Building Your Own House Or Cabin? WATCH THIS BEFORE YOU BUILD. Build Smart, Avoid Mistakes.

[@retiredyeti5555]

From the time that cathedral ceilings began to be built into homes several decades ago, I repeatedly told anyone who would listen that it was a waste of money, and that heat rises, making the upper level/loft hot and sucking the cold air in through any crack/crevice, in a chimney effect. Had folks tell me that I didn't know what I was talking about, as I was not an architect or builder, but a nurse. Hey, common sense is common sense, but seems to be in short supply a lot these days! Thanks for reinforcing my thoughts on it! Stay safe!

[@Twoholesofman]

I wish I had a dad or grandpa like this.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I'm up for adoption... LOL :-D

[@rodneydoucette3982]

One of the best homestead video's, That I have seen in awhile.. Solid advice with common sense.. Thanks

[@jerreyhiatte7644]

boss has always had the best

[@cjohnson4342]

Others pale in comparison

[@edmunddauphinais3665]

Being a carpenter for 45 years I couldn't agree with you more, great advice 👍

[@garymay3826]

Age and experience is a pretty awesome teacher isn’t it. But it sure is hard to impart that wisdom onto many of the younger folks. If they were smart they would listen up and learn from those who have been there before and learned the hard way. Keep giving out that wisdom boss I’m hopeful many will learn from it.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

If only we knew then what we know now eh buddy?

[@Oldtimecarpenter]

Gary May How right you are! There’s some people that think you can buy experience.

[@mirastokarczyk1900]

me and the other half are following your advice.

[@opossumly7789]

Love all of that good advice and not only "this is how I do it" but also "this is why I do it." Great job on this one! Nothing better than practical nuts and bolts info based on actual experience. 10 thumbs up (because I'm all thumbs).

[@greygrim4630]

I am so glad you shared this information.any person that has you for a friend as a priceless commodity.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@ericbunksvintagesportsman6311]

Great advice!! I used T -111 and advantek on my cabin in NY THE BEST!! I was off the ground on piers and could get full access under the cabin...was awesome for sure

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Good planning buddy :-)

[@mikemcgown6362]

Very good advice! I found a simple way to insulate and water-proof my new floor build thanks to you! Rafters instead of trusses. Bingo! T-1-11 for wall sheathing. Another bingo! Thanks to you, I believe I am winning! Just because you're old, doesn't mean you're obsolete!

[@pauldjerassi620]

A great common sense video that will save new builders $1000s in the long run ,Thank you .

[@kandiwolfe1125]

Thank heaven you spoke out on trusses! When l first started out building homes, that was one of my first observations questions! The only answer l ever got was, "because. thaats the way you do it....." !! A few years later l foundbout differently, but the majority of homes are still built with trusses. Thank you for letting folks know there are other ways to build smarter!! Take care everybody!

[@KeithFinkFamilyFarm]

Amen Brother, Preach it! Ha! That's what I said after every one of your points. Thanks for the fine teaching. Just to let you know, when I start to watch one of your vids on here my kitchen computer, as soon as my children hear your voice, they gather round to watch. You've reached the younger generation here! They also like to sing your closing tune around the house. Thanks. God Bless. Keith-

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for sharing the keith. Happy to hear it. God Bless.

[@nicolettehare3322]

So nice! A great video and it’s not even Sunday! Yessah!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I post at random now as it fits my scdeduleless schedule better :-)

[@ChileExpatFamily]

Thanks Boss for this insight. It is hard to find people who are like you and I who are actually doing the things that others are planning. I wish I had made videos when we built our house but we were in such a hurry and we built it ourselves so we had no time to video. WHAT I WOULD HAVE GIVEN TO HAVE YOU COME DOWN AND HELP ME!!! We have a cellar that we store our canned goods in and winter veggies. The rest of the house is on a concrete slab. We do not have a frost here where we are so that is not a problem here. Love the foil and we are using it for our second story of the house to provide sound and temperature insulation. I like the 5/8 T111. I use it for a lot of things here and then I cover it with concrete planking and that is less maintenance for me in the long run. We used Rafters and we used the GAMBREL roof design. It provided us with a good amount of living area and we were able to truss up the roof system with a steel truss that supports the larger span over our garage below. So we used the combination of both systems. Excellent information and help Boss. Thanks for the video. Jim in Chile.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

