We Added A Rustic Reclaimed Door To Our Self-Built Off-Grid Home

[@SouthernBlessedHomestead]

You could use the space between the doors like a mud room to take off and store your muddy boots. Great video, love the new door.

[@bigpoppaaaron3367]

Keep the two doors that acts as an airlock so that you don't lose your warm/cool air out of the dome every time you open your front door.

[@donnatrimble7439]

Agreed

[@tlc1718]

A mud room just right lol

[@madmex2k]

@dharmaslife3361 Jess: Jim! Dont you dare track the outside mud into my nice dirt floors! I just cleaned it! Hahaha!

[@WindyYucca]

It's called a vestibule there always in commercial buildings schools excedra.

[@shawndonohoe2789]

Yep, in cold climates its a game changer. Im in Northern Ontario, I know. depending on the situation it can reduce heating costs up yo a third.

[@suehull6688]

It's a vestibule. You should keep it like that to help maintain the interior temperature, whether you are trying to keep it warm or cool.

[@williampowhida572]

Jess, stay in the dome for a couple of days and see if your headaches clear up. Good luck.

[@rosemaryryan6455]

We recon keep the door for inclement weather episodes. Make q bench n hook rack for boots, jackets etc

[@sherribeach4160]

DEFINITELY keep the unique, double doors! On nice days, or during the day, you can keep them open, so that the light comes through from the paned door, close them once the sun is down

[@WildOrchardOasisFarm]

It's the perfect mudroom. I'd keep both doors. Just open the wood door when you want more light. Love that rustic old door. It's perfect.

[@krazzygranny7032]

you need to put at least 1 long screw per hinge in the door side, especially with it being a heavy door, I should have mentioned the last vid but MDF for exterior door hinge is a not a good Idea it will swell and fall apart if water hits it for any period of time

[@scottstephens4587]

Aren't the hinge pins on the outside where weather rusts them or THIEVES can pop the door off and bypass any locks?

[@jenniferhalstead3815]

That is one beautiful door, I love taking old things and turning them into there original beauty.

[@leelulady2010]

If you add some weather stripping on the door frame, then it will function better against air and water intrusion. Also you can add on some treated wood trim (or PVC/plastic based trim to the four outside edges of the door to help stop air and water from getting inside.

[@samyoungblood3740]

Make the area between doors your mud room! That be awesome! Place to hang coats, boots, put umbrella, take shoes off, etc all before going into main house. You could build an old fashion hall tree

[@kurtcurtis2730]

It’s going to reduce the dust you track into the house also. Love it. Looks very very good. Maybe put in a window in the interior door? Take carbon monoxide SERIOUSLY. Pick up a detector, it’s only like 30$. You can go to sleep and not wake up. Blue lips, dizziness on waking needs ER visit Headache on waking is an early sign . heart damage can be permanent. Do Not mess around with it. Are used to work for an organization that provided weatherization I was very surprised to learn the house can be too airtight. Just getting all around carbon monoxide detector batteries usually last five years. Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

[@mmnootzenpoof]

looks like you need some shims between the door frame and the studs. screwing in those strikeplates bowed the frame out, which increased the size of the gap between the frame and the door.

[@damogranheart5521]

As someone who has locked herself out of her own home accidently, may I suggest having both locks keyed the same! I also recommend that you have a key on you at all times. I went out to collect the paper and my mail in my jammies , not realizing that my friend had activated the knob on the handle the night before to keep me safe. These were not my best jammies. Perhaps they should have been mended or better yet, burned!

[@roundron14]

Thank you for not monetizing your videos. Everybody else does. I'd still watch even if you did, your channel is my favorite. You guys keep it to the heart.

[@ram1brn]

when you hang the door for good just so you know you have the hinges on the wrong side the door should open inward not outward (they are hung this way for a safety reason ). makes it easy to break in all someone has to do is pop the hinge pins out . (yes I know it has glass panes so kind of irrelevent ) but for future referance and security also a doubled keyed dead bolt is better than one with a knob . also beef up the screws in the hinges and strike plates that is your stopping power for someone to kick in a door

[@JamesCouch777]

Excellent observations.

