Mom of Five Defends Raising Her Children in an Unfinished House After Stranger Calls It “Ramshackle”
A mother of five is pushing back against online criticism after a stranger described her family’s unfinished home as “ramshackle” and suggested her children might feel embarrassed inviting friends over.
Courtney, who lives with her husband, Scott, and their five children in eastern Kentucky, says their house may not be complete, but it is filled with love, and she wants her children to appreciate what they have rather than judge people by their living conditions.
The couple spent three years building the house themselves, gradually purchasing materials as their finances allowed. Their decision came after years of financial uncertainty and repeated layoffs in Scott’s coal-mining job. They hoped to create a home they could own without taking on a mortgage.
Before moving into the property in April 2026, the family had spent seven years and eight months renting a small trailer measuring roughly 600 square feet.
Their new house is still a work in progress. Some flooring remains unfinished, portions of the walls lack drywall, and the kitchen has yet to be completed. However, Courtney said the family waited until the property had electricity, running water, plumbing and a functioning bathroom before moving in.
The children, who range in age from 7 to 16, have furnished bedrooms and continue their everyday routines, including attending school, playing games and spending time together. Courtney prepares meals using appliances such as an air fryer, toaster oven, slow cookers and portable burners while the family saves for a finished kitchen.
The controversy began after Courtney shared videos documenting their construction journey on TikTok. One commenter argued that the unfinished house was embarrassing for the children and drew on their own negative childhood experience of living in a similar situation.
Courtney responded that a home’s appearance should not determine its value, arguing that teaching children to look down on others because of what they own can encourage the wrong attitudes.
Despite acknowledging that she has sometimes questioned whether moving into an unfinished home was the right decision for her children, Courtney says the family has received far more encouragement than criticism.
She also wants her children to participate in choosing paint, wallpaper and decorations for their bedrooms as construction progresses.
The couple hopes to finish the house within the next 12 to 18 months, allowing their teenagers to enjoy the completed home before they eventually leave for adulthood.
For Courtney, the unfinished walls and floors represent the effort her family has invested in creating a place of their own. While she understands that others might make different choices, she believes the home should be judged by the life and love it provides, not simply by its appearance.
Source: PEOPLE
