I Can't Believe we were Living in This - Gutting the Living Room - Home Renovation

I can't believe we were living in this mess and we didn't even realize how bad it really was. It's amazing what nasty surprises can be behind your walls or ceilings. Today we waste no time in getting right to work gutting the living room and finishing up demolition.
If you want to see MORE videos of us redoing this house, check out our playlist here! ➤ • Renovating a 1974 Doub...

[@diyfferent]

Watch us work on this home from the start! 🡲 kzbin.info/aero/PLB6I6KoGYpp62Z2DQhIXgqBbDsBhDRijJ

[@jennyw1445]

I bet everyone watching this video is wondering what is in their house now. It must give you peace of mind knowing what you replace will be clean, mold-free, and rodent-free! Great job Ashley backing the car up!

[@AfterTheRains]

Oh my life! How did the previous owners not hear vermin in the ceiling? That was a huge amount of work accomplished in a day. Not to forget Ashley’s top notch driving skills - well done girl.

[@sadiepaddy47]

I am a 72year old with 2 grown daughters and1 granddaughter and I know the joy of giving your children a wonderful home to live you both have worked so hard to give them that you should be very proud you have done everything properly so well done 🇬🇧🎉😘💐

[@rachaeldavis3825]

Ashley, YOU are my hero. You backed that trailer like a boss, lol!!! I can’t even back up my lawn tractor with the little dump trailer attached without jackknifing it, and I grew up on a farm with tractors. My boys or husband have tried to teach me. Nope. In 1998 I sold my new ‘94 home, bought a late ‘70’s Mobile with 14x26 addition because it was on a larger, nicer property. We outgrew it, tore it down, replaced with a 28x80 sectional that was gutted (it was a 5 year old foreclosure and the previous owner trashed it, even ripped out drywall) which we had moved to our property. Anyway, while tearing down mobile, we found a hammer and tape measure above the insulation in the rafters, lol, and when tearing out the drywall in the master bedroom- wait for it - we found a SNAKE SKIN in the insulation under the window which was above where our headboard to bed was!!!! I nearly passed out. My Mom tried to convince me it had probably been there when I bought the place. Yeah, I’m going with that. It was a Marlette, and apparently well built because after tearing out everything to just the shell, we tried to knock it down with the bucket on a big backhoe and it wouldn’t budge. We had to tear the skeleton apart piece by piece. Put us a week behind schedule but was a good learning experience. It looks like yours is actually pretty solid. You are going to have a brand new home when you are finished 😊 That carpet pad looked brand new!!!! Now you know you have an excellent vacuum 👍. Looking good guys!!!!

[@BobbleheadHomestead]

Once again thanks for reminding me how glad I am I didn't try to overhaul my mobile home. It could've been done, but not by me. Another great video, thank you!

[@diyfferent]

Yea, your mobile home is in super bad shape and would have to be rebuilt from scratch basically! Thanks!!

[@mbatchelor]

In the shape it is in, I'd imagine it would have probably been a whole lot more time, money, and hassle than the cabin. I can only imagine that what was on this video is nothing compared to what you'd find if you ripped the walls out of the trailer!

[@Siansonea]

Can't wait to see Maverick's room come together. I know it will be just as cool as Belle's.

[@sam-and-angela]

13 minutes into this video and I realized I was holding my breath each time you pulled something down to prevent breathing the stuff in! 😂😎

[@Hollybank5]

I meant to give Ashley thumbs up 👍 on backing the trailer !!! I’m impressed 😁😁. I never could get the hang of that 🙄😢! Way to go, girl 👍👍👍👍

[@maryannanderson1744]

I have been meaning to tell you, one of my favorite parts is your editing. I love how you speed it up but add the sounds. It's really cool. Great job as usual.

[@diyfferent]

Thanks!

[@denisekeeth4595]

Thankgoodness you decided to get rid of everything and start from fresh. I can't imagine how you felt when you saw all that .

[@MoYvStarkey]

Please don't let that stuff get in your eyes. What a job. Bless you both!