[@torrance_david]

Coming here to say the same about the hinges, especially with a deadbolt - kinda pointless. You usually don't want a double-keyed deadbolt because in an emergency if the keys aren't in the lock you could be trapped inside. That's even more important considering there are no openable windows in their place. One way out and you accidentally left the deadbolt keys in your pants pocket somewhere in the building that's now on fire...

[@sherribeach4160]

Better get some weather stripping between the door & jamb

[@MaryAbbey309]

You've got a storm lock.keep it.

[@ecocentrichomestead6783]

To fill the hole in the door, cut it so you can make a piece of well fitted wood to glue in there. You can keep the inner door up and see how often you leave it open/ don't bother to close it.

[@HalsPals]

I'd recommend 3" screws for the strike plates for security purposes...

[@CJLeTeff]

Jim you need to add shims behind the door jam near the deadbolt to make it firm. But honestly, a deadbolt door in the middle of a desert? 👍👍🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@patriciacallen9653]

Just a thought, have you ever considered building a roof over your trailer and surrounding the exterior with earthbags? It would insulate it better you can later use it for a guest house and it would match your dome house in that it is Adobe finish...

[@NoMoreHeroesAnymore1334]

As someone who currently lives in a small trailer I have FANTASIZED about roofing and enclosing it because they are NOT well made to deal with weather and rain and well, being outside. Theirs looks like it's in pretty nice shape so it might be worth their while. Mine is more in need of being put out to pasture, lol.

[@paulvanhouts3365]

I used to do medical rescues with a small recompression chamber, in Australia. Some were for people who used their gas BBQ in a sheltered but not fully enclosed carport. They had Carbon Monoxide poisoning, who would have thought. I learnt something in that time and the people also learnt the hard way. In Australia caravans should have monoxide monitors because of gas cookers, gas fridge options and the alternate fuel for hot water, all of which produce monoxide. The monitors are cheap so I imagine easily available where you are. Stay safe , take care and I enjoy your videos

[@bonniedavis650]

I just wanted to point out that the hinge pins should be on the inside. To get into your house , all I have to do is pull the pins. Then the door will open.

[@mmnootzenpoof]

or just break a pane of glass and unlock it. it's not really intended as a security door, i think

[@nicholasgardiner9601]

Yow green dream project, more fun and excitement from our favorite domesteading Arizonans!🎆❤🤗

[@sarahloy830]

Carbon monoxide can also cause headaches. Do you have a detector? I hope the dome heating works out well for you. I love the door.

[@fabulousfaith6886]

I think the 2 doors gives a great area to leash the dogs and clean their paws and stuff... also, you can keep them in so they don't jump at visitors or run off while you bring in groceries 👌

[@shawndonohoe2789]

You should always put one longer screw [2inch] on each side of each hinge

[@janettegrove5085]

Just wondering, wouldn't it be better to build a brick doghouse for Uvia? Her house can be heated with a lamp connected to a small solar panel. It will protect her from the elements

[@chancepatrick6260]

Should make a windmill hooked to an alternator.. extra power ..

[@hubertwebb9869]

Jim don't forget to put a shim or two behind the strike plate board to hold the door solid.❤❤❤❤

[@wayneakins7850]

Nice entry way

[@klazyy641]

Airlock? Kind of brave of y'all to have a glass outer door with those crazy winds you get. It reminds me of one of the Dust Bowl era doors. Keep on plugging away and all the best to all four of you.

[@philliperskine4986]

foyer is the word

[@craigsymington5401]

Good to see the progress. Don't over-seal the entrance, you need a fresh air source if you use a combustion heater! The headaches from propane can also be fresh air related, something I learned years ago. We need fresh air with oxygen to breathe 😊

[@runninggreywolf8313]

Cheap bright red lipstick from the dollar store easily identifies where things are placed. This includes drywall to easily make electrical outlets. It makes sense to use dog hair for other purposes.

[@DizzyIzzyMom]

This is a pretty door….

