you are amazing, and a true inspiration!!! And in response to Stillwell86--you are capable, go do it--the only thing stopping you is you--even if it turns out less than perfect, it is not a fail. Being afraid to try is a fail.
i think would been cheaper by trailer 10/wide long 26 for 30,000 get f-350 put on 5th wheel drive to you'r land well that what i did butt i have double in it 20 by 30 for about 60,000
@MrJeremy313 Is English your first language? That was the most jumbled piece of shit excuse for a sentence I have ever read, I could barely understand your mindless drivel. No wonder you live in a shit trailer, you're completely incapable of throwing together a simple sentence.
@Praxxus55712 Dude I envy you. I grew up in a swamp in southeastern NC married a city girl and guess where I live now, in the danged city. I like your videos dude good work.
OMG...I have been watching your videos and I just have to say...I think you are awesome and too bad you are taken....LOL...you know what they say, all the good ones are taken or----you know....he he he...seriously though...I love the huge sunflowers, too...I deadhead and string them along my trees and watch the birds go crazy...also, dandeloin wine...yum yum. I built a house, but it cost a fortunate and in WI we have rules for everything...el sucko...stay you:)
hmm this is really good, iv been looking into Scandinavian homes and the wife has been going nuts because i keep calling it a shed but this on the other hand will drive her insane when i tell her there is a slight change of plan!! this is a much cheaper solution and one that is personally built and designed well done fella you've done a smashing job
you building a structure and then taking care of animals reminds me of the Steve Carrell movie Bruce Almighty. Is this the sequel to that movie ?? - But, that's neither here nor there. Sincerely Lord of The Squirrels Frank. -- New York City.
@travis8683 The only thing required to be inspected is electrical breaker box if connected to the power grid. This house started as solar powered so no inspections are required in this area. None. No septic, building, codes....none. I was lucky I guess but the house is still standing and solid. I built it right, and I had noooo special skill. I had insane guts and crazy luck. :)
You inspire me. I grew up in a family of "can't be done" and it has damaged me and my mentality greatly. Seeing people just do things because they believe in it and themself, brings me so much joy and I so wish I was capable.
@Stillwell86 your plenty capable, you just need to be brave enough to take that first step. It takes will first and foremost, the rest just falls into place.
Such a fun light hearted video considering all of the economic depression these days. Wonderful to see all of this happen and you have a home that is yours and not some fat arsed banks who would take it from you if you missed one payment.
this is awsome!! this is what i have been wanting to do for a while now!.. and plan to eventually but i will make one using powertools lol, but i cand do electrical plumbing carpentry..EVERYTHING there is lol and never weent to school my dad taught me everything and he went to school ohh and i like the choice of music, it makes it 100 times more inspireing. =) GREAT JOB!!!!!
@Melville21 I purchased mine from a guy nicknamed Badger. He had a trailer with hydraulic arms with clamps to grasp, lift and carry a garage behind his truck. It was fun to watch. He had vairous garages in a large parking lot with price tags on them. He purchased them from people who built new garages and wanted their old ones removed.
"dandelions Welcomed"(VERY COOL)---The SUNFLOWER WOW (I use to hate then Until I grew one)It's So much FUN to watch them grow so BIG!!!!..And I'm From "The Sunflower State" lol.. Your Video and YOU put a SMILE on my face this Morning!!! I watched your "I got banned" Video TOO FUNNY!!!! People don't go to THE TOMATO Site,They're all Douchebags!!!!!lol
Wow this isnt still your house now is it? This was the most impressive video ive watched on ur channel so far !!! You dont mind taking on a challenging task.. ..I cant imagine doing all that work, id be worried to death something would go wrong or i wouldnt be able to complete it halfway through. This was great... inspirational !!! you are more than creative at just gardening thats for sure :)
@GardenNewbie Thanks! :) It was the most educational undertaking of my life. It's amazing what you can do when you have to. That's not the house I'm currently living in. It's at the front of my property abandoned and decaying now. Long story but it served it's purpose wonderfully. I think the strangest and funnest part was taking showers outside with nothing but a water hose (frigid water) and bar of soap before the bathroom was built.
