Calling In the Concrete - Doing it Ourselves

[@seanmcgcostumes]

I am so excited over this cottage refurbishment! This is going to be such an amazing new home for you, Michael.

[@libbybreen5265]

Bueno

[@mbryan4964]

I adore your father. Have him tell us all he knows about building and construction, please.

[@lorimangold2890]

Yes, Dear Ol Dad, Is a Wealth of Knowledge, and he could have his own Vlog as Well, instructing people on rebuilding

[@ShipCreek]

and an update on your parents cottage...please😁

[@laurasykes249]

I’m loving watching this lovely gentleman do his craft .Educational and Entertainment

[@kimphilpin1062]

Wow your dad is a real diamond. You are lucky to have him to help and give you advice. Well done on what you have done so far. Enjoying watching the cottage as it comes back to life as a home.

[@Dino-qq2jp]

I can't donate to your patreon, however my way of saying thank you is watching the adverts so you get paid. Gardeners cottage excites me a lot!! Keep it going Michael its going to be beautiful!

[@MsLinda165]

Same! I'm hoping to land a job again soon, and I'd be delighted to sign on then to contribute. Meanwhile, the ads, not a big deal. ...I use the time to do push ups and crunches...watching all that physical labour makes it seem imperative.

[@annabelresola3595]

Same! Unfortunately I'm a uni student with no income haha...

[@DoingItOurselvesOfficial]

Watching the ads is thanks enough, although don’t feel obliged to watch all. Just a few means a lot. Xxxx

[@pattyk101]

I love seeing Dad lean against the door frame and watch! "Let the young 'uns work, I paid me dues."

[@jodeneantonson985]

Your Dad is a workhorse! He's a treasure. Enjoyed you excitement about getting it poured.

[@MissouriCrookedBarnHomestead]

That changed the cottage so much in just that action. I also have a gardeners cottage attached to our old Victorian mansion that I absolutely love. It needs a concrete floor as well. The look on your face Michael, it made me smile just seeing how happy you are.

[@Gyllsd1]

I remember when you first went into this room in the cottage. I thought it would take a miracle to get anything done. The next thing, all the junk was gone and you were taking the fireplace down. Today, the concrete floor was poured, and the whole thing looks 1000% better. No one could ever say that the British are afraid of work. You were doing all of that today with a smile and a lot of joy in your heart, Michael. Your Dad is a very smart man, who has a lot of knowledge about how things were done. I am so happy for all of you. BTW, "lorry" is not a term we know in the USA. I looked it up, so I understand. We would have just called it a "cement truck." Just FYI. I know, Americans are weird. Take care. Be well.

[@lorimangold2890]

But a Lorry is what the European's call a Truck, so BTW, Why wouldn't they use the term familiar to the way they normally speak?

[@jojoply]

Lori Mangold Do they not use the word truck? Or are all trucks call lorry. Just wondered why the dual words both in English language?

[@Gyllsd1]

@@jojoply Google "lorry" and you can read about the British usage of the word.

[@Gyllsd1]

@@lorimangold2890 Oh dear. I didn't mean to say that Michael's use of the term "lorry" was in any way not correct. It is simply not a familiar word in the USA. Generally, I believe the British are correct. They were using English long before we were here.

[@Cate7451]

Gregory Gyllsdorff don't worry. It's fun to learn new things. British English uses different words from American English sometimes as we have different histories.

[@raoulheinrichvonmerten4851]

Saturday morning in Australia. Breakfast ready . Open iPad and straight to Doing it ourselves the best rebuild show on UTube!

[@lydiarowe491]

In Melbourne..must be a few of us following Michael and Stephanie..♥

[@debbiebryden7007]

In Melbourne as well, we will all get together one day & have a good old chat

[@lydiarowe491]

Think this connects so many of us.. Community on a grander scale..a good bond I say..♥

[@MiuMiuG]

In Adelaide, doing the exact same thing with a cup of coffee and some toast!

[@lisahopman6738]

Country victoria, great way to spend a morning, love watching Michael and Stephanie’s channel as well.

