Mom of 5 Defends Raising Her Kids in an Unfinished House After Critic Calls It ‘Ramshackle’: ‘They Know They’re Loved’ (Exclusive)

A Kentucky family is making headlines after a TikTok user disparaged their unfinished home, calling it “ramshackle”, and suggesting that their children would be embarrassed inviting friends over. Courtney and Scott C. have been building their home in eastern Kentucky for the past three years, managing the process largely on their own due to financial constraints.

In April 2026, the family, which includes five children aged between 7 and 16, moved in despite the house still lacking completed features such as flooring and a finished kitchen. The couple shared updates about their ongoing renovation journey on social media, highlighting the hard work and dedication that has gone into the project. However, a critical comment from a TikTok user prompted Courtney to respond, emphasising the importance of gratitude and the notion that a home is defined by feelings, rather than appearances.

In her video response, Courtney stated, “I’m raising my kids to be thankful for what they have, not to think they’re better than anyone else.” She framed their living situation as a positive experience, rejecting the notion that embarrassment should play a role in how her children perceive their home.

The family’s decision to embark on this home-building journey was partly motivated by a desire to overcome years of financial instability. Scott’s job in the coal industry has seen him facing numerous layoffs, leading them to search for a home they could own outright, without the burden of a mortgage. Prior to moving into their incomplete house, they spent nearly eight years living in a small trailer that offered just 600 square feet of space.

Despite the criticism encountered online, Courtney revealed that the supportive comments far outnumber the negative ones. Many viewers have praised the couple’s dedication and the lessons they are instilling in their children about resilience and hard work. “Our house may not look finished, but our everyday lives really aren’t that different from anybody else’s,” she said in an interview, describing how her children engage in typical childhood activities like playing video games and preparing for school.

Courtney acknowledged the challenges of raising five children in an unfinished home, often reflecting on whether the decision was fair to her kids. “I’m not going to pretend I’ve never questioned myself… I’ve wondered whether I was asking too much of my children,” she admitted. One comfort for her has been a photograph of her youngest daughter, who was a toddler when construction began, now standing in her own room, a testament to the progress they have made together as a family.

Their children have been actively involved in the process, offering input on the design of their individual bedrooms, and will help choose paint and decorations as work continues. Courtney hopes to complete the house within the next year to year-and-a-half, particularly eager for her teenagers to enjoy their home before they transition to adulthood.

Ultimately, for Courtney and Scott, the unfinished state of their dwelling serves as a symbol of their perseverance and dedication. Despite social media opinions, what matters most to them is the sense of home they have cultivated within its walls. “I can’t control what people think when they see an unfinished wall on a video, but I know what our home feels like to the people who live in it,” Courtney remarked. “And to us, it’s home.” The family remains committed to their journey, firmly believing that love and togetherness define a true home, irrespective of its current state.