We certainly sound a lot alike. You'd make a good neighbor buddy ;-)

[@j.r.tidwell3318]

BOSS YOU ARE A VERY SMART MAN. I COULD LISTEN TO YOU TALK FOR HOURS. IM PROBABLY YOUR AGE OR OLDER AND CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU SAYING. THANK YOU FOR SHARING 👍👍👍

[@John-w9m8d]

One of my favs of your videos . This & the bubble foil under floor where your truck box (refrigerator ) for veggies, water etc Absolutely love the bubble foil idea. Remember, Ceiling fans w reverse, are made for cathedral ceilings. Have them in our Expensive Tri level Custom build home, works great in winter and great in summer. Stay Safe Stay Healthy Positive and Blessed my friend. ✌️ Peace from Big Jim New Hampshire USA aka Boston Strong

[@thebossoftheswamp]

ceiling fans are a must have with cathedral ceilings but... for off grid with minimal solar it's not the best setup :-))

[@offgridsweden]

Great video man. Have an amazing weekend, Andreas 🇸🇪

[@metamud8686]

I don't know if I'll ever be building a cabin in this lifetime, but I thank you for all these tidbits of wisdom anyway. It makes so much sense to me and might even help me out in other applications. Cheers!

[@harleyreese214]

Very skilled craftsman.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you

[@waynedeltaveriant2175]

Im so glad the I found you.. keep up the great work I never comment… but i have found your videos so good! i just finished bubble wrapping my rafters and what a change it made… wish the guy who built it would have followed your advice about building it higher off the ground… that was a ruff day

[@randyl4092]

You had two stick people in drawing no stick dogs Frankie and tilde are mad as hell Lol great video

[@thebossoftheswamp]

No stick dogs upstairs haha

[@chamilton9182]

Another great vid boss. This is a no non-sense public service announcement on building that is wise and sound. Thanks so much for sharing as always. God Bless you, Lori and the pups.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and God Bless :-)

[@woodspirit98]

From foundation to roof. Excellent advice for everything in life. My cabin was built with the 5/8 T 111 p off the ground by the previous owner. But they did a cathedral ceiling with a half loft so I'm thinking of extending it out now.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Lofts have their charm but I don't think I'll build another one.

[@kristendaniels5656]

This weekend my husband and I are going to binge watch your videos (especially this one) and try out the new dehydrator we got for Christmas . What could be more romantic then a learning adventure with your best friend on building and homesteading?

[@LWYOffGridHomestead]

Good to see a video from you...love watching you build...good to hear the reasoning behind why you build the way you do...thanks & God Bless

[@thebossoftheswamp]

God Bless

[@jodysappington7008]

so much logic...enjoyed listening to you tonight...you all have a grand night...

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you Jody :-)

[@markmichalsky6353]

Thanks Boss!! Have a great day!! Enjoy the cabin life!!

[@Oldtimecarpenter]

You hit the nail right on the head JC! Very well explained and perfect advice! I could bore you and tell you I’ve been a builder for over 40 years but I won’t! 🥴 BTW I just referred your channel to another KZbin channel where a young woman is re-building her cabin in Germany. Guess what?...You got a lot of thumbs up! Looks like you’re well known everywhere. Maybe you could talk about the importance of property ventilating the roof, etc on another future vid. Thanks Boss and God bless!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Hi buddy, I did talk about venting when I was insulating the roof here at the camp but... I plan for a part 2 of this video and will discuss the importance of it there too. All the best :-)))

[@russellweber4334]

This is another video well worth rewatching, you find something new.

