The Dirt: Updates About Our Off Grid House Build

[@SimplyJanHomestead]

I’ve seen the ICF materials used and it’s awesome! Y’all take this time to allow your bodies to heal. Slow and steady wins the game. It’s great seeing y’all again!

[@BouncySlim1]

Time flies......two years already!!!!!! Blessings to you both!

[@crochetrodeo]

Thanks 4️⃣ talking about the pain you’ve been going through. Keep calm (by sharing) and carry on (persevere). Just know people care! ❤️

[@stevepailet8258]

One suggestion. Do try to find one good helper for doing the build. It is amazing how much faster and easier life becomes when you have that one extra set of strong hands who just enjoys being out and working on a project. There are folks who have been in the trades but have just retired. Never know till you look around. Sometimes they can be found getting referral from places like 84 lumber or home depot, or even your local folks who do your inspections.

[@simoneconsciousobserver3105]

This is a time of working thru our stuff...dangerous bug bites, slipped disks, eyes not working right seem to have brought you to this seemingly perfect construction method. I am happy that the working thru all these challenges still has you talking in the dirt. You inspire others thru your challenges as well as each other..GO TEAM GUlLDBROOK

[@locksbog4270]

Do yourself a favor and add colored dye to your porch pours, i wish I did because as we know plain concrete gets crappy looking quick after the cream starts wearing off, plus it will hide any green mold on your NW & NE sides a lot better. 👍👍👍😃✌️

[@ladyfortunaadams8836]

ICF is a great decision . Your tenacity is inspiring.

[@arussianasset3948]

You guys have your hands full. Makes perfect sense why we haven't heard from you. Wish you all the best. After all the work you've done I'd hate to see you give up. I'm pullin for you guys.

[@tdanak]

Go go go J & J! You got this and we’re all cheering for you!

[@ericday2072]

Glad you're still here and moving forward with your dream.

[@roniniowa1661]

I am so excited for you to have reached the point of “let’s get started”. I have truly missed your videos. I’m not building anything, I just admire what your doing and appreciate the sharing of your knowledge and experience. May the weather hold and cement begin!

[@mr.rodriguez3908]

Absolutely a test of perseverance. The trials that make many quit arrive right before the greatest successes. Hold onto your dream, stand steadfast and it will come to be. Believe it!

[@annetteandhercrafts]

It's the most wonderful hole in the dirt. Congratulations! 🚜⛏

[@denis_da_menace]

FINALLY!😀 Glad to see you guys! 🤗🙋‍♂️

[@kayrudi2422]

Wow, I am excited for you! Sending positive vibes for continued progress with the house build and continue healing.

[@curban616]

Don’t get frustrated..you are still young. Fight for your dream!! Things are not always easy, but you know that. Keep up the fight. You will be so happy in the end.

[@hollynla]

Glad to see yall back, can't wait to see more about the house build.

[@Wolfmancollectibles]

Im glade ya'll are doing good, been praying for ya'll. Can't wait to see the upcoming video's on the house build!

[@DeepSouthHomestead]

Hang in there guys I was a general contractor for 26 years. Using ICFs is a wise move in your area.when done you will really appreciate it and the work you put into it. Messed my back up years ago it will always be there. You can pour in cold weather just have them add extra calcium when finishing it ive done it many times. Good luck guys good to see y'all again.

[@corrinnehoffman3248]

Best of luck to you with this build. Looking forward to watching it and so sorry about your tick and eye problems. Stay safe!

[@Maj_Kasul]

Hey guys. Thank you for sharing. Keep the faith. You’re awesome.

[@mrwhitten7704]

ICF is a great idea. I've seen several ICF builds on KZbin and they always turn out awesome. Sorry to hear about all the physical challenges, but those are a part of life.

[@Sciayam]

I missed you, so happy to see you again. Sometimes it IS better to change plans or move - but too early to tell, I think. I wish you happiness and joy. I really hope you are out of all those grim things and can move forward :)

[@writerwithagarden]

THANK YOU! So Much, for sharing your difficulties with us... My family is also at the two year mark and I'm trying to deal with health issues and finances. Everything is going wrong at the moment, but I can't help but think that if we can just hold out, it will be SO worth it!