Drying off naturally in the warm sunshine = Goodtimes!
That is what I call genius love that your living the best living in the nature is the most beautiful place. Paradise on earth. There is no place like the country in Minnesota.
@FluffyBalls009 The house in this video was built by me on a concrete slab on the front of my property. Many years later I had a new home built in the center of my property with a basement. I had friends come and dismantle some of this house and take what they needed to rehab their own homes. It was a fun project. Everyone got some cool stuff for their homes. It's an abandoned shell now, unliveable.
@Praxxus55712 Thank you for answering lol its been teasing me for over a year as i watched all your videos, but as you dont put up so many anymore im rewatcing them all over xD
The two and a half garage kit complete 24' X 30' (720 sq foot) run me around $4,700 - lumber and subfloor decking run about $1,100 - footing and block, complete with labor...$2,600...Other misc materials and many trips to Manards and Home Depot.. The two and a half garage kit complete 24' X 30' (720 sq foot) run me around $4,700 - lumber and subfloor decking run about $1,100 - footing and block, complete with labor...$2,600...
Wow that's pretty awesome...I built my own place from a garage kit in 06...After all was said & done, I cost me somewhere around $13,000 to complete the shell...Would have cost less if I built it myself, but I'm a wood butcher not a carpenter, although I been it the trades all my life working as an electrician, along with doing lots of handyman side jobs..
susan(crosspecans) encouraged your channel, wow, you certainly have learned the phrase, "living off the fat of the land", good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!! amazing, and ingenous! ~nicole
id love to do this; be totally self sufficient though, i hate the idea of relying on any sort of bureaucratic system. i take you have no electricity (hence why no power tools were used) and as for water, perhaps be by a source of water, or a rain harvesting system.
Man I have to give you credit. I can build anything, and I do mean anything but there is no way in Hades that I'd do it without my power tools. My question is why ?
@brettkling It was an amazing adventure, that's for sure! Had to take a shower behind a tarp with the water hose for mnths during the summer until the bathroom was finished. COLD water but warm sunshine. :)
I prefer being single because it seemed when I was in relationships I spent less time with my garden, animals and enjoying just sitting in the grass looking up at the sky. Guess I dated the wrong people.
Man, I was kind of liking you anyway until I saw this, but this totally ROCKS! You're a little crazy, but man you get things done. I would have suggested insulating at least a small area for the winter lol, but hey, you lived anyway! : ) lol
I'm in a group called Cheap Lazy Bastards, and you are prime material for the bunch : ) ... (not really lazy, just use ingenuity to a high degree like you did to make things come together without a lot of expense or wasted effort)
oops someone finally actually noticed! LOL Sorry about that but it was such a funny song that I couldn't stop laughing and had to use it in the video.
Did ur sock doll say 'Thank God, I'm a pubic hair?!' LOL!! Any how, I just happened upon your video. Wow! To see what u have accomplished is just so inspiring to me! You are so Blessed to be living such a Beautiful life!
Luckyducky9752, glad you didn't get hurt in the fire. That sort of thing can ruin your whole day. I'm glad you enjoy the videos. If they make you smile a little then they did their job. :)
Sounds like a tasty sandwich! You should move back to Texas and grow year 'round. My aunt and uncle had a farm in Illinois, fabulous the eats! Rhubarb and strawberry pie, the strawberries grew wild. I am bit frustrated, only have a shaded deck to container garden, still fun. Rex and Fluffy say hi friend and where's the catnip patch?
More of us might have your joyfulness if we could get away from the city rush and the lies we are sold that flashy houses, cars, trendy clothes and gadgets will make us happy. These lies rob us of peace, perspective and trap us into living in all kinds of unhealthy ways, We work fast and die young chasing these things. Time for relationships with those we love and living sustainably close to nature is the best way to live, even if it has its problems.
eddie, the acreage cost $29,500. I had some trees logged off it, which paid me $20,000. So the end cost is $9,500. The garages were moved with a truck with a special trailer. The truck backs the tailer into a garage, the hydraulic arms and clamps lift and hold the garage 3 feet above the ground so it can be towed to the site and set down. It looks pretty cool seeing a pickup pulling a garage on wheels. lol
How does it work with building permits & inspections in your area.Reason I ask is that bureaucracy has run amok ,here in Ontario, Canada....they'd never let me do something like this here.....They won't even let me use my own lumber , off my own land, to build my own house.....They say it has to be "stamped" lumber from a lumber yard.....insane.