[@moniquebouskos8698]

Great job! 2 ideas for under the stairs: 1. Plaster it and paint your own mural or 2. Leave the stone exposed and use the wood from the ceiling to make open book shelves, like a library wall

[@ralphstephan353]

Little Ernest has his mother’s eyes, I think. Cute kid!

[@wildhurstmanor]

Billy and Gwen are so generous for letting you take the cottage and have a place of your own. It’s going to be beautiful.

[@carolinobrien6662]

Considering he the one who's actually bringing in the money I'd say it's the least they could do.

[@highlyopinionated]

@@carolinobrien6662 you speak as though you know all of their financial situations and what each is contributing. I think it's quite rude.

[@wildhurstmanor]

I don’t want to speculate too much but I would guess they are running separate households; Billy and Gwen with chateau income and Michael with the Patreon, go fund me, and you tube earnings. I didn’t mean to start anything just to say it is nice that Michael will have his own space to call home.

[@libertys.1534]

@@carolinobrien6662 his brother and wife have owned that chateau for a lot longer than Michael has been vlogging. They make money from renting out the other house and hosting weddings he has talked about it in a few vlogs.

[@caligulalonghbottom2629]

@@libertys.1534 With the quality of the furnishings in the chateau, you can also tell they started off with a pretty hefty bank balance. Unlike Stef and her charity shop finds, the furnishings are all rather high end antiques. It is generous regardless, its their home so just giving someone a cottage, however derelict it may have been, is generous. They clearly want it to be a family home anyway, their parents also have a house on the estate so its only natural. I do think some of the earnings from youtube go to the main Chateau though since he is vlogging their mutual experience.

[@poodlegirl55]

Papa is one tough old dude!!! You all did great but he is awesome.

[@thirdonetoo1212]

Who knew concrete could be so exciting!! Feels like your home is starting to take shape. So happy for you, Michael.

[@elisabethe8055]

Good hard work! It still amazes me that that TV show didn't wanted you, but all of us loving this channel is so lucky! Good job, cant wait to see this cottage transform! :)

[@scotchbonnie4122]

Its so rare that I love every video on a channel but Doing it Ourselves is always a delight 💙

[@Jayrose59]

So glad to see your safety gear at least 😁😁....who doesnt love a bit of b-roll with pouring concrete😂🤣...i would leave it open under the stairs... makes the room look a lot bigger....they are dahlias🌻🌻

[@nomebear]

I worry that he will damage himself. Michael has so damned many talents it's almost a waste of his time do all of this pedestrian labor intensive work. He should leave this up to professionals and get on with being the incredibly brilliant gay man that he is.

[@carochan86]

I want to borrow Micheal too :D

[@Jayrose59]

@@carochan86 Fair enough. You should get the whole team.

[@Jayrose59]

@@nomebear He would not be able to afford it if he got professionals to do everything. Plus he wants to do most of it as it is his cottage. He is also learning more great skills from his dad.

[@lorrainegatzke1048]

Hi Gill, I too went on a bit about the safety gear. 😁👋🇿🇦

[@lindefraser9148]

It amazes me that even with all of the modern advances in technology it still takes so much back breaking effort to get jobs done. Well done Mick, Michael and Sean! Billy too.

[@BA-ef4pr]

Great teamwork of family to pour concrete! Baby ernest exploring is adorable. How nice to have the garden house! I love its design.

[@susanrussell8195]

You could use the floorboards to make a sliding door. It could like a barn door.

[@Jayrose59]

That is a great idea😁😁

[@vintagemoss9578]

Awesome idea

[@kathrynprice1118]

Please no. I can’t stand barn doors. They’re the 80s wood paneling of now

[@mikeecho33]

every time I stop and watch this I am blown away by the sheer beauty of what is done

[@persebra]

"The original purpose of wainscoting was to cover the lower part of walls, which, in houses constructed with poor or non-existent damp-proof courses, are often affected by rising dampness. Its purpose is now decorative. Frame and Panel - Wainscoting."

[@judithp8552]

Thank you

[@sunnygirl87]

Fascinating

[@joyeddlemon798]

Also known as shiplap here in the US. Joanna Gaines will be proud!!

