Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Mother Of Four Builds House All By Herself Using Just Youtube Tutorials, But There’s More To It Than That
User submission
19.4K
201K

Mother Of Four Builds House All By Herself Using Just Youtube Tutorials, But There’s More To It Than That

ADVERTISEMENT

Meet Cara Brookins – an Arkansas-based mother of four who did something so extraordinary, it left thousands of people in awe. After abusive relationships, two marriages filled with violence, and being stalked by a man with a mental illness, “my kids and I needed something,” Cara said. “I felt ashamed and I was worried that they had no self-esteem and no confidence.” So, the woman set out for a fresh start for both her and her family. Unfortunately, Cara couldn’t afford a new house but that didn’t stop her. Instead, she decided to build one – on her own with zero experience and zero knowledge.

It all started in 2007 when Cara spotted a tornado hit house with only the foundation left… “It made me think, ‘what if we bought some 2’x4’s and sheetrock and put that together? What would our dream house be? Would we want to build it?,’” Cara said. Her kids (then 2, 11, 15 and 17) were absolutely up for it, as after all the domestic violence, this was a way for them to improve their lives.

So, using a bank loan of $150,000 for materials, lots of Youtube tutorials, and team work – the family did it! They learned how to frame a house, pour a foundation, and before they knew it they had built a 3500 square foot house with five bedrooms, a three-car garage, a huge shop, and a two-story treehouse – and the family was stronger as ever! Cara and her family have been living in the ‘Inkwell Manor’ for the past eight years and she can bravely say her kids are “now fearless”. “They dive into anything. There’s nothing you could suggest to them that they could not do. it’s an incredible thing.”

You can read more about Cara and her family in her new book called ‘Rise’, which will be available to purchase through Amazon on January 24th.

ADVERTISEMENT

More info: carabrookins.com | Amazon (h/t)

Meet Cara Brookins and her kids Jada, Roman, Drew and Hope

Image credits: Ashley Murphy

Cara has been in abusive relationships, two marriages filled with violence, and was stalked by a man with a mental illness – it affected the whole family

Image credits: Cara Brookins

“My kids and i needed something,” Cara said

Image credits: Cara Brookins

“I felt ashamed and I was worried that they had no self-esteem and no confidence…They had been powerless”

Image credits: Cara Brookins

So the whole family (kids aged 17, 15, 11, and 2 at the time) set out for a fresh start by building their own house, as they couldn’t afford buying one

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: Cara Brookins

The only problem was they had zero knowledge and zero experience – but that didn’t stop them

Image credits: Cara Brookins

Using a bank loan of $150,000 for materials, lots of Youtube tutorials, and team work – the family did it

Image credits: Cara Brookins

While they learned how to frame a house

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: Cara Brookins

How to pour concrete

Image credits: Cara Brookins

ADVERTISEMENT

How to lay bricks

Image credits: Cara Brookins

And how to work together

Image credits: Cara Brookins

They also learned how to rebuild a broken family

Image credits: Cara Brookins

And before they knew it…

Image credits: Cara Brookins

They had built a 3500 square foot house with five bedrooms, a three-car garage, a huge shop, and a two-story treehouse

Image credits: Cara Brookins

And the family was stronger as ever

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: Cara Brookins

Cara and her family have been living in the ‘Inkwell Manor’ for the past eight years

Image credits: Cara Brookins

 And she can bravely say her kids are “now fearless”

Image credits: Cara Brookins

“They dive into anything. There’s nothing you could suggest to them that they could not do. it’s an incredible thing”

Image credits: Cara Brookins

You can read more about Cara and her family in her new book called ‘Rise’, which will be available to purchase through Amazon on January 24th

ADVERTISEMENT

201Kviews

Share on Facebook
Rūta Grašytė

Rūta Grašytė

Author, Community member

Read more »

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

Read less »
Rūta Grašytė

Rūta Grašytė

Author, Community member

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

What do you think ?
Add photo comments
POST
maryhadalittlelamb
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow.. this is amazing.. i was still proud with myself fixing up a ikea shelf =x

Chris Helton (chphotovideo)
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So am I the only one who thinks this is kinda bs? You have to have licensed contractors to build certain things, licenses electricians, etc. They don't give building permits to anyone to just build anything they want.

John Ashley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Load More Replies...
Arty
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder how long it took and how they manage to do during this time (having to work and build something from scratch must be pretty difficult)

Cesi Baca
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do love beautiful stories like these, but I just wish sometimes they would explain the real life practical challenges like where did they live while building this house and how did she have the time to devote to this when she had kids to look after. I mean what kind of fincancial shape was mom in to just be able to get a $150,000 loan from the bank. It's great, but most women leaving abusives relationships + with five kids would not be in the financial position to pull this off.