[@vicknairfirm]

Excellent video! Short, to the point, and very timely for me. Thank you very much!

[@walters5235]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom...AGAIN!

[@gabelanger]

Great information JC you can't replace experience it comes with living and making mistakes and learning from them.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Live and learn. Got that right ;-)

[@kevinsimpson7114]

Brilliant, concise, useful and very informative video - thank you.

[@KYLESCABIN]

If only this video came out before I built my cabin haha. It's too close to the ground for my liking, and you're right about the vacuum effect with the cathedral ceiling. I'm taking your advice and putting in a ceiling about 7ft tall the full length. I'm going to try to jack the cabin up this spring to give me a few feet underneath. Would have been much easier and would have saved me a lot of time to have just done it right from the start. I'm young and dumb though.. sometimes a guy just has to learn things the hard way! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Life is a live and learn process buddy. My NY cabin is too close to the ground too haha :-)

[@richwicklund9001]

I missed these style of videos! From a builder's perspective, all I could do was shake my head and agree with everything you said. Great video.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you

[@terryporche8745]

Great information JC. Enjoyed the video. God Bless you and your crew until the next one

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and God Bless.

[@frankpohl4377]

In Germany we have 3 kinds of radiators and all have diferend or produce diferend heatwinds. One soaks the cold air in and blow it up t o the room ceiling. Another blows direct in the room. This one I love. Oven produce often turbulencen that are good because the heat reaches all aeras in a room but a cathedral- one on needs that is for shure. The "old school cabin or log home building" in scandinavia or cold countrys in the EU allways build with low ceiling THAT safes wood! As smaler a room as lesser the need of energy.

[@henrymeyer8958]

Very good information! Thanks

[@evolvingerinb]

I saved this valuable information. Thanks boss for a fabulous video. Your wisdom is truly priceless. God bless you my friend.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and God Bless :-)

[@Nobody-ys9mq]

My wife and I are planning to build our homestead ourselves and your advice seems invaluable. Much appreciated brother.

[@kayfabe591]

Thanks for imparting this guidance backed by proven techniques. We've not completely built a home, but we've done hands-on, living amidst the projects, extensive renovations of three homes in Kansas, and some minor upgrades at 2 lake cabins in the Missouri Ozarks. I want to be, full-time, in a tidy 24x24 alot like yours. The husband's retirement is 2 years away!

[@sandrathomson1084]

Thanks Boss, Lori and fur babies. My brother is wanting to build a garage. Perfect timing for this video. Appreciate y'all sharing your knowledge. In our thoughts and prayers. God Bless y'all and the fur babies ✌❤😁

[@Newnessoflife1]

My favorite channel on KZbin found you years ago when I was looking up how to make some stretching boards have not missed a video since.

[@jmccracken491]

Great

[@juanitahamlin8478]

same here, me and hubs are hooked

[@beautifulhomestead1174]

I was all smiling at the end of the video. We built an L shape house with 54x26 garage with 3 real dormers on each side and it's all with rafters. 8ft tall 16x54... we peak in there now and then very proud of ourselves (lol) and the only problem we have is deciding what to do with it.... it feels good eventhough we have no use of it now. But with 4 kids (oldest is 13) I am sure we will think of something. Also, the dormers in the back have an amazing view of two huge white oaks, seasonal creek, and 20acres of our back pastures and woods. We love your channel and hope to see some fishing videos in the future.

[@paulwilson7234]

Good to hear from you.

[@advforops]

Thanks alot Boss. These types of videos are always priceless and keepsakes for future planning on projects. God bless you both always.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

God Bless.

