Home Build Ground ZERO

Todays video will be the first of many in our house build. We have been doing background work for two years with plan development and waiting for the right time but since we have decided that 2024 is the year we have started moving forward. The first step for us actually building was to use stakes and long tape measures to lay out the rough dimensions of the house so we can visualize the location and fine tune those details before actually breaking ground.

[@kathleenmcginley4827]

I'm with you on marking the dimensions of the house. But I would take it one step further and get a roll of that orange tape and wrap it ( 2 rows so it's obvious) around 5' gardening stakes 1' for the full effect. Leave openings where doors will be ( maybe tie a willow cane to make a arch), and leave it for a few days, driving by, looking at it from different areas of the property you frequent, and then have another pow wow. After all, once the building starts, there is no "do over", gotta be sure! This will be fun to watch! Go Miah

[@ChronicallyHopefulChar]

Great idea!

[@jennifergravina866]

So happy for you guys congratulations 🎉.

[@rachelallen9113]

And so it begins…y’all have already taken some massive steps (permits for septic (and Will on site) and electric). Hoping the rest falls into place easily!

[@tigerlilly03152012]

Agreed.

[@frannyescue293]

😮from experience you dont want your kitchen on the west side of the house. It will alwsys be hot while cooking dinner. Breakfast is nice.

[@karenm5681]

That sign-off at the end was absolutely perfect and made me laugh so hard. 🏆😂♥️ What an amazing woman you married. There’s nothing quite like the sound of her laughter. I’m so glad you’re a wonderful husband to Jess and that you don’t take her for granted. May God bless your family even more abundantly…and in many more ways than just money.

[@donnachildress2231]

Put a garden everywhere! I love this plan!

[@carolsgardenjournal8326]

My older self encourages you to place master suite downstairs. It will sleep cooler especially with a dedicated AC unit.(Preferably not under an upstairs gameroom with wrestling matches going on). Think long term, old legs, injuries, tired bodies up in the middle of the night. Exciting times for you all. Happy to watch the progress.

[@AnnMoynihan-oy1hk]

If you don’t want your room downstairs now, a “mother in laws” room downstairs that’s got a walk in shower might be a good idea. Planing for your old age is important.

[@homesteadmccoy]

How exciting Miah! Put a couple of chairs where each porch is going to be and go sit there for a few minutes at different times of the day and night. Since this is your forever home be sure that you have the footprint exactly where you want it. And you need your own signoff. Jess sneaking that in was adorable.

[@The_Farmers_Table]

That’s a great idea

[@MMwallace02]

Genius!! Definitely do this!!

[@pdxcontent]

I thought of them putting a chair where you may be sitting at the table or living room. Imagining you in the house and looking out. ❤❤❤

[@rayyoung7780]

Don’t discount the view of the pond. In time that may become your favorite view. Love your thinking and thoroughness. Blessings to you. I hope that home becomes a place where the Lord will bless you and many others.

[@manishaholm]

So looking forward to following this project with Miah's quiet wisdom and Jess's bubbling enthusiasm.

[@Seasoncromwell]

Same. Love this comment.

[@katbelearning]

Here’s my 2 cents…😂 my grandiose wishes for you guys…heated floors, solar and wind power, a ginormous sunroom! Ahhhhhhhh❤

[@lcostantino7931]

my friend put her walks as very slight ramps so never felt like stepping up......I'm 76 n now really feeling the difference u never think u will be weaker but age ,no matter how phyically fit.....PLAN FOR FUTURE....arrived faster then a blink...God bless ..

[@gaylewatkins4685]

You two are phenomenal together. ♥️ It's a no-brainer why your family, farm and business are all successful. I'm looking forward to the house build.

[@cheriekreusel3756]

Came to give advice then read the comments already on here. You have wonderful people that follow you, and smart too! All the comments have great advice. I really like the suggestion to make bamboo arches where the doors will be and to sit in a chair where the porches will be. And just like someone else mentioned, Jess's blessing at the end always warms my heart. Exciting times!

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

Something that my Sister did was all ramps! She had a porch/deck built all the way around her house. There are ramps on each side of the front porch coming up to the center of the front. There is a ramp going up to the back of the house and a ramp on the end of the house. All of the ramps can accommodate Appliance's. There are no steps to deal with. As you age you Will appreciate it. The ramp at the back goes up to a small deck, then goes on up to the main back deck. It looks amazing, and is very easy to navigate.