[@theshermano3000]

Love you guys. So please don't be offended. But that door is going to be a problem. Door jams are very unstable and it opens the wrong way. Just one gust of wind and the door is toast. You're going to want to rethink the entire door situation. The good news is, that's just more content. Lol.

[@runninggreywolf8313]

Why didn't you use a drill instead of putting the screws in with a screwdriver??? Also add longer screws in the hinges to prevent anyone from easily kicking in the door. I'd use three inch screws particularly on the strike plate for reinforcement. Add weather stripping, insulation or spray foam to help fill the cracks.

[@DesertNails]

I think it would be nice to keep all the doors to help with temperature moderation.

[@erniemeier9456]

ernies tip if the hinge holes are too loose for screws ,cut a sliver of wood and insert it into hole and then your screw will tighten the hinge to the door

[@ravenrock541]

FYI: There is always a small amount of oil in LP and NG. It comes from the pumps that moves the liquid fuel (such as in filling a tank, if that be the case).

[@arjanvogel6444]

Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love you guys.

[@nolawilliams7708]

Put a door you like as the second door and install a mud room between the two. It will give you a place to take coats off and shoes if you want

[@janebrummett8014]

Uvia is one of the prettiest Chinook dogs I have seen. She reminds me a lot of our boy Leo. He was the bestest of dogs ❤

[@KCCopper2192]

Hi Guys. Have you ever thought of using stucco as a wall covering? You spray it on and smooth it out. It works great and looks good. God Bless, and Happy New year. Pets for the dogs

[@FoodForestPermaculture]

Well done .so cute like a real door lolollolll

[@affordabledesertliving3487]

I would keep the other doors as well folks. If you have the time and energy you could change them up ie. design color etc. to suit your preferences and make everything look sharp. All the best on all of your projects. Your "neighbor" Don.

[@janina8559]

The breezeway makes a perfect mudroom/ dog room.

[@jeanneforand9776]

IAdded a garage apartment to my daughters house it’s well insulated like your dome. I recommend that you to look into a heat pump! Heat and cool with 1 unit. Super efficient !!! I am all solar and live in Maine. Love you guys and I am not a business. I am just an old lady living green!❤️

[@nellylugo7414]

I’m glad that other people told you to keep the door you made because I was going to write the same comment, keep both door and the heater will work better! It will keep you warmer!

[@bubbaredneck75]

Heres an idea. If you cant find enough hair for the mix you can get fiberglass strands by the pound at lowes in the concrete section. Its fairly cheap too

[@mmnootzenpoof]

hemp fibers are also sold for that purpose, if you don't want to work with fiberglass.

[@cjg8822]

Interested to hear health differences with different heat sources!!

[@floriebrown2089]

Its a little porch like what I have at my front door its very handy to shut during the winter. Lovely beautiful new door now if that door is facing South East leave the inner door open to draw in the heat from the sun remember what we learned from Geoff Lawton. Wonderful project thanks for the video.

[@catherinebrown8934]

Definitely keep both doors. You can open the inner one for light on nice days.

[@joyevefarmandforge]

Hubby just commented he likes how relying on rainwater has attuned us more to nature and the weather.

[@dorisgreenberg2811]

I was just thinking, I remember locking myself out of our first house. Worried about cops seeing me open one of the back windows to get in. So my thought was, hope you have a plan for being locked out.

[@1000YearHomes]

Mudroom. And I like it. Enjoy your build and the energy that you both have during all this build. Inspiring.

[@ourdesertwonderland]

Man!!! I love that you guys are living the dream and how awesome all your projects are!!!

[@kcbeerslinger]

You have a dead bolt striker on the door latch. The door latch wraps around the outside of the door. Just look at the different ones, You will understand. I would make sure to shim the door also. The air lock area is called a vestibule. Do you think you will get the two dogs to get along soon? It would be nice for each to have a buddy. It's nice to see the water reserves filling up too. Anyway, keep on plugging away. You will get ti soon🙂

[@dawnstinnard4783]

You could add a rustic glass door in place of the inner door. Between the doors make a mud room for boots and jackets.