[@tonyhussey3610]

gh g the U.K. builder community have created two myths ...rising damp and woodworm treatment....both excellent money making schemes scaring homeowners to pay large sums to fix....

[@barbibutton9619]

Doesn't moisture get behind it? In a building such as this?

[@jenniferburk7965]

This is why Michael's channel is a favorite of mine: real hands-on work making something wonderful. I have such envy for the walled garden. Imagine a crew of volunteers turning the whole thing into a productive garden.

[@carochan86]

I am In aw at his Dads concrete skills. So amazing wow. Dad should have signed it.

[@lin-oe2sp]

Through your videos I set my life goal to buy an old cottage in a nice little french village an renovating it and living there with my cats :D

[@wildflowerwind6941]

That sounds really nice.

[@tpike9482]

Michael, don't get rid of the "hoggin" that you've dug out. You need to stockpile it somewhere out back. It can be used later to form footpaths & as a base for laying large stone slabs or tiles for a patio area. You can rent a compactor to tamp it down. Great for use in gardens, walking paths, bike paths, etc.

[@cindyfleer2248]

I love how while you are working really hard with the concrete you are smiling the whole time! Maybe you’re desk under the steps and piano upstairs? Keep up the great videos! 🎥

[@Jayrose59]

I just wondered if his desk would fit there too!! I suppose he will have to check measurements to see where everything will fit.

[@katehobbs2008]

Cindy Fleer piano needs a very stable floor or it loses tune, also ever tried lifting a piano up a skinny very steep stairway? Ouch.

[@cindyfleer2248]

Kate Hobbs didn’t think about that. I’m sure he’ll find the perfect place.

[@evelynbyrd4961]

Gwendolyn, you are a very BRAVE girl. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing. After a few years, you'll be done.

[@judyrosy]

Michael and family....thank you so much for doing these videos. I am having the time of my life watching you restore history. It gives me hope. I don't think there are better things to do with your time and energy at this time. Love from the USA. ❤

[@marilynsanneh8959]

Loving Papa Petherick … he knows his stuff

[@mai_world]

All of you are amazing, but Dad... he's a Rock 🌟! Thanks for sharing!

[@musingwithreba9667]

Oh I love the wee Peter Rabbit statue! I need to find one for myself. It's very exciting to see the floor going in. I think the room would look amazing if you leave the space under the stairs open and get yourself a comfy chair and a table for your cup of tea, or martini glass 😉 and one of those stunning dahlias in a vase. It'll be so cozy.

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

Ernest sleeping is the most precious vision for young parents needed to get a few jobs done. He is an angel and reminds me of my little Jonah at that age.

[@ChateautenBerghe]

Hello from Castle ten Berghe in Bruges, Belgium 👋👋👋

[@Jayrose59]

Hello ten berghe. No premiere but at least it is here

[@ChateautenBerghe]

@@Jayrose59 any idea why it isn't Premiere?

[@Jayrose59]

@@ChateautenBerghe We got the news on the facebook fan page. Michael had problems uploading it while he was on a train. But at least it was tonight🤣😂

[@keandric2765]

Loved the little tour of the garden at the end. Would love to see more of the garden stuff. The vegetables and fruit and stuff you guys harvest, what you do with your zucchini and tomatoes, ect :))

[@michelerandall123]

Just wanted to share deepest condolences with Gwendoline and her family in the loss of her father.

[@eledatowle7128]

Love seeing your dad - It's great you have him to teach you even more, and it's easy to see where you get your practical logic and common sense from! We call plants that we don't intentionally plant somewhere "volunteer tomatoes, volunteer zucchini," etc. It's wonderful that you plan to reuse as many materials as you can, like the floor boards. Are you sure you're not from Maine? We're famous for saving and scavenging... I mean reusing and recycling. ;-)

[@michellelindsay5727]

All of the work you are doing is so exciting Michael, you are blessed to have your father working along beside you as well as your brother and sister-n-law. Ernest is adorable and I love that he shared his raspberry with mommy; so touching😊

[@myhappynest6125]

Michael I am amazed at the hard work your dad is able to do. God bless him. Things are progressing so nicely in your cottage. Thank you for sharing your life and your loving family.

