Building a House Start to Finish: Footing Forms Pt 1

[@ArizVern]

Hi guy and Gal, This brings back a lot of memories, thanks. I was 24, started my first real job, fresh our of Vietnam, US Air Force. Basically I was broke. Wife and I started build 1969, 2200 square foot home, we did most everything, ( plumbing, framing, electrical, 5 ton heat pump, doors molding painting). Six and half years later, no kids yet, 1976, I was 30, we moved in. Pool filling with water. Yes we know Hot - Gilbert, Arizona. Now 45 years later, I'm 72, kids grown up, still live here. Two acres irrigated land, Solar powered home, Tesla and Hummer. We loved the journey.

[@daverenshomestead636]

I absolutely think you two are an amazing couple, never let anyone stand in your way of making your dreams a reality. Thank you for all your inspiration it's inspiring

[@MagArtist]

What trust, and such love. You guys are setting a great example. This is what the creator intended. You two will love and enjoy your home more then mere purchasers could ever understand

[@RollinRagu]

You guys are an inspiration! My wife and I have watched most videos. We won't ever build a home, but that's not why we watch you. We watch because you represent working hard for a dream. You open up and are vulnerable. Thank you for letting us in on your dream. Next time it is 100 degrees and you've worked 16 hour days, remember what you represent to viewers and that we are behind you cheering!

[@rebar-king]

As a residential contractor, my biggest concern is keeping the family together. Projects like this can have it's stress. Take care of both of you, watch out for those 16 hr days~! I was taught, and now teach my young apprentices "Relative Importance". Some things do not need as much attention as others. Managing time wisely is a huge part of the project. The saying goes..."we're not building a space shuttle here" Fun to watch, thanks for sharing...stay with it.

[@nmopzzz]

They are trying to get this house dry'ed in before winter sets in so they can work the winter at their own pace. So the goal now is to work like a dog, try to keep up the spirits, keep telling each other happy things and make a big deal of every win no mater how small, so they can have a dry warm environment to work in during the winter.

[@scottunrein4178]

I think the thing I'm most impressed about is that you're doing all of these intricate measurements, involved work, AND you're producing a video about it. Mad kudos. Enjoying the progress.

[@biglebowskee]

I liked Jesse's comment at the end about enjoying many days in there home. When something is as arduous as building a house is it's good to keep in mind the end goal. Loving your videos Jesse & Alyssa. Don't forget to treat yourselves once and a while.

[@grannylyn757]

When it's all done, and you're rested and satisfied,,,,you two will FIND ANOTHER PROJECT! because that's how you roll! You two are awesome examples of a loving team! Bless your hearts!

[@Sharon-pb7so]

If I could give this 100 thumbs up, I would. You guys are so hard working and really making progress. The moment with Bugaboo was sweet. I love my kitty too and after a hard day there's nothing better than a kitty cuddle.

[@Noobiebrewer]

I have to say that I am always impressed at how supportive you two are of each other. It shows respect and integrity, but most of all love, for each other and the life you building for the future. Keep up the great work! You inspire us all.

[@jerrybates5791]

Well done...TEAM! Love your ability to work together. My wife and I have work nearly everyday side by side in our business for over 35 years and she has been my best partner and friend through every minute. Your devotion to being successful as a team is rewarding to all your viewers.

[@seansysig]

Hydration, health, perseverance, respect, and love are the tools for your success. You impress me every time I watch your journey.

[@nick.caffrey]

I really admire the way that they take their mistakes on the nose, get down and fix them. No fudges, no quick fixes. Just honest correction of mistakes. You could trust them to build something for you, and that is saying a WHOLE LOT!

