Building a House Start to Finish: ICF Construction by Herself

[@harryporter3531]

Just the fact that you 2 CAN and DO work together is beyond wonderful and beautiful. 😁

[@breadthroughthefire]

Refreshing to see couples working together. I'm amazed. Reminds me of the days when people really relied on each other to work together to make a future for their families. Now days you have the family spending most of their day avoiding the family children on internet, while mom's at the hair salon or nails. While Dad is just to busy to talk to the family about what really matters.

[@sean4328]

Thank you Alyssa for editing all of these videos for us and doing such a great job

[@PerrynBecky]

You are a good wife to your husband, Alyssa. He is very fortunate to have someone like you who is at his side and not afraid to work and sweat to make your dreams come alive. God bless the both of you.

[@gateway8833]

Girl, you are a Rock Star. Brother you are so fortunate.

[@zenithtb]

I liked your little "What can we do for you" speech in the middle. It showed real insight that although we look like we know what we're doing (as men), we really have a lot of pressure on ourselves, and although we are supposed to know what we're doing, the chances we've ever done X (where X represents whatever we're about to do) before is close to Zero. So we're almost supposed to know what we have to do, which order, and what parts we'll need, most of the time we know almost as much as you do. So your little 'What can we (as women) do to support you' monologue was a breath of fresh air in this Feminist world Thank you

[@UrsaMinor2010]

I'll tell you what. This woman is a Saint. No question.

[@terrybowden3499]

I continue to be impressed by how you are both learning as you are building your house. I imagine it is going to be an amazing home. Alissa it is inspirational how you let Jesse teach you on how to build and Jesse I appreciate your patience while teaching her. Alissa your video editing keeps me interested in the tasks you both are taking on. There was a time after you went to the timber frame workshop where you didn't post a video for over a week, I was praying everything was OK with the both of you. The daily videos now are a fun part of my day I know they take a lot of time to put together and I appreciate them.

[@SharpEnuff]

I really admire your work ethic and the camaraderie the two of you share. I don't admire your safety protocol. I know everyone hates 'safety sally's' I worked in ER's and ICU's for a very long time. Disregard for basic ladder safety is taking chances is not a good idea. I get the impression you are in a remote location. If Alyssa does a Humpty Dumpty off the top of your step ladder into the minefield that is most construction sites how far away is the nearest trauma center?

[@Camstro80]

wow alyssa youve been kicking some serious ass awsome job . both of you have been going strong and steady. enjoy the cooler weather before it gets crazy

[@wheelbarrowfriend2035]

Wow Alyssa is amazing. Still so patient and good-natured after all the mistakes. My girl would probably say "just pay the gdamn professionals already."

[@billiondollardan]

My buddy did one of these for his mom 15 years ago. I helped pour concrete on the project and I've been interested ever since in foam housing. This is cool, guys!

[@v12tommy]

If you are going to get a new adjustable ladder, get one of those Little Giant ones. My mom has one and it is amazing. Painted her massive vaulted ceiling while the ladder was on the stairs and had zero issues. If I ever need to buy a ladder myself, I'm totally getting one of those.

[@scruffy6151]

i have two of them love them. they do have a down fall when straight because the middle move a little but for all other uses they are great.

[@susansharphaynes555]

I'm super proud of you two!

[@dannoquin7322]

I'm very proud of you both, what a team.

[@jizzaforizal5029]

you two are my hereos. I just found you today. from milling slabs with a chainsaw... I saw it was an old video and now have caught up a bit till now a month ago... I am so happy to see your house taking shape imagine sitting in your new house looking at where started and how you could have become more lost in the wilderness but you two a so determined that you have blown my expectations. Nat on the back... I hope there hasn't been any tears along the way because you two look so happy the whole time...

[@AwosAtis]

You discussed this common seam thing when you laid the first set of blocks. I believe it's discussed on page two of the quick start guide of your LiteForm ICF blocks. However, you DO keep me coming back to see what else you will screw up. LOL!!

[@tomrisar5492]

I have watched many of your videos in no order, firstly Jesse I hope and I think you do appreciate Allyssa her abilities are amazing you would be nowhere without her.