[@cindydelane529]

I really wish you two would wear more protection. Insulation is hard enough but being that infested breeds more problems with breathing. Once in your lungs and eyes it's a huge problem. Great job as usual, I am always eager to see what you do next. Pls don't think I'm coming down hard on you about protection, but I've seen this first hand in the medical field and you just don't need it. As always take care.

[@christinabrodrick6406]

I’ve met contractors that aren’t as thorough as you are.. they should take lessons from you 😊

[@lisam145]

You are both such a sweet family. Bless you both.

[@nicolaj3294]

Wish I hadn't been eating breakfast when I watched this lol. Great job guys and special kudos goes to Ashley for backing up the trailer, well done.

[@anitapaulsen3282]

Lol

[@1419onthebayou]

This video and actually all of your renovation videos should be on tv. Fantastic professional content. As good as any I have seen on DIY tv.

[@rachaeldavis3825]

I agree!!!! And they are actually keeping within a realistic budget. Those DIY house flipping shows spend phenomenal amounts of money on renovating, especially the ones based in California. A million dollars for a cracker box with no yard, plus $100,000 on renovation- no thanks, lol. I LOVE this channel. Regular, down to earth family who are living their dream 💕

[@1419onthebayou]

@@rachaeldavis3825 Exactly!

[@ann-louisep7573]

The Crew of Two do it again! Amazing how you completely cleaned out the mice droppings. I now see why you always do a complete gut job on each room. Can’t wait to see the room finished. Hard work does pay off with a clean, warm space for your family.

[@suzanneleblanc1077]

Man! Good thing you decided to gut that place, you'll have a new place when your finished!

[@PlancoandChill]

I love how the two of you work as a team. Way to many KZbin channels that are similar where one dominates things. But I love seeing the interaction you have.

[@hockeymom49721]

I giggled as Doug watched the carpet tumble off the insulation. 😂

[@barbfrank917]

You should have kept Grumpy, he could of took care of the mice. But alas Jeff has him spoiled, he even sleeps inside. Wonderful job, I think of all the people who put new stuff over the old, you are doing it right, thinking of all the health issues that could happen down the road. Great job backing up Ashley.

[@DaveSJS4ever]

Ashley you rule...backing up that trailer...!! I lucky I can backup our pickup truck! Lol 😂. But you should have a mask on too. Just saying! But awesome job you two! You’re hard worker after our on hearts. Haven’t been doing the hard work right now! Great video! Thanks for sharing!

[@BiterAvid]

I was thinking exactly the same thing. I wanted Ashley protected from that filth.

[@elijahwatson8119]

Oh backing up a trailer is easy. You just got to put it in reverse. It's backing it up without hitting anything that's the challenge.

[@sksbc3895]

Again, I'm left amazed at how well the two of you work together :) .... such a great couple, we should all be so lucky. Ashley, for such a physically small girl you really share the load.... nice job!! It's hard to believe that's the same room now....

[@stephenseaney1794]

Nothing like starting with a clean slate for a awesome remodel

[@Hollybank5]

Oh my goodness !!! So much damage in that room 😮 . Doug , you are now the King of Demolition !!! Hopefully it will be smooth sailing from here 🙏 ( Ashley should have worn a mask while helping you throw the insulation on the pile ... nasty 😷 stuff to breathe in ...) Be more careful !!! And a ghostbuster suit too to save her hair & clothes -- yuk 😳 Great job today - now rest up a bit !!

[@cajunlane3191]

Please be sure and spray the whole area down with something like Lysol spray MORE than once. We would like for you to get a post office box and reveal it so that we can send you something towards expenses. Either that or how we could send help to home Depot or somewhere you could use the money. We enjoy your channel so much but we would love to be part of making a safe environment for your family. We love you and feel part of your family and pray for 🙏 you.