There were zero permits required here for anything. No building permits or septic permits etc. I was shocked but happy as heck because I couldn't afford to build by the book. 2 months after I finished the septic, they started requiring permits for all new septics. Mine was just under the wire. lol
The most rural areas are best for not needing permits. It sounds a bit Draconian where you are with them not even letting you use your own wood. yikes!
Wow... Your local gov't actually believes that a homeowner, building a house (by & for himself) is the best judge of what 's appropriate.
An attitude like that is just too REASONABLE for our Canadian bureaucratic establishment.
No, in my (rural) area they wouldn't let me use my own lumber.Even when I could prove the species & it was all "clear" and rough-sawn(stronger). I envy you!!!!
It's "wild child" by Enya. It's sort of my theme music for how I live my life here. I don't know why, but everytime I hear it I smile and just cheer up. :)
Initially I used solar panels & produced my own electricity, but eventually had the power company connect me to the main power lines. Mike & I dug our own septic system. THAT was more work than I care to remember. Holy cow there are some monsterous rocks buried a few feet down! One thing I didn't show in the video was the time that the 3 male geese in the video cornered me in the chicken coop and totally beat me up. It was scary but very funny. I got a bunch of bruises from it. They're tough!
This video is so very, very inspirational mate. I live in the UK and do not stand a hope in hell of buying 80 acres of land for that kind of money. I am fortunate to live 6 miles outside of a city and I'm totally surrounded as far as the eye can see by nature, but it's only a little village and all I have is my 60fx25f garden and my name on the allotment list, which is by the way is as long as your arm and I have been waiting 12 years. It's a very beautiful place you have there Prax.
Thanks! I got to admit that I love living here. At one time I considered moving to England because I have always thought England has the most amazing countryside I have seen anywhere, no guns and I know it sounds cliche but British accents are wonderful. My dad's side of the family came from Britain, so maybe it's a little in my blood. You live in a beatutiful country. :)
NO GUNS is definitely the best law in the UK. Your so right Prax, the countryside here is very picturesque and is the same as on the postcards, but there are also many places of exceptional beauty I would love to visit in the USA, but there are also places I would not set foot, but every where has good and bad, your gun laws are definitely back to front and should be the exact oposite, Charlton Heston and his NRA members don't have to live in the gun ridden crime areas that the majority have to.
@Praxxus55712 LOL-I enjoy my guns too... but I must say-I was thinking the same thing bro!-Nice job! Thats American ingenuity at its finest! Thanks for the vid...
It was insanely cold. Had to work the woodstove at full capacity to keep it liveable in there. I got used to wearing 3 layers of thermals that winter. :)
It's amazing how a little (ok, ALOT) of hard work can transform a bare chunk of land into a home. We've spent 5 years on ours so far. Rewarding, peace of mind - yes - But I wouldn't want to do it again either! lol. Great job!
Good for you for just doing what so many people talk about but never actually just do it. I'm 18 years old living in London Ontario i've been dreaming about buying about 40 acres and building a cabin. I just love the idea of a simple life without as much stuff. I also love the satisfaction that comes with building and repairing things. working with tools. Being off- grid and completely self sufficient. Not having to on anybody else.
you have to try and let me know! i have a small organic in my backyard that the land lord gave. all organic and fabulous!! i grow awesome tomatoes here! old fashion variety nothing frankan food for me thank you very much!
tilapia need a certain temp to grow- you could attach a green house to that barn-made out of plastic and ree bars or old windows you can get a habitat restore..and the thing too in my favorite vids i have one about raising fresh water shrimp in idaho i think-i mean if it can be done there why not here? things to look into no?