[@susantaylor1359]

How exciting the concert floors are in. All worked so hard. Enjoyed the tour of the gardens. Your nephew is so cute

[@JoeTheLion60]

You should put a cupboard under the stairs for Harry Petherick :-)

[@LaughingInTiny]

Not sure how many viewers know that Harry P is not Michael's dad lol... But just so people know, it's not his dad 😂❤️

[@Forgon2]

I love that you showed what Gwendolyn was doing! Your intro also talks about you, Billy and Gwendolyn but we get very little of Billy and Gwen, love that we see more of them. I really enjoy your work Michael so don't get me wrong, you're doing great, just like to see them as well!

[@song4568]

What a thrill to see this progress. Your dad is a superhero!

[@lorimcclaskey5179]

A gardener’s cottage and a lovely garden. What a beautiful place

[@lorky24]

What great entertainment it is to watch you do the work necessary to bring the cottage back to life. I love your vision and enthusiasm.

[@Ilovehorsestheyarecute172]

Reminds of when we was building our house 20 years ago. My dad helped out a lot , he was a floor screeder by trade . Seeing your dad brought the memories flooding back . My dad even used to used the word hogging like your dad. Treasure this time with your dad. Great vlog by the way 👌

[@kiransekhon1506]

I never thought I could be so interested in concrete and the cleaning out of a cottage, but here I am week after week just fascinated! Loved seeing the protective equipment in this weeks episode as well! I can't wait for the next one :D

[@KJEThompson]

Oh, Gywen! That's hard work! I have a two-year-old and I'm super productive when she naps in the afternoons! Michael, thank you for sharing more of your lovely family! Your Dad is a blessing.

[@chattykathie7129]

I like the atmosphere the stone walls create in the space. I hope when it finished there’ll be lots of it left. I’ll have to Wait and see😉

[@caligulalonghbottom2629]

I think he said hes going to plaster it. A disappointment for me too. Thats the charm of it.

[@brianteeling8382]

Michael you are addictive to watch. You are such hardworking and should have your own tv channel; you are an inspiration to us all. Adore your clogs and the progress of your cottage. ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅

[@arabella252]

Loved to see Gwen in this video! Such a nice video in general Michael, it keeps you smiling all the way to the end. Also, Ernest eating raspberries 😍 ❤️

[@ournewnormalnow8432]

I am just SQUEALING with excitement over your Beatrix Potter cottage! I wish I was there with you, helping bring that stunning cottage back to life! Leave the stone wall under the stairs open. So much more spacious and airy! Much Love, to you and yours, from Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦...Keli 💖

[@donnafitzgerald4203]

Love your garden Rabbit. Thanks to the fast forward it was fun to see all that hard work pouring the concrete. So cute to see the dog hanging out with Gwen scraping the floors.

[@perkissluv]

5.40am here in Australia and what a delight to see you just uploaded a new Vlog ..... look forward to seeing you wave your artistic magic over the cottage and make it your home

[@lydiarowe491]

In Melbourne..had the same reaction..♥

[@annieabfab6258]

Lydia Rowe - me too in Yarra Valley. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@chrissomerville2625]

Annie Abfab Yep, iPad in bed watching with a big smile here in Sydney. Great to be transported to France.

[@lamkaz810]

Wollongong NSW...got up had a shower, put a load of washing on, made coffee then watched guilt free lol

[@AshleyNSharp]

That flower was a Dahlia. Your greenhouse is amazing! Cottage is going to be lovely! 💜

[@scottburbridge9285]

blessings and excitement to have a cement floor put in. beautiful gardens

[@glyndwrgardens3318]

Michael I’m so excited for you! How fun to have your dreams come to life years ahead of schedule. I sent you a little money to help

[@amandagauthier-parker1399]

Your music choices always add to the entertainment factor! Lol

[@thelmanijman1116]