[@ianfarquharson3772]

Anyone who says you won't do this project is just super jealous of all that your doing. You keep going. Your doing an awesome job. TkEZ»UK

[@offgridsweden]

I think you guys are doing an amazing job. Putting in 16 hours in the burning sun to fulfill your dreams. Love you guys and give Bugaboo a hug

[@millerrit]

I've been watching a while but now my 7 y/o daughter is hooked too, asking about all of the tools and techniques. You're living the dream of many of us. Remember that on the challenging days. :)

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

Best lesson learned here is to show appreciation for your other half, well done Jesse you got the gold star today.

[@sunraymoonbeam2270]

With years in excavation and site work. It's not that tough getting compaction. Your jumping jack is good for 6-12 inch lifts. A plate compactor for lifts of a few inches. Compaction test is cheap. I saw the mess coming when all the mud was thrown on the footing after the water main blew. Anytime you have that much water with compaction it's gonna start pumping the water. I do love watching the journey you're sharing. Such a positive couple. It's nice to see. Keep on keeping on.

[@wisdomoffered1903]

when your children watch these videos, of you building their home, boy are they going to be PROUD OF YOU. xxx

[@egood4531]

A friend called for how her day was going so badly. My response was so your really having fun. No matter how much life sends your way, remember how much fun your having solving each challenge. Some are hard and some are easy but they are all fun. Sincerely, Ron

[@0KPanic]

the trolls that leave negative comments on this channel fascinate me. I guess haters are gonna hate... These guys are documenting the home building process and never claimed to be a "how to" or "professionals". When you don't have formal training in an area, one of the best ways to learn is through experience (aka, on-the-job-training) and with research. It's one of the best ways to learn but the downfall is how expensive it can get depending on how often or how big you mess up. Jessie and Alyssa make no effort to hide their mistakes and are open with the the shortcoming they go through. I find this channel very informative and entertaining all the same. Keep up the great work guys and don't listen to all the haters. they just be jealous ;-)

[@motor2of7]

Nah, many of the comments here aren't constructive. Telling someone, who has never done something before, they're stupid isn't constructive, it's demeaning and mean. The constructive comments are truly helpful but these videos are 1-2 weeks behind, so they really aren't helping. The mean spirited comments are easy to spot, and usually include poor spelling and grammar, which points to the intelligence of the people making them.

[@larryjacobs5713]

Jessie you have worked so hard in the heat you are on the verge of being down right skinny. Great job so impressed!

[@Soldier4YHVHGaming]

I know you will get that house built. You two are killing it! Screw the haters!! You learn as you GO! Been with ya'll since around 1,000 Subscribers! Keep it up!

[@damontracyvis1017]

Must be tough to do what you want and to get to the dream you want. Thanks for keeping it real and not hiding those times.

[@nubs187]

I'm amazed at how well you work together and communicate with each other. I get frustrated when my wife might cut the lawn, possibly missing some sections, or just doing it differently than I would. Suggestions start to unintentionally sound like micromanaging; "If it was me, I would do it this way..." Just as she gets ticked if I do laundry. Somehow I'm not doing it right, or the way she would. I wish you two success and look forward to more vids.

[@mademoisellekaya1438]

This end got me big time... brought back some memories and been there only never had the love and compliments and looking back it is so important.. because I ended up divorced and got to say goodbye to my own build house and realizing that the foundation never had been honest. Alissa, I was you back then. You both keep strong and like this to each other and it will be the house and life you're building and must keep on building

[@Litzbitz]

IT JUST GETS MORE EXCITING AS EACH VIDEO SHOWS UP. I DON'T THINK YOU ARE GOING TO GET YOUR HOUSE BUILT. I KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO GET IT BUILT. THAT IS A LABOR OF LOVE AND SHOULD BE AN INSPIRATION FOR ALL YOUNG PEOPLE TO GET OFF OF THE GRID AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR REALITY. LOVE YOU BOTH AND I AM CHEERING YOU ON BIG TIME.

[@7munkee]

You two keep doing what your doing, you are inspiring tens of thousands of people. One of favorite channels, and I watch 2-3 hours of YT each day.