[@diyfferent]

We decided not to publically share our PO Box, but we do have a Paypal link in the description for people who wish to gift us or help us out. Thank you :)

[@dianecharles881]

Go Ashley! Backing that trailer up to the deck was pretty awesome! I’ve never been able to that ! You guys are amazing- know you get tired of me saying that! 😂

[@RussHjelm]

Yep, I would definitely have burned it down. I admire you all for actually trying to make it livable.

[@georgiannmaloney6594]

Ashley backed up really well. I can't do that with a trailer on a vehicle. You go Ashley.🤗😀

[@jacquelinewells7575]

I also looked up Hanta virus and considering the amount of mouse droppings and urine that was in that ceiling I think y'all should definitely look it up. If for nothing else but to learn about it as you move forward in your remodeling of the house. It's more serious than I thought. Both of you should really keep masks on when sweeping and vacuuming.

[@azaleaacres]

I am so impressed with your dedication and hard work you’re putting into your home Great job 👍🏼

[@loribollinger2457]

You two do not play around. Your awesome!

[@thomasrichards6245]

Dana says- Eww. I think a lot of us who live in older homes would shudder at the sight of what maybe hidden in our wall cavities. I'm so glad that you guys won't have to be breathing that in anymore, and also that the roof was already repaired so you don't have that expensive headache. Thanks for continuing to show us all the wonderful things you're accomplishing.

[@b_uppy]

How nice to be so tall you do not need a ladder. Good job! Proud of you.

[@diyfferent]

It helps also that the ceilings are shorter than normal :)

[@melanieeaton7302]

Great job as always you guys! Can't wait to see what you do in Maverick's room!

[@desiraehackett7648]

Can I just say, I love the way you work together! You can see the love an respect you have for one another. Unless you edit out all the arguments!😂

[@melindalewingellis1923]

Do you ever get tired of hearing how awesome you guys are😆. You both are my very favorite channel on KZbin. You are saving that sweet home and property. I can only imagine how it will look in a few years. By the time winter comes you should be cozy and warm.❤️ I guess you can rest when the snow is deep, until then it’s “full steam ahead”. ❤️❤️

[@diyfferent]

Thank you!

[@BirdSaver]

Great job, you are good role models.

[@joellenbroetzmann9053]

Great back up job Ashley. My mom could do that after backing up hay wagons, but I get dizzy trying. So great to watch you clean all this gunk out of your home!

[@janetleeharrison]

Sub-floor and framing looks to be in really good condition, that's good to see. Very little to be replaced, lucky you! You guys are such a great team, love watching and hearing the thought process. Love that you set an obtainable goal and don't push yourselves into getting frustrated before you even start. Great examples being set! TFS!

[@jerriewyatt905]

I agree.. if you set unattainable goals you become discouraged and it makes things that much harder to stay on track and completed.. you do make a great team.. you remind me of how my husband and I worked together..

[@kbetol78]

What I love the most from your videos is how you show even ripping up the carpet but you dont show the entire process. Just enough is sometimes good enough. The way you both present your selves is what I like the most also. A lady and man is treated the way they present them selves in society within the community. I will always have nothing but civility towards the both of you. Thank you so much for these reasons as to why I enjoy every video published here. Have a great week :) .

[@MsWobie]

Love how you work peacefully together. What a great power of example to your children!

[@squeakymcsqueakerson3512]

So happy that you both can do this together as a team.

[@connieowens3543]

You are awesome!!! I think you two can do anything you put your minds too. 😊

[@sheila220947]

First time I’ve seen Ashley drive and she’s good, wow all the stuff you brought down from your ceiling and to think you lived in that from when you moved in, not seen tundra and beau and the chicks mind you you’ve worked hard on your home and already done 2 bedrooms and now Mavericks bedroom is being done, know it’s going to be fantastic xx

[@suemcdermott3522]

I could watch you two work all day. Love that you clean up as you go.... Great video. 👍

[@cindysmith2140]

Way to go Ashley backing in the trailer and the short ones are harder to maneuver.

[@valerieb8006]

Wooo! Hooo! That bad job's Done!!! Only better from here on out!

