Not BS, although I'd be surprised if they did do EVERYTHING themselves. While laws/building codes do vary from state to state, it's not so much that licensed people are required as it is that everything meets code and works. People in building trade businesses require licenses because of laws that govern building trade businesses, not because of building codes. A lot of D.I.Y. stuff could not be done if licensed tradespeople were required to do them. Lots of people act as contractors and build their own house, but sub-contract out the stuff they have no experience doing. Permits are given based on submitting building plans; meeting codes at that stage; making corrections, if needed; and resubmitting plans to meet permit requirements. During construction, as long as everything meets code and passes inspection, you're fine. Who and how got you there doesn't matter. Know this from personal experience.

Don't know what the codes are in Arkansas but where I live you can do all the work yourself as long as it's inspected and signed off on by a licensed tradesman.

Thank you, man.That's exactly what I thought about this story , Inspirational as it seems, there are still certain laws about construction and certain permitions to be acquired. Not just 'having zero experience and using Youtube tutorials' I've built a house. Not in America.

Not BS, you can google her name to get more detailed articles. You guys are such haters.

No you are not the only one who finds excuses not to do things. I am with you bro. This is total BS. Going to watch something real - new Netflix series.. Cya.

Actually they do if you are an owner builder. She would have hired an electrician to do the "hot" wiring and a licensed plumber to do the heavy stuff or just overseen what she did but so long as everything is built to code when they come out to inspect you are good to go. I have built two houses from the ground up as a woman, the second one without help other than the plumber and electrician. I actually had to redo the plumber's work because he was an alcoholic and drunk the whole time.

Mostly, you need to be licensed if you are doing something for a pay, If you are doing something for yourself, go ahead on your own risk. It's like if I want to sell my cookies, I have to do a lot of paperwork and get a lot of permits. If I invite people to my home and offer them my cookies, I'm fine without any licence, permit etc. Building permits are actually a kind of tax local authorities collect. You pay, and build, that's it.

Me and you. Total bs. When you don't know how to build a house and then you build a freakin' hotel not a normal small house.. And all the rest, it's just total bs.

I do believe it's b******t too. And in my opinion it's also kind of a dangerous message to be sent out. Building a house with no skills, using just the Youtube University, could lead to dangerous and unstable buildings.

Agree. What about wiring the house for electricity and all the plumbing work. It's a neat sounding story that leaves out alot.

That first photo of the family in front ofthe house is clearly photoshopped

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

LOTS of people around the world build their own homes. No one is fascinated by that. But if it's an 'Murrican lady, then it's a SENSATION! Not to mention, in the US you are not allowed to let your kids pour concrete and set up the plumbing, to say the least. There are so many wrong things about this story. So she was in two abusive marriages, made the decision to have 4 kids with abusive men, and suddenly had the epiphany that her kids lack self-esteem. Now, in true American movie style, she comes up with a project, that will fix EVERYTHING! Yay!

welcome on the internet ;)

Get the book.

At first glance it may appear so because of the contrast between their upper bodies and the background, but after looking over the entire photo... no.

So what? Even if it is, it doesn't make this whole story a lie. People can use a digital hand to make it look prettier if they didn't have a photo they deemed perfect on its own.

I disagree, appears to use more artificial lighting in that photo, that is all

Obviously. I think you're missing the point.

I totally thought the very same thing. There is something wrong with that first photo.

Totally agree

I was thinking the same thing.

Blame Boredpanda.