Building On Blocks and Piers. Proven Methods For Affordable Foundations With Skirting Solutions.

Sharing proven techniques I've used to create affordable ,worry free foundations for my off grid cabins. In this video I discuss strategies for building on piers and answer questions about the method I use for skirting my structures. A proven method that prevents my pipes from freezing in the crawlspace.
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Link to SKIRTING A CABIN CRAWLSPACE Video: • BEST METHOD FOR SKIRTI...
Link to FLOOR INSULATION VIDEO: • BUILDING INSULATION P...
Link to: COMPACT CABINETS Video: • BUILDING COMPACT CABIN...
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Link to BUILDING TECHNIQUES Video: • Building Your Own Hous...
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On my channel you will find videos pertaining to homesteading, gardening and living off the grid with fun DIY projects for self-reliance and SHTF emergency preparedness situations, with some campfire cooking and good old backwoods humor thrown in. Sharing knowledge and stories from over 30 years of living in the woods.
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[@KyleTheArchitect]

Been watching you for years… so glad to see you’re still well, healthy, and making great informative videos. Keep it up boss!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@lauriestlyon8773]

Hello Boss. Good video as always. About to build a worksop/garden office with my son. Adding your wisdom to my own experience (the one I built for myself 20+ years ago is still standing even though I made many mistakes.) so between us this sould be a good one! 😊 Been busy on the boat. Redoing the inside. Sold my old one (sadly for scrap value) but plowed the money into doubling the battery bank and other bits. One of our little dogs had seizures and we thought that was it. He is now on meds and you would think there was nothing wrong with him! I swear they are harder on your heart than kids!😊 So we keep on keeping on.

[@russellweber3466]

Getting free building materials is good, and fun if you make a game of it. Part of me can't believe the good stuff that so many people will throw away.

[@LarchLine]

Of course, your video is useful! You inspired us, and we mooved in a forest. My husband and I built a 2 story 24x26 cabin, and before we knew, we started digging underneath to make a basement, too... We needed a mechanical room.

[@jjjvclub]

Great information.Still Love Love the Frankie and the Boss Song!

[@dilbotmacguillacutty4849]

"Tracks in the snow, everywhere they go...

[@sandrathomson1084]

Good Evening Boss, Lori and Tildy 🖐🏻. How many people are remembering the good ole day's of how things were made so much better? I have been seeing a lot of videos about remember when things were just simpler and worth our money. Like the oil can and spouts for our vehicles. Now most things are made with cheap plastic. Bringing back precious memories. Thanks for sharing with us 👍🏻👍🏻. Keeping y'all in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe. God Bless Y'all. Love and Prayers For All ♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@thebossoftheswamp]

So true and the music was much better too :-))

[@sandrathomson1084]

@@thebossoftheswamp you got that right 🎶📻👍🏻👍🏻

[@richardwilliamswilliams]

Good afternoon from Copperhill Tn. Remember, we'll leave the light on!!

[@albertwaggoner3249]

Thanks Boss, clear, concise and well explained. Your a good man. Keep on keeping on my friend...God Bless

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@stevenotman4613]

Keep up the good work boss, always a pleasure to see you!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-))

[@RatdogDRB]

Good ol' Frankie, helping dad dig sand, and also hunting chipamunkas at the same time. What a GOOD boy he was! What? Not even an honorable mention of Bubble-Foil? I'm shocked and dismayed! LOL

[@user-pq9zc3uc7m]

Yeah, I caught that too. "I like this foam over that foam. . ." said the King of bubble-foil. lol. But then, the use of foam in this case, under the rim joists for frost compression, is something I don't think bubble-foil would work for.

[@RatdogDRB]

@@user-pq9zc3uc7m Love the use of that foam block though, to seal out drafts and such beneath framing and between piers. Just enough give, and sheathed with cement board is good stuff Maynard!

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

lol

[@janied8831]

Amen Amen 😇😇😇🕊

[@pinetree9343]

I've been building for fifty years, always learning something new from you. Thank you. How much encouragement do you need? Just knowing you're still working is enough for me to keep working

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you for your kind words -)

[@terryporche9059]

I believe all your loyal friends have been waiting on the video, I know I have. Great info as always JC. Take care and God bless until your next video. Catch you on the next one

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@paulwilson7234]

Good evening Boss from Belfast.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Good morning -)

[@evalinawarne1337]

Frankie and the Boss. Something's I watch it over a few times. I just love it and Frankie is in my ❤️. SE MICHIGAN 🌹🀄🥀🀄. Saved this one. ALWAYS love your VLOGS thank you.

