EP 112: Why build a tiny house? Mikael and Heather share their rent-free decision.

Jul 17

Written By Laura Lynch, CFP® ABFP™ AAMS® CDFA®

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Unpacking the Dream: From LA Renters to Tiny Home Builders

In a candid and inspiring interview on the "Less House, More Moola" podcast, Mikael and Heather share their transformative journey from conventional urban living to embracing the tiny home movement. Their story begins in Los Angeles, where the couple found themselves ensnared in the relentless cycle of high rent, feeling a constant "loss of equity." Around 2013, as the tiny house phenomenon gained traction, they stumbled upon the idea that would radically reshape their lives.

Driven by a desire for greater financial freedom and a yearning to be closer to family in Northern California, Mikael and Heather made a monumental decision: they quit their jobs, relocated, and embarked on the ambitious project of building their own tiny home. This wasn't a seamless transition; as Heather admits, the initial summary of their journey might make it sound "smooth sailing," but it was far from it. The stark realization that they had spent $32,000 on rent in just two years in LA fueled their determination to find an alternative.

Building a Life, Brick by Tiny Brick: Challenges and Triumphs

The construction of their tiny house was a labor of love and resilience, taking far longer than most. From February 2018 to March 2021, Mikael and Heather meticulously built their home, save for the plumbing and tile work. This extended timeline was due to their simultaneous venture into entrepreneurship – starting their own business. "Managing that time was difficult," Mikael notes, highlighting the constant "triaging" of their available hours between building and business.

Their commitment to their values also played a significant role in the construction process. For instance, they personally milled and re-sawed 2,000 board feet of rescued redwood for their siding, a six-month endeavor that underscored their dedication to sustainability. This "above and beyond" approach, while time-consuming, resulted in a home deeply imbued with their values and personal touch, and allowed them to trade their video production skills for the wood.

Beyond the physical build, their journey was also one of profound personal growth and strengthening their relationship. Building a house together, Mikael says, was an "amazing team building project," putting them "in the trenches." They navigated difficult times, including a miscarriage, finding solace and a "good distraction" in the shared act of creation. This challenging period ultimately made the tiny house even more meaningful, becoming their son Finn's first home. Their differing approaches – Mikael's pragmatic, Heather's dream-oriented – fostered a complementary dynamic, allowing them to transform visions into reality.

Tiny House, Big Impact: Financial Freedom and Family Life

The tiny house has provided Mikael and Heather with invaluable financial freedom, allowing them to invest in experiences like travel and afford their son's preschool. As Mikael emphasizes, "having something that you own outright really helps with that and really helps with cashflow and helps with future planning." While their initial intention was for the tiny house to be a mobile "adventure house" for their mid-20s, it evolved into their "starter home for our family."

Raising Finn in the tiny house has been a surprisingly positive experience, largely due to their substantial outdoor living space. The close quarters have fostered a stronger family bond, and despite initial concerns about space, it has "been great." They envision the tiny house serving multiple functions in the future, from an office to a potential guest house or even Finn's first independent living space, showcasing the incredible flexibility and longevity of tiny home living.

Beyond the Build: Self-Employment, Community, and Reciprocity

The couple's venture into self-employment, initially an unexpected turn, has proven to be a "really unexpectedly smart move." Their business, which required constant adaptation, particularly during the pandemic, offered a flexibility that traditional employment often lacks. Mikael and Heather's journey exemplifies the wisdom of diversifying one's skill set and income streams in an unpredictable economic landscape. Their "blue collar skills" gained from building their home have added another layer of security and competence.

A recurring theme in their discussion is the concept of reciprocity and community support. Heather passionately advocates for a shift towards a more localized, trade-based economy, where skills are valued as currency. The tiny house project itself was a testament to this, built with the help of friends and supported by their community. They also reveal that their wedding gifts were contributions towards their tiny house, fostering a sense of shared ownership and motivation to see the project through. This emphasis on mutual support and leveraging community ties is a powerful counter-narrative to traditional capitalist structures, building wealth not just in financial terms, but in robust relationships and shared experiences.

Looking Ahead: Hope and the Future of Tiny Living

Mikael and Heather's story is a compelling testament to the power of intentional living and the profound impact of a tiny home on one's financial, personal, and relational well-being. They embody the podcast's core message: by strategically addressing housing costs, individuals can unlock significant freedom and resilience in an increasingly complex world. Their journey, marked by both challenges and triumphs, offers an optimistic vision of a future where community, sustainability, and self-reliance play a more central role in shaping our lives. Their advice for those contemplating a tiny home build? You can do it quickly, but allowing for a more extended, value-driven process can lead to an even richer, more meaningful outcome.