[@bubbaredneck75]

Try opening a roof vent just a crack to help ventilate the camper. Same thing if you cook all day on the stove in a rv.

[@oldkokitsum4022]

Greetings, Is there a good reason why you installed the door to swing open into the elements, particularly the wind? How do you keep the door open on a windy day without possibly trashing the door? If the door has to swing that way why not place it 2 feet or so into the alcove to protect it from strong elements and give you a little protection when unlocking the door? Another option would be to swing the door inwards (like most homes) which would just require turning the door jamb around. Otherwise, nice job.

[@allenmattson2468]

my last house had a cold room before you go into the house. on cold days keeps the cold out and on hot days can keep the house cool air in. keep the room better.

[@tomrobinson6779]

Jim please change your deadbolt to one that is keyed on both sides. It"s too easy to break the glass, reach in and unlock the door.

[@clint1261]

Shouldn't you set the door up to open to the inside so it doesn't get rained on or caught by the wind when you open the door?

[@jherd9064]

It's called an airlock. It helps keep the air exchange to a minimum.

[@chetnash5991]

Love the door. Poor Crew is taking a back seat to the homestead now. :(

[@cjsmith1760]

You mentioned headaches because of propane. We've used propane since we changed from butane. Now that's a gas that can cause problems. Only problem was when there were problems with the heater. You live in a synthetic box on wheels. I'm concerned you may have an antiquated furnace. We did have a situation where my Grandma would turn the heat up and she had low ceilings which created somewhat of a heat zone which affected us taller person's .

[@practicalman45]

Exterior doors mostly swing inward, especially if there is no roof or overhang overhead on the outdoor side. There's exceptions, like your vestibule, where it may not have enough room to swing inward. So your door will be out in the rain and weather if it is left open. Wind gusts can grab it and slam it, so one of those air spring cylinders that closes screen doors might be helpful? Seal and paint it well so it is protected from moisture. Tighten the gaps between the door and jamb by tapping wedges in behind the jamb before it is screwed down.. For the door stop trim? Put some neoprene foam weatherstrip tape onto those strips before you fit them against the door, then they'll seal and fit perfect. Minimizing air drafts is important. Your home is coming along nicely and looking better each time I see it. Really enjoying watching. Keep at it.

[@charlenefoster6779]

Just going to join in with most everyone else and say keep the interior double doors. Seal up the outer door well and get yourself a mini split for heating/cooling. Of course cost is always something to think about, but the ones I have looked into are pretty cost efficient and easy to use.

[@carrieraupp757]

Thought your supposed to have the hinges pin side on the inside otherwise someone outside can just remove pins to get inside.

[@stilesevans1]

Like you find on screen doors, you need a chain with a spring dampener or other solution to prevent the wind from taking your door off the hinges. It looks like it could catch you off guard.

[@NonaMaryGrace1952]

I love sunny days in the winter. 💕NonnaGrace 🐓

[@William105-d9d]

My aunt in the northeast had a home with an entrance of that style. It was wider and was used as an airlock and a place to remove boots and heavy coats and leave them.

[@nancydill5286]

Just in case someone hasn't asked, why would you put a deadbolt where you have a glass pane for someone to break through and unlock the deadbolt? I love all your hard work!! Just wondered

[@JamesCouch777]

Very good observation.

[@christineherrmann205]

I actually assumed the deadbolt was more about weather than humans, but yeah, it won't keep out a determined human.

[@basiljackson3829]

I would strongly consider putting radiant heat in the walls. Just run the tubing in the natural crease between bag layers. You could do the heat and the walls at the same time, use less material on the walls because the tubing helps fill the crease. With radiant heat, you could even put the heat source outside the building and there would be nothing to react to.