[@loulentz3107]

Hello J.C. and Lori! Your ears must have been ringing, because I had told the wife earlier today that it was about time for a new video from you! ;-) Always enjoy your vlogs, and all the information you provide......was checking out the Old Farmer's Almanac today, and getting ready for the Spring planting; with the way the weather has been, we may be getting an earlier start than normal....keeping our hands near the dirt for sure! Glad to check in with you as always, and All the Best! God Bless! ~Lou

[@thebossoftheswamp]

We've been enjoying the "global warming" as well and really anxious to get playing in the greenhouse again. Many blessings to you and yours :-))

[@larryboschen1287]

Thanks Boss. Loved seeing a video of Franke digging in the sand. He was special.

[@g.s.7022]

Hi Boss, thank’s for your new video in which you give good advice on using various building materials that you have already used in the construction of your old buildings. Seeing excerpts from old videos in which good old Franky worked with you are simply brilliant. Big hugs to sweet little Tildy and God bless to Mrs Lori and you☘️💫🍀☺️

[@janied8831]

Sooooo true👏😇👏🕊

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you kindly. I have so much great Frankie footage that I think I'll keep him in the show :c)

[@dianajones8598]

Hi there!! 👋❤😊 Glad to see more videos. God bless you and your sweetheart and keep you safe.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you! You too!

[@keithrayeski6417]

I had such a nostalgic moment when I saw Franky digging with you!!😢❤️ Hey Boss, two thumbs up bud!! If there’s one thing I wanna do, is encourage you to make more videos!!❤️👊🏻 Great episode!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@evalinawarne1337]

10 day's ago this came out. I just saw this. I'm so greatful to finally get this. Let's watch. SE MICHIGAN ❤️🙏🛐🀄❤️🙏

[@marysmith6229]

Good morning from down under.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Good morning from over yonder -)

[@thesundaycarpenter2514]

Another awesome and informative video. Makes me want to go back and rewatch the greenhouse build. That turned out great.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@ioant1295]

I hope you never stop making videos Boss! Have been watching you since I was a wee lad and you'r videos have helped me trough tough times and also inspired me to do homesteading projects. All the best Boss!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I appreciate that! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@denisewilson8367]

I have collect tips & tid bits over the many years that I've been watching your videos. And I've send many people to your channel to teach them a thing or two too. Some have not listened and paid the price with regret. But most are happy to listen and have thanked me for my help. So, thru me, you have been teaching many people. When you share new information, I try to remember what you've pointed out and pass it along. I still go back and rewatch many of your building videos.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you Denise :-))

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Enjoyed You Sharing Your Knowledge Here Boss. Prayers For All There ! Hugs For Tildy ! ATB T God Bless

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you kindly :-)

[@MTNurse]

Hello there. Thanks for another video. 🙂

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Hello 😊

[@thomasbridenstine5562]

Been a fan for years, started watching when you did fur trapping videos and haven't missed a episode since. It was great to see Frankie, and your backwoods logic is always interesting and informative. Thank you and God bless.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I appreciate your kind words. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@TheRancherAndTheWife]

Boss = My Ultimate Aging Goals twenty years from now.

[@ravensrun6117]

Thank you watched you years ago and then got offline but I really appreciate you and your knowledge and giddy up !! I built an adobe 28 yrs ago and there were no online yt videos so I turned to the local Pueblo Native Americans for help and tips, but am thinking of more projects maybe rental cabins, a little easier on my old self so thank you for being you your one special inspiration !! And impossible to find people like you much anymore.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@janied8831]

Don’t know what’s going on No Notification Again just thought time for you all to Post !!! Of coarse Sooooo enjoyed seeing FRANKIE What a BOY!!You always make EVERYTHING so interesting !!! Can’t wait for a Greennhouse Video !! 😇😇😇🕊

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Good ol Frankie boy. Still warming hearts from beyond the grave. Gotta get Tildy digging in the sandbank :-)

[@larryboschen1287]

Great tip on putting the whole weight of the building on the complete pier to address the pier from tilting. I like how you boxed in the corners with extra bracing and pressure treated lumber. You're the man! I will be using that method in any of my future builds.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daveschreier6019]

Love the video! Glad to see a clip of Frankie again. Hope you and Laurie are doing well.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you! You too!

[@donaldmatthies6026]

Another great and well explained video! I'm just betting your still going to get the same questions again. Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video.

[@joanneganon7157]

Hello Boss,its awfully nice of you to teach folks the right way to build a foundation👍. Ni e to see you,hi to Lori👋. JO JO IN VT 💞

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@CrickysCamp]

Nice!... we're getting ready to put piers in this spring in North Pennsylvania... Your vid confirmed our plans, cool beans

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

Sure did enjoy seeing Frankie doing his digging. I watched that one when you made it and got a chuckle how he was helping you. lol

[@thebossoftheswamp]

He'll always be a part of the show :c)

[@northerncaptain855]

Sixteen years ago, I built my cabin in Maine on undisturbed ground upon which, we placed a compacted perimeter gravel berm about 10 inches high. We strategically placed 4 inch styrofoam on the berm upon which was placed the concrete round hockey pucks about 18” x 4”. We placed our vertical posts pressure treated on these and built from there. The underside of the floor was insulated with the aluminum bubble foil and the camp was never skirted. The camp has not moved at all over the years and the aluminum bubble foil has proved impervious to rodents. Windows and doors open and close like when constructed.

[@Bob_Adkins]

I would use heavy (over 6 mil) poly on the ground, covered with sand, clay soil, or pea gravel. You don't lose any ambient heat from the ground, and can still store stuff on top of it. The ground needs to be crowned under the cabin anyway, and you will never regret the moisture barrier. Good video, appreciated!

[@libby2012]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I jus love your videos and your philosophy of life. You are mentoring and encouraging so many people. It s a joy to see you seek, search for, find, discover, and share truth. Even though I am unlikely to build anything anytime soon, you never know when a bit of knowledge will come in handy, either for yourself or helping someone else, Cheers!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you kindly :-))

[@chrislonsberry1974]

As always, great information and good tips to those looking to build something. Thanks!

[@tommeisenzahl180]

Always great to hear from you and watch a new video.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad to hear it!

[@ChileExpatFamily]

Thank you. Back in SC we.built on slabs and Pier. It depends on what and where you were going to be building. Just like you said. Here in Chile it's the same. Jim

[@D-B-Cooper]

I have a hundred year old cottage on the ocean, on pilings. I have had to replace all the pilings because of dry rot and powder bugs. I collect a bunch of old water heaters and cut the bottom and some of the tops off and used them for the forms. I have to cement bag it here so augmented some of the volume in the tanks with rocks. I also use driveway sealer on the wood to protect it from the bugs, it dries and is cheap and has worked out well. I leave the tanks in place. I once had an issue with the white styrofoam from a fire marshal because it is highly flammable.

[@paddycaseygsxr]

Watching from the uk 🇬🇧 👍👍👍👍

[@andreac.6164]

Yea Boss! Thanks for explainin in laywomans terms. Regards from NEK VT

[@chrisdeering2077]

Great video. My family moved off grid last year and your information is great!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Good to hear!

[@jeannerowsell68]

Always nice to hear from you. Very informative video…no one ask about “bubble foil” 😂😂❤

[@joshuakeegwell2896]

Always good to see you Boss. Cheers

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@typolive8663]

Thank you Boss! Great info and always good to see you. God Bless

[@thebossoftheswamp]

God Bless :-)

[@jasonlamoreau9442]

Those Kincos, best you can buy!

[@zerkfitting]

I poured foundations in WA. State for a few years JC. I concur with all the information you shared. All good dope. I got a chuckle out of seeing Frankie helping you dig sand for the corduroy driveway to the NY cabin. That brought back fond memories of the cabin footage. Good to see you're still kickin and puttin out content.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Gotta get Tildy working that sandbank. Maybe she'll find the chickamunka :c)

[@zerkfitting]

@@thebossoftheswampAh YES! the chickamunka :)) RIP Frankie

[@MrRDJEEP]

Great recap JC. Always evolve with new materials as old go away or FREE comes along hahaha. You kids take care and enjoy

[@subzeromjc]

You Da Man Bossman !!!

[@suezaple4950]

WOW one very informative video Boss helpful again thank you.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lisaknox737]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom!!