[@anashomestead5919]

Wow Ashley, I was thinking, she really backs that trailer in well... I have never done that... I was thinking she's really good at that.. Then you all say it was your first time! That's pretty awesome! Congrats!

[@diyfferent]

I was surprised I did it!

[@anashomestead5919]

@@diyfferent You were so cool, calm, & collected... you looked like a pro out here! You just jumped in, did it smoothly.. I hope I do as well some day.

[@glorialeach7301]

Ashley, you rock 😄 You two are a perfect team !!!! So glad you got the ceiling done. 👌👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@gubbie2u]

Wow! Another amazing "episode." Doug, I kept looking at that ceiling insulation and thinking, "Ewww! How's he going to get THAT down?" But, as usual, you just "did it"!! And Ashley - great job backing up that trailer!

[@mjc42701]

I knew you guys would work fast on renovating your home, it will be like a new place when you are finished, you both rock!, keep up the good work, it is inspiring.

[@meemawdiana5102]

Yikes!!!! Makes me wanna look in our walls just to make sure!!! At least you'll be able to sleep at night knowing you did it or are doing it the right way!!! Great job!!!

[@lindacruikshank2656]

Thank goodness you are doing all this demo now before it gets cold and they will come in again. And what a great job you two are doing together.

[@lainebajanie]

Backed up that trailer like a boss! You go girl!!😁👍

[@JamesCouch777]

Ashley is a natural at trailer backing.

[@smallfootprint2961]

OMG. You guys are so patient and persistent. Great characteristics. I'm going to remember all this when I go to buy a used mobile. Makes me itch, just to watch it. Ashley, congrats on backing the trailer up.

[@patschomann7338]

So glad you tore everything apart and got rid of the unhealthy mess! Good planning to do Mavericks room next so he'll have a place to hang out. Definitely this is a summer job so you can have adequate ventilation. I'm sure you 'll end up being much warmer next winter!

[@lenellamaxwell6934]

Nice job! You two always go above and beyond what most people would do. That is why you end up with stellar results! I am excited to see the plan and results for Maverick's room! Love and blessings to you and your homestead!

[@defender_of_wonder]

You two taking care of business like two professionals 👷🏻‍♀️👷🏻‍♂️on a wrecking crew! Ashley is so tiny but pulls her weight and she has mad driving skills to boot!!👍🏻😃can’t wait to see your next video Building Mavericks 👶🏼room from the bottom up! Do you know what the theme will be for his room yet? You two Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat right! Take care!👍🏻❤️😊🏡

[@mrrs8118]

baybeegirlz007 I get impatient for their next video to be uploaded! 😄

[@diyfferent]

Thanks! We're still thinking and planning what we'll be doing for his room :)

[@leslieMClass80]

My husband and I love watching how you are transforming your home. You do meticulous work!

[@barnyardinourbackyard3133]

I feel like I need another shower after watching you remove all that debris! Thank you for taking us along on this amazing transformation.

[@lindamangoldbooth7789]

Fantastic! Love watching your family's journey. Keep those videos coming!

[@Moore2Lifepantrylovinprepper]

just wondering since I have never had to do this, are you okay working without eye protection. Just thinking about mold spores getting in your eyes? Sorry you guys found all this but thank goodness you do things the right way and gut and replace.

[@sharronballard5286]

Oh my what a job. Glad to see you gutting every room and doing it right. Love your video's. Ashley is my hero. She works so hard along side you.

[@jerriewyatt905]

Scary knowing that you were living in that! Good job Ashley! If that had been me , I’d have taken out half the trees and wrecked the trailer! We lived in a single wide for years before we built our house and it is all staples and glue..

[@sugarpill2011]

That was nasty! Glad you are getting that cleaned up and won't be living in mold and rat droppings!

[@tammyfinch6735]

You guys are really moving!! Although it's not my place to be 'proud of you', I'm proud of you! I'm just so impressed with your stick-to-itivness and tenacity. You'll be done in no time!!

