Off-Grid in Sweden, from Dream house to Nightmare. My most depressing video so far

[@TrondersTrondby]

You are living the dream many of us wish we were. My grandfather came from Sweden to the US in 1906 and when I watch videos about living in the woods in Sweden, I get a yearning to move there. Thank you for sharing.

[@noorderling]

Thank you for your comment. We actually found newspapers behind the wallpaper, all dating from 1906 !

[@artyomnuzhdin8711]

Not only you. This is a real dream house, and I wish I could do it. I am in Canada, 2 years 2021-2023 lived and worked in Lithuania. Travelled a lot, and mostly in Sweden as I fall in love with this beautiful country the first visit. Have been in a many cities, and visited twice Gotland island. I saw lots of houses like this one. Since I got back to Canada last sept, 2023, I keep thinking that I should definitely make as much efforts as I can and move to Sweden. I wish to have a small 3 season house like this even if I ll have to invest to reshape it. Beautiful video. very inspiring.

[@davidcarlsson1396]

Since you're Americans and not German I can Recommend Southern and Southeastern Småland and all of Blekinge if you want a OK climate, few/no people and ok house prices. Why I say "no Germans" it's because they have already realized these facts

[@dohdoh2430]

FYI, Sweden is not what it once was, young swedes are minorities in our big cities today. We are rapidly turning into something else than Sweden.

[@cecilianagy3562]

Don't lose faith, it's such a beautiful property, you will repair the corner in no time. This little setback will just make you appreciate the house even more in the long run. Greetings from Budapest.

[@noorderling]

Hi, thanks for the nice reaction. It is such a lovely house, it deserves to be fixed up. I've just started to repair the corner and it is already looking much better, but slow progress.

[@usefulcommunication4516]

"Little setback"? 🤣 No, no, no. He got it right. This is a nightmare. A massive, horrific, expensive, never going away unless you torch the place nightmare. All old Swedish wooden houses are like this. Look at all that organic rot food. One day, every KZbinr that has bought one of these mould farms will look at a strange spot on the wall, poke at it, their finger will go straight through, and the nightmare begins. And in the meantime, they've been living in an atmosphere jam packed with spores. And it won't go away without massive and very, very expensive amounts of work. It's why you survey the shit out of an old wooden house before buying it and then insure it against rot. And insect attack. Guaranteed the underside of the floors is one massive husbok nest.

[@davidcarlsson1396]

​@@usefulcommunication4516The issue is insulation and the foundation. If foundation is good and you have no insulation and is forced to "elda för fåglarna" you will not get mold, but if you leave the place without heating for 50 years you will get mold, it's no different from a concrete house/foundation s

[@wertywerrtyson5529]

My mom got an old cabin here in middle Sweden from 1790 when I was a kid in the early 90s. It didn’t have anything more modern than a 1930s iron stove. I helped take down part of the house that was built in the 1890s that was completely rotten. Now it’s a modern house with fiber internet, plumbing electricity and it’s been fixed. Although there is always some stuff to be done. Hope it goes well.

[@hollandspinehaven2634]

I am in Florida and some trees are crops here as you just experienced in sweden.. replanting the next tree harveat should happen soon too. it is very hard to see the trees harvested..

[@noorderling]

I heard the UK encourages to leave 20 trees pro acre. That should be mandatory for all countries. And it would be even better if those remaining trees got some sort of protective status, so they can grow old. Would be better for everyone, even the timber company, as they provide seedlings, protection for the small trees and wildlife. But that means a big shift in mentally.

[@lnostdal]

I bought an old brick and stone house in Bulgaria; many problems, but you are so right that taking it in in portions and steps is the correct approach. Once something is fixed - it stays fixed for many, many decades. It is all worth it.

[@noorderling]

It's not easy, but try to enjoy the process and satisfaction of looking at all the new bits and know this is you who fixed it.

[@thenordskov]

My place was exactly the same. Years of neglect and thousands of litres of sawdust! It is a long journey repairing these forgotten homes. All the best here in Sweden

[@noorderling]

Thanks a lot. It will be a long journey, but also a great one.

[@k.e.becquer4681]

As a Swede, please let me remind you that the vast majority of people in Sweden were dirt poor until the 20th century. It is hardly a dream to go off-grid there - it also looks as though you are up North - so even less of a paradise. 1/3 of the Swedes emigrated to the US, that's how bad it was. Now we are rich and have forgotten about our past - as it goes.

[@CraigAnderson-h2h]

I lived in Sweden for 4 years. I must admit that I could not take the log, dark, cold winters. Neither can many Swedes. So those with money head south to Spain for winter.