[@joyceb1701]

Thanks for sharing! I'm excited for you all. You sure have been tested these last few months! Continued healing thoughts!

[@marklownox]

Glad to see your home build is going to move forward. Looking forward to seeing future videos of the build!

[@karioare]

Congratulations on the progress! You should research Hempcrete if that's an option, Good Luck!! My husband and I spent 2 years building our own steel frame home on our land, it will definitely make you stronger than you ever imagined!! My Mother-in-law actually passed away unexpectedly in the middle of our build and then we got a surprise pregnancy with baby #4, oh and my husband also built a 66 foot tall vintage gas pump landmark at the car museum on Route 66 (in our hometown) during the 2 years we were building our own house. We got moved in right before the baby was born and we still have so much trim work to do and even a few closet doors to install, but were here one step closer to being off-the-grid and self-sustaining, we can't wait!! One day at a time. 🤗

[@annabodhi38]

So lovely to see you two again. I am glad that you stuck it out, even through all of the health issues, building issues, and those blasted stink bugs!! Lol, I am looking forward to more from you guys. Love these dirt videos. Thank you so much for keeping us up to date, and looking forward to more, woo hoo!!

[@lesleywatkins1172]

I’m so pleased that your plans are finally coming together. I hope your injuries heal quickly and can’t wait for the next video.

[@theclarkfamilyhomestead2395]

We are with you guys, homesteading is hard on the body. My husbands back went out and it is brutal. I've had 2 back surgeries and a leg surgeries. But we are still putting away at it. I think we may rethink being all the way off the grid. Hubby also got diagnosed with copd. And the elevation messes with his breathing. We are also weighing out options trying to decide if we are going to move or not. So bless you guys and hang in there, we feel ya!

[@wahnitafinnegan4410]

Woohoo hope all goes well for your build and health fingers crossed 🤞, take care😊

[@samualwilliamson1187]

I firmly believe that you will achieve your goals. You both are smart and creative, which is a powerful combination! Remember, you are not alone!!

[@carolsuesamuelson7935]

Happy to hear you are getting started. I am looking forward to your build. Thank you.

[@hollynla]

Jeremy, my husband had back issues that he had been seeing an orthopedic doctor and chiropractors who didn't really do much for him. After some research, I ordered an inversion table (not an expensive one, about $200) and it has made a world of difference for him. He's been feeling great for a couple years with no pain. He used it a couple times daily for 5-7 minutes. Now just uses it periodically or as needed.

[@stevepailet8258]

I had one but did not use it a great deal just enough to put a bit of traction. Worked wonders When I moved it was one of those things that found a new home

[@martinparmer]

Gosh, the difficulties yall are encountering are rough, but... I've helped build several houses, and have built 3 myself. I can tell you it's going to get worse. BUT hang in there. There's always a point in a build where you tell yourself, I can't believe I went down this fricking road. But you keep going, you keep working through the exhaustion. And then when, not if, when you are done, you'll be so very glad you did it. So very happy you got it done. Always look back on all the amazing things you've already accomplished. A house is just a series of projects. "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at at time"

[@texasnative4803]

It’s good to see y’all back- I look forward to seeing the build-👍👍

[@liocean9636]

Glad to hear you guys are feeling better. Keep praying every day!

[@charlesburkhart800]

Sounds like life. Prayers for both your healing and progress with your projects.

[@jsbrooks72]

Icf sounds awesome. So glad you guys are back.

[@thankfullpriscilla291]

My husband and I are glad you are back. My husband was really worried that you weren't getting a builder and might quit. Couldn't blame you. I'm sorry for all of the medical issues. I'm praying for complete and quick healing. Jamie, you are amazingly talented. I'm glad that part is going well. I hope the build stays on schedule. Good luck 👍

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

It's awesome to hear things are turning around for y'all on the home build.

[@BrainStormAcres]

Welcome to the world of “owner builders in the sticks”. We were the general contractor for our place for exactly the same reason, and we went through the same crap, in terms of trying to figure out what we could build. When we were watching your earlier videos we had hoped that you would be luckier than we were. But, we have a house, and eventually so will you. Good Luck! We learned all sorts of skills, and we have been living here, off-grid, for fifteen years now. Patience grasshopper!

