A couple built their home themselves to save money. Their mortgage is less than $900 a month.

Maddy and Drew Olson built their own home in Washington to keep mortgage payments under $1,000. They set a $209,000 budget, completed the build in 9 months, and prioritized DIY work to reduce costs. The couple bought a lot for $156,000 in 2025 and focused on affordability despite initial challenges.