[@swesek]

That's why nature provided us with mushrooms 😊🍄

[@RobinI92]

Swedes emigratet in the 1800 thats is a long long time ago

[@thomassjogren5773]

Most of us stay here all year around.​@@CraigAnderson-h2h

[@somerandomvertebrate9262]

Swedes always go on about how dirt poor 19th century Swedes were, but I don't think it was particularly worse than anywhere else in Europe at the time. Peasants/farmers living under Ottoman or post-Ottoman rule in what is today Romania or Serbia most likely were poorer than the Swedes. How about Italians, Portugese or heavan forbid, the Irish? Polish peasants under Russian rule? Disregarding the agrarian proletariat, at least Swedish farmers owned the soil they toiled and their own property. What took a bit longer in Sweden compared to most of western and central Europe was the process of industrialization, not getting into full swing until the 1870's.

[@AdventureAceSweden]

Great sense of humour despite it all. Fantastic location, pity the trees where cut down. I'm looking forward to your next video!

[@noorderling]

I am happy you liked the video

[@paulkleinmeulman6394]

Thank you for documenting your journey. I know it will turn into something amazing.

[@noorderling]

What a very nice thing to say. Thank you 😊

[@ramonag8496]

Looking forward to see the next video. My jaw dropped when I saw the forest had dissappeared. But I'm glad some positive came from that. I really enjoy your storytelling. Best of luck to you and your wife! Thanks for sharing your story

[@noorderling]

Thank you for the compliment and I am very happy you liked the video!

[@H0Fidelity-rq4ry]

It was a typical Swedish ”forest” where all the trees are the same age. More than 100% of the natural forests are gone here in Sweden. Most people don’t know what a forest should look like.

[@bringerod5141]

You got this! This makes you get to know the house and how the elements effect it and how you can improve upon it in the future. Have a lovely time!

[@Vintagerous]

So hard to have setbacks like you have experienced but stepping back like you did was so wise. I am sure you’ll find a path forward- interesting to watch.

[@noorderling]

Thank you 😊

[@recoverywithme]

You have an amazing mindset ~ very inspirational. Tusen tack!

[@noorderling]

Thank you ! I am glad you liked the video

[@karinlind1773]

Just as you say, you buy the location of the house. No rotten wall can change that. And as you say, it's easier to live off grid without the forest behind. Thanks for the video - from another in his cabin in Norrland.

[@rolandleusden]

I bought a 100-year-old farmhouse in Hungary 3 years ago, it's made of cob for a large part, and the needed repairs have taught me new skills. Cob is much more environmentally friendly than concrete. I recognize the depressed feeling, once you start repairing and renovating sections, it will inspire you to continue.

[@jacquelinesmedley7853]

Hi from the UK there is beauty and wonder in everything if you have the gift inside you to find it, you have that gift and can now rebuild the house to your own vision and liking, all will be well at least you have the beauty of outdoors to ground and recharge yourselves. I look forward to more adventures thank you for sharing. x

[@noorderling]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@andie1769]

Oh goodness! Nightmare indeed! But you’ve found silver linings in sun & light, wildflowers and new layout! 😊

[@noorderling]

It will be a fantastic place.

[@artyomnuzhdin8711]

Please do not be depressed ;-) You are in a beautiful country, you have this dream house you are working; repairs are time and energy consumming but it will pay you off later. I am in Canada, I do know your country and I wish I could move there. ;-) Thanks for video and sharing.

[@karem9605]

I'm glad you could turn a negative situation into something positive, thank you for sharing your journey.

[@noorderling]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching the video and for your comment. It is really nice to receive feedback. ☺️

[@karem9605]

@@noorderling Regards from Utrecht

[@noorderling]

@@karem9605 groetjes terug 😊

[@ChaplinChapman]

you got this man! Excellent perspektive. ❤ Much love. Enjoy the process.

[@jarkka9984]

With sawdust, you can keep your outdoor toilet dry. Good luck with the project!

[@eriktorp-olsen1706]

Houses are like wooden boats. Removing one rotten piece reveals a whole universe of disaster. If it floats, leave it at that. Regarding your house,-it's only one corner, and since the cause of the rot is fixed (the roof), the house is probably worth fixing. On the bright side: -All that heavy work will keep you in good shape at least.

[@luddeantontheo]

Exactly . I've restored an old school in Sweden and a huge old stone house in the south of France for 20 years now bought another 150 year old house in Sweden have started over again . I AND MY LOVE IT ALL , the work which keeps us fit , the forest , the sea the change of seasons and yes even the Winters. You just gotta get in to it. ❤

[@jakobstengard3672]

Our neighbour in Gotland had a similar problem. He just put a new facade on top made of limestone putty, and that was what kept the house togheter. It has stood for 20 years like that now.

[@noorderling]

I do sometimes wonder how long it would have hold up if I did nothing. But I'm glad I did what I did sofar.