[@inmyimage1081]

Just subbed your channel. Is there specific training you would recommend for someone with minimal home construction experience to get before go the homeowner general contractor route? We hope to buy land sometime next year and initially will get a well and septic so we can park a 5th wheel on it but are probably 2 years out for beginning our build and fully expect it to take a year or two to complete because of financial constraints. Might make a great video idea for you... Thx

[@BrainStormAcres]

@@inmyimage1081 Irene took the Shelter Institute home design/build class which was very helpful. I'm not sure what their course content currently includes, but the class covered many different building techniques (wood only) and a decent overview of building codes. Their facility is in Wiscasset Maine, and they focus on timberframe construction. Some community colleges offer a variety of construction classes at a low cost. You could also volunteer to work with Habitat for Humanity to gain some hands on building skills. Consider building a few smaller structures first as a way to learn how to work together while exercising your basic building skills. Maybe a shed, well house, or a pole barn to store miscellaneous homestead "stuff." If you currently line in suburbia, you could build a dog house, a trash can storage shed, etc before you move to a new piece of raw land. Lastly, look at specialty classes like plumbing and electrical wiring - those are hard to learn by working with someone else. Good luck!

[@dropshot1967]

It is great to hear from you again and good to see you have overcome all those issues and can finally start the build of the house. I look forward to seeing the progress on it all.

[@GreggMrGlen]

Hi, Jeremy, Jaime, Stay well. I give both of you only the best of thoughts.

[@desijensen3187]

So excited for your build. We are currently building a concrete house similar to an icf. Make sure you insulate below your basement floor. You don't want to heat or cool the earth. You only need a few inches of eps.

[@lindacasey1126]

I started watching y'all because of canning. I stayed with you for your adventure. Good luck and blessed be. Stay well!

[@Aj-fc7cz]

Hi guys. AJ here and hope your doing well. I've done alot of building for myself and others in your very close county's and the city's close by. Have held a contractor license for years and built alot of homes. I know this is utube and I could be anyone to yourselves but, owner builder is an exciting thing to do! I know I built my first one at 19 yrs. old and it was fun. At 60 now and still love it. Sounds like it should be pretty easy but I'm not Jeremy trying to do his first. Kinda wish I could take a glance at a few cross sections to give you some possible trouble areas to keep an eye on. Don't do social media but do wish I could talk to you folks some how to shed light...................... Be well, AJ

[@sardar5150]

Hope you both heal quickly. Glad you are back at it. Looking forward to watching the build. Making me dream

[@larryceaser1706]

Glad to see you are back

[@shepatown]

I've had back problems for years and one low back surgery that I regretted, so not getting the recommended neck surgery without looking for alternatives. Strength training has been helping me more than anything. Mark Rippetoe says that strength is the #1 determiner to the quality of life - amazing. Jeremy and Jaime - Get well! I always learn good stuff from you.

[@longstoryshortstory3192]

Sorry 4 your trouble. Hope things are going 2 bee better. Take care, u2.

[@karoleigharmstrong8568]

Thanks for the up date. Good luck friends.

[@stokeburner6730]

Good to see your back in the saddle again. Lets ride! Im ready to watch you guys work on this place.

[@silasbland4515]

So happy for you and proud of you for choosing ICF for your home. The best decision you could have made. My home is almost dried in and my only regret is that I only used ICFs for the basement. If I could go back in time, I would have used ICFs all the way up to the trusses.

[@buddyl92]

I am glad to see you guys again. I hope the sailing will be smoother going forward.

[@melaniemcintosh162]

Don't give up guys.......Y'all are awesome!!!!

[@MrRbrgrn]

Well it took a long time but it’s finally starting really happy for you and can’t wait to watch the build!!

[@Marylu3172]

I’m glad you’re back and that things are progressing for you! 👍🏼

[@TheRhonda1957]

I wish you guys the greatest luck. I have really missed you. Hope you both heal rapidly! To smooth sailing with everything

[@amyoudenhoven9356]

We built an ICF home 4 years ago in Wisconsin. Best home we have ever had. Ours is a retirement home as well. Hope all goes well for you two.