Oh Wowwww Michael.. Lots of works to do. I admire all of you doing hards works but at the same time it's family. And it seems that you all have the knowledges of what your doing to save this beautiful and elegant chateau 👍😊😘Nice seeing you again and couldn't wait to see the cottage done😍.. OHHH Why only one vlog per wk ??? Many thanks Michael and family.. Cheers ❤️

[@lilagibson1918]

I’ve never been more excited for concrete! I love the smile on your face the entire time, Michael. Congratulations on your dreams coming true! I would leave the part under the stairs open as to not close in the room. And a cupboard under the stairs is perfect Mr. Potter..I mean Mr. Petherick! Teehee! 😂

[@chrislarsen2684]

Wow...Your father is a regular work horse....Way to go DAD!! :)

[@laurahill6321]

So happy for you Michael, I love the Lake District too, it's like a second home to me , I visit at least three times a year ,I once had to go into a solicitors office in Ambleside, it was called heelis and can't remember what the other name was but I found out it was related to mr heelis Beatrix potters husband ! , whom as you know was a solicitor love your cottage the tongue and groove would look beautiful, x

[@alexkeir01]

Great progress in the cottage! Thanks for showing us the garden and the conservatory, what a bounty!

[@barbaragrace1992]

This made me think of myself helping my Dad many years ago when he renovated our homes. The same method was applied including the fact that the family did most of the work.

[@AvaKinsey2015]

Quite the workout!! It will look amazing when you get it done, I am awe struck by all the talented people in your family!!

[@caoimhebutler3371]

Can’t wait to see the final product. Keep up the great work guys 👍

[@parvanehshowrai7376]

Oh My WHAT A FAMILY GREAT JOB SPECIALLY YOUR DAD AND SISTER INLAW. I AM VERY HAPPY FOR YOU.

[@vintagemoss9578]

Your well on your way. This is all so exciting. I can't wait for your oven to be restored.

[@fip62]

Great to see your progress Michael, wainscoting with recycled boards is a fab idea. Love your incidental music. Bon weekend.

[@wallybeep]

Michael. You seem to be such a beautiful soul. Your family and you inspire. Warmest regards from America.

[@Burbankelly]

Looking so great! I think you should leave under the stairs open and leave the door off! It’s such a small room already and the entrance to the new bathroom is so tight that leaving it all open will help a great deal! The wood panels you want to put in the room is called wainscoting and will be lovely! However, I prefer the exposed stone - I think it’s just gorgeous! If you do plaster then maybe you could keep at least one wall exposed, like the gorgeous one under the stairs for texture, dimension and interest! :) So excited for you!

[@Jayrose59]

Thats a great idea to keep the wall under the stairs bare and just repoint it

[@Eryclee]

The levelling of the concrete was so satisfactory! Those strawberries ❤ keep going guys, so excited

[@paulab1698]

Love seeing your cottage becoming your home. Curious though, no plumbing was plumbed before the concrete was poured. Where will your water for sinks and toilet come from?

[@caligulalonghbottom2629]

yikes. thats a mess.

[@ralz97]

Some of those can be expose and can add charm if they're not plastic

[@caligulalonghbottom2629]

@@ralz97 not with the aesthetic he seems to be aiming for... Beatrix Potter isn't industrial chic

[@spencerwilton5831]

Kaaren Jukes Probably doing drainage like we do in the Uk. Out through the wall to a drain gulley outside, rather than under the floor and through the foundations. It's much easier, means you don't have pipes under the floor where they have potential to cause issues and weak spots in the concrete, and are accessible should they ever need attention / replacing.

[@Cate7451]

Spencer Wilton thanks for the info

[@gypsy1588]

Like so many others here I'm just so excited to see all of this happening. All of you worked so hard getting the floor in. Bravo!

[@sw651]

For those beams we have a product called deck brite. You use a garden sprayer to put it on and it foams up a bit where there is mildew or dirt. You then use a stiff bristle brush or broom and give it a scrub. Then you rinse it off. Makes the weathered wood look new again. You can find many similar products at home centers everywhere or you could order it online. It's a wood bleach type product.

