Off Grid Senior Builds Own Affordable Retirement Cabin - Part 1 Foundation work

After years of planning and hoping I would be able to undergo this project It's time! I am constructing my own 16x40' cabin! In this video I prepare the ground and delineate where the building will go as well as lay most of the concrete pillars the building will set on.
Music: By permission from MusicLoops: Flying for the Journey
KZbin soundtrack: Lauren Duskey
Some have requested to make donations to my off grid living project. Many thanks. Paypal: [e-mail]
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For those who want to contact me:
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Thanks for watching!

[@jimcarlisle2309]

Beautiful Birds, could watch them all day. I guess you turned me into a bird watcher! Thanks for the video Don!❤️

[@mikedu4365]

Hey Don... Retired grading and paving contractor here. Great job. Next time prepare the building pad by grading and compacting the soil within 1/2 inch of finish grade. You'll save big on concrete and forms material. Your way works fine but to much labor and materials involved. Love your videos and your doing what lots of people would give up before they started. Way to go!

[@AtomicSaunders]

I love how you said this without criticism, but just good information peppered with something nice to say.

[@Dutch779]

New subscriber from Melbourne Victoria Australia and good idea in retirement Don, 72 year old retiree here and builder by trade, always interesting to see another way of doing things.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Excellent suggestions from a professional Mike. Thanks. I didnt have the budget to bring in big equipment to grade things etc. So that is why I chose to put the labor and materials into it. Seemed the most cost effective way to do it.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Love visiting Melbourne. Been there several times filming parrots. Thanks for watching Dutch!

[@doramather4729]

Hey Don, you need to make more videos, I love to see your building progress on your 🏡 home 😊.

[@MJ-ge6jz]

Good to see the old goat is still kicking around the yard.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yeah and I am doing great too.

[@solosailorsv8065]

I like how your method DOES NOT need heavy equipment, rentals, laborers, or buying gear you'll only use for a year or so. Not even a $$ pickup truck! Cheers

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks solo sailors. Yes I find that so many people are locked into "traditional" ways of construction etc. that they end up spending money when they dont have to. I have very limited funds for this home so need to make it all work.

[@IAMTHAT1GUY]

Cracked me up with the low hanging yucca!😂🤣 Great Work Don! Keep it up!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

LOL yep the old bean got a thunk with that thing.

[@sskoutofdoors9503]

Hi Don, it is great to see you getting your main house started! You must be super excited! Stay safe in that heat. Praying for your health, safety and joy!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for the prayers. Yes way excited! and eager to make progress on this home!

[@sgrvtl7183]

The Desert Cardinal is beautiful~!

[@deecooper1567]

What a mountain of energy you have 🤩. Always like watching to see how you figure things out & do it. Be gentle on your body 😉. 👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Really trying to behave and treat the ol physique kindly but its very difficult for me since I am such a motivated energetic soul LOL.

[@kenmabie8029]

Wonderful video! I have built several smaller sheds over the years on my ranch (been here since 1983), and your tips are spot on . Takes time, or an experienced helper to get it right. One thing I learned, there are many ways to handle a project. Your way is as fine as other approaches. You are using more work than money, so that works for you. I am almost 75, so the body isn’t working as good as it used to . So helpers are necessary. Hope you get the major ones done before. Love seeing your progress. Cheers, my friend!👍🕺🏻👍

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for the encouragement. Yep I have lots of energy but not much money so that is how things work in my economy here. I too will use helpers when I absolutely have to or its the smartest thing to do if my skill level is not up to the task at hand. Thanks for watching!

[@aprilbaxter2578]

Bob and Brad are my KZbin helpers also! Glad to hear from someone else who watches them. I first hurt my shoulder, and then caught my slipper on the lip of the cement stairs and fell. I have to say, Bob and Brad give really good advice. I'm 76, and retired last year. I want to get out and see this country, but car is unreliable and I'm trying to save for a van so I can take my little dog with me. I'm glad you found someone to help you. I'll try to peek in on you once in a while. I want to see the finished home. I was wondering how hot it was there at the end of June. Now, I know! HOT!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks April. Love Bob and Brad. Yep 100 several days in a row now here.

[@MoroMoro1]

Great video. Can't wait to see the progress you've made in the last 3 months

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Moving along steady as she goes here.

[@ron9146]

I just found your vlog yesterday. I was looking at the drawing of your cabin, and I have a suggestion. The bedroom door should swing into the bedroom. instead of out into the living room. Better yet, move the opening over a couple of feet and use a pocket door. Then the closet can extend across the entire end of the room; doubling your storage area.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Good suggestions Ron. Actually I believe in the final drawing it will indeed swing into the bedroom instead of out in the living room. I am not a big fan of pocket doors to be honest. I lived in a home where they kept falling apart and they offered little noise protection from the rest of the home. Thanks for great comments and thanks for watching.

[@jimh4167]

Always nice to have projects you enjoy doing..

[@Navy3434]

Hey Don..... things are coming along nicely.....glad to see you are up and back at it!!......

[@sharlenevowels4125]

I like your idea of adding scrap metal to reinforce your pillars. You even got the engineers hands dirty! Awesome progress!!!

[@jaybird2299]

That's gonna be awesome when you're finished.. thumbs up!

[@marilynm8812]

Glad to see you healthy again and back to work. Exciting to see how your "cabin" progresses.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Marilyn. So glad you came by to check things out.

[@timerickson7056]

I'm leaning towards buying a cheap sailboat that really isn't fit for sea digging a hole for the Kiel an setting it on a peace of desert property. They have everything I'll need for day to day living and to make it more livable a interior remodel could get wider floors more appearance of space with and can easily be made water tight. Maybe I'll build a marina in the desert lol

[@solosailorsv8065]

35years on Sea here; there are many older gas powerboats that can no longer be allowed in many marinas. Powrboats have MUCH more space per foot than a sailboat. I recently saw a 55ft cabin cruiser for just 10k. And you are correct, it has ALL you need to live comfotably. The materials are top quality, shaming houses. I'd sell the engines at the boatyard and there are boat movers that will truck it anywhere. Cheers

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

That sounds so cost effective Tim! Long as you can insulate it for heat and cold.

[@ironspur2000]

Hello Don. I couldn’t tell but I would have dug below the frost line for the foundation. Since you’re already using blocks, I wouldn’t have built up the forms of the low end with poured concrete. I would have made them the same as the rest and just came straight up with the blocks. Also I would have put the foundations, past the house wall line. So that the blocks, would be in the center, of the foundation and not on the edge.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hi ironspur2000. I am not finished with the blocking so there will be supportive blocks in the middle as well. 24 in total. Also here we get very light frost so no need to dig far. The ground under a bit of the surface clay is like concrete so makes it easy to lay a foundation on that lasts.

[@SheridanAtwood-bd3ks]