[@TheLvablebird]

👋Hi from southern New Mexico...so I heard that if you leave comments you folks get more $$. So you all are doing fantastic.💖

[@paulehney4581]

The molding around the door that blocks the opening is called door stop. Simple wood straps work but you can make something that looks nice just by using a router to turn it into millwork trim. You will also find using wood shingles that are tapered for door shims inserted both from the inside and out will give you the ability to keep the casings perfectly straight and solid for when you trim out the interior and exterior of the door frame. Yeah gas is great for heating and cooking but unless you have a good air exchanger it sometimes causes problems as Jess described. Get a carbon monoxide detector just to be sure one of your gas devices isn't malfunctioning.

[@allon33]

You are becoming a pet lovers channel. I want to watch you build your house.

[@aleina5899]

Great progress and a milestone to have a key to your house. I would leave the doors up and use this new mudroom as a dog separation area at night. You may need to put a makeshift shutter over the glass though to protect it, if both your dogs are excitable when they see a rabbit outside.

[@maggiemims5063]

The morning 🌅. Coming up is so BEAUTIFUL ❤️ love it.

[@426superbee4]

The entrance > i like to put my coat and boots gun ect. at the door. So i just put some hanger on the wall by the door for a light, and heavy coat. and my rain slicker, I keep my rubber boots by the door as well. There has been fires and things happen around here, and it make it more easier having things there. Than running to a closet grabbing things

[@JamesCouch777]

You might consider putting a chain and spring on the door in case the wind catches it so it won't get ripped off the hinges.

[@DeborahAnneWeber]

I like the vestibule & it keeps you safer & your dome warm or cool, so insulated...

[@larrymortimer4833]

The strike plate you used for the latch is the wrong one. A strike plate for a latch wraps around the leading edge of the door frame to protect the wood from the latch. The plate you used is for a deadbolt.

[@pattigsbh4392]

YAY, Congrats on your door and nice entry way❤

[@dadugriff]

Great job on the door. The only way to tell if the inner doors stay is to keep them up a while. Time will tell. Granpap used to say that. Those headaches can come from carbon monoxide. A tiny bit will give you a whopper of a headache. Do you have a monitor? Stay safe. Have fun. We're all rooting for you. Would love to join you. But, I'm way to old.

[@arizonaunplugged8885]

Door looks great ya'll👍😊

[@marscents6194]

Worst thing you can have on your house is no porch I think you should keep the inside doors Love the Exterior door

[@archiemeche535]

Leave the two doors up you can always open the two doors to get light and still have them up for the winter

[@gavinrayne7922]

I'd keep both doors. It's a convenient place to take off your boots. BTW the place looks awesome. And good job hanging the door.

[@Peachy08]

I would leave the double door. You can always leave them open during the day for light but close at night for another layer of security and will keep it warmer at night. The word you were looking for was foryer.

[@janreynolds2476]

Love your videos. Really like all of you are doing. I may be wrong but I was always told to make an outside door to swing in. The reason is the wood that hides the lock going into the frame to make it harder to break in. Also the door in your house won't be dripping water because it is protected as it swings into the house. The back of the door will not get wet. Just a thought. Love you guys and the dogs!

[@judylee1860]

My house in Wa. had a mud room. It’s a nice buffer and you can leave your boots, shoes and even hang your jackets in there.

[@Jerry-ko9pi]

It would be like an inner airlock

[@dyannejohnson6184]

Yes I like the airlock idea absolutely

[@Doitgood52]

You should paint the door edges before placing any hardware on, especially for an exterior door.😊

[@johntbbouwers5428]

Just a note here. I live in Phoenix area and I do not heat my garage I checked it this morning it is 61 degrees. The garage is stick built with common insulation and a 16 foot garage door. I also have side vents with a ceiling vent. You at least need to better then my garage if you are pointing out temperature for the earth built home. your R-factor should be around R-12 for 16 inches of dirt.

[@jherd9064]

The hinges are exposed. By removing the pins you can remove the entire door. Security issue.

[@patriciacrabtree6786]

Love watching y'all's videos.

[@joycefuller4366]

Wow .. What a difference (Jessica You have bragging rights for the door, Beautiful labor of love) .. I would keep both doors too it will also keep water from the rain out you'll have a chance to dry the dog's and remove wet coats before letting them or yourselfs in ... 🤩