Well shrimp are bottom feeders and my pond has muck on the bottom, so it would be a food paradise for them. I love shrimp, so that would work out very well for me. :)
i rent for now. i am looking into what called bio-dynamic farming.. its like organic but a little better. also i would like to raise tilapia and do in a hydropic way..i can go on and on about the ideas in my head!! and besides i like the smell of a barn. weird but i like it :)
I was gonna raise talapia in my pond up at the front of my property. It's a natural, rain-fed beaver pond about 1-2 acres large and about 5 feet deep. I had read up on how they were a good fish stock to raise for self-sufficiency. I never got around to it though.
Btw, I love the smell of hay too. Even the smell of the chicken coop is no big thing to me. Took awhile to get used to but now it's like the smell of "home" for me. I know just how you feel. :)
i have been thinking for a while to have a place like that here in windsor ontario canada! a self reliant organic green house ! i am a taurus i love nature what can i say!
Do you mean having a basic type of home, or are you planning on having land as well? My house used to be 100% solar powered until I decided I wanted the convenience of a few appliances. Washing laundry by hand gets old real fast. lol
My garden and land are 100% organic and chemical/fertilyzer-free. I hate the idea of using chemicals on my property. Also, with organic, you feel way better about eating things straight from the garden.
You are fearless, Ray. I grew up building and work full time as a carpenter and building consultant. The plan that you have applied here is brilliant and innovative. Did you keep all the original walls? They look like they make excellent hallways.
This project I have esteemed respect for. You could build huge business around this process you have applied. Awesome.
Hey thanks! :)I wish I woulda had you here to help with it.
Yeah, the 3 foot area between the houses made a great cross-style hallway. I installed some interior walls for the kitchen, bathroom and a storage room as well. The only bad aspect of this project is that the exterior walls are built from 2x4s. As you know, regular houses are made from 2x6 framework. One way I worked around that weak point is to use all interior walls as support walls. You could park a car on that roof. LOL
Most people over-build these days. 2x4 walls are fine as long as they are studded to standard schedule and not much over 10 feet high. The Dutch used to build huge barns out of 2x4's. 2x4's are easier to saw by hand after all.
Yeah the walls do hold a shit ton of snow on the roof. We've had up to 3 feet of heavy snow on the roof and it held fine. One good aspect of the 2x4's is they're the old type from back in the old days when they made actual 2x4's and not the "nominal" 2x4's of today.
nice job man, have been lookin at some land myself in eastern AZ where the weather is nicer, but would def. consider minnesota instead since it looks a lot more like my native home of northwestern CT. Great work~
why disable ratings? This is AWESOME! I want to thumbs up! How is your home turning up now?
gotitans999 14 hours ago
you are amazing, and a true inspiration!!! And in response to Stillwell86--you are capable, go do it--the only thing stopping you is you--even if it turns out less than perfect, it is not a fail. Being afraid to try is a fail.
01Woof 2 days ago
dude u have the ultamet life my frind good job!!! =3-
xoxoXoieoxox 4 days ago
i think would been cheaper by trailer 10/wide long 26 for 30,000 get f-350 put on 5th wheel drive to you'r land well that what i did butt i have double in it 20 by 30 for about 60,000
MrJeremy313 5 days ago
@MrJeremy313 And trailers are ugly as sin. I'd rather sleep in a tent.
savemyplaylist 1 day ago
@savemyplaylist that you i at least when i move i can take my home with me noone going want move in something like that that joke
MrJeremy313 1 day ago
@MrJeremy313 Is English your first language? That was the most jumbled piece of shit excuse for a sentence I have ever read, I could barely understand your mindless drivel. No wonder you live in a shit trailer, you're completely incapable of throwing together a simple sentence.
savemyplaylist 5 hours ago
lol this is like a one with nature videos
carlolover1 1 week ago
@Praxxus55712 Dude I envy you. I grew up in a swamp in southeastern NC married a city girl and guess where I live now, in the danged city. I like your videos dude good work.
swampprepper 1 week ago
OMG...I have been watching your videos and I just have to say...I think you are awesome and too bad you are taken....LOL...you know what they say, all the good ones are taken or----you know....he he he...seriously though...I love the huge sunflowers, too...I deadhead and string them along my trees and watch the birds go crazy...also, dandeloin wine...yum yum. I built a house, but it cost a fortunate and in WI we have rules for everything...el sucko...stay you:)
KillaPutato 1 week ago
Awesome!!