[@canamrider7195]

When Alyssa does the ICF stacking it looks as easy as doing a Lego build. When Jesse does it, it is nothing but agony. Jesse, take long break, and the home will be done in no time. :)

[@BlueVanDan]

I bought a wooden 3 legged ladder back in 1979 (Red Top out of Tacoma,WA) - to this day, it is the only thing I have from that time in my life. Invest in good 3 legged ladders and you will not be disappointed...

[@13yrag]

Hi guys I think your both amazing and I'm sure some times you fill like your wondering if your doing it right but like you said ages ago you haven't done this before but you have come a long way and it will all hold together and do what it's supposed to do. Sod all them haters and I told you so people. Your on a great path to having a amazing place built with your own hands and in many years to come your grandkids will be telling everyone there nan and grandad built this so keep on doing what you are doing and be proud of your self.

[@norriscoleman3141]

You are awesome builder and backbone to Jessie's success and your Home Build. A Big Texas Salute.

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Another great benefit from Allyssa's involvement; ... she understands the value of TOOLS. Love it when Allyssa said -"we've never bought a tool we didn't really use". Few wives really understand that - some think these tools are baubbles to adorn our man caves. But if one is serious about getting the job done, and doing it right, a certain level of tools are required.

[@VladislavCantea]

Love your dedication. I watch all your videos on the house built since I shall start building my own house next year. Only those who are doing nothing are not making any mistakes.

[@MrIan20009]

Loving it loving it loving it! It's coming on leaps and bounds now, I just hope your water tight by winter... Well done Alyssa your getting stuck right in and that's all that matters your actually building your you're own home and not many women can say that actually not many men can say that, so the fact your willing to take the time to understand how the house go's up, your building it. keep up the hard work.

[@jimlegacy]

That's a real woman right there, not many like those he's a lucky man, God bless her! Made in the USA!

[@amysvob3066]

loving the progress! can't wait to watch this entire journey with you both!

[@kathlyndamerkle118]

These videos are like getting Maryland steamed crabs in North Carolina. I look and look for them and when I finally find one, I get all comfortable, and take my sweet time with them.

[@ryano1361]

I feel like everything they do to save time, wastes energy and everything that do to save energy wastes time while everything they do to save money means another trip to get supplies at the worst possible time. They are so worried about working efficiently that they are making mistakes which completely derails the efficiency they are trying to achieve. It sets up a vicious cycle of trying to make up lost time/money/energy spent on correcting things, which leads to more mistakes. Sometimes slow and steady does, in fact, win the race. That being said, I enjoy the videos very much and I am impressed by the fact that despite all the set backs they always seem to have a positive attitude even when they are run down at the end of a long day.

[@txhypnotist]

Wow, you both are really making great progress and working really well together. Thanks for sharing this experience.

[@cabletechhelper730]

Hello my name is Robert An I'm an addict. I'm lost at the end of my day if I don't get my fill of Progress. I'm So proud of you guys. I have Dreams of Seeing the finished product... An since I've been Watching. You make me a better Person. Enough Said.

[@evao]

WOW! I have missed so much. I had a tragedy in June and just started tuning in again... So cool to see you are building the house how exciting! Love your CH!

[@normsayle677]

I know I'm a tad late with this, but when you span a board between two ladders, all you need to do is screw a vertical board in the middle down to the ground and if you want you can screw a wood pad on the bottom of the board in case of soft ground. This will stop the board from bowing when standing on it. Makes it easy to walk/stand on and takes your mind off of thinking it may crack or break.

[@chpdlvr]

thanx Alyssa for editing the videos I've been watching over two years, well since you bought the land! Your my hero!!!

[@B_Keat80]

Alyssa I think you're doing a great job.

[@pathazelwood8]

I have been enjoying your daily progress over the last while. To the people who say they are making mistakes on purpose... Have you ever been involved in a building project? It is pretty easy to make mistakes even when you plan things out as carefully as you know how. The armchair pros comments that they are making mistakes for clickbait? Why not give them the benefit of the doubt?

[@riadozee]

Alyssa , You do an awesome job with the actual building of your home not to mention all the time you spend editing the videos you put out which at just over 200K subs has got to help some with finances . God bless you both .

[@leebirchenough9189]

id love to actually know how much theyve made from yt. not that i care. i enjoy watching anyway but would be interesting to find out haha

[@leebirchenough9189]

starting my channel tomorrow if its true haha

[@afternoondelite45662]

it says how many subs right under the video.