[@thedesertangelhomestead9981]

GREAT JOB !!!!!!!! I love watching your channel you both inspire me to keep going and I am going to be 51 in January and I literally started over at 47 years old THANK YOU for the boost of AMBITION

[@northofport]

I'm a retired GC from NY. JUST an FYI. I admire how and what you both have accomplished TOGETHER. Keep up the good work....remember! (IT'S NEVER OVER UNTIL IT'S OVER)

[@JamesDElliott]

Ya'll will definitely get this house built. Love watching the progress. KEEP CALM AND KEEP AT IT!

[@edtin1834]

Been waiting for this - not disappointed. Have enjoyed following your journey and now the house is rising from the dirt! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us.Can't wait for the house to grow. You guys are amazing and fun to follow.

[@charlesmiller5078]

Always keep in mind the memories you will have in the future, or just re-watch the videos, I built 2 homes, wish I had the process in video. The first house took me 4 years before I could call it completely done. You will see. Keep after it guys.

[@glenntownsin2110]

I said a year ago, I'll come a see if your still living your dream.. I have to say hats off and maybe I shouldn't have doubted you both!! Well done for preserving..

[@fillg]

I've always seen concrete forms with those stakes holding them up but I never knew and never even thought about there being nail holes in them. I learned something new, now my day is complete.

[@richardflanigan9475]

Nice job! Suggestions for the future from a concrete former & finisher... use a plumb bob... drop it so it forms a small hole / dollup in the dirt and put a nail there... that's the bottom of the front face of form... with the form in place (bottom is at your nail...) plumb the form up w level or whatever... and put the stake to the back of it instead of trying to measure for form thickness / size. Drive the stake down to finished form height so you don't have to screed around it and lift the screed past each stake. Finishing is much faster that way. If you are concerned the form will drop too low between the time you start setting forms and pour... You leave it slightly high and then right before you pour you walk around and adjust to finished height with your laser and large adjustment device (hammer)

[@glenmullet]

It make me happy to see you taking extra measures to make sure the job is done right, by removing the mud and replacing it with dry dirt. Something about a job done right make me feel good inside. :)

[@craigminca7446]

Great work guys, Your form work, string lines and all your the measurements are so impressive. This part of my reno/extension scares me the most. Congrats!!

[@MrJavs37]

Kuddos Jesse on all the great compliments for Alyssa. You all have come so far. It will be a fantastic house soon.

[@owenwilliams4409]

FYI both of you are my favorite dinner time entertainment. Truly inspiring me to live life to its fullest. Thankyou.

[@londonacres3291]

Good job y'all! I love seeing y'all two working hard to make your dreams come true, this path you're on is not something that many people would choose to do these days. Let the haters hate, you two are the ones out there working your cans off to build your own house from scratch. I believe in you guys, and have faith that y'all will be dried in or better before the first real snow fall.

[@timelmore2]

It's awesome to see that building your home is more important than building your house. Keep that up.

[@franalldred1622]

I love the way y'all compliment each other and Alyssa is a big help to you that makes a very good relationship I love watching you two work together you're such an inspiration to the rest of us.keep ignoring the trolls and doing what y'all do best you will get the house done I see it now

[@hanko4929]

Awesome couple, you two are made for each other, good luck with your journey!

[@BulletproofPastor]

Great progress! Here's a tip for working with "jello" soil. Portland cement will suck moisture out of mud like nothing else. Layer it over the mud and use the "Whacker-Packer" to work it in. Your mud will be rock hard within a few hours. Keep at it!

[@sooeyjane476]

I love your videos and I love seeing the two of you work so well together. I know the time it takes to produce each video is long but please believe me when I say, it is worth the effort. Sometime in the not too distant future the two of you will look back on all your work and be amazed by each step that it took to achieve your goal. You can be very proud of yourselves! Thank you for letting us tag along!

[@zaphodtrenchcoat]

ooh so exciting. i now understand what you have been talking about. Forming and Step Downs. well done you both.