NCHollop 1 week ago
It's amazing what you can do when the government gets out of your way. Great story, good luck to you. Be proud of your home.
itmike23662 1 week ago
congrads dude this is awesome!
33ashtar33 1 week ago
Is there running water?
Aeronauticalexplorer 1 week ago
@Aeronauticalexplorer It has a 75 foot deep clear water well with electric pump.
Praxxus55712 1 week ago
@Praxxus55712 what about the waste water? and do you have hot running water?
Aeronauticalexplorer 1 week ago
@Aeronauticalexplorer There's a septic system. Hot water is provided via a propane-powered standard water heater.
Praxxus55712 1 week ago
hmm this is really good, iv been looking into Scandinavian homes and the wife has been going nuts because i keep calling it a shed but this on the other hand will drive her insane when i tell her there is a slight change of plan!! this is a much cheaper solution and one that is personally built and designed well done fella you've done a smashing job
huslermatt 2 weeks ago
you building a structure and then taking care of animals reminds me of the Steve Carrell movie Bruce Almighty. Is this the sequel to that movie ?? - But, that's neither here nor there. Sincerely Lord of The Squirrels Frank. -- New York City.
ExclusiveLM 2 weeks ago
YOU HAVE DONE WHAT MANY HAVE TRIED TOO.YOU FOUND PEACE....GOD BLESS YOU .LIVE MY BROTHER AND LOVE THE WILDLIFE
kidkick43 2 weeks ago
This is an awesome video, and you make it seem so easy and enjoyable.
TheStarterfluid 3 weeks ago
great idea, but does the building inspector give any hassle of you using garages instead of building a new structure?
travis8683 3 weeks ago
@travis8683 The only thing required to be inspected is electrical breaker box if connected to the power grid. This house started as solar powered so no inspections are required in this area. None. No septic, building, codes....none. I was lucky I guess but the house is still standing and solid. I built it right, and I had noooo special skill. I had insane guts and crazy luck. :)
Praxxus55712 3 weeks ago
I'm sorry I was listening to the music.... What was the video about :p ?? :p Nice budget house.
esca8652 3 weeks ago
You inspire me. I grew up in a family of "can't be done" and it has damaged me and my mentality greatly. Seeing people just do things because they believe in it and themself, brings me so much joy and I so wish I was capable.
Stillwell86 3 weeks ago
@Stillwell86 your plenty capable, you just need to be brave enough to take that first step. It takes will first and foremost, the rest just falls into place.
alderaforall 3 weeks ago
wow thats cool...
62rome 1 month ago
Such a fun light hearted video considering all of the economic depression these days. Wonderful to see all of this happen and you have a home that is yours and not some fat arsed banks who would take it from you if you missed one payment.
oiledseabirds 1 month ago
Very cool! Inspiring!
DanielJPowell1 1 month ago
Awesome! Hard work and rewarding life!
drutter 1 month ago
A little slice of eden, very nice!
kville79 1 month ago
very very cool video ! thanks for sharing it ..!!
914light 1 month ago
Great job congrats.
bargainbin21 1 month ago
this is awsome!! this is what i have been wanting to do for a while now!.. and plan to eventually but i will make one using powertools lol, but i cand do electrical plumbing carpentry..EVERYTHING there is lol and never weent to school my dad taught me everything and he went to school ohh and i like the choice of music, it makes it 100 times more inspireing. =) GREAT JOB!!!!!
1bstelz 1 month ago
so... did you ever get that septic system built?
krononomikon 1 month ago
Awesome! Livin' your dream!
aviansoul 1 month ago
Thumbs Up! Great Inspiration.
irishiweredrunