Parents transform garage into tiny home for their daughter

By Emma Dunn via SWNS

A couple transformed their "ugly" garage into a tiny home for their daughter for $50k - to give her "independence" and "security."

Beth Holmes, 50, and her husband, Kevin, 54, decided to turn their four car garage into a property for their daughter, Emily, 24, when she was looking to move out.

The couple suggested they transform the unused space into a home so Emily could save on rent.

Kevin, a carpenter, spent nine months renovating the 600 square foot space into a one bedroom home for around $50k.

Now Emily, a barista at Starbucks, is able to have her own independent space but still be near her family.

Mom-of-two Beth, who is also a barista at Starbucks, from Cleveland, Ohio, US, said: "It's a sense of peace that she is nearby if she needs us.

"It feels better that she is safe and protected.

"We wanted to keep her near us but have her own space.

"It gives her a sense of independence but a sense of security.

"She loves it."

Beth and Kevin bought their neighbor's home in 2018 for $70k at auction and rent it out as an Airbnb after renovating it for $75k.

Beth said: "Our daughter came to us thinking about moving out and getting her own apartment.

"We said 'we don't want you to do that'.

"We didn't want her to spend all her money on rent. We'd rather you stay at home and save to buy a house one day.

"The world has become so expensive."

They suggested transforming the garage that came with their second property and Emily jumped at the chance.

She said: "I thought it was a joke. It's been great.

"I wanted my own independence. I wanted to be able to do my own things."

Beth added: "At the back of the property is a four car garage. It was falling down and ugly and old."

Kevin and Emily sat down together to make the blue prints before he got to work.

It took nine months to renovate and Emily was able to move in in May 2021 with her Great Dane, Bruno.

Emily said: "It's perfect.

"We designed the home so he would be able to freely move around.

"It's catered to his needs as well."

Emily has an upstairs loft for her bedroom, a full kitchen and living area, bathroom, porch and garden.

She pays her parents a "token" amount of rent £150-a-month and pays for her other bills.

Beth said: "It helped her grow up and be an adult."

Emily is still able to pop over to her family home when she wants and her mom often cooks her dinner to warm up after she's finished her evening shifts.

Emily struggles with anxiety and migraines and finds being close to her parents helpful - and has a strong supportive bond with them.

Emily said: "It's nice that my parents are very close.

"They help me a lot. It makes me feel better."

Beth and Kevin hope to be able to do the same for their son Ben, 15, and will give him the tiny home if Emily chooses to move out.

Beth added: "I don't think she is moving out.

"Everything is so expensive.

"People say she is lucky.

"If anyone had the skill to do this they would."