[@lynnkincaid6780]

I'm not sure why you are not building in a root cellar with storage under the house? Jess can never have too much storage space😊

[@milesfrandsen8280]

My brother-in-law builds really nice homes here in Idaho. They have been putting a door from the garage into the pantry, calling it their "Costco" door. It is about 3/4 size, just enough to slide boxes into the pantry direct. The other thing they put in are safe boxes built into the floor. Just a couple of extras that are very useful. I would also put in a tornado safe room underground, even if it is only a small room. Love ya, Patty

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

🐝 Thanks for the great video 🌻 You all need to put some chairs down and start living in the tapes . And feel the feel

[@divinehomesteaddesign5844]

It has been such an honor to work on the design of your dream home! Now the exicting part happens when the paper comes to life!! I can't wait to follow along on the journey.

[@rosewright9451]

Yeah, the "seeds" are being put in the "ground" for the 🏠, can't wait to see it "grow". Put the word foundation in place of seeds.

[@asiajo1010]

I am SO excited for y’all ❤ thank you for letting us all be apart of y’all’s next big goal and the journey along the way😊 loving you having a channel also- this family has so many valuable lessons and knowledge in many different areas.. God bless y’all and thank you for allowing the Lord to use y’all to teach us & give us a sense of community ❤

[@jazzbeaux6154]

The sun moves during the year from east to west and back again. That's an angle to consider when placing your house. I'm also a big fan of southern exposure. 😊

[@julieagain]

The more dirt work you have to do the longer you’ll have to wait for the dirt to settle because you’re doing a slab. If you don’t let the dirt settle your concrete will crack. This is coming from someone who’s been around construction her whole life.

[@julie-annepineau4022]

Love the "L" shape design and filling the space with porches. That south porch should help reduce the heat in the main house for the summer too. Excited to see a house built for the lifestyle of a gardener/homestead. I know it will be filled with special touches and fine detail that is Miah's specialty and love language to Jess.

[@malva4838]

My great-grandparents had the kitchen in the southeast corner, more windows on the east side because of the layout. I absolutely love it. Thank you for sharing thos chapter with us! I'm so excited to see it come into fruition ❤

[@wendyjonasen9746]

I have been blessed to have been involved in 2 new home builds. The most recent a downsize in preparation for retirement. In my experience, if you have plants (even just one) remotely near your building site, THEY WILL BE IN THE WRONG SPOT.🥴

[@Lifesrealmoments]

You and Jess should do a questions and answers vlog. You all are amazing people!

[@tommielourogers4327]

Congratulations! How exciting for you. 😊 Remember too that you live in hurricane country and your pond could flood. So talk to your neighbors about the flood history and factor that into your decision.

[@VirginiaReyes1983]

How excited! Thanks for sharing this part of y'all's story with us, lets us dream with y'all. Love all the laughter in this video also.

[@evalinawarne1337]

Your HOME SWEET HOME is READY to START. Thank you JESUS.

[@deannewilliams3321]

It’s getting exciting 🤗 My advice… and I’ve worked on hundreds of houses and apartment complexes, some we owned & flipped, some where I was a paint contractor or handy woman. I’m a super professional carpenter’s helper and sheet rock mechanic’s helper. I say super, because I know what they need before they ask for it…I have it ready. Well, I use to lol. I’ve been at it since I could hold a paintbrush and I’ll be the big 6 0 next month…eek!! But my best advice is buy at least 2 cases of good latex paintable caulk to get started. Water is the homeowner’s enemy. If you have never painted professionally, hire it out to let them at least do the prep work. They do all the caulking correctly, which not only looks great, but protects from bugs and weather. All the best yall! 🫶🏻

[@valerielord1088]

I have to confess that envy/discontentment are my most besetting sins. You are living all of my dreams. And…this video tickled me right to my core! Gave me happy tears. I’m so happy for you all. God bless you!

[@TobyCatVA]

Build y'all a 2x4 cheapish frame of the footprint that you can drag/turn to adjust. Then walk down and have coffee in the porch area, repeat at dusk, dawn, midday . . . inhabit the space both physically and mentally. You have time to get perfection and the template can be used in later projects when it has served it's purpose.