[@paulamay8718]

Happy Valentine's Day to you and your lady. Great advice about wasted space. Have an awesome weekend.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and the same to you :-)

[@joneshuntingadventures7971]

After a life of building, and 3 generations of it, I agree with all you said, Bossman. Cathedral ceilings are nice with a ceiling fan bringing the heat back down, but there's a huge loss of space. More about a view than anything else. And angles, I hate angles in layouts. Always wasted space. Thanks for sharing.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I put a cathedral in my NY place and it was ok while the ceiling fan was blowing but cold when the power was out :-x

[@AnAlaskaHomestead]

You are a pool of wisdom. I pick up little pieces here and there which saves me an unnecessary headache down the road.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad you enjoyed buddy :-)

[@BirdYoumans]

Words of wisdom! While I did most of my studio right, there's a couple of ways I tried to save money and time mostly not insulating the floor. Big mistake. I'll either go back and add it, or I'll pay the difference over time trying to heat or cool it. Used the T-111 siding though and love it! Good video. Might save some people headaches if they listen.

[@davidzbowen24]

Thanks for the heads up concerning cathedral ceilings. Had my heart set on it, but now re thinking it. Glad it's b4 the build.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

There's pros and cons to everything. Good luck with your build.

[@jpdunamislodge]

There is nothing worse than “machine gun fire” crawl space under a building 🤣 I can’t say enough good things about all of your advice. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@deerfarm5982]

great points-- on my southern camp....added extra blocks to piers where i can sit under on my rear end and plumb--wire or repair....and my 21 ft ceiling are rafters with 6x6 red cedar collar ties and a half loft with 2 beds up there for my hunting buds and company ..plenty of room and knee walls ..i used the \same product as you .....all good points to consider Boss---Great video!!! my friend!!!

[@garyrobb8968]

Pure gold, your info is pure gold, cant wait for more, thanks!

[@Hiker63]

Heading to our property in the Georgia mountains tonight to continue clearing land for our cabin and an Appalachian Trail hiker hostel. We’ll be saving this video for the 8 hour drive 😉 We hope all is well with you and all of your followers.

[@kamurray67]

You have connectivity problems on the road also. I swear a ten minute video takes 6-7 hours to download sometimes. Rofl

[@thebossoftheswamp]

We cater to the hikers here too. I always knew you were a good guy from your comments :-))

[@lockedin60]

Sound advice. I have been mulling over a small house build. I have simple needs and living life as a single , divorced male. I will turn 65 in July. Thanks for the advice for getting the building off the ground. The thought of having electrical or plumbing problems on slab could be a constant 3-Advil days. I have limited carpentry skills but I feels as though I can do most of the work myself/ Roofing would be my largest challenge because I don't handle heights well.

[@gregscountrycabinoutdoors7359]

Great advice, I am helping a friend build a 12x12 cabin, and we went with rafters for the same reason.

[@robdabiere651]

Great tips!!! We are totally in agreement!! Blueprints almost finished👍thanks boss

[@wordtothamomma3765]

You rock, Boss!! Thank you for this awesome video ... Exactly what we needed. We are going to be using a lot of your tips when we start our cabin in the spring! Most especially my favourite tip.... Bubble Foil!!!

[@Foundinthewoodsbushcraft]

Thanks so much Boss, You have helped me a lot. I have watched you for years. And still enjoy Frankie & the Boss.👍🐶

[@musicvibes017]

Sounds like good backwoods logic to me. Great video sir.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks 👍

[@travelling_stephen]

Good advice there Boss, as they say its all in the planning. You and Lori take care of yourselves and stay safe and give the Kids a pet from me. 👍

[@how2withbasics567]

Now that was the best advise on building a shed, cabin or a house I have ever heard in my lifetime which is over a half a century. Well summed up and extremely PRACTICAL in all sense of the word.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you kindly ;-)

[@Seasonedcrab133]

Great video 🤩👍

[@rustyhaught171]

Totally agree boss man have a day!!!!

[@MikeL-vu7jo]

Great advise , Also would luv to see more pics of that first cabin you showed ,Thanks !