[@asimplehorseman4648]

Great video JC. I've used every method you described in this episode and they all work well. Crazy damn engineered weather is killing everything. My Ponderosa look like death standing. Like you, I keep my face to the wind......

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I've been clearing more of our back hillside and the crown of every tree is dry and brittle. Sap should be pouring out of every cut but the wood is much drier and lighte than it should be. The future is bleak for our forest.

[@mzgoth1069]

Thanks boss!!!

[@ericrider9718]

Another common sense video J.C.! Unfortunately common sense doesn’t seem to be so common anymore😂! The best to you, Lori and Miss Tildy

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Agreed and it seems the more degrees they have framed on the wall, the less common sense they have. Ever notice that?

[@ericrider9718]

@@thebossoftheswamp Yep! I work with doctors and nurses!

[@wkuadkins]

love your contents and thank you very much for your knowledge.. jeff

[@alexs3447]

Good tips and advice .

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Great information!

[@kevinsimpson7114]

Very informative and concise video.👍🏻👌🏻

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pstreech3637]

We're due for another bubble foil video!! 🤔😁🤣 Jk, good video J.C ☮️✌️

[@donnatrimble7439]

Thkx jc. Appreciate this. My ca bin going up this sept. Finally!! All my beat 2 u's

[@lesterwicklein717]

awesome stuff as usual..thanks

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@nanocofocclo440]

Thanks Boss, great video.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@bobjones9727]

Another great video Boss.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@shawnr771]

Outstanding Boss. Good to see you again. Great explanations.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@sheilaprisco5038]

Good info Boss, as usual Thank you ❤

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@stormmountain2521]

Great information for all. carry on my friend

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks for watching :-)

[@ericbunksvintagesportsman6311]

Great info!! thx brother!! So appreciative of you sharing these tips God Bless

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KenC49]

Hi boss! Nice to see you look like your doing well. Thank you for posting this video. It does clarify some things. It does seem like an excellent way to keep a seal at the ground.

[@IngloriousHomestead]

thanks alot!

[@kleineroteHex]

Worth watching the useless ads, well worth it😊 in return I get some great info from the boss with backwoods sense ❤

[@southernladywithmanyhats7428]

yeah I don't care how many ads on here I would still watch and think it's WELL WORTH it.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@davidferguson9213]

Thank you!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

You're welcome!

[@mountainman.4478]

Love watching your channel. your aways straight forward and interesting with a great sense of humor. I was wondering if you could do more videos on trapping, hunting maybe tracking animals. maybe show what gear you use. I keep rewatching. your trapping videos. thanks, and God bless.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

YT shadowbanned my channel because of the trapping vids so it's just not worth it for me. They even demonetized my deer processing video but meanwhile THEY run ads on it.

[@mountainman.4478]

@@thebossoftheswamp wow didn't realize that. Thank you for your response. Wishing you well

[@MrSouthofBoston]

Hello, Boss.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Good morning!

[@MikeL-vu7jo]

You have cabin building down to an exact science very solid thanks for sharing your expertise

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@peperetuque7744]

like watching your video thank you for sharing👍👍👍

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you too -)

[@Brian-nt1hh]

Good stuff man

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thanks -)

[@jeanettec6212]

Hello Boss! I wish I could pick your brain on every project I do! You sure are one of a kind, in the best way! Im so happy you are well and are getting around. A channel I watch is “diyefferent” and is working on a trailer. He had flipped homes, and trailers and is young. He reminds me of you. He is so knowledgable. Im wondering what insulation he will use for his trailer and ceiling. Also if he puts in vents. I wish he had your input.! Anyways you and Lori and the baby have a great week and weekend! Always a blessing to see you. God bless.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you and many blessings to you :-)

[@smiley9872]

Yay!