[@rebeccafox5041]

So excited for you guys. When Jess said three years... Wow it has flown by.

[@conniegant7781]

The two of you are so Cute! I can see your Excitement for this next step for you future home. God Bless you’re family and your bright future.

[@marilynpeppers1356]

"Hopes and dreams." as Jamerill would say.

[@heathernotzdaniels6350]

"It's not overwhelming," says Jess. 😊😊😊. I will be excited to be on this journey with you.

[@carinad1497]

You and Jess are the ideal team when it comes to marriage. Thank you for your channel, been watching for a long time and enjoy seeing all the ideas you come up with and the methods you both have to narrow down projects! I keep praying to have God move us more in this direction every day. Little by little- we can do it. Thank you just Thank you!

[@susanmcconnell6041]

So GOOOOD seeing construction layout helper Ben!!! 🥰🥰

[@annes25693]

Jess please continue to bless us all until next time!

[@commonsense2462]

That is going to be one huge house. Have you considered a concrete block foundation? Water pipes under a concrete slab is a pain after several years of earth movement, they can wear and break. Not to mention cracks that can develop in the slab itself.

[@lcostantino7931]

very nice....at 11 yrs old I helped my dad n watched him plan our home.....BTW put in french drains....almost maintenance free n more beautiful....

[@suellenw561]

My Dad had his own construction company. He told me a person can build the same house a dozen times & still not have it perfect. On the other hand, we built our own house. It took a longer time than it should have, but there's nothing significant that I would change. With everything you've already done, you can do it!

[@kathyaakananabluebird]

Keep your home pushed back and away from the pond! With all the weather changes, your climate could get much more rainy in your state.

[@susanjackson1458]

I’m really looking forward to following the progress on building your home. If you plan to age in place, which I can’t imagine that you wouldn’t, I hope you have planned a second master on the ground floor. You are both young and healthy now, but in the blink of an eye, you will wonder where the years went. The potential future challenges of stairs is something you might want to consider.

[@The_Farmers_Table]

We do have a second master down stairs

[@RaiderMom2008]

@@The_Farmers_Table ….and make all doorways wheelchair accessible. My parents did this at the advice of their builder and it definitely came in handy in their final years. Also good if you have to have a walker.

[@elaineekberg113]

Watching you blog on 1/20/24 just now. You talk about Miah and water lines. Just wanted to make a point so no mistakes are made that might cause grief. The "trusted" USDA changed the growing zones to be lower, but back in 2012 there was an article (which has been removed coincidentally) about how we are going to be going through an ice age right about now. So please have him consider taking the recommended frost line in your area down anothe 18" at least. I just care about y'all! You know other countries have banned GMO seeds, but good old USDA is still pushing them here. They need to be taken out of their position of power, obviously!. ❤❤❤

[@shirleydeeds1268]

I remember when we were building our first house, my uncle/dad told us that the perception of "size" of the house would change with every step - from layout to framing to the final construction. It's an amazing experience ;)

[@maryproudamerican]

A complete wrap around porch around entire house would benefit everyone and be more useful than a second story porch off the master.

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

This is a good time to plan any trees around the house. Given your summer heat, some deciduous shade trees on the south and west sides would be a real plus. 💚

[@rubyoro0]

Trees on the south? Aren’t they orienting it to have sunlight?

[@irony11]

​@@rubyoro0Yes, they are.

[@juliehorney995]

Trees for sure. SW side?

[@susanrodman]

Love having a front row seat to your dream coming true!!❤

[@charlaemery1811]

Grab some lawn chairs and sit in the house footprint. “Look” at the views you’ll have from this or that window placement. We found that sitting and standing within the footprint gives us the most enjoyable views. Forget about what convention says in regards to being parallel to roads, etc. Take advantage of prevailing winds for cross ventilation, lay of the land for roof drainage, etc.

[@lizatrue7543]

I am genuinely excited for you both! What a blessing this "overwhelming" project will be for your family and one you've both worked very hard for. This will be so fun (and interesting) to watch unfold. Be sure to take moments here and there to sit back, breathe, and just have a bit of fun too. You're fulfilling another dream, Miah. Wonderful! 💖💖💖

[@christinawinds4210]

It's not really 'necessary', but if you want some useful fun get some ground paint and paint out all of your walls inside the footprint of the house. Then you can wander 'around your house' as if the walls were in place just to get a feel of how the flow of traffic will be after it's built. Sometimes you can find things you'd like to change - which is always much easier before you start actually building - but other times it's just fun to 'live in' your house before it's even there. It's also a way to get the kids involved from the start.