[@taranscott155]

A cautionary tale indeed, but also a hopeful one. I wish you all the luck in the world for a good outcome !

[@noorderling]

Thanks

[@mikeinportland30]

I'm sorry for the problems, but to me an old house like that is a being of sorts. An old person or pet has to go to the doctor more often, but once well can bring wonderful calming joy. I hope that time comes soon for you and your house soon. Your speech and tone convey a very soothing quality. Your new old house conveys so much warm personality. I can just imagine you writing a children's book with this house as the main character. Your video journey so far with the house is almost a children's story for the child in us adults. I was feeling down today with the dark situation we have currently America right now. Your old house videos were a needed salve. There is something in that. 👍

[@noorderling]

Ahh thanks, that is a very nice thing to say.

[@elisaa9981]

I didn't really understad what it was that caused the problem in the nightmare corner. Was it Husbock - Hylotrupes bajulus? In that case, youll need professional help with decontamination. So, to everyone thinking of buying a house in Sweden, please hire a *besiktningsman.* It's a professional who can examine the detail very, very thoroughly. As a matter of fact, Swedish law allows for very generous inspections, and you should really do that when you're near the closing on a house. Because if you don't, then you don't have a leg to stand on after you already bought it. My friend, if you want an off-grid cabin, you have a very long way to go. Isolation is very important, just as ventilation is. Those windows need to be fixed, and the open fireplace would be more energy efficient if it wasn't open. And I almost forgot, the forest owner is required by law to replant. And they usually do that with rows and rows of the same tree (usually pine, not a forest, a tree plantation with very low biodiversity). So at the moment, that piece of land doesn't make them any money, it's only costing them. So if you have the means, it would be a good opportunity to check in with them and hear if they want to sell (cheaply). From what I can see, you have quite a good potential for a meadow (but it takes work, too) there. You could have and orchard and beehives! Anyway, good luck. The location is absolutely lovely!

[@noorderling]

Hi, thanks for your comment. The problem was the leaking roof. No bugs luckily. We would love to buy a little bit of the land behind our house, but it is quite difficult for us to get hold of the owner. The pre buy checkup of the house is a good idea and I also strongly recommend it to anybody buying a house. And you're right about the fireplace. It looks pretty but doesn't really do a good job in heating up the house

[@kompostimuija]

Luckily logcabin is easy to repair, just remove bad wood and replace new one. For shower problem... build finnish style sauna, there will be warm and you get big amount hot water at the same time.

[@noorderling]

Hi, I'll look in to your sauna idea. Thanks for the tip. I've just started with replacing the bad wood. Already looking at lot better

[@SatumainenOlento]

​@@noorderling Yes, and it will have stove which has a water partition on it. Make yourself comfortable while you keep restoring your house. You need comfortability meanwhile. Also, concentrate getting one room ready. I would do the kitchen first...you can always have a bed and couch in the kitchen 😅 That's how it used to be in these houses. Most folks slept in the kitchen because it was warm. Having one place ready, i will give you confididence that the rest will get there too. Also, you just replace the rotten wood and keep going!

[@noorderling]

@@SatumainenOlento hi thanks for the advice. Luckily we have an upstairs room where it is more or less dust free so I can cook and chill. Getting one room ready is a lovely idea and I think I will follow your idea of that being the kitchen 👍

[@daos3300]

sweden is known for its managed forests. it's quite apocalyptic when they are cut down, especially if your property is right next to it that of a big forestry concern. things will start to grow back in a few years so it won't feel quite so bare - but it'll be another 30 before it'll feel the same as it did. also you really need to get into the sauna lifestyle to make the most of this way of living, particularly if you plan to live there year round. wooden houses are wonderful - easy to maintain, not too expensive or difficult to repair.

[@mikamajlund3622]

The sawdust is a good natural insulate. The house is not that bad. But as you say if is it always a surprise when you find the problem.

[@gunlindblad5202]

I could not stop laughing when all hell broke loose and you realizedvthat it might be good. The way these old building work is when you have sawdust as insulation, first of all you need a lot, if it gets wet and the house is built right it dries but if you get a mayor roofleak the wood will rot. I have been thru this with my old summerhouse…

[@noorderling]

If the going gets tough, just change your perception of tough and it all will not be so bad. Or in this case, even good!

[@marilynroberts6644]

Oh how sad to buy what we believe is a dream home only to find all the hidden problems. I'm sorry for you Sir. If only others were more honest we could be spared these troubles. I wish you only the best.💜

[@noorderling]

Thank you

[@sykoteddy]

Fellow Swede here, sorry about your nightmare. I grew up with my father building our house and we also had saw dust as insulation. But only used the "shavings" called kutterspån which is a lot better in all ways.

[@homeistheearth]

Better to be King on your own land. - a quote from a belarussian guy on bald and bancrupt.