[@kevinharding2099]

Lots of good common sense. I have a cathedral ceiling in a three season cabin. The hot air goes up and out a loft window. Large ceiling fans do a great deal to distribute heat when we fire up the wood stove. I also use a ceiling fan on a porch to keep the space comfortable in the summer. Ceiling fans are quiet and use minimal energy.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

They are a must have but not great for off grid cabins.

[@scottshoaf8851]

Great video! This information is exactly what I needed. What you said is inline with my building plans. Reassuring me as an amateur that I am doing it right. Thank you Bossman!

[@mags102755]

It's great that you share your expertise with other cabin builders. I love learning from you.

[@jenniferlee7167]

Much food for thought. Many thanks for the information. Your experience is invaluable!

[@7secondcommute]

Phenomenal Video🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@danielwilliams9625]

Great tips and video as always. Thanks for sharing! Would love to see some videos of how you have been finishing the inside of your workshop as I have a shed I want to finish inside and you always have great ideas to maximize storage.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

More on workshop coming soon :-)

[@tomcleverley18]

I scrolled down a ways, and thank GOD I didn't see any idiots crabbing about bubble foil!!!! It is great stuff when used where it should be! As always, you put out fun, informative videos! My wife and I love our little Kentucky home, but we need storage space and a bit more living space. We didn't build it and it has a truss attic. When I get old I will be glad that it is a 1 level. We're planning to add on to the carport, build a tornado shelter, and an outbuilding to hold our exercise equipment, grille, and a muscle relaxation / stress relief apparatus (better known as a hot tub). The biggest reason I don't know if I could make it off grid. We have a couple of springs, 1 on the hill and 1 in our holler that we plan to tap and develop. Thanks again, you and Lori take care of each other and GOD BLESS

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and God Bless :-)

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Hi Boss thank you for sharing your knowledge. With experience comes knowledge and we know you have lots.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

You're welcome Cathy :-)

[@Blackbriars-Shadow]

I chose the T-11 and a lot of other upgrades when I was designing my shabin at the factory. No OSB in or on my cabin. It sits on a 8" thick slab with 2" foam insulation board and thick plastic under the slab. The slab also extends 6" all around beyond the cabin. I did end up choosing the 2" thick insulation between the joists under the cabin. Since I am disabled, no 2nd floor nor attic with 36"w doorways and a ramp.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Can't blame you there. Like i said, Consider your wants and needs and build accordingly. :-))

[@blackoakpropertymaintenanc6981]

Thanks, Boss....totally agree with you on the truss issue. Huge waste of space in a residential application. I've been watching your videos since you started building the upstate NY cabin. I have without a doubt picked up a few pointers from you, whether intended or not. I almost always work alone, and seeing how you deal with certain obstacles that come up from time to time, when you really need another set of hands, has given me some inspiration in my own projects. And saved me some heartburn!

[@Javaman92]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom. When/if I build, I'll take your advice.

[@kleineroteHex]

when/if I build I will send the boss an invitation LOL

[@ricksippel8975]

Common sense is a valuable commodity! Thanks!

[@cjohnson4342]

This is why I subscribe. Common sense expert advice given without a waste of time or fluffy BS. Add a couple of dogs, some recipes and gardening and a few quotes from Andy like "Call the man" and I am there. Look forward to every video! Hi to Lori, Carla and Dan from Michigan

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Andy Andy Andy :-)))))

[@johnbrinton3873]

Jim, I bet you could easily make 100 videos on building tips you have picked through the years! Nice to see this type of video from you & thank you so much for sharing,, really!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you John. I plan to do another one in the near future.

[@creepingcharly]

This kind of insight learned from experience is so helpful. Thank you!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tonysun4402]

You are awesome. Love the information you give and always very helpful 👍. Thank you.

[@gregschultz2029]

Great Video ,Leaned A Lot ,Thank You !!!