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_I think that's a great pick for your house needs! I.C.F smart blocks are the way to go... can't wait to see you build._

[@sdmixy]

Take care guys! Health is wealth.

[@moejaime2654]

Hope you both feel better soon !! and thanks for coming back . please do what is best for you but don't give up nothing worth it is ease . I know that you will have a beautiful home soon !

[@judd_s5643]

I tweaked my back years ago lifting. After many trips to the chiropractor I decided to try a Teeter Inversion Tables from Costco. If it didn’t work I could return it. I can’t over emphasize how this device solved my back issues. Initially from day one I found relief and now 8 years later I might get on it for 30 seconds once a month. Now if I am working lifting (properly) and my back gets sore (different than pain) I will do a session. I have it balanced so that with my arms on my side my head is up. If I put my arms crossed on my chest I go head down. What I do is literally teeter back and forth. I will never be without my TEETER!

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

It sounds like the injury slowing you down to rethink things, and then all the blockades, have led you to a much better building situation than you might've had if you charged ahead. So, there's the silver lining. I hope you feel well soon as things get to progressing. It sounds like a very exciting time after all the delays!

[@tamarawiley1254]

Glad that you are back! Take time to heal. Sending love and prayers

[@Sandra9135]

Glad you decided to stick with it. Everyone I know who homesteads goes thru a disaster period before they understand how to work with the reality. Proceed with more caution than with enthusiasm. It's a lesson we learned the hard way and we haven't even built our own house like you are doing! Blessings and may you find your way. ❤️

[@sovereigns1grace]

Thank you so so so much for the update!!! Really have missed you guys!! WOW what a line up of challenges you guys have had. I thought I had it rough with 2 visits to the hospital. That's really rough going with the contractor issues. I'm glad you're going with the ICF. I actually wondered why people didn't use that method more. I saw it first on some videos from people who live in Alaska. Seemed like a really cool way to go for all the reasons you stated (bugs, moisture, etc.). So YAYYYYY!!! You've finally broken ground and HAVE A PLAN! Welcome back and here's crossed fingers, toes and eyes that everything goes as smoothly as possible from here forward :D

[@patschomann7338]

Best wishes to both of you! Thanks for keeping us posted. You've come a long way despite the obstacles. You are smart people and you'll do fine!

[@TaTyTa-b9i-sewing]

ICF's, I've learned about those on Doug and Stacy's KZbin channel. So happy you both are doing better and healing. Can't wait to see future videos.

[@GatorLife57]

So proud of yall Jeremy and Jaime !! So sorry about the back and eye situation. Ty4Sharing Be safe & GOD bless ! Wolf🐺 👍 from west central Florida....🐊🐊🐊

[@lisagerlach2960]

So good to see you both.

[@karenedge7039]

YAY! So glad you are back! Sorry to hear of your misfortunes with your health. Hopefully, you both are on the road to recovery. The house plans sound wonderful! We have those in our area and they are great. A friend of mine actually built this type of house. Its nice and cool in the summer and warm in winter. They have a regular furnace, but rarely use it because they have a central wood furnace outside that heats the whole house. The only reason they put in a regular furnace too was that they plan to grow old there and dont want to cut wood at the age of 80. LOL! Cant wait for the upcoming videos!!

[@pjmtts]

Your story mirrors mine in many ways... back problems contractor problems Lyme problems. Take care and push on and we can all be glad when we Are Done.

[@dusty265]

Great to see things are starting to work out for you guys! Glad you stuck it out!

[@athyvandenberg289]

Sorry to hear about all the medical problems. Glad you are on the mend and finally start your home build. Eveline in Scotland

[@noc8076]

Good to see you are going for ICFs. Just make sure you have a commons seam on all the walls. And you should look into Hollow-core slab for the floors. That way a crane will hoist the whole floor in place in sections and you just grout the seams, then you continue building on that.