[@lcostantino7931]

woo hoo need masterbedroom on main ....with full bath .....65 yrs old arrives VERY FAST ...plan for future use.....

[@cherri0228]

Congratulations even tho it was only a few stakes in the ground. You’ve “broken ground “ on your new home. And I’m over joyed for you and honored that I had the privilege of watching you stake the foot print of your home with me. I’m excited to watch your beautiful transformation….. continue. 😘. Be Blessed. 🙏❤️

[@christaverduren690]

5600 sq ft is a fantastic sized home for all that you guys need (want). I have autism and mind blindness (I can't see images in my mind- it's just a black wall in there lol) so i look forward to watching the changes happen. I love both your youtube channels!

[@emmamclaughlin8778]

Go on Miah 💪💪💪💪 can't wait to see you build a house soooooo excited ❤

[@ccent98]

Wow I’m excited and it’s not even my house I can’t imagine how exciting this is for you and Jess. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@glendamcilvaine5746]

How exciting. Jess looks like a frost tender flower with her hat and coat and Ben with short sleeves. I love that all of your hard work is coming to fruition.

[@cherylharless281]

I've lived with a Kitchen facing south and in the summer it makes meal-prep hellish. This was in San Diego, CA. The summers are similar in temps to yours. For that reason we have always tried to get the kitchen and living areas NOT facing directly south. The best house I have lived in was southeast facing. The bedrooms were facing northwest and so the afternoon sun warmed the house in the winter (this house was in Hemet, CA... High desert.) and nearly perfect. Our current living room, also in Hemet, is facing full south and would be horrid if we didn't have shade over the windows in front, including a short (topped - by the previous owners) Walnut tree.

[@dawndawn6946]

What? ROLL CALL! I'm here for it!❤

[@Chet_Thornbushel]

I’m excited to follow along. We currently own a home on 1/3acre in a rural town where we live(large shop, food gardens, chickens, ducks) but own 40 acres that we will be building on as soon as it’s realistic to do so. It’s much different terrain- about 3200’ elevation in the “foothills” of eastern Washington mountains, not flat, and about 70% treed. Weather and sun are a major consideration because we want to be as off grid as possible but also need to be realistic because our summers are over 100F and our winters are snowy and temps go below zero. I’ve had our future home designed in my head for about a decade so I’m super ready to get moving on it but as you know, it’s not cheap, fast, or easy to do! I have made it about a million times in The Sims 😂 which is a nice way to see it realized in a sense and get a feel for the finished home.

[@carolvalentine2407]

Breathtaking piece of land for your new home. Exciting! 😁

[@elizabethpayne6844]

I'm happy for both of you ❤️. Miah, you got this. CONGRATULATIONS 😊

[@cindym4946]

I'm excited for you all!

[@foragingandurbanfarmingatt4745]

Love Miah! My husband set on my Memaw's back porch, sipping coffee, and killed a tasty doe years ago! 😊 Good luck guys!

[@maureendardis5656]

Every time I see Rocky Canyon Tile work, I think it has to be in the new house.

[@gracefarm394]

I am so happy you waited and did the other parts of the farm first. You will be able to focus now on the house. Shows a lot of wisdom. 🙏❤🙏

[@rhondaschenk5727]

So exciting for you, Jess & the kids! And us too! Thanks for bringing us along!! So happy for you!

[@HabitualHobbies]

The quick AndWeBlessYouUntilNextTime was so funny! I love seeing you guys together. And little Ben is always a great tag along!

[@debbieselland6591]

Congratulations on starting the build of your home. We have a circle drive, and from moving here 6 years ago and using it every day, we have found it in not near wide enough!! With our trucks and SUV, the circle part is way too small. The drive is not near wide enough. As you get older, things become more important. It would make it easier to navigate, and having gravel wide enough to safely step out on and move around the vehicle sure would be nice. Best of Luck and God's blessings.