[@bayoutown1990]

Boss, thank you so much for this video! My son is just about to start building his house and he was going to build close to the ground and put trusses in. We were sharing with him that this was not a good idea, HOWEVER, he didn't want to take our advice. I sent him your video! :D Really good advice! Thanks!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Happy to help. Trusses are a waste of space and close to the ground will screw you in the long run. Good luck :-)

[@rcd8741]

Great info Boss. The amount of space you gain by having a steeper roof with a shed dormer and a few windows can be a gain of a couple bedrooms and a bath. That's bang for your buck!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Agreed :-)

[@vicknairfirm]

One of your best videos. Thank you. As a novice, I was thinking about a trussed roof. Now I know. This little video saved me so much time and money. Please do more like this Boss! A modest paypal payment is on the way.

[@LuckyLakeHunting]

Boy are you right about building off the ground. Working in fishing camps, it was constantly lifting cabins built on the ground

[@charlesknight3204]

Kind sir: I’m going to be building a small/tiny house in the next 18 months; this video is going to be a great help. Thanks!!! Take care, be safe, best wishes and God bless!!! Chuck Knight from Buffalo, Texas. 👨‍🌾✝️🙏🖖🐩

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful and good luck with your project.

[@corneliaco3062]

Thank you. God bless you💝😄

[@jamesboyer8]

Thanks

[@williameltringham7559]

Thank you so much I have no experience in consultation what so ever but I'm starting to build my first cabin this summer. I plan to retire and live there the rest of my life. I will have help from my brother who is a contractor but I'm trying to do most myself again thank you I have learned a lot from your video's.

[@dper1112]

If you're talking about the couple up north who built their 24x32 and then expanded it last summer, I was surprised at the trusses and the expansion. As it turns out, they always planned on expanding. The reason they built small initially was because they were tight on time that season and needed to move in. The add-on was the result of proper planning, surprisingly!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Not pointing fingers, nor am I bashing, just saying that rafters would have been a better choice and offered so much more bang for the buck. Lots of wasted space there.

[@dper1112]

Yes, I agree. :-)

[@juanitahamlin8478]

Hey Boss, My hubs always appreciates your building knowledge, as he is the builder in the family and I do the other things. I am making an afghan right now in reesie peanut butter cup colors, chocolate and dark gold. This afternoon I took a bath outside in my kiddie pool and forgot to take the expensive shampoo/conditioner my daughter in law purchased for me when I told her that her hair smelled lovely. I had a partial bottle of palmolive dish liquid near the pool so used that and a bar of lavender goat milk soap my niece gave to me. I marveled at sixty degree sunny warmth of my private ridge top spa. Tomorrow it will be 18 degrees. I could hear the squirrels calling to each other and nests are visible on the tree tops since the leaves are on the forest floor. Bonus is I will the leaves in my hugelkultur beds. Nothing wasted. I worked on one yesterday for awhile. Being out there with nature and doing basic cleansing almost seemed sacred. Hubs is building a fire as the evening cools and wood smoke scent is a favorite aroma and hot fresh coffee, just heaven. Be richly blessed, juanita mae

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Gotta love the aroma of fresh coffee :-)))))

[@dubehigh]

Great video Boss, been trying to tell the wife this, now I can show her.👏🙏

[@humblewarrior6585]

You're amazing and I love all your videos. Along with your wisdom and knowledge you've shared, Ive learned a lot, much appreciated !!!...God Bless You and Yours !!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

You are so welcome :-)

[@wollins2]

Within 7 minutes of watching this I already saved a grand! Subscribed. :)

[@thebossoftheswamp]

With the current lumber prices, that may not be much lumber. Thanks for subbing. :-D

[@marythornsberry6486]

Just came across your video for the first time.....I will subscribe to your video's as I really enjoyed this one...Very informative as I just love to watch building!!!!!

[@believeliveloveandlaugh3844]

Thanks Boss!

[@jasonmcbride2111]

Great content 👍👍🤘🤘 You da man / BOSS 🤣🤣 Honestly great video!!

[@Butchmcmasters7MM]

Very informative thanks Boss God bless you and your family keep the videos coming have a great weekend

[@thebossoftheswamp]

God Bless.