[@brownsnake0400]

I am so glad you got rid of that clay. Used to work road construction and that stuff never hardens enough. Looking good so far guys. Keep it up!

[@chamilton9182]

Awe you guys... what an EPIC day. Really enjoyed the video..... especially when Jessie gave Alyssa some long overdue credit at the end. I am so happy for y'all. You are doing GREAT!!! Can't wait to watch your progress. God Bless!

[@lm91169]

when driving nails into form stakes..hold the sledge on opposite side to help prevent bouncing of form and stake...(If someone beat me to this sorry couldnt find it in comments..) rock on guys love it with you all the way on this love your journey and that you are taking this on as a couple it is truly amazing to see.

[@chaptersofspurn3282]

This is what I've been waiting for. Seeing you work on your house. Nice to see the progress.

[@Smacker3801]

I am glad you appreciate Alyssa's input as I think she is a exceptional woman and has a great attitude towards both of your efforts in the end result....very entertaining....just my opinion from Australia...

[@tiny9614]

Proud of you guys keep chuggin away, you'll be there before you know it.

[@Comicsluvr]

I think it's great that you're doing all of this together so BOTH of you are familiar with every stage of the operation. After once or twice on a project, it's all 'you do that part, I'll do this part.' When the house is DONE you'll both know where every board and nail is at. After you're done, I think you should start your own off-grid living course and teach other how to do it.

[@WTF-Gus]

Plumb Bob is the best way to find a point below a plum line but maybe not the fastest. Awesome Job Guys

[@susansharphaynes555]

I know you two have determination and you WILL finish!! I'm so proud of yall plus it's something I look forward to.

[@tigerspook1]

Hard work brings success, and you two sure as heck are hard working, good on you, you certainly deserve that success..... much love & admiration from across the great pond.. Trisha xx

[@JayHutchG]

Long time follower - 1st time commenting. What a great accomplishment you guys! Your pouring footers on your new home. You seem to be tackling the inevitable trials and tribulations of being your own contractor, laborers & engineers in stride . . . at least on camera ;-) I think I'm most impressed by the can do attitude I see in Jessie & Alyssa as they face the challenges and figure out the puzzles they face almost every day. Seems you approach it like its a game puzzle to be mastered and in the process learn stuff that none of us ever do, or have the guts to take on. Sure the bad situations bum you out, but the sense of accomplishment you feel now, and will continue to feel indefinitely is a god send. True life skills that will follow you for the rest of your lives. And to see you have an issue and not cave, but go back and do it right. Truly inspirational. CONGRATS Jessie & Alyssa. - hutch

[@franchase279]

Your perseverance and patience is incredible!

[@samuraikenji22]

You guys are amazing. Its obvious you put everything you have in whatever you do, even the video editing are great i think. Lot of negative and know it all people comment and all, but i hope you guys are not affected too much by it. The reality is, not many people have the capacity of self sacrifice and commitment to a cause as you both have. I hope you keep up the video coming and stay healthy. Its great to see you guys work, hopefully you know a lot of the negative comment come from people who could not do a third of what you both do.

[@robintrunnell6836]

I love watching you guys. Please ignore all the haters.

[@frederickoning191]

Both of you work so hard and so productively as a team! The whole series of build videos inspires me. Thank you.

[@Flash1857]

Frederic Koning agreed

[@brandonbeckemeyer1579]

A tip that may help you in the future is to drive your stakes below the top of the form. To make striking off the concrete easier by not having to go around the stakes.

[@snakelover09]

I've been watching every video for months now. Every day. How on earth am I not subscribed? A true rookie moment there

[@clintrussell]

As i watch you 2 work very hard , long hours I sit here struggling along with you (emotionally of course) and My emotions go up and down LOL its crazy but i'm HAPPY!! for you guys today =)

[@TheRedhawke]

This house is shaping up and the the forms are looking great. Keep up the good work guys, I can't wait to see the house go up.