[@maxineward2792]

I love your little family so much. You guys are the best. Where are the babies? Oh I can't wait to see Maverick's bedroom started and finished. Came home after IV treatments this morning fixed breakfast for my husband and I then sat down to rest and found you had posted a video. Made my day. Now I will be watching it off and on all day while I rest. Thank you for letting us into your life remodeling your home. I know it is HARD work. I miss the days when my husband and I worked together doing just what you are. We built 2 rooms onto a single wide trailer we had. I really enjoyed it. Keep up the great work.

[@diyfferent]

They were playing together in Belle's room :) Thank you, glad you enjoy our videos :)

[@rhondagentry5253]

Oh my goodness, I’m so glad you’re tearing everything out and redoing it! That was so gross, I’m sorry you guys had to live in that, but you will take care of that in no time! Looks better already with just the little you did!!! Xoxo 😘

[@chelsealeonard6264]

Woof what a way to find out what is in there. You have crazy mad skills!!!

[@bellarosesmama2597]

I was concerned that when handling the insulation I didn't see Ashley wearing a face mask. She should for health safety! You are doing fantastic and will have a nice home when you are done. My best to you and your family for a safe, healthy and carefree summer.

[@mskay949]

You both do an awesome job! It's great to see you two work together. It's so important to clean as you go. Great job!

[@trinam2503]

Wow. What a job! When I was about 11 or 12 we bought a house built in 1909. And spent the next 15yrs remodeling as finances allowed. We did almost all the work ourselves. My dad was a handy man and taught us girls as much as we would learn about home repair. I have many times been grateful for that!! Its amazing what you find in walls and ceilings! And crawl spaces! So glad to see you wearing a suit and mask. My sisters best friends husband died of hanta virus after cleaning up rodent poop. Nasty stuff! I love how you have a plan for each room before you start. And how you are able to stay focused, and finish before moving to the next. Re habbing a farm house now, and I have probably 10 started projects, and no finished ones..... Great job as always!!! Looking forward to the next video! :)

[@QueenCityHistory]

Ashley backing that trailer like a BOSS!!

[@melindaoa8668]

So glad you’re all covered up Doug. We had mice in our site built house back East. They are so destructive. With all your great work you’ll have a brand new house when you’re finished. Great job!

[@kristinerickson8350]

WOW!! That was much worse then I thought. YUCK!! I am so glad you both are protecting yourselves against diseases that lurke!! Question? Obviously, mice have been nesting, living etc in your ceiling. Did you cut off their way to get into your house? So, you dont have the same MESS AGAIN. But what an AMAZING JOB!!! Cant wait to see the room come along. :)

[@Laurieb2851]

Ashley, you needed some coveralls also, and you need to protect your eyes too. That was a big mess to clean up. You guys did it though! Ashley did a great job of backing up the trailer. I didn't do that well the first time I backed up a trailer.

[@aprilroa8151]

Wow, great job backing in that trailer! Its looking nice. That suit looks suffocating!

[@robinr.770]

Doug and Ashley, I was in tears when the ceiling came down and the damage was revealed. Doug, I will remember your trick of using the hammer claw and pry bar as your hands to dislodge the ceiling panels. As the video continued I thought to myself, "If there is anyone on the planet that can turn this damage around it will be Doug and Ashley." By the end of the video and with everything OUT of the front room/Mavericks future bedroom I had a smile on my face. Way to go, Ashley. It takes a knack to back a trailer up like that. Yay for you both! AWESOME TEAM WORK!!! Thanks.

[@sherryrutledge8792]

Robin R. Were you really in tears?

[@tennesseebornandraised1075]

You two know how to get things done! 👍😊

[@barbaracatalano6299]

Great job and precautions taken. It is going to feel so good to know this winter you will not have to worry about what's in the ceilings and walls. Ashley kudos to you on the back up of trailer!!

[@kemberlyhappylife9752]

Yay...i get so excited when I see y'all have a new video up...just makes my day!!!!

[@annahorton650]

Really you two should have better gear to protect your lungs. Ashley cwore nothing. So concerned for both of you. And BTW. ... You sure hit the lottery with a partner like Ashley. She's definitely a blessing.