[@zenithtb]

I'd've Thumbs Up'd, apart from the God Bless You. No one sneezed, AFAICR...

[@riadozee]

No need to sneeze to receive a God bless you . I suppose your one of those who gets offended by the mere mention of God .

[@jondoe9110]

I swear I haven’t watched your channel in what feels like a couple of years and I come back to 15M!!!! Views keep it up!!!!

[@jeffgannon1]

Just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos.

[@vLawcity]

Hi, first time watcher. Your channel has me intrigued so consider me subscribed! A think a binge is in order so thank you very much for organising your videos in playlists. Seeyas in the future! Happy holidays!

[@bernardtharme838]

Jessy what a Diamond you have in your wife,Good luck to you both in your lives.

[@johnmartin9062]

great job guys. what a serious exercise in working together as a married couple. I appreciate how patient you guys were working together. keep it up.

[@clintrussell]

There is alot that i never see going into ICF walls, Man what a job. Blessings to you guys!

[@tomswinburn1778]

Better than the finest tools, the best weather, the done deal financing is a partner like Alyssa. A grand slam Jesse.

[@robflynnii3196]

Hello from NY! Looking great guys! Can't wait for the ICF to be completed. Not sure how much more I can handle styrofoam squeak LOL!!!

[@annettesmith6241]

I love the fact that despite all the setbacks and detractors you guys just keep on keeping on. It was nice to see you having a pleasant and less hot day 😀

[@RussellD11]

how is this easier / cheaper then just laying brick?

[@anonanon7278]

I really admire the love, respect and support you both demonstrate towards each other.

[@ronstilwell2792]

I starting watching your channel a little while ago and I just wanted to say that you two are amazing people. I could never do this in the u.k. For two reasons - no available land, and I'm too old at 75, oh, and also I'm not brave enough. Basically, you're incredibly resourceful, so hard working, and will really deserve the house and land once you've finished. Ignore the ridiculous trolls you get on here. They aren't worth your time reading their comments.

[@gulfcityswampwitch7108]

Go team!!! You guys began the dream for me. Which will hopefully end in a goat farm in the mountains ♡♡♡

[@amylou5778]

I cant wait to see the finished house!!! :D

[@robertaemms6327]

I am really enjoying watching the process. Looking good!

[@pcking2008]

Alyssa, you had me nervous standing, walking on the 2x6. Stay safe Angel from The Bay

[@bethanymoser8211]

Way to go you two! Don't forget to take a break so you don't come to hate this project!

[@ismaeltenenbaum4103]

If HALF of what we see from Alyssa is true, Jesse, man... you should bet thanking God every morning/night for the rest of your life

[@FullCanoe]

Seriously? Thank god??? No wonder you will never land a woman like Alyssa. Start thanking the woman in stead of the man-made fictional characters, you might find that a woman that is not completely useless takes interrest in your sorry ass existence. Alyssa, and to some extent her parents for bringing her up, deserve the thanks.

[@ismaeltenenbaum4103]

who says he shouldn't thank her and treat her with respect?

[@ltippers7029]

oh FUCK OFF with your religious BULLSHIT! ALL glory does not go to a made up load of shit....grow up! there is no god!

[@JayZoop]

I see a lot of crappy work done by men! Seriously a lot! Woman can be great workers. It takes experience and learning from mistakes. I mean lots of mistakes. Everybody makes them. Keep up the good work Alyssa!

[@ltippers7029]

"God" kills babies and gives children bone cancer.........grow up and stop believing BULLSHIT!

[@XxsteamerxX]

Alyssa, your comments about assisting and understanding terminology is breathtaking. So many women just want things DONE but don't take the time to understand. It's a beautiful thing... and I'm sure it brought you two closer together as a couple. Because you both have this in common. Plus, you get to say, with him, that you built your house with your bare hands. How cool is that?

[@morrow.m]

It's coming along. Y'all keep doing you.

[@janetcarrier313]

I admire you two in building your own home... this is a very good idea and the girl in this video is very smart (you too Jessie)... thanx for this video!

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

Alyssa is relieved when Jesse leaves the worksite for an hour....because it means nothing will be done wrong for an hour. I feel sorry for her when she keeps referring to him as the "experienced one". He has demonstrated over and over again that the only thing he's experienced at is not following directions. People always complain about the "troll" comments, but they have definitely been earned. I totally want them to succeed on this project, but it is incredibly frustrating when SO many errors are made from NOT doing research beforehand and from NOT following instructions.

[@ALYG139]

You and jessie are doing a great job we watch your videos every day keep up the good work you will both have your reward in the end xx

[@MarvinLStohs]

It is no longer called a "Crash Test Dummy" It is now an "Impact Assessment Consultant"

[@olivierribert2100]

I love the spirit and good mood in your video. Not to mention the interesting tips you are giving. Hope you'll enjoy your home soon.

[@Debtfreehomesteaders]

Good job you guys. Great hustle!

[@jachin7545]

trip to the creek was a good idea. :) you guys looked refreshed and ready to kick ass today. looking good. I am really enjoying your videos, thanks for sharing.

[@kingmansfinest8895]

Personal Experience: Now that you are getting into heavier materials like wood bracing higher in the air and the bending over a lot i would recommend a Good belt just incase just to help the posture and the back a little.

Great team effort I have never been able to work like that with my husband he's got the knowledge & talent to build his own home but he's a perfectionist & everything must be done his way or all hell breaks loose. It doesn't matter if you do it your way & it turns out the same he just wants everything done his way

[@joshs6857]

You guys are doing great 👌 good job 👍

[@johndee4892]

Congrats on the 200K!!!! Thanks for making the videos.

[@DaybirdAviaries]

I think you're doing an amazing job. I'm so glad I subscribed to your channel.

[@MrCorSmit]

I so agree, have been a sub sins Alyssa sold her car

[@purelivingforlife]

Thanks for hanging in there!!!

[@edplow5917]

you are learning bad construction methods from fools,wise up .ed

[@christopherstube9473]

Sure looks like you are getting her done. You can send the wind our way up here in Missoula. It may blow some of the smoke away. You can be very proud of your work together.

[@eaglecamphomesteadswfl9006]

You should do the research and reading of the instructions haha. He is a lucky man to have a partner who jumps in and helps.

[@adubbelde1]

I used Logix ICF's. They had a seminar in my area on building with them. Very helpful. Common seams were discussed and demonstrated. Zip ties were only used on the first course to tie the blocks together horizontally.

[@Tylerl128]

Man, those green ladders with the folding arms on the outside are so dangerous I cant tell you how many times, I've fell off those ladders. they don't sit right and the arms bend really easy, buy you guys a good 8ft orange ladder with inside arms and 300lb weight limit, more expensive but, you can carry more weight while on the ladder (safely) and, they're so much safer in general.

[@daniellewis984]

I really like how you two interact while you're working. It's inspiring.

[@CapnCrusty]

Time to buy yourselves some carpenter's belts. Having common fasteners and tools with you all the time (instead of having to go get them) makes you much more productive.

[@harles5000]

Allysa is a good hardworking person and you are a lucky man, good luck folks.

[@yeriaf]

I;m confused is this going to be a concrete and foam house? Where is the wood going?

[@Paltse]

Brian Fairey It usually goes on top of the foundations and their foundation happens to also house a garage++.

[@CNCJoeFromRomeo]

Alyssa - YOU ROCK!!! Love the build video

[@robinstone564]

I have to say that sometimes its frustrating to watch them struggle, but it's even more frustrating to listen to the backseaters. I built my current home with my own two hands and a little help from my father, brothers and a few friends. It's not a perfect house, but I never expected it to be. It's a safe house that shelters my wife and child and I got many compliments from the building inspector on quality of our work. I went in thinking it was going to be a piece of cake. I spent my summers during High School working as a carpenters helper and I had watch practically every episode of This Old House and the Bob Villa show (no youtube back then). It wasn't a piece of cake and everyone had a different opinion as to how it should be done. The people I listened to for advice were the ones who showed up to lend a hand and took time to explain the technique or product recommendation. Sorry for the long story, but my point is this... they are putting in long hours trying to achieve something and are doing it as a couple showing love, patience and support for each other. Who cares if they get a technique wrong now and again. As long as they are satisfied with their work and the wall is structurely sound does it matter that they were confused about a common seam? I say no. Keep going Jessie and Allysa and thanks for sharing your turmoil and triumphs.