John Ashley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Load More Replies...
Daria B
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When they talked about the loan from the bank, I hoped they'd mentioned a sentence about the land owning issues and how they were resolved. Also, I hope (and believe), this family is already well protected to go public. Otherwise, God forbid, the abusive guys could get back to them, led by this info. Wish all the best to this family. Building up a house is a tough job. Just think how lazy we can get when we need to just clean our own room.....

The Laugh Fan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a very brave thing to do and an amazing example to set. Abusive relationships take such a toll on the whole family and can give any children involved the wrong set of expectations from a partner. However, the children here have seen how strong their mother is, how she was able to turn things around and become a person who can stand on her own two feet. People often pick the type of relationships they've seen as a child, as do their children and so on. This breaks the cycle and can only be a positive in all their lives. Fabulous outcome.

Playing Solitary
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm confused. She couldn't afford a house, but she could get a $150,000 loan? Wouldn't that have bought a house?

Kopitiam English
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What can I say but awesome...when the human mind is put to trust - the impossible becomes possible...the greatest gift GOD has given man/woman...

Aaron Bateman
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Headline is a little misleading. It would appear she had at least 2 or 3 children that were capable workers on the project. Still amazing, but sucks that the kids weren't given any credit in the headline.

Doug Stringham
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very inspiring. And also a reminder to us all that we can do much more than we think.

Chelle Snail
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love you, family! You inspire many me included. I believe now I can build a studio to attach to my house xo

Starry Night Lover
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This morning I heard my mom talking about this story this morning. It is now the evening and I went on board panda and saw this. I'm really happy for the family though. This is so cool!

Ella Shanie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did they purchase the land? Was it given to them? Does anyone know?

Ella Shanie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's amazing, I as wondering didn't she have to buy the land she built on? Did she already have it?

C. Smith
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I call bs. Just common sense. No experience and it came out perfect in 9 months. Yeah right.

mig rod
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

too bad she didn't hire an architect. she could have avoided having comical windows, lame roof and meek portico. good job at taking time to personally build a developer cookie-cutter box.

mig rod
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

next time at least hire an architect so you don't end up with comical windows, lame roof and a joke of a portico.

Rob Chyou
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i love how in the book rise there is no mention of how long it took for the house to be built or any of the rooms there is no details

Anna Salerno
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congratulations to this amazing family. what lovely children, I am so happy to hear that this brought them so closer together!

Sofian Nur
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sorry, but I don't believe this story at all. It's really really hard work to vuild that huge building without knowledge at alll about construction. Yes indeed you can count on youtube for several thing but build a house ? oh come on....

John Ashley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There were, and still are, lots of books about construction, electrical, plumbing, etc., that are available to buy, or borrow from a library. I have about a dozen along with as many books on various types of d.i.y. stuff. I used all of mine when building. This was before youtube.

Load More Replies...
Aprille Park
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone else think the first pic - showing them in front of the house - looks Photoshopped?

Mary Winter
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i see some pretty dumb things on facebook, but this is so incredibly impressive. take a bow, you are awesome.

Iapetos
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WOW. I am really amazed and stunned. This is awesome. They are awesome!

DParks
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A nice story, but come on. Not only did she somehow qualify for a $150,000 loan, but how about furnishing, hesting, cooling, taxes, and maint on a 3500'sq home with a 3 car garage? Something just doesn't pass the smell test to me.

John Ashley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The woman is a writer so she wasn't (and isn't) without income. Furnishing a home isn't hard if you already have furnishings in an existing home or apartment. I could go one, but... Maybe your sense of smell is off.

Load More Replies...
Sick Boy
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The title is baiting clicks. There is a difference between "built a house all by herself" and "built a house with the help of the family".

Colin Bayler
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

What she did was amazing and inspirational, but lets get something straight......this woman CHOSE abusive men and relationships that affected her and her kids negatively. Glad to she she seemed to have turned things around; just don't look at her as a victim since she was a co-conspirator in her own prior miserableness.

Arty
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's too easy to say she chose to...but it's unfortunately, unconsciously, some choices in life lead to dark people. Still a victim nonetheless!

Load More Replies...
maryhadalittlelamb
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow.. this is amazing.. i was still proud with myself fixing up a ikea shelf =x

Chris Helton (chphotovideo)
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So am I the only one who thinks this is kinda bs? You have to have licensed contractors to build certain things, licenses electricians, etc. They don't give building permits to anyone to just build anything they want.

