Raw land, an excavator, and a dream of building a life centered around entrepreneurship led one couple to construct a tiny home in just ten months — after they tenaciously secured their piece of land. Through relentless effort and a shared vision, Andrew and Haley Rego transformed a plot of undeveloped land into a place they could call home — laying a foundation where the future of their multiple business ventures could thrive.  

“I remember being right by the road, surrounded by woods, sitting on my husband’s lap in his excavator when we first started clearing the land and the first tree came down. It was crazy,” recalled Haley of the moment she and her husband began clearing the land they had acquired to build their tiny home.

She went on to explain how they were able to make it happen. “We couldn't have done this without all the equipment we have,” Haley said. Both she and her husband are entrepreneurs at heart. Andrew’s business, Rego Earthworks, which offers excavator services, gave them the access, opportunity, and knowledge they needed to clear the land for their dream home.  

Acquiring this land was no easy task for the Regos; it actually took a few years to obtain it after setting their sights on it, and they nearly missed the opportunity. It started with the street. Andrew explained, “We knew we wanted to be on this street because it’s commercially zoned, and we each run our own businesses, so that was important to us.”  

In true entrepreneurial fashion, the Regos approached finding their land with a tenacious spirit. Andrew noted that letters were drafted and sent to landowners on the street to express an interest in purchasing land. One particular site that Andrew and Haley were especially drawn to was this one. They persistently inquired about it year after year until they finally decided to put a deposit on another piece of land.  

Then, just when they thought the opportunity had passed, they received a call about the land they initially wanted. Although they had to forfeit some money, they immediately recognized the value this land offered their livelihood and decided it was worth it.

They had a percolation test conducted to make sure the land was suitable for a septic system. Once the results confirmed it was, they proceeded with the purchase. The land was finally theirs, and with that, big plans for a tiny house began to take shape.   

The tiny house springs to life  

Andrew, an expert at using the excavator to clear the land, needed assistance when it came to designing the home he and his wife planned to build on it. In collaboration with their dear friend, Frank DiMauro of Solar Design, the design came together rather quickly. Andrew commented, “After handing over a collection of photos of other homes we really liked, Frank came up with this design.”  

According to Andrew, the vision for the house came to Frank in his sleep. He shared, “He sprung out of a dead sleep one early morning at like 3 a.m., went to his work desk and started drawing the vision out on paper.” The 3D replica was given to the couple on-site, where the house would be built. It now sits atop a shelf in the kitchen, alongside a framed painted sketch of the tiny home.  

It only took five days to assemble the frame of the house using structural insulated panels. Andrew explained that incorporating these panels was always part of their vision for the tiny home, as they are highly energy-efficient, fire-resistant, and easy to assemble.

All the material to construct the shell of the home was procured from Branch River Plastics in Smithfield, Rhode Island. “They dropped off all the walls and the roof and we constructed it ourselves in only five days,” said Andrew.  

The exterior of the house has a unique look that catches people’s attention. “Everyone who visits here thinks the house has been here for years, and that’s because of the siding,” Andrew shared.

Using rough sand pine from Bright Man Lumber, Haley and Andrew spent three weeks burning both sides of the boards with long fires started by regular firewood on the ground to achieve the darkened, charred look. According to Haley, this technique is called Shou Sui Ban, a method that’s been used by the Japanese for thousands of years. Andrew further explained why they chose this method, saying, “It wasn’t just for the look; it makes the wood resistant to rot and even to bugs.”  

The design of the home features high ceilings, which, despite it being a one-story house, makes the 900-square-foot space feel larger than it actually is. The seamless flow from inside to outside creates a similar effect — on purpose.  

Andrew raised the grade of the land to make the outdoor space level with the house. Both Andrew and Haley wanted it to feel more connected, especially since they spend just as much (if not more) time outside as they do inside the house. Outside, they enjoy a hot tub, fire pit, grill, garden, and one very unique feature — a waterfall made from stones Andrew found on the land.  

Steppingstones to the inside  

Steppingstones, also made from stones found on the land, lead to the main entrance of the home, enhancing the natural look the Regos envisioned. Inside, there is a handcrafted wooden table in the living room area, which flows seamlessly into the kitchen, where Haley spends much of her time. As an executive chef for her private business, Holistic Trick, she thrives on healthy cooking and embraces a natural approach to food.  

That is why the kitchen has a relaxed, natural vibe, featuring a long kitchen island in the center that's perfect for food prep, serving, and that offers plenty of storage beneath it — ideal for a chef. The kitchen table is also long, as the Regos love hosting gatherings.

The open, airy feel of the home is enhanced by large windows throughout, offering views of the untouched nature that remains on the land. The bedroom is no exception; it leads to the trees outside, with three stone steps featuring river rocks sealed into the middle, a nod to Andrew and Haley’s love of rocks, which they collect and incorporate as decor throughout the home.  

The newest addition to the home is a wood-burning stove in the living area, meant to help save on electricity. The Regos have many plans to add new ideas to the home and the land, including the possible addition of a larger home on it. “I also want chickens and a horse!” Haley added, excitedly.  

Haley’s other big dream is to build a commercial kitchen and a greenhouse for her private chef business. She grows herbs and vegetables in the summer and is currently experimenting with growing mushrooms outback, but could use even more growing space. Her husband is thinking about using part of the land for a new business venture of his own. Living in their tiny house has sparked endless big ideas for the Regos about what they could do with their land.