[@ChrisBoccassini]

I don’t know if the help ❤you both worked hard before the sun came up this like glimpses that of the sun rising. We know there is going to hot afternoon but we can wait to sun settle back in for the night. Thank you always for taking us along for ride😊

[@VonPatzy]

What if you only left enough “parking” for one or two cars (the ones that bring in the groceries etc) and then eventual teenager cars and visitor cars could utilize the current house’s ample parking a bit down the way? You could at least do that for a season or two and reassess if the pavement is that important or if you would rather have a more natural yard and slightly inconvenience your thanksgiving guests with a teenager on golf cart escort service.

[@icewebhomestead]

I cannot wait to see the build!!

[@maraemartinae5772]

With those views, you all need a wrap-around porch. I wouldn’t worry about uneven ground. The excavators can do whatever you need and provide proper drainage. So excited for you guys.

[@lmd2454]

It will be fun watching this project take shape!

[@missthang4770]

It warms my heart to see the love in each of Jessica's and Miah's eyes when they look at each other. It's such a precious thing. I'm so happy for you both that you're starting your dream home. May the universe continue to smile on you and shower you with happiness and success. One love!

[@lori-yn4yi]

Wow. I am so excited for your family. Go's bless you.

[@outdoors459]

This is very exciting, and because Miah's building it, I know it will be amazing ❤

[@onlybev1]

It is beautiful on your property. Excited to see this coming series. Love Bev from Oklahoma

[@kimg5784]

two suggestions- put at least one large bedroom downstairs in case of illness- aging visitors or self etc- also wrap around porch.

[@rosechastain7356]

Can't wait til you'all get started on your forever home

[@Homestead_Adventures717]

I feel like after the slab has been laid, that is where you know that there is no turning back. Full steam ahead! 🔨🛠🏡

[@robinhanscom1882]

I would definitely want a pond view and root/storm shelter and a wrap around porch

[@lorisanford8515]

This is so exciting I can't wait to watch this all unfold 💗💗💗

[@JennaGoforth]

Wow!! So so excited to be watching this journey unfold ❤ cannot wait to see more!!!

[@EliMacalikova]

Hi Miah, I don't know where else to ask, so I'll just do it here 😁 if you'll be making some videos based on wishes, would you be so kind and make thorough "for dummies" video on how to make those amazing shelves you are making for Jess? You had these as bookshelves in old house and in old house renovated kitchen too, and I always loved the look of sturdy pipes and thick wood, also it's just so practical, I'm sure it can hold lots of weight and clean easily.. anyway, if you'll ever get to that, I'll be forever grateful. 😁❤️ Greetings from Czechia 🇨🇿

[@laurarahelbailey]

I'm so excited to see the house build! We've all been anticipating it since the move 🥳🎉🙌

[@stephaniehanuman-dale6279]

I can’t do math so when you start talking about geometry and square footage I’m lost. Glad you understand it😂 I’m like Jess , I want sunny rooms and a nice view🌱💚❤️ I can’t wait to see your dreams come true ❤️

[@krybastian2611]

I can’t wait to follow your home building project!

[@kathylane5934]

It is going to be big. The porches are what's great. Can't wait exciting

[@MarlenevT]

You two make me smile.

[@denisemusicnut]

I’m looking forward to seeing your dream house become reality. I loved how Jess managed to sneak in her blessing at the end of the video! Blessings to both of you!

[@vonniemerriam974]

So excited for all y'all!

[@janmilos5975]

I always liked making a cardboard blueprint of the house to dimension and on the table top paper, the actual size of building site. You can draw the fixed buildings on the tabletop paper to get an easier prospective of views and distances. KInda like when you make a layout for room furniture instead of dragging heavy pieces around.

[@MadMax-op8pl]

Congratulations on living your dream! You deserve it.🎉❤

[@elizabethlehman7375]

I'm so glad I was blessed until next time!!!😂

[@rebeccazody1278]

Excited to see this move forward! Happy times

[@cyhomer]

Yes! Southern exposure is so important!

[@9asoutheastTexasgarden]

Really excited to watch this series. Been a subscriber for years, congrats on all your success

[@kellymoody8326]

😂 I love the sneaky ending! ❤️❤️ So excited for you all and I can’t wait to watch along with you!

[@darcystephens6197]

I’m so excited for you guys. What an exciting time.

[@empresskimberly4410]

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@simoneconsciousobserver3105]

Loved the end,, so cute. And all the stuff before that was really kewl too