Great Job, Don, thinking of ways to tackle a job in a way that it can be done bit by bit as budget and energy allows. It was a HUGE BLESSING to see you had your ENGINEER on site to lend a hand in the problem solving. Keeping things simple and not having many bodies all around , each trying to give their input is always so very crucial when you are trying to accomplish a project independently and within a short time frame. All too often I find that when I am starting an exciting project, others can't wait to come help, but I find that EXTREMELY distracting. It's nice to know that we have a community of helpful people around if we get in a pinch and need them but it is so very fulfilling to complete a project independently and fulfill our own lifetime dreams. I am glad you are living your dream. I do realize that many folks would buy an old mobile home and recycle it or a "cheap" tiny home at $45k pre Covid and now $125k and be done with it. Neither of those are viable options in AFFORDABILITY and your channel is indeed called Affordable Desert Living. .I have been there and done that and those old mobiles are just awful and cannot in ANY way meet the climate needs of your region. You are going about it correctly by taking your time and feeling things out and using the excellent blow foam for insulation, metal roofing and solar surfaces for rainwater catchment and so on. Just take your time to think things out on paper ahead of time and ask others what has worked for them in THIS climate. Many subscribers offer advice but have NO IDEA just how severe this climate is and how the demands of desert living differ greatly from other climates and microclimates. You aren't in any race and as long as you continue to show incremental progress between county visits, you are on the right track. Take care of that challenging knee and take the time to pamper your body by visiting a pool once a week or getting a water tank dedicated to immersing your body to unweight the joints and do stretches in the water. You deserve it, You work hard and you need to refresh your body in between efforts. Certainly you could have rented a cement mixer or had premix delivered but that cuts into the budget by thousands and this is all about AFFORDABLE DESERT LIVING. When all is said and done, I am sure you will have a sheet with figures on it to show the viewers what it cost to do various projects on the homestead.Prices have gone crazy the last 3 years. I had all kinds of other ideas to save you money but unless a guy has a completely vacant lot without trees and can maneuver a used mobile home trailer frame in there to act as the prebuilt floor framing, it just can't be managed. Lots of us have lots of ideas but the fact is, none of us know the lay of the land and the obstructions that you must navigate and you certainly wouldn't want to rip trees out and lose bird habitat just to get a subfloor in place. It's looking good and I am impressed at your tenacity and physical strength. With most people under 40 being gaming addicts these days, you are probably more fit than even a 25 year old nowadays! I appreciate your channel and the likely sacrifices of your privacy that you must deal with on a regular basis just like other KZbinrs do. Just keep on keeping on and realize that you might have to humble yourself someday and accept help, and when you do, you are living in the right county to get the help you need from OTHER OFF GRID KZbinRS who deal with the same issues that you do. Acknowledging the problems that other off grid channels are experiencing once they open their homesteads to viewers, I think I would be tempted to keep it simple and circle the wagons. After all, this is meant to be your sanctuary. :)

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Fantastic input Sheridan! I appreciate that you have a lot of experience building homes and took the time to write such a thorough comment.

[@bondpaz]

Looks like it’s going to be a great place! ❤❤❤ Wow! Those concrete bags are heavy! Watch your back. 😊 I love the cardinals. We get them here every now and then. Take care!

[@phuongvo3051]

I’m so happy to see you build your own home , I can’t wait to watch every week❤❤❤❤❤

[@lanec5672]

I admire your ambition & energy... 🤠👍

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thank you Lane. Saw a gorgeous 4' long coach whip a few weeks back.

[@lanec5672]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 You're welcome! Yes sir, those Sonoran Coachwhips can be very handsome, usually get more vivid as they mature. Post clips of your herp encounters sometime!

[@clarkwheeler8764]

Ok Don, you are probably finished by now but on your next concrete pillar pouring job---CUT the stakes off level with the top of your concrete forms. Makes leveling the concrete much easier not having to work around the stakes.

[@Shedhunter2]

Hi Don! Glad to see you doing well. I don't want to be critical but you asked for advice so here goes. Hammering the rebar in the ground like that, it will probably rust out eventually and can crack your concrete. We normally make a rebar "mat". Four pieces of rebar that look like a hashtag, and lay it in several inches from the bottom.

[@ram1brn]

he is driving it into hard pan (caliche which has the properties of cement by its self ) basically and here in the desert we dont have much of a rust issue . if and when it does rust out he would be long gone .He is driving it in so it does not shift position .

[@Shedhunter2]

@@ram1brn I love Don's channel! Don asked for experienced comments . I have that in Arizona. Hammering rebar into the ground in this instance is a waste of time and money. Imoh. I don't want anyone else to follow this example. Just trying to help.

[@Shedhunter2]

IMHO, LOL

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep the super hard caliche is fantastic for supporting even heavy buildings. Not likely to rust out the re-bar here in super dry az.

[@lawrence5039]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 No problem with rebar, you only have ONE shot at getting concrete right, so the little time for rebar is well spent, imo.

[@GRIMRPR6942]

Hey Don, its really starting to come together! The only things i may have opted for is using 18" "form tubes" instead of the 2x4's. Standard length is 48" so you could get 2 or 3 forms from one tube and just cut to length with a circular saw. They run about $10-$15 per tube, which would probably save on the cost over the lumber. Aside from that, renting a portable cement mixer would really help out with the physical aspect of the work. Keep up the great work and you'll be done in no time.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Good suggestions bud. I liked the idea that I didnt have to dig down deep to make the tubes stable while I poured in the cement. Renting a cement mixer these days sadly is almost the same price as purchasing one. Thanks for watching!