[@collar1022]

I read the title of this video "I left her alone for an hour!" and I thought to myself... "Yeah, I left her alone for an hour and she edited and uploaded another video!". She's like an editing machine. Don't ever lose the drive! You're doing a great job!

[@lancesurgeon7614]

Really don't understand why you guys aren't wearing some sort of tool belt/nail apron. Saves thousands of steps always having your tools and supplies on you instead of on the other side of the job site. There is a very good reason construction workers use them and it isn't to look cool.

[@cowbell247]

Love the channel and your progress and your example of how to work together with your spouse and still be kind and civil!

[@thedogemachine130]

Thank you for the time you put into the videos!!!👍👍🇺🇸👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@bradgetz]

You guys are an inspiration. Ignore the haters. As the Good Book says, "Don't be weary in doing the right thing. In due course you will get the harvest you want, if you don't give up."

[@artokiiskinen1058]

Safety first! You dont like to fall from any height, or finish your home alone while the other person died splitting his/her skull when falling from a single-plank support.

[@zebediahrinesmith2929]

Quick tip when working with long zip ties (panduits): take a hand full and thread them around your waist like a belt using your belt loops. You can carry quite a few "hands free". When doing hvac ducting, we thread them thru our tool bags around our waist.

[@adambaldwin8692]

I really like your new truck!

[@SuperArmydog]

As a couple, you guys are really inspiring. Great job!!

[@kerriegrant6293]

My heart was literally in my mouth , when you Alicia was perching on those flimsy boards, that is very worrying! please be extra careful, either of you could get seriously injured!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@markmowbray11]

I love seeing the enthusiasm and the work ethic. Someone please get these people decent tool belts, so they don't have to climb a ladder 200 times a day for screws, drills and zip ties.

[@CptBOBCAT]

Hi there from Jersey channel islands! love your videos! wish i could build my own house, but im just out of university so not anytime soon. good luck with the rest of your build, cant wait to see you two happy and relaxed in your amazing house! work hard, rest harder!

[@lesliewolff2365]

Love watching you 2. It's great to see 2 people in love working together. Love your videos.

[@SuperUncleRyan]

Why zipties and not use cheaper easier wire ties?

[@SuperUncleRyan]

Try again. we use wire ties everyday in concrete everywhere.

[@Finwolven]

They didn't come to think of that, I guess. I'd have used wires, since the whole thing'll be submerged in concrete anyways (rust isn't an issue there, bikerchic), but as we've seen, when you're DIYing and under stress lots of things are easy to overlook.

[@jedidiah5131]

If you watched their videos you would see they were using both...

[@davidrossharris]

Either is fine, but I'd imagine zip ties are slightly preferable for amateurs, since it's easy to get it really tight without knowing how to properly use the wire ties (not to mention using the right kind of wire). But to me it seems a hassle when I think you'd have to clip off the excess zip tie. I think most ICF companies include the plastic ties as part of the "kit", probably a way to charge you more.

[@edplow5917]

i looked at the block mfg. specks and you will never make code for lack of rebar horiz. on each row .as well as virtical rebar wired to the horz. you must pour concrete every 4 rowss or you can blow out the sides of the blocks.hopefully ou will be inspected before you pour concrete to hide your mistakes .buy mega insurance .ed

[@mayhemmayo]

Thank you for the way you are doing the videos. The point being, mistakes are made because of a wide variety of reasons,I think it tacks a lot of respect for us watching for you two to admit to them .you code just hid your mistakes. but you help all of your viewers not to do the same mistakes. Thank you .

[@martinhaneline2998]

You guys seem like your in better spirts this vid. Your little R&R break seems to have helped.

[@unrealistic5996]

I was preparing to leave because of mandatory hurricane evacuations because we're gonna get hit the hardest and I saw your vid and was like YES!! Thanks guys!

[@twocentproductions5326]

building my house alone while my woman sits home and eats bon-bons and watchs netflix, great job guys, Styrofoam house woudnt be my choice to each their own,but it is the premium insulating material.

[@bbygirljohnson43]

That material seems very light, I like this a lot, I have never seen this kinda stuff before.

[@riadozee]

I enjoy all your videos !! Please keep them coming .

[@gos2011]

Every time you guys touch the icf I get goosebumps