[@modis25]

I build houses in the UK, and its my dream to build my own one day. I'm very jealous. You are both doing an amazing job, enjoy the process it must be very exciting. Keep up the positive attitude.

[@falekelly6396]

I been watching y'all for awhile now. I gotta give y'all props. Straight motivation!!!

[@renajones4617]

You two are awesome! Stay strong! You two have got this!!!

[@garyrogers6761]

i am enjoying watching you both put in the hard yards, and feel that you will deserve the rest and relaxation you both now crave but you realise you have a little way to go, the light is visible. all hale to both of you and you have a perfect record to regale the future offspring with. keep it up!

[@plantbee333]

You guys rock! Thanks for being real and keeping your videos (yourselves) entertaining. Some channels, they have great video but they're a nightmare to listen to them talk about anything. Keep it up, maybe we will come visit one day!

[@WuTangcl]

Just a little comment from me without any advice, critisism or "know better" , Jesse & Alyssa, inspite you both putt up so many hours working and building or whatever needs to be done, I envy you both! You 2 are courageous people that work on a dream and a future. Love ya for that! I wish Me and my girlfriend were younger and had the means to do the same you both do, and for that I am so jealous. You both deserve so much good luck and energy that I wish that upon you! Spoken in Star wars terms: "May the force be with you!"

[@repalmore]

I worked for SHB Agra Earth (no longer in business) out of Salt Lake City, UT. Native soil isn't always at peak compaction for the given soil. Back fill isn't always a bad thing. One of the sites I worked from grade stake to roof was a school that was on a constant grade and half the school was excavated and the other half was set on back fill. Soils, excavation and back fill are a whole area of study of it's own. Use of water is one of the most misunderstood things in soils. Best of luck and it does look to me like your doing OK.

[@johnleal12345ify]

YOU GUYS ARE AWSOME TOGETHER.MOST COUPLES THAT ARE HAVING HOMES BUILT END UP DIVORCING BECAUSE THEY CAN"T TAKE THE STRESS.BUT JESSE BOTH YOU AND YOUR WIFE WORK HARDER THEN MOST EXPERIENCED BUILDERS.

[@davestrong6472]

Couple tips...when you hammer nails into the form use a small sledge hammer on the other side to back up the forms. If you have a roto hammer get a attachment to drive stacks, you can use sand and wet it down to backfill the footing it compacts to 100% by just wetting it.

[@randallparker8477]

You folks are doing just fine, of course it's hard work, but the learning, and doing it yourself is going to be such a satisfaction when you are sitting on the porch and surveying your domain. Keep strong, and keep your faith. Thank you for sharing your lives with us couch riders. LOL

[@gerrygriffin8925]

We use cloth pegs to mark the string lines, crimping wire to the line is slower and can damage the string line. Cheers Gerry

[@ericduncan2191]

I like watching your progress! I hope to break ground on my own home soon, so its nice seeing what others have to go through to get it done. Certainly helps in the planning department! Keep up the good work!

[@stargatefred]

You two are doing good. Don't let the know it all's get you down.

[@peterhaan9068]

It's my understanding that your corner to corner to corner to corner measurements can be dead nuts but if you don't measure from corner to opposite corner, and again going from opposite corner to opposite corner with both measurements being equal your forms will not be square. Love your video's! Kudos to Lisa for her music selection and editing!

[@mordeth8738]

Our cat backhoe draws overnight as well, I believe we diagnosed it as a positive wire was rubbed bare and touching the frame somewhere. We just disconnect the battery when we arent using it.

[@morrow.m]

Y'all are coming along! Happy for ya!