[@perryjensen6237]

good job boss

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@vanwhalen3719]

Hey Boss! Loved hearing the answers to the questions! I also love the parody’s that you do! Whether it pertains to Bubble Foil or silly questions that we ask! Oh and oh, are the bucket mouse traps still working for you ? Loved seeing those videos as well! Hope y’all are doing well and getting to do some traveling soon!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Mouse buckets never fail :-) Lori needed an unexpected surgery so we postponed our travelling plans. All is well though and we're back to making sawdust on the hillside -)

[@mmatson7142]

Hey BOSS good video. I finally got a picture frame for the art drawing I bought a while ago “a cast in the shallows” wish I could post a picture of it so you could see it. looks great hanging on our knotty pine wall.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you again for your purchase :-)

[@Asomesauc]

You Always get a thumbs up from me if its building related or cooking. 😉

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Thank you :-)

[@curmudgeinnak]

Great video as always. We live remote in Alaska and sadly can not get stuff like the crushed gravel. We used the smallest creek stones we could find in our area. Someone found an old dried up creak so we just kept digging it. We are looking at a plot of land up our trail a mile farther up from us. If we get it I really need to figure out a system to build on. Our goal is to have a third cabin for friends and family and to also rent out at times. Keep making the great videos. If you ever find yourself in Alaska let us know as you can use our second cabin any time you like.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

We do plan to visit Alaska. It's been a long time since I've been there. What part of AK are you in?

[@curmudgeinnak]

@@thebossoftheswamp We are north of Talkeetna. Up the old Flagstop system. I will send you a email with a bit more info on our area and home.

[@bethlampron2925]

Hmmm are you doing more work on the clearing for Loris cabin w/a mt view? thanks for the new video !!!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Yes we are :-)

[@campjefferson8947]

👍

[@dubehigh]

I really enjoy when you do the Q-A but disappointed on this one. What, no bubble foil 😂 Great tips JC spring is coming and I can’t wait to get started again here in Northern Minnesota.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Trying to wean myself off of it due to the low R Value haha

[@dubehigh]

Right haha I love the stuff. I owe it to you JC. It’s amazing. I still have a big roll of it for this spring when I do the skirting around the cabin. By the way our cabin is a block and beam on sugar sand. No heaving what so ever.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

@@dubehigh I Love building on sand -))

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

Thank you. I like the soft colors of your plaid shirt? Do you recall the manufacturer? 👍👍👍

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I think it was an El Cheepo from Walmart :-D

[@samwhittemore5614]

That's A LOT of coffee, Boss!

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Over a decades worth 8-)

[@jaydensingletary7178]

Hey Boss where finally living your dream and getting off grid , was wonder whats the name of the plastic coving you use on the floors when building a new structure.. Im having a hard time pulling up your list of stuff you buy . Thanks for all your awesome info. ❤️

[@thebossoftheswamp]

To keep the subfloor dry while I'm building I use this amzn.to/49Xksck and similar products. Beneath the floor I use this amzn.to/3wKYdI2 I posted both because I wasn't sure if you were talking about over the floor or under. Good luck with your project. Commissions earned through qualifying purchases.

[@mikebateman8021]

Now, that's a lot of coffee They're boss

[@mountainlife289]

Have the same jacket you wear at the beginning. I've had it for about 20 years and think it will still stand up on its own. Any more thought on doing a little traveling.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Lori needed an emergency surgery recently so our travelling plans are postponed.

[@mountainlife289]

I truly hope her the best

[@user-ht6bp5im1z]

I wonder IF you took an old plastic or metal shovel, tucked the blade under the end of that big long pine you are dragging, tie off the handle where it lands on the strap so handle is up off ground, blade is tilted up little and maybe it will some stress off your engine, by the front end of tree sliding along the ground, Maybe ? I started thinking kind of like you, out of the box to make things easier as we get older.. lol. God Bless you and the Misses. Peace Stay Safe Stay Healthy Positive and Blessed my friends. Amen Big Jim New Hampshire USA aka Boston Strong

[@laurencehebert4880]

🤔 in the opening of your video you have your workshop which has an interesting container system on the wall. How long did it take you to drink all the coffee in those Maxwell House coffee containers 😂

[@thebossoftheswamp]

I've been collecting them for over a decade 8-)

[@J297WFD]

I think something people should realize is in construction there is more than one way to skin a cat and just because you saw it done a certain way or you were taught a certain way doesn’t mean there isn’t a better way to accomplish the same task or easier or just plain different.

[@thebossoftheswamp]

EXACTLY!!!

[@locksbog4270]

👍✌️😃🇺🇸💪

[@TORAH-613]

@9:04 that foam also draws aints

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Everything draws ants.

[@farnorthhomested844]

did you drink all that coffee to get those containers? if not, how do you get them?

[@thebossoftheswamp]

Yes but over 10 years time 8-)