[@lockedloadedfirearmsllc633]

Glad to see you back. Keep the awesome videos coming

[@s.e.fernandez4002]

I am filled with admiration at your strength and perseverance regarding all the unexpected challenges that you have dealt with! You guys ROCK! I am so excited for you that you have begun to build your dream! The last time I built a home my contractor/thief stole the money to begin the build and I ended up becoming my own contractor! All I can write is that it was very difficult and I eventually finished and moved in! If I did it you can do it! Congratulations on the beginning of the basement and thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@athloneduke]

I’ve missed ye and it looks like life has put ye through the wringer, hopefully it’s behind ye and no big challenges ahead 🇮🇪

[@joycemcintyre5543]

OMG your art is wonderful. Glad that you are finally getting started on your house. So sorry for your troubles.

[@lizmiller9033]

Thank you so much for sharing your stories! It helps me to face my fears as my husband and I move toward a homesteading life. I believe it is the perserverence test and you are passing!! I pray for your health and luck and I'll continue to watch you with compassion, support, pride and inspiration! Thank you!

[@lilbitatatime3763]

Dreams change ~ good to see you still are working on making one happen. Sorry to hear of the injury and surgeries. Wishing you both quick healing.

[@slamsshenanigans2296]

Wow, you guys have had a ride for sure, glad your back, glad your moving forward.

[@natalietownley7488]

Seriously guys I have been in awe with what you have achieved in the time and how you were coping with each problem faced. You need to look back at the videos and see how far you have come. I don't think it is the universe telling you to leave. I think it is telling you to go slow and enjoy the journey. Our bodies at our age can not do what we did when we were 30. Good luck. If anyone can achieve this you guys can.

[@chelemichele1524]

🤞🤞things go nice a smooth for you all these next couple of months. Have a wonderful day 🌻🌻🌻

[@kleineroteHex]

Sorry to hear about all your troubles but happy to see progress!!! Blessings!!!

[@alex31p]

Our pioneer ancestors would be proud of your gumption. The back injury is the worst setback of all but with common sense you will work around it .Praying for your success.

[@hisimagenme]

Whewwweee!! What a summer you've had! So sorry for all the trials and hang ups... perseverance is key! Thank you for hanging in there and look forward to each step. May God bless you and keep you... Smiles and blessings...

[@halfbreed808]

Glad y'all r doing better and are finally getting started on your home. Praying for your prosperity for now and in the future. Aloha

[@sarad2956]

Glad to see y’all again!

[@American-OutdoorsNet]

Very inspiring to hear an honest account to what restarting a homestead from scratch can be.

[@Fidg234]

Sorry to hear about the bad things that's been happening to you but am so glad you've got it together and on your way with the home build. Looking forward to the building videos.

[@Butchmcmasters7MM]

Congrats on starting the build be careful with your back mine really never healed but if I'm careful I have more good days than bad I'm very excited to follow y'all with the build and I understand your building struggles I started a handyman service here in Nc and I am very busy and like to work for contractors because your right I go to work do my job and I'm paid God bless you and your family keep the videos coming have a great day

[@buddyduncan2095]

Hope you both get better soon

[@johnnymelendez4836]

Welcome back guys. Sorry to hear about the health issues. Your an inspiration. GOD BLESS YOU ALL😇🏡 CHEERS from NYC🗽

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

ICFs are great ! I will be curious to see how you finish the exterior.

[@Amigatech]

Missed you guys! Hey, I'm getting chickens in a couple of weeks. I was inspired to do this by your earlier videos.

[@perpetuallearner5416]

Jeremy, I know how you feel. We bought these 12 acres two years ago last month, and a year ago I got 4 herniated disks in my neck. Talk about putting a crimp in the plans, I feel your pain (literally). Thankfully we're not building a house though. And Jamie, I also walk around looking like I'm stoned. No surgery though. (jk) So far we're planning to stick it out. Glad you guys did too. - Dave

[@ek9772]

Glad to know you are both feeling better. I would recommend a prebuilt home. Some of them come prewired and include insulation, windows, and doors. They are delivered as a lego system for on site assembly, and the assembly can usually be done in one week. There are several companies doing prebuilt homes, You will need to do the foundation based on the prebuilt plans. Costs can be pretty competitive when compared to building with a contractor.