[@doingitwithnothing]

Great start I will enjoy watching your build

[@sgrvtl7183]

Exciting to see your cabin build is started! Goodluck and look forward to each video!!

[@simonseddon5270]

Hey Don , a new home .Wow thought you where living in cottage.What a great adventure. Happy building. Simon 🇬🇧😀

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Simon. No the cottage/cabin was always designed to be temporary. Thankful for it but looking forward to a place where I can entertain etc.

[@artperez1097]

Great job Don, keep us updated with the Cabin building process. Stay safe and don't overwork, drink plenty of water.

[@theshermano3000]

I have a 40 acre property north of you in Apache County and I have aspirations of building a cabin on my property in my retirement, too. (I'm 59 so a little behind you in the retirement department.) So I'll be excitedly watching your progress. I love the square pillars as opposed to the round ones. That is what I was planning on doing, too. Makes it easier for leveling and squaring, too.

[@keithinaz9769]

I'm recently off grid, near the Y actually. (60 and 61 Hwy, Apache County also.) I'm considering the 18" frost line, so am going 24" deep with sonotubes, and 4" by 6" posts to keep the tiny home out of the rain, snow, and varmints.

[@theshermano3000]

@@keithinaz9769 Sounds exciting. Are you going to document it on KZbin? Hope so. I didn't realize our frost line was so deep. Interesting. I'm on the other side of St Johns, off of 191. Good luck!!

[@dyannejohnson6184]

Love your explanations and positivity

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for a lovely comment. Just so encouraging.

[@fortyfourrobo544]

Don great video and I am happy your ok. God bless you and glad to see your channel growing!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

God bless you as well bud!

[@SatyrGrey]

Hey Don, long time viewer, and long time PT patient, as well as a CNA. The key to effective physical therapy like the ones you were doing is to GO SLOW!!!! Slowing down actively engages the muscles to the max, and ensures you’re getting the most out of the movement.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

You are so so correct. I went through them super fast so as to show 3 of my favorite ones and not bore viewers. I loosen up with some fast reps then go agonizingly slow for better effect. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@SatyrGrey]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 I'm glad! And yeah that makes sense. You wouldn't believe how many folks at work try whizzing through their PT just to get it done. I will keep watching, cause I enjoy your progress, also, glad you're doing better!

[@josephrogers5337]

Considering the climate and your age, you are amazing on what You are getting done. Keep up the good work. I only wish I could do as much as you do, I am going to be 81 next month and still using the riding mower with a wagon to work on my property. I still also have hair and it is brown.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Your doing great Joseph! Way to go with the mower work!

[@kurtcurtis2730]

81 with hair and not grey? Usually bragging is not cool but you get a free pass because it’s impressive

[@ifyoudisagreeyouarewrong]

@@kurtcurtis2730 brown pubes lol

[@Frank-James]

Love watching the progress! I am soooo happy that you are realizing a dream!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so very much!

[@rlh-okharvark]

Just lime for me. But when it’s hot almost any flavor is great!!! Love the MI reference and all the other references I grew up with.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for watching Rick!

[@beachlife9419]

Awesome job 👍👍👏👏👏👏

[@Eric-R]

Looking great Don. The call of that pyrrhuloxia is really nice! We've been listening to the baby robins here in Toronto.

[@marjorieroses]

Wow, Don, I am sooo excited to see you bringing this to fruition!

[@denniscasey986]

Cement bags as Christmas tree ornaments. Great work Don. Thank you.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

LOL. Yep off grid Christmas in June.

[@macnayeri5141]

Don, proud of you! You are an inspiration. Thank you

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for that encouragement.

[@stvboxtvbox3024]

suggestion for others...don't build multiple copies of each kind of form. make one or two of each. the day after you fill each u can disassemble' relocate and refill again. another tip is that if the engineer said that a r inch concrete pad is minimum then you never need to make an 8 inch pad. u can just plan to use more concrete blocks. i wonder why u don't have rebar sticking out of the pads to connect blocks... maybe OK but better use of steel than hammering it into the dirt. i applaud your ambition! u r on the right road though! 3/8 rebar is enough for this kind of work and cheaper and easier to cut or bend.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Great suggestions. I got ambitious and wanted to create about 4 forms per day. Also I was under the impression that it would be wise to let the mixture cure a couple of days in the forms before removing them. I didnt put rebar up through the pads just in case I made errors and needed to adjust the position of the cinder blocks on top. I hammered the rebar deep into the dirt to provide stability for the columns. Good tip on the rebar. I debated about 3/8 first 1/2". I went for 1/2" because I thought it would be sturdier.

[@authorcharlieboring]

Your life is really an adventure. My book, "Michael's Eyes," is full of adventures that you might find entertaining. Here is an excerpt. "During those fishing days, he would wade out into the lake, carrying a step ladder and burlap bag, until he was about neck deep in the water. He left his artificial leg on the shore and basically hobbled to his fishing spot using the step ladder as a crutch. He would set up the step ladder in the water and sit on it; fishing with his cane pole. He wore bib overalls and kept his stink bait and other tackle in the pockets of the overalls. Uncle Horace was a smoker; so, he kept his cigarettes, matches and some home-made beef jerky under his hat. He would fish for several hours; putting the fish that he caught in the burlap bag that he tied to the step ladder. On a good day he might catch 30 to 40 catfish. Many of the local residents knew of Horace’s success at fishing and were eager to buy much of his catch. He sold the fish for one dollar a pound, after he had dressed them and prepared them for cooking."

[@seanflanagan2441]

Sounds very much like Don! (Apart from the smoking, of course.)

[@seanflanagan2441]

Dawn, (sorry Don, but that's how it sounds when you say your name! jus' sayin')… I think you might have mentioned some years back that you inquired about the prices of HD delivery, but I gotta ask, wouldn't it be more efficient to have them deliver that much quick crete? (We always estimate low, but making a trip for a few dozen bags is better than hundreds!

[@joelguerra5832]

Don - discovered your channel a couple of days ago and have been "binge watching" since then. I admire your persistence and sense of humor. I'm looking forward to following you on your path to complete "off grid living".

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hi Joel. Thanks so very much for watching the vids and your kind words of encouragement. Its one amazing adventure for sure!

[@pitsmcgoo]

I've never done this but it looks like it will work. I have seen some crappy ideas that didn't work so at least I know what not to do. Glad you have the health to do it yourself.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Stay tuned...!

[@amarieshearer2591]

That’s a lot of hard work! Glad you are trying to keep in shape Love the bird!

[@geezerindawoods]

Don the new MacGyver. Well dun!!🎉

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I do my best. Thanks so much for watching.

[@jimandsniffers9408]

Doing a great job have fun god bless✝️🇺🇸

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

and may God bless you as well!

[@petergunn9149]

I would recommend getting a canopy of some kind to keep out of the sun😎

[@catzcradle]

I'm so glad you had some help! Now that's got to make you feel a lot better :-) now if the county comes in they can see you are in the process. Good job!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yes! Just recently passed county permit extension protocol.

[@catzcradle]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 splendid 👍

[@jill6477]

So excited to follow your cabin build. You cease to amaze me!

[@pmlm1571]

jill, as in "you *never* cease to amaze me" lol

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

So kind thanks Jill!

[@paularnold3296]

Don your videos are inspiring! Keep it up young man. Watching your progress and cheering you on from India.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so very much!

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

Great to see you going at it Don! One good way of staying young! Thanks for getting this video out and seeing how its done...

[@coyotech55]

Very nice! Going to be bigger than mine, and very sturdy. Mine's two 12x16 buildings with a 12x8 entry between them. So total 12x40, with a 4x6 pump house built onto one, and a 6x8 bathroom on the other. Yours will be extremely luxurious and roomy! You move those bags of concrete a lot easier than I do. I hate unloading concrete, stucco, drywall mud and all those heavy things! The cement will be really rough on the skin on your hands. You'll be wanting some gloves. Rubber gloves don't hold up. Use tougher gloves and rinse them out after.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep if you watch various parts of the bid I am wearing some pretty serious gloves. Just couldnt use them at some points. Yup moving cement is for youngsters I figure. Like folks in their 40s etc. LOL. But has to get done... Thanks for watching.

[@Back2SquareOne]

Since you are hand mixing the concrete, I would think that you could have gotten away with fewer forms. My understanding is that forms can be removed after about 48 hours. The concrete will not be fully cured but it should hold together fine. If you built the forms to be removable/reusable you could then just move them to the next spots. Alternately, using sonotube forms would have allowed you to just place the tubes, mark them with the laser level, and then cut them to height. That would have saved quite a bit of effort, and perhaps been about the same price. In any case, it looks like you are doing well!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Good suggestions. Thought about the sonotubes. Thought unless I dug them deep they would tip over etc. A lot of labor. These I found quick to produce overall and super stable. Really happy with them. I am re-using the forms after things are dry as we speak. Thanks for watching!

[@jimh4167]

36 years of construction here A quick 101 on lasers It is a defined beam of light... What they don't tell you but you can see Over distance the beam gets wider... Again what they don't tell you They will say. You're past it's limits.. ??????? Easy. Once you under stand Simple mark the top and bottom of the beam. Now mark center... Center is what you want.... There thing. Very important Always set up on original reference point Never on previous work.. Lumber isn't perfect... Small mistakes made again and again over days. Can make a big difference that's why I suggest always set up with the same reference point

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Good tips thanks!

[@victorm7274]

One good thing about using the 2x4. You can always repurpose them . Example :garden raise beds 👍🏼

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yes indeed! Thanks so much.

[@pamflowers8364]

You are doing a great job. My only suggestion is to use a wheelbarrow to move the bags around and mix the concrete in, then a spade to shovel the concrete into the forms. I'm a tiny woman and that was the only way my back would tolerate doing this kind of work on my sheds foundations.

[@coyotech55]

Yeah, that's what I do too. I got one of those wheel barrows with 2 front wheels and I use it like a wagon to move heavy things around, unload the truck, mix the concrete and stucco and so on. When you're small, you have to work smart to get around it. But I do like Don and end up using a trowel and pickax a lot, because that shoveling of concrete and even dirt gets pretty tiring on the back, too.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for the great comments!

[@pmlm1571]

Wow, a red bird, it is aptly named Desert Cardinal, how lovely. You need to harvest your cement-bag-tree. They look ripe. (Your setup was funny :-)) Great to see the knee and good work on those exercises. Progress!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

LOL "harvest the cement bag tree" Yep will do! Yes Desert Cardinals are gorgeous.

[@AbidAli-bv2gl]

Excellent video. I am with day one. you have good Engineer with you.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

So appreciate your faithfulness Abid!

[@johnbonotto7637]

I'll be there for the topping out party Don 🎉

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so very much for watching John!

[@donaldharen]

Wow Don! You're making me tired watching you mix cement and lug the bags! :)😀 You're doing a great job! If I lived closer I would come and help you or maybe jut watch.😅 Seriously, I'm so happy to see you back to normal. God bless you!🙏

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so very much for faithfully cheering me on and watching the vids Don!

[@Kralphrn]

you should mix and transport the concrete with a shovel, will be much easier!!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

My back doesnt like that angle to be honest. Thanks though.

[@carol07643]

I’m glad you’re getting some much needed help ! The cabin will look great when you are through.

[@creativeplayandpodcastnetwork]

Hey Don, you are my Hero for doing what I've always wanted but at 20 years my senior! were so working on our spread down in Double Adobe.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Wow way cool! Drive by that area quite a bit visiting friends etc. Fun to hang out at the Lazy Lizard as well.

[@mikeduda3173]

Looking good down you know you can throw anything into them pillars to take up space like rocks, metal, anything. Much less concrete needed.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Great tip Mike. Thanks.

[@RockGardenRanch]

Thanks so much for this - very helpful as I'm still deciding on building vs. pre-built tiny house. At any rate, I'm understanding a lot more about the "how" of doing these things. Your videos are so great!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks Cheryl. Purchasing a pre-built tiny house will be dramatically more expensive than building. But then its so much easier to purchase an already built cabin for sure. It all depends on one's choices. For me the final push came from crunching numbers and realizing I would be saving thousands by building it myself.

