeri says, using the Spanish word for grandma. “Seeing it completed was emotional because of all the memories my husband and I had working on it. I feel like it connected us on a deeper level.”
The bedroom is large enough for a queen size bed.
Yeri Heidecker
When Villanueva returned to Texas in November 2025, she moved into the tiny house, even though it wasn’t completely finished.
“It was the most beautiful surprise I’ve found since returning from my trip. I’m very happy with it,” Villanueva told CNBC Make It. “I laugh because the house is small, but we have everything we need. It’s perfect. I love being close to my daughter and grandchildren. I feel protected and safe.”
“As an immigrant, when you come here, you fight against the American dream. She had never owned a home on paper, but just seeing her own a home for herself was so moving,” Yeri added.
inside a small house
This 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom tiny home features a washer and dryer, as well as a full-size oven, stove, and refrigerator. The Heideckers created the layout of the home with Villanueva’s specific needs in mind.
This tiny home is equipped with a washer and dryer, full-size stove, oven, and refrigerator.
Yeri Heidecker
As of January, the only work remaining is tiling the bathroom, which Ieri said will be done soon.
According to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It, here’s a breakdown of the main costs for this tiny home: All costs are rounded.
Trim: $250Paint: $350Flooring: $600AC Mini-Split: $750Cabinet: $1,300Plumbing: $1,500Drywall and wood: $1,700Electrical: $1,775Appliances: $2,000Insulation: $2,100Other: $6,500Burn shell: $12,500
The total cost of the home was $31,325, including power tools, countertops, lights, faucets, and other miscellaneous expenses.
This tiny house is located on the Heidecker family property, so there are no separate utility bills. Instead, the couple pays all monthly expenses such as water, electricity and gas, and Villanueva pays about $100 a month for cable TV.
Villanueva says she loves that the tiny house has everything she needs.
Yeri Heidecker
Since Villanueva moved in, Yeri said the only regret the couple has had is not making their tiny home a little bigger, especially the bedrooms. But the best thing for mother and daughter is that they can live next door.
“It’s nice to see the kids have grandma right there, especially after living away from their families for so long,” Yeri says.
Although the tiny house is not officially completed, Yeri and Villanueva say the barn dominium and tiny house are their forever homes, respectively.
“I’m doing very well here and I have no intention of leaving,” Villanueva said. “It’s very delicious here and I enjoy it with my family.”
The couple built this tiny house that looks like a mini version of their own home.
Yeri Heidek
Although the process of completing this small house in such a short time was very confusing for the couple, Yeri says she would do it again and recommends it to others.
“It’s definitely worth it if you have elderly parents, but even if you don’t have elderly parents, it’s great if you have a special unit for someone or when family comes over,” says Yeri.
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