[@MrHunterseeker]

Cool seeing how other geographical locations build houses. I live on the east coast/middle US, when we did our footer, we dug out a 3 foot deep ditch/form and filled it with concrete then cinder block 5 high. The fireplace and brick chimney footer was done the same way but it needed a huge footprint out from the house (2 story chimney) the edge of the footer was like 6 feet out from the house footer and under the house it sits 3 feet out from the wall footer. Before we had the footer laid, I ran a 3 inch white PVC under where the footer was going to be for the water lines on one side of the house, and went ahead and ran the sewer out the opposite side of the house to make it less of a head ache later when hooking up utilities.

[@SwimCoach8]

Hey Guys, wonderful job. If you have a heavy duty hammer drill, they make a cup adapter bit. Metal cup that works like a drill bit. I don't know how it would work in your soil but peeps in PA use them to drive ten foot grounding rods. Should do your D pins on your forms with ease. Prolly wanna kill me for making this suggestion this far into the process!! Your dream is getting closer by the minute. Keep on keepin on. Steve

[@dfwp2866]

Well done both of you. Glad to see that today was a better day than yesterday!

[@Elderos5]

Alyssa, you go girl! 👍😊. A short is one of the Hardest problems to trouble shoot. I strongly recommend that you contact the manufacturer or a certified mechanic and ask them if this is normal operations. That could save a ton of your time. With a short the problem can be anything in the electrical system from the cables to each individual component. The process is to find what area the short is in, what system it shorted, lights, pumps ect. The you need to rule out the lines going to the component. You can rule out the cables by disconnecting the lines between the battery/fuse and to what ever component that line is going to. Then take the line ends at the component and connect those ends to each other. Go back to the batter/fuse and use the Ohms function, on your meter, between the two lines. You should get a small amount of ohms readings. If you have a very high ohms reading, something in the thousands of ohms (ie high resistance), then your lines are shorted at some point. Otherwise, you will have a bad component.

[@Elderos5]

There is another comment on ruling out the different components and lines to find which area is putting the draw on the system.

[@amarieshearer7613]

Doing a great job! Very nice to see you both smiling! You will have a new house how exciting!

[@MrCabin33]

I salute you guys, y'all are the most determined couple, I love watching you videos. Thanks

[@goeja]

Respect my friends keep up the work. Do not despair just keep up step by step you will get there.

[@joshgerszewski]

I'm happy to see a video I can understand fully what your doing. iv been a concrete guy for 7 year now. have done many footings. what I hate about footings is it takes longer to square things off then it does to put up the forms lol. you have done good. thankfully the soil I deal with most of the time is softer and ways less rocks so most of the time we can get away with using wooden stakes but the down side is we always have to dig out and put in class 5 gravel and pack the crap out of it .

[@fynbo1007]

Nice job done, you are bless with your amazing cat. Thank you for sharing your amazing video

[@FarFromN0thing]

Great tool type to look up. A cordless auto hammer. Great for close-quarters and bizarre angles. Also, for time of low light, get amber colored safety glasses to extend your work time if needed.

[@mattmalone2876]

You two are awesome. Love taking this journey vicariously through you

[@julianshaw1775]

Hope the good days continue, you're doing a great job, both house building and producing content! you should be very proud

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Alyssa you do a wonderful editing job - aside from the amazing work you do side-by-side with Jesse !

[@keithbyerly2979]

I know you guys are past pouring the footers.....cant wait to see that video. And I know you work all day then edit either night or 1st thing in the morning. That is why the delay in the videos. Great job.

[@johnthreadgill2843]

You are the hardest working couple I know, great job. Wish I was close enough I could help you.

[@theveemanator2135]

Been watching you for awhile now. Lots of negative troll comments here. I want you both to know that I enjoy your vids and the awesome progress made thus far. Keep up the good work!

[@TNDragonmac]

I know I am late as the footings are probably already poured. When i stake out forms i try and put stakes across from one other and tie wire between the stakes to help prevent blow out. Looking at your forms on this vlog it would seem that you have little or no blow out protection. It might not be needed but it is a massive time and money saver over having a blow out.

[@timberwolf0122]

One step at a time! You are doing amazing.