[@wood-youknowit]

Awesome work.

[@lanie-ok]

Brilliant and informative, thank you. Exciting project! It's my dream to bud a little home one day too 🥰💕☘️🍀🏠

[@lanie-ok]

Build, that is!

[@livingoutourdreams]

Hey don great seeing you back at it please stay hydrated out there .

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for caring. Yep chugging water when needed just today actually.

[@markpearson9085]

good job Don ! like #23 that's me. Looks like you are back 100%

[@leethebee1560]

Glad your back at it. Take your time, drink a lot of water. I think your over building the foundation, but its your home. Blocks with rebar filled with cement would have been good, Great job. I will be watching

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep overbuilding is a common theme for me Lee. LOL.

[@Lee-mmg]

I love Lime-Cucumber Gatorade. When I see it, I'll buy all they have because usually it's not over 12 bottles. They run out a lot! Beautiful song by the cardinal (desert). Really pretty too. Everything is way expensive now kiddo! Keep on going!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Lime-cucumber rocks for sure! Yep desert cardinals (Pyrhloxia) are lovely for sure

[@grdelawter4266]

Hi Don! What you are doing is incredible! Yea, I’m an old construction guy. Your doing a fine job. It’s great to get a little help. I just wanted to let you know, in case you care, that you are mixing concrete, not cement! Cement is an ingredient in your cake batter mix but concrete also includes sand and gravel. I would have purchased separately a bag of cement and added a little to each mix to make it stronger but it probably doesn’t matter. So there you have it. Your “cake mix” isn’t cement, it’s concrete! Best wishes

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much. I am working on correcting my choice of words as we speak. Appreciate your watching!

[@RVBadlands2015]

Great work Don. Lime cucumber is the best.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much RVbadlands. Yep definitely my favorite.

[@carolwhite6979]

don, Ut is great to see you and hear your always enthusiastic commentary! Those exercises must really be helping as you do seem pretty dory! It is very exciting watching your plans come together, and what a great treat to have a hands in subscriber too!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks a ton for watching and commenting Carol!

[@mortenthenorwegian2875]

Hello! Now I have binged all your videos and I am so impressed with what you have done and your plans. I am also recently retired and would like to do the same. The problem is that Canada and Norway have the same type of climate. So we do snowbirding to Spain instead. I look forward to following you in the future.Hello! Now I have binged all your videos and I am so impressed with what you have done and your plans. I am also recently retired and would like to do the same. The problem is that Canada and Norway have the same type of climate. So we do snowbirding to Spain instead. I look forward to following you in the future.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks very much Morten for kindly watching all of those videos! Yes indeed being in a cold climate has its challenges for sure. Thanks again!

[@TheMADDMATT64]

Thank you I am a subscriber and you are an inspiration. As someone who is getting ready to retire as well. I am familiar with that area of the country and would like to do some what of the same thing you are achieving.

[@RS-oy7uh]

Really enjoyed this video.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much. More coming!

[@RS-oy7uh]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 I'm watching from the Philippines. I've been your area numerous times. Benson Arizona, Cochise county. 🇺🇸

[@grpcchurchnortonva.8024]

Hello Glad to see you again ! Thought maybe you were sick again , glad you are OK! Be cool and Gid Bless !

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much. Doing great here!

[@marcelracine4154]

Hey Don, a bit of feedback from a 32+ year builder. Rebar should not be in DIRECT CONTACT(as how you have driven it into the ground) and the reason why is that when the soft steel rebar starts to rust, it will expand and potentially crack your footings. The pressure that can be exerted by that rebar is incredible. Better to use dobies to hold the rebar off the floor of your footing or use a hanger nailed onto the form to prevent the rebar from touching the soil.

[@marcelracine4154]

You can also use some additional Portland Cement to increase the strength of the bag concrete mix. That stuff with the sand and small aggregate makes it low strength and subject to cracking as well. I use the bag mix for repairs but always add cement to add strength due to the mix design they use which is why the cost is so low although ever increasing.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Appreciate the comments from someone with your experience. Here in SE Arizona its so dry overall I didnt see rust as being a problem and I really liked the added stability of marrying the cement pillar to the ground with the rebar. I hadnt heard before of adding more Portland Cement for strength. Great tip thanks.