[@jot4336]

Have you thought about using radiant floor heat? There are different systems that can be used under the tile. The progress on your cottage is exciting even if it's "just" a concrete floor, bottom up. I think keeping the wall under the stairs open is visually a good idea, as well as the cupboard for storage. The gap from the floor to the existing woodwork can always be covered by baseboards and casing. Nice to see more of your family in the vlog. Thanks for the greenhouse and garden tour as well as an update on the chateau with the work Gwen is doing.

[@SkyblastGames]

This is easily my favorite series right now, you do such a great job making these

[@brucebenson5908]

I can't help but smile at Michael's exuberance and judging by the popularity of his channel, many others feel the same way.

[@darladressler]

wow your dad is amazing, he is a work horse! you all worked hard! its going to be so amazing

[@Rosebuddy777]

I like it open under the stairs! Also, could you leave the stone wall exposed there or does it need the lime coatings for integrity? The stone wall itself in especially beautiful right there.

[@anitasujiivana4553]

Love that idea!

[@ournewnormalnow8432]

I 100% agree! Those stone walls are just gorgeous!

[@karenbransome6978]

What an amazing transformation just laying a concrete floor can do to that room. I think you should leave under the stairs open as it gives a better feel to the room. Love hearing your ideas and plans to move things forward. Love the team work of young and old all working together and sharing knowledge. Little Ernest is so cute. Can’t wait for the next instalment. Have a good weekend everyone 🤗

[@ronaldodasilva9402]

I love the cottage already. I can’t wait till it’s finished 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@lorimangold2890]

And stinging nettles, are one of THE MOST Nutritious Greens on the Planet, Yes, you can eat them, cooked

[@LaughingInTiny]

Pick them young!!

[@lisaburns1660]

So happy you are able to get started! Such a beautiful cottage it will be!

[@Val-ht6em]

Bless your dad for working so hard. Keep on smiling, I absolutely love your videos.

[@CartML]

Please keep the upstairs fireplace! I promise you won’t regret having a cozy fire!! Great work so far!!

[@noellemcbride6435]

I don’t know how you did it, but you made pouring concrete entertaining. Well done. Loved the whole episode!

[@karonradford4101]

New to channel. So happy I found Ya. All the way from Austin Texas. USA.

[@lisawebb6083]

I am in Austin as well 🤠🤘💜

[@nblack6591]

@@lisawebb6083 guess their is a lot of us from Austin tuning in.👍

[@lisawebb6083]

@@nblack6591 I love this channel..as well as Stephanie's.

[@nblack6591]

@@lisawebb6083 Me too.

[@brandispry576]

The cottage looks amazing! I am so excited for the work to continue. Ernest is adorable! I love seeing him and Gwen in the vlogs.

[@emmabertram2012]

Michael looks and sounds like Elijah Wood, plus the cottage has Hobbiton vibes :) very charming

[@izzy1563]

Progress! Almost Nothing better. Your piano will work out great. Love your visualization. We all need to visualize our lives. Without it we are just living on auto pilot.

[@paulbarnett4359]

Well done, it's a great start. I think you should keep the stair area open and there maybe room for a small desk for your laptop? Maybe a fold down so you can access the cupboard? It really cheered me up today to see something I contributed towards fully under way.

[@patriciajamieson879]

the tongue and groove wainscotting on the wall from the salvedged flooring is brilliant thinking Michael

[@squirrelswithpearls]

Never thought wheel barrow after wheel barrow of concrete would give me goosebumps, but I'm so happy for you Michael - it's really really happening!

[@fredrochefort6527]

Keep under the stair open! It's some beautiful additional space:)

[@gaelleledu5307]

Le cottage avance ; je suis impatiente de découvrir la suite

[@seviregis7441]

The amount of work you complete, and with excellence, is impressive. We enjoy watching these transformations but your labor load would be daunting to most people, yet you knock off each project with enthusiasm and a smile, and never look tired. The amazing Michael and family.

[@amyk108]

Michael, what a lovely daddy you have. He looks so happy and proud to be able to help you with your dream. Amazing family!

[@darladressler]

Wow seriously hard work having to do that by wheelbarrow vs direct into the building! good job!

[@cookiessprite]

The levelling off of that concrete was immensely satisfying to watch :D