[@coryquick6477]

Love your videos, are you planning on putting up a guest closet in the living room? I’d recommend if you are to put your closets between Maverick’s room and your living room, having your guest closet near the front door, and his closet by his bedroom entrance. Just a thought! Can’t wait to see your home when it’s completely finished, I started following your channel when you were fixing up your old mobile home and I fell in love with your videos! Keep up with the good work!

[@diyfferent]

That's pretty much the plan :) Thanks!

[@theresa6552]

When you are finished with your home, you can sleep easy knowing everything is spotless! And that all kinds of critters can"t get back in! Wonderful!

[@victorgalagan1151]

Hello Guys!!!! Wow that ceiling was way under insulated for your climate zone. Ashley backed that trailer like a BOSS!!!

[@peggynorton5145]

We put a electronic rodent deterent under our house with a outside extension cord .It got rid of our mouse problem. I now use the outlet plugins with night lights in every room. They work. 20.00 for pack of three at Lowes or Walmart.

[@nancyfahey7518]

I'd be so upset I wouldn't be able to sleep. I'm choking and coughing right now. And thinking of my own place. Great job guys.

[@diyfferent]

haha, it's all normal stuff to us. Yea, a lot of people would be shocked to find what's going on inside their own walls/ceilings!

[@lindapeterson7166]

Doug & Ashli,don’t be discouraged.You are fixing the problem & that is what matters.I so admire your work ethics.Take care & have a great tomorrow😊

[@tomschmidt381]

Great seeing the progress on your house. Always nice seeing a couple working together to build and personalize home. Hope you get many years of enjoyment from your project. We build our house 40-ish years ago. At the time pretty much gave up at being able to find something we could afford. During our house search whenever we found something in our price range immediately though about what we were going to change. Lucky for us we stumbled on an undeveloped piece of property and got to build exactly what we wanted. It is not perfect but at least we did not have to pay for a house, strip it, and then rebuild to make it special for us. Mouse dropping are pretty awful, need to be careful as they harbor nasty disease. If you have not already determined how they got in need to seal it to prevent another infestation. Looks like this was two prebuilt modules, connected on site. Stuffing steel wool in the seam should discourage the critters.

[@peggykelly2821]

Great backing up skills Ashley!

[@FayleeJames]

Great job on the back up, Ashley!

[@jackywaldon359]

I didn't know that the living room was so disgusting. It's going to look totally different when you guys are through with it. I like the way you think Doug. You and Ashley works good together.

[@lemonlover6559]

Oh man, I can't believe how well you guys are gettin' it done! Pure entertainment, thanks !

[@karenf14]

Omg. What a mess. Looking better. I can hear the house 🏡 cry “thank you thank you thank you “. Wonder what previous owners health is like. Glad you didn’t wait any long to do remodel

[@charlibrown2012]

All I can say is you guys are totally amazing you're doing an incredible job and the peace of mind that you will have after it's all done knowing that your family is in a clean and safe home

[@jeanniebrandon4037]

WOW, what a huge job you two tackled. Good that you both are young and strong. My Grandmother would say that "you have a lot of hard work in you". Good thing. This is a major undertaking but nothing you two can't handle. I suggest that Ashley wear a hazard suit as well. She was loading up all that nasty insulation and drywall into the dumpster. In my younger years, my husband & I remodeled a 1953 rambler similar to the one you are working on. It was stick built as opposed to being a modular home. The work was the same though. Everything was old and nasty. After completing the work we sold the house for quite a profit and moved from the North to the South. Now I have a 1984 home I am remodeling. Same work with maybe a little less nastiness! I'll keep watching as you move on to building out a room for young Maverick.

[@margaretbedwell58]

So glad you got all that mess out of there....I'll bet you felt really creepy pulling down that insulation...it was just amazing how much damage there was. I look forward to the building of Maverick's room. It will be a fun and instructive build to be sure. Have a Blessed day.