[@erlendwestbye4194]

I own a house with very similar construction and I totally understand how bad the saw dust is to deal with :D Good luck my man, it looks great from the outside and its going to be awesome in the end

[@noorderling]

Ahh that is very kind of you, thanks !

[@saastohaaste]

Saw dust is the insulation in old houses like this.

[@noorderling]

Thanks

[@kirstymacdonald3783]

He said that in the video at 4:10

[@carinaejag]

On the upper floors there were curtains from the 70's and that should be a strong indicator that the house haven't been used much or at all since then.

[@noorderling]

The curtains are so old that they are back in fashion.

[@EvasHomeVintageDIY]

Hi there, I'm glad I found your channel. Your videos are very relaxing to watch and you found a beautiful and very special place! We (my boyfriend and I) are also from the Netherlands and are in the process of buying an old school building in Sweden right now. I'm curious to see where your adventure takes you;)

[@noorderling]

Hi, Thank you for the compliment and I am glad you enjoy the videos. Buying an old school ! That sounds great, they make fantastic houses. Probably high ceilings and lots of windows ? Good luck with the purchase , let me know how it goes.

[@daan3298]

Wat veel zaagsel in dat plafond! Dat zal wel enorm goed isoleren maar als er water in komt. Veel werk maar op zich voor zo'n oud huis valt het toch wel mee. #zetttemopouwe

[@noorderling]

Hey Daan, Dat zaagsel is echt een drama als je daar vanaf onderen nog eens bij moet. Ik haal zoveel mogelijk weg en vervang het met een moderne variant van houtvezel. Het is inderdaad eigen alleen die ene hoek en al de vloeren. Die moesten toch geïsoleerd en nu kan ik die ook gelijk doorlezen en een muurtje weg enzo.

[@IntrepidsRus]

As my partner says about mechanics, its one nut and bolt at a time. You've got this, you're so skilled. A leak is as a leak does! Go get it! That kettle looks so beautiful above the fire.🔥🔥 Ancient dust is expensive 🤣

[@noorderling]

Your partner is absolutely right. One step at a time. The kettle is a brilliant piece of kit!

[@tinybuilds6116]

The house is not as bad as you think, the beams often look like that and it can often be fixed

[@TheDarkLandsMusic]

I know the feeling, we bought a house in Sweden 2 years ago.. money pit!, when we took all the internal panels away, a big section of the front of the house needs to be completely replaced, walls, beams, you name it, we had to jack up parts of the house to make the roof straight, every single bit of wood in the floor downstairs was rotten, Almost everything has to be repaired or replaced, the entire roof has been replaced, every bit of wiring and plumbing needs to be replaced, every single window needs repairs... I would like to send you photos of our house, it might motivate you as your place is in such better condition ;-)

[@noorderling]

Sorry to hear your house isn't quite as you hoped it to be. I must say that now I am very motivated to make this house a home.

[@toxicteabaging]

One day at a time, just make sure you work a little on the repairs every day - you will be done and the house will be your own more than ever before when you are "done". Keep at it, it's a beautiful place you've got and as a Swede, i'm proud of you taking care of it! - You can do this!

[@noorderling]

Thank you so much for your kind and inspiring comment !

[@withsuuuz]

Hi 👋 As a swede I noticed some people’s text in the comments that easily can be read with a slightly demeaning salty & bitter aftertaste or maybe they are so rich, therefore their sight has been reduced and confused. With that they can’t see that your house for you and many people becomes a paradise for body & soul. As I myself was born and raised in Norrbotten / Lapland, living year-round in a house built by my father in the late 1970s and summer lived in a country house from the 1900’s as a fact a house very similar to this. I often also lived with my grandmother in her own old house. Then I moved to southern Sweden because of the love I found then. I have also had the luxury of having a summerhouse in southern Sweden during 1997-2010, completely without water and electricity. There wasn't even water on the farm, but had to be fetched from the nearest village - so there you have to shower in rainwater. So at 50+ years, almost all children gone, I stand here now - longing for a daily life in a house like this. ❤

[@m0ltipleX2000]

Really enjoyed this. Subscribed

[@noorderling]

Thanks 🙂

[@elizabethmckenzie6977]

Your optimiziam is inspirering.

[@noorderling]

Thank you 😊

[@celeron55]

The mouse droppings are the most minor thing of all of it. Any old house will have them in its cavities. However, the dry rotted logs are no fun! It's fixable, but that'll require lots of work.

[@mrbgnle]

Forests chopped into biomass smell so good, it makes me cry. Glad I was able to buy a house surrounded by Naturreservat and forests owned by tree huggers.

[@noorderling]

You are very lucky.

[@Vixinaful]

Fy fan ja, träet är ruttet men fasaden och omgivningarna är fantastiska. Du har plats att bygga en pool och göra en fantastisk trädgård med egenodlad mat också.

[@noorderling]

Det är en fantastisk plats och ett fantastiskt hus. Allt är fixbart

[@Gretschbeach]

The nightmare was dry rot? I hope the nightmare is because you bought it for a price that reflected no dry rot. I would have expected a house in northern Sweden to be chock full of it. They are often neglected and left to return to the soil up there. But they are also much easier than modern buildings to repair. Good luck! I am working very hard to move there myself. Perhaps I will be able to give you a hand someday.

[@timothypeterson1903]

You need to wear a mask when removing mouse droppings. The house just needs some work and a good cat for the mice. The forest will come back in about ten years. It will be full of new trees growing very soon

[@noorderling]

We do have need for a cat ! I try to be as careful as possible when removing the mouse droppings. Thanks for your concern.

[@RichardWollersheim]

Hier heb ik wat meer geluk, maar Zweden is op social media heel rijk, maar eigenlijk een arm land als je de staat van de huizen op het platteland bekijkt.. er zijn veel ouderen die een huis kopen en er niks aan doen tot ze in het bejaardentehuis belanden.. ik renoveer elk jaar een beetje en verwarm het huis op hout, hier is het swinters -30

[@tumpperi3891]

Just a question: Is it possible to hire someone to do an inspection before finalizing the purchase in Sweden? In Finland you can't even get a bank loan without official papers from such inspection. If the person doing the inspection finds potential problems, they could open walls to further inspection. If something is found, you agree for example on a new price with the owner or cancel the deal. You just need to remember to add it to the terms of the offer, that "in case something is not found our offer is standing" kind of a thing.

[@jensrosback7360]

Of course you can do and it is common, but not for these old houses. And even so, you will still be responsible for checking it up. The expert checking the house will only write a report but they can’t open up holes or damage the house. You can also as a seller get an insurance for hidden damages to protect yourself from an my complaint. And the opposite, the seller tell formally they don’t take any responsibility for any damages, is also possible. Then the price will be significantly lower. In this case the property was likely of low value, maximum of USD 50000, and you get what pay.

[@jacob1121]

​@@jensrosback7360these old houses are generally sold 'as is' simply because it is a given that there will be issues, often they are bought just for the land since it is cheaper to build new. Even if a new house would be more expensive you would save the money in a decade due to better insulation.

[@jensrosback7360]

@@jacob1121 Sometimes it may be like that. But other times the buyer I simply interested in buying an old house to renovate. Be aware that the banks may be very reluctant to offer a mortgage for a new house in a remote setting. Building a 60-70 sqm house is more than USD150k/mSEK 1,5, while the sales value may be much lower. So it may still be much cheaper to renovate an old house bought at a low cost ,than buying a new.

[@johnnyeswe]

Sorry you had to face a big problem like that early on. Having said that, the content is interesting and I'm looking forward to see how you solve things and make some steady progress. It sure is a beautiful area around that house. Btw, is the kitchen floor not insulated?

[@noorderling]

Well spotted ! The kitchen floor is , or better, was insulated. But the boards, holding the sawdust in place, are not in the best shape and quite a few of them lost the battle with gravity. I am afraid it is the same with all floors in the house, so another job on the to do list.

[@johnnyeswe]

@@noorderling Ah, a bit of a time consuming job, but in northern sweden well worth the effort on those icy winter days.🥶

[@noorderling]

@@johnnyeswe You're absolutely right

[@kalleskit]

You can do it. You ARE doing it.

[@Bjotten]

"Every cavity was filled with it. And by the time I shoveled most of it out of the house. All my cavities were also filled with the saw dust." Hahaha

[@Gud-y2s]

Saw dust is actually good as insulation because it dries out again, as opposed to modern glass or stone wool. But of course nothing can stand against years of leaking. But modern materials are much worse.

[@noorderling]

I am very glad there is no glass or stone wool in the house. The new insulation will be a wood based alternative to the sawdust.

[@ErnaSolbergXXX]

Off-grid doesnt mean you have to live like they did 200 yesrs ago

[@Totem7012]

Looks great! Except for the coffee

[@noorderling]

🙂

[@EmigratieHongarije]

Dat kon je goed gebruiken voor een composttoilet.

[@noorderling]

De rest van het zaagsel gebruiken we onder andere voor het toilet. De rest o.a. voor een toekomstig ( tuin ) project

[@Tybold63]

Crazy to use sawdust as insulation but heard of worse.

[@daos3300]

actually very smart, efficient and sustainable.

[@martinuso7446]

Wauw, cool adventure!

[@murmenaattori6]

Leave the wood exposed, it's beautiful. The 'modern' insulation, fabric and paneling wreaks havoc on old log houses. They were designed to breathe, not hold in moisture.

[@noorderling]

You are absolutely right, the old wood is beautiful and also helps to regulate the indoor climate. The downstairs floors do have to be insulated, but I will probably use a wood fibre filling for those.

[@Anna-Gunilla1792]

Oh my god, the trees too😂

[@oakld]

Respect, I wouldn't have the courage. I'd took it apart, save good material fotŕ some side projects, buodozed the site and start the house over....

[@noorderling]

To be honest, that thought did cross my mind once or twice, but now I'm very glad I didn't.

[@ALIB-oc4rs]

One does not simply live in sweden and make instant coffee

[@Braisin-Raisin]

Please wear a mask when doing these dusty jobs. It is essential to keep your health.

[@noorderling]

Thanks for your concern, you're absolutely right. My neighbour came to warn me also. His mother got a virus from the dust from the mouse droppings and got really ill.

[@pedrothewise2584]

i thought it was illegal to cut native forrest.

[@daos3300]

managed forest. very common in sweden.

[@Pusse1978]

You got your work cut out for ya! About the sawdust. Be careful when replacing it and do your homework. It might actually have been the one thing that saved the rest of the house from even worse rot and mold. the sawdust "breathes". It is hygroscopic and can take a bit of leakage etc. Whereas would you just replace it with Rockwool straigjt off or such you might get into trouble. The way these old houses are built. The layers, no moisture barriers, log walls and foundations where changes can be chatastrophic. Especially with "modern living", change of heating system and so on.

[@noorderling]

You are absolutely right. I will be very careful when finding a replacement for the sawdust. I know there are some wood fibre insulations that have the benefits of sawdust, but not the downsides. So I'll be going for something like that.

[@HenateGanapati]

@Noorderling By default the seller is responsible for hidden faults up to 10 years arter selling the house, according to swedish law. Hope you havent signad a paper that will free the seller.

[@usefulcommunication4516]

Good luck with that. With an old wooden house like this there is an assumption that it is ready to fall over, so dolda fel doesn't apply

[@HenateGanapati]

@@usefulcommunication4516 it all depends on what you signed in the contract. If you signed a clause that the seller disclaims any hidden faults, then you are taking a calculated risk when you buy such a house. In that case, the title of the video should be "as expected, I found major problems with the house".

[@jensrosback7360]

@@HenateGanapatiWhen you buy an old house like this and in potentially bad shape it is hard to negotiate responsibility. It is then normal that the seller will not take contractual responsibility. That is why it was cheap. The obligation to investigate is also more far-reaching in this case, which may be difficult for a foreigner not used to check Swedish cottages. And after all, buying a cheap property like this is all about seeing potential. Not risks.

[@Lord_Funk]

Not sure how you bough the house, under what premises, but usually you have an inspection before hand, by an unbiased inspector. It's usually dermanded, or recommended, by the house broker (mäklare). Then the seller should have an insure against hidden flaws (dolda fel) so that if anything comes up within a period after the sale (Ithink up to 5 years) their insurance covers anything the inspector did not discover during the inspection. Like hidden mold etc requiring repairs, since that means the seller sold a defect product, with hidden flaws, which are discovered later and the buyer should not have to pay for any such repairs. It all depends how the purchase wa made and the contract etc, but certain rights can not be written out with a contract. You need ty try to at least look this up and what rights you have in this case. Hopefully you will not have to pay for this and some insurance from the seller will cover it.

[@noorderling]

Thanks for your comment. Yes you are right. Normally the house would be inspected before purchase. But, it is an old house , it has been sitting empty for a very very long time, and it was cheap.( ish) So we bought is as is.

[@Lord_Funk]

@@noorderling I understand, still I though consumer rights would protect the buyer against hidden flaws. That was what we were told when selling our mothers house. To get that hidden flaws (dolda fel) insurance, since the buyer could come back with complaints, even years later, on things that could not be discovered through a regular inspection (like mold in walls etc), so that insurance was to protect her as a seller in case anything would be discovered later by the buyer. Then the insurance company would pay for any repairs the buyer could demand. maybe it's possible to give up that right by writing into the contract that the buyer takes it "as is". Not sure.

[@jensrosback7360]

@@Lord_FunkIt may work like that for a more permanent housing like mine. But not for uninhabitated forest cottages. Also insurance may not help because the insurance company may simply ask you to tear it down. That is not what you bought it for. Doing those repairs professionally would an insurance company not pay for. They would make a strict financial calculus. I am in such a situation myself. It is my mission as I see it to save one of the oldest houses in the village and with a prominent role as local post office and tailor shop. I have spent a half year already to just clear the ground and prepare for new joists and floors. And then I take the opportunity to change water, sewage, electricity, windows and so on. Expensive yes, but as I do most work myself (learning a lot) I know I would get the money back when sellling (even if that is not my plan at all)

[@Lord_Funk]

​@@jensrosback7360 I see, thank you for posting that. Very interesting read. I hope it all goes well. My son took his degree last year within the building education, as a construction worker (anläggningsarbetare). Meaning the ones that lays the foundation and ground work, as well as things like public centrifues and parks. The building/construction sector crashed not even 6 months later (interest rates going up etc) and they basically got rid of half the work force in one day, so it's not a good market for him right now. Hapilly he's gotten another part time job with doing something competely different, but I digress. What I'm trying to get at is that having some insight into construction (through my son) I know it's not easy. It takes a lot (not just a hammer and some nails), so you are brave and show good spirit for taking on such a project by yourself. I've watched a few videos over the years of people doing that and I'm always amazed on how well they manage. Sometimes without any before hand knowledge. The same with people converting vans into mobile homes and such. I find it very fascinating to watch their progress.

[@jensrosback7360]

@@Lord_Funk Thanks. I am sure your son will get a good job eventually. If he is interested in old buildings or working in timber he may find courses or apprentice jobs to help him specialise. It can give him an edge in the job market that is not so dependent on economic downturns. There are works amateurs like myself would not take on in an old house, or where I need god advice on choice of solutions or materials. -- For myself, I have it in my family already as a close relative has made it their lifestyle, renovating their 7th house. Then I have a good portion of interest, some basic skills in construction and a very patient mindset slowing me down stopping me from doing too many mistakes. Working with old houses is almost a meditation and even a kind of cooperation with the house; it will tell you the best solutions if you move slow. If you are in a hurry, there can be many regrets.

[@largefamilylife9]

maybe it would be best to just start over, and take good lumber from that one

[@harmlessgrey]

Your weariness is strikingly different from the energy and optimism that younger people seem to feel when tackling this kind of project. Are you certain that you want to do this? It's a beautiful house but life is short. There's no shame in changing course. Perhaps it would be helpful to bring someone in who can provide an expert analysis of the house and property, with an eye toward sustainability and off grid efficiency. A comprehensive five-year plan could help you prioritize and stay motivated. Fewer bad surprises.

[@noorderling]

Hi, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. The 5 year plan is a really helpful tip. Making a plan together with an expert on off grid houses is something I will certainly look in to. Very much appreciated !

[@jensrosback7360]

@@noorderlingPatience and being a bit slow is perfect when renovating old houses. I am in a similar situation and I am constantly finding new things and is forced to change the plans. It is about letting the house tell you what it want. It will not tell all its secrets at once. My house is in a small village in South Sweden and built in the 1920s. After opening the floors in one of the rooms as it felt soft and was sloping from the outer walls, I found that I had to open all floors on the house. The joists were okay but the wooden pillars had rotten from below as they were covered by wet soil. The insulation of sawdust and peat had fallen through to the ground and was damp and smelly. Now I do a total renovation: now joists and pillars of course. But also modern but natural insulation, new water pipes, sewage and the chimney needs to be repaired. It will be expensive; at least 600000 SEK. The principle I have is to restore it as much as possible with materials that could be found in the 1920s. There will be no plastics or modern materials. All renovations done by previous owners has damaged the house because the then modern materials have created more problems. So my best advice is to use as much wooden or organic materials as possible, even if may be more expensive. Focus on robust technical solutions (you don’t want to have water pipes in the walls if they freeze when you are enjoying sun elsewhere in winter) and don’t fall for having plastics in the floors (except bathroom). The humid ground under the floor wants to wander through the floors and it will improve air quality in the house.

[@outsidebias]

Imagine trying to do this in Finland, dumping saw dust used as an insulation like that would be illegal, because the material was used as a building material, its no longer classified as a saw dust but a insulation instead. You'd have to take it to waste management facility instead. That one a-hole neighbour whom you probably haven't even met would make their life mission to stalk your site, and complain about everything to the county.

[@noorderling]

Haha, is it really that bad in Finland? Being here, in a country where the national hobby seems to be collecting car wrecks in your garden, a small pile of sawdust does not bother anybody. But the sawdust will be reused in future garden projects.

[@RB_2Y]

Mistä ihmeestä sinä puhut? Se tavallinen vanhan talon eristeenä käytetty sahanpuru katsottaisiin ympäristölle vaaralliseksi jätteeksi ja se on kaadettava kierrätysasemalle??? Minkä kiven olet ryöminyt alta? Ja kuinka kauan olet ollut sen alla? Tule todellisuuteen ja lopeta valehteleminen! Näin EI todellakaan ole Suomessa! Olen rakentanut ja kunnostanut vanhan sotilastujan, joka seisoi yli 200 vuotta. Vanha hirsitalo, Etelä-Suomessa, Kariksessa. Rakennettu samalla tavalla kuin "ruotsalaiset" torpit. Samat kuin he rakensivat Ruotsissa samana aikana. Irtonaisen sahanpurun kanssa ei ollut mitään ongelmia! Oli mahtavaa polttaa muun puun kanssa!

[@RB_2Y]

What in the world are you talking about? That ordinary sawdust that was used as insulation in an old house, would be considered environmentally hazardous waste and must be dumped at the recycling station??? What rock have you crawled out from under? And how long have you been under it? Come into reality and stop lying! That is certainly NOT the case in Finland! I have rebuilt and renovated an old soldier's barracks, which stood for over 200 years. An old log house, in southern Finland, in Karis. Built in the same way as the "Swedish-built" crofts. The same as they built in Sweden during the same time. There were no problems whatsoever with loose sawdust! It was great to burn up with other scrap wood!

[@RB_2Y]

Writing a response comment both in Finnish and English, as this is quite frankly a lie!

[@largefamilylife9]

so far, the worst part is the instant coffee

[@TheresaLawrence-wx4mq]

I was thinking the same thing , yuck !!! 😢❤

[@maravedi09]

How is the roof?

[@noorderling]

The roof is pretty much okee. The details are a bit sloppy, so have to redo them sometime. But for now it's doing all the things a roof should.

[@Martti-xp1re]

Build a sauna unless you altedy have one

[@noorderling]

Good idea. We might just do that.

[@Martti-xp1re]

I would recommend a wood burning White water tank to heat water. Bring in cold water tap inside the sauna. Use buckets to mix cold and hot water to your preferred temperatur. Make the sauna spacious. Preferably 3 levels of benches ground floor enough big for two adults standing shower/skouping water champoo and soup wash your body. Make a to smal sauna you will regret it forever

[@LycanthropiesSpell]

Bluuvn goan!!!! Je leeft mo 1 ki... toope gerak Je dr wel. Groetn vanuut Vloandrn.

[@noorderling]

Groetn turuhg 🙂

[@ninadolman-td8pt]

Komallemaal goed mijn zoon. Mutti.

[@noorderling]

Tuurlijk komt het goed

[@bean7750]

in one of your previous video you said the house should be cheap. well you got a cheap house and with that it comes with these problems. Because, why would it be cheap?

[@Rick999888]

well i could have told you that before you bought the house. So many cheap houses in wonderful places in Sweden but there is a reason for that.

[@japio8955]

Toch goed hoor!

[@noorderling]

Dank je Jaap

[@velikanskaglava2087]

Africa is a paradise on Earth. Ofcourse harsher environment forces people to plan and organize more. People organised Scandinavia...so cities are easy, so much so, the people from south/continents move there.

[@clickbaitnumberone1403]

because that aint no forest, its actually forestry and turns out, its always better to cut them down and let nature do its own work.

[@noorderling]

I totally agree, even if it was a really beautiful forest it is forestry. It looks like they will leave it alone and let nature take it's course.

[@simonh5755]

You sound like Giovanni Giorgio

[@noorderling]

Everybody calls me Giorgio

[@grunslon2461]

Yes

[@beaticulous]

Yikes!

[@ahah1785]

use a vintage primus to cook food...using the fireplace is insaine....it does not even heat alot....no wonder you are miserable...

[@annashealthylifeeverything8583]

97% of Swedish forest is plantage. They are incredibly ugly, I hate Swedish forests. I had beautiful forests and Russia and then I came to Sweden 🙄

[@zaganim3813]

just travel some more, not everything is pinerows

[@annashealthylifeeverything8583]

@@zaganim3813 travel? I moved from Sweden 2 years ago after have been living there for 25 years. Yes! everything is plantage in Sweden, 97%! Natural forests and I mean natural forests almost don't exist

[@Janihonkalaxx]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 thats rip. Very rotten😂😂😂

[@MrBlueWRX]

Wooden houses are great aren't they? I'm currently on the second summer of renovating a badly built extension on my house here in Jämtland, wrongly constructed, water damage, sloping floors, mouse droppings in every nook and cranny, it never ends. I just take a break and take the dog down to the lake and soak in the beauty, it will all get fixed in the end.

[@noorderling]

Sounds like we are working on the same sort of house. One day it will be finished and the reward will be great. Until then, hang in there and try to enjoy the process, even if it's hard.

[@jensrosback7360]

@@noorderlingIt is a kind of mission to save old houses. If you manage disastrous findings without panicking it becomes a good learning there are also an element of meditation to work with it.

[@noorderling]

@@jensrosback7360 you're absolutely right

[@datadavis]

Finally a video where i can say been there, done that! And will still be doing it till i succumb from old age i fear.

[@noorderling]

At least we will not get bored.

[@datadavis]

@@noorderling Not a dull moment.