[@garegardner6782]

Getting real now! I love this part of building. Keep that rebar and string line going Don, put in some streets and curb and gutter. This is only the beginning of "Donland", Or Affordabledesertlivingville! You are amazing, just look how much you have created.. I cant wait to see what your Oasis will look like when its done, in like 50 years :)

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I was snorting with laughter re: Donland, affordabledesertlivingville etc. Priceless! Thanks for watching and all of the encouragement.

[@JustinTurner000]

your humor is top notch :)

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

So kind of you to say Justin. Thanks so much!

[@martna1]

Praying everything falls into place easily.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for your prayers!

[@lynalford7782]

That may rest in the grand

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks for watching lyn.

[@jimmyjones4095]

Don instead of Gatorade purchase some Pedialyte. It's not just for babies. It has 3X the electrolytes than Gatorade. Looking good on the house building.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Wow not just for babies. Didnt know that. Great tip thanks!

[@anthonydesertony2250]

Fruit Punch!! Can't wait to see your cabin finished!!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Yep do fruit punch on occasion as well. Thanks for watching.

[@kenuber4014]

Don, I don't see any batter boards up. They make your job much easier. String line does not lie! Lol

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hi Ken. I used batter boards initially and then removed them. Sorry I didnt show that.

[@flyoverurbangarden4315]

Great job. You are so industrious.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for all of the encouragement!

[@zenzen9131]

Excellent stuff Don :)

[@Kralphrn]

You need a cheap harbor freight grinder with a cutoff wheel!

[@motorlibro]

My wife had a Corolla like yours and we wanted to fit a desk in the back seat. At first It didn't look like it would fit but I unsnapped the lower seat cushion and tons more room for your pickup!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Wow thats great to know. Thanks!

[@77sabrina77]

Not sure if you did ourbnot but, if you spray your concrete forms with diesel fuel you'll find it breaks off cleaner and easier when you're ready to take forms off. Nice work!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Sounds like a good plan Sabrina but fortunately its so incredibly dry here that concrete forms just peel away like magic. Just did some today.

[@marthabradas8873]

wow, great job coming along there Don! I know nothing about building, but I did see where someone poured dry quickrete into a container then added water. Don't know if that will work for your project in some places. Anyway, you are amazing and I love that you are building your own home. It's hard work for sure! Thanks for sharing!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I went round and round in my thought process on that one. According to cement experts though in this case thorough mixing is needed for such important items as foundation pillars. For putting in fence posts etc. you can indeed use the dry mix method.

[@sabines3191]

Hi, Don. Things look really good. I think I would've rented a cement mixer (that has wheels) and once one pillar is filled, roll it over to the next one. The use of a generator is certainly recommended. This definitely would save your back and knees and you wouldn't have to crawl around on the ground. Have a great day and I'm looking forward to your progress. Greetings Sabine😊

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Hi Sabine thanks for the suggestions. Cement mixers are a bit expensive and my lower back isnt what it used to be as far as throwing the cement into the mixer etc. Crawling around on the ground seems to be what works best for the ol Physique I find. Thanks so much for the encouragement and thanks for watching!

[@monoshock57]

A concrete vibrator would be a good investment. That gets all the air bubbles out of the concrete and makes it stronger. You can buy one of fleabay for 50-60.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Great suggestion. Thanks!

[@jamesgriego6283]

Great job Don

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Thanks so much for the encouragement James!

[@TheCruisinCrew]

I saw there was a major wild fire reported near where your homestead is... hope you're safe and the property was not affected!

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

Nope the fire was about 7 miles away.

[@TheCruisinCrew]

@@affordabledesertliving3487 I'm glad to hear that! :)

[@KDClark1953]

Wow Don that is a great idea. Using the 2x4s is smart. Your giving me some great ideas for my northern AZ place I need to build. I had already decided mine would be 16 by 40. I will be watching you closely! My biggest level is 4 feet. Guess I will be buying a couple of new ones.

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I hope the build is helpful and I definitely appreciate you watching as I go.