John Ashley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Load More Replies...
Arty
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wonder how long it took and how they manage to do during this time (having to work and build something from scratch must be pretty difficult)

Cesi Baca
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do love beautiful stories like these, but I just wish sometimes they would explain the real life practical challenges like where did they live while building this house and how did she have the time to devote to this when she had kids to look after. I mean what kind of fincancial shape was mom in to just be able to get a $150,000 loan from the bank. It's great, but most women leaving abusives relationships + with five kids would not be in the financial position to pull this off.

John Ashley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

Load More Replies...
Daria B
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When they talked about the loan from the bank, I hoped they'd mentioned a sentence about the land owning issues and how they were resolved. Also, I hope (and believe), this family is already well protected to go public. Otherwise, God forbid, the abusive guys could get back to them, led by this info. Wish all the best to this family. Building up a house is a tough job. Just think how lazy we can get when we need to just clean our own room.....

The Laugh Fan
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a very brave thing to do and an amazing example to set. Abusive relationships take such a toll on the whole family and can give any children involved the wrong set of expectations from a partner. However, the children here have seen how strong their mother is, how she was able to turn things around and become a person who can stand on her own two feet. People often pick the type of relationships they've seen as a child, as do their children and so on. This breaks the cycle and can only be a positive in all their lives. Fabulous outcome.

Playing Solitary
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm confused. She couldn't afford a house, but she could get a $150,000 loan? Wouldn't that have bought a house?

Kopitiam English
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What can I say but awesome...when the human mind is put to trust - the impossible becomes possible...the greatest gift GOD has given man/woman...

Aaron Bateman
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Headline is a little misleading. It would appear she had at least 2 or 3 children that were capable workers on the project. Still amazing, but sucks that the kids weren't given any credit in the headline.

Doug Stringham
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very inspiring. And also a reminder to us all that we can do much more than we think.

Chelle Snail
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love you, family! You inspire many me included. I believe now I can build a studio to attach to my house xo

Starry Night Lover
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This morning I heard my mom talking about this story this morning. It is now the evening and I went on board panda and saw this. I'm really happy for the family though. This is so cool!

Ella Shanie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did they purchase the land? Was it given to them? Does anyone know?

Ella Shanie
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's amazing, I as wondering didn't she have to buy the land she built on? Did she already have it?

C. Smith
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I call bs. Just common sense. No experience and it came out perfect in 9 months. Yeah right.

mig rod
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

too bad she didn't hire an architect. she could have avoided having comical windows, lame roof and meek portico. good job at taking time to personally build a developer cookie-cutter box.

mig rod
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

next time at least hire an architect so you don't end up with comical windows, lame roof and a joke of a portico.

Rob Chyou
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i love how in the book rise there is no mention of how long it took for the house to be built or any of the rooms there is no details

Anna Salerno
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congratulations to this amazing family. what lovely children, I am so happy to hear that this brought them so closer together!

Sofian Nur
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

sorry, but I don't believe this story at all. It's really really hard work to vuild that huge building without knowledge at alll about construction. Yes indeed you can count on youtube for several thing but build a house ? oh come on....

John Ashley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There were, and still are, lots of books about construction, electrical, plumbing, etc., that are available to buy, or borrow from a library. I have about a dozen along with as many books on various types of d.i.y. stuff. I used all of mine when building. This was before youtube.

Load More Replies...
Aprille Park
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone else think the first pic - showing them in front of the house - looks Photoshopped?

Mary Winter
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i see some pretty dumb things on facebook, but this is so incredibly impressive. take a bow, you are awesome.

Iapetos
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WOW. I am really amazed and stunned. This is awesome. They are awesome!

DParks
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A nice story, but come on. Not only did she somehow qualify for a $150,000 loan, but how about furnishing, hesting, cooling, taxes, and maint on a 3500'sq home with a 3 car garage? Something just doesn't pass the smell test to me.

John Ashley
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The woman is a writer so she wasn't (and isn't) without income. Furnishing a home isn't hard if you already have furnishings in an existing home or apartment. I could go one, but... Maybe your sense of smell is off.

Load More Replies...
Sick Boy
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The title is baiting clicks. There is a difference between "built a house all by herself" and "built a house with the help of the family".

Colin Bayler
Community Member
7 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

What she did was amazing and inspirational, but lets get something straight......this woman CHOSE abusive men and relationships that affected her and her kids negatively. Glad to she she seemed to have turned things around; just don't look at her as a victim since she was a co-conspirator in her own prior miserableness.

Arty
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's too easy to say she chose to...but it's unfortunately, unconsciously, some choices in life lead to dark people. Still a victim nonetheless!

Load More Replies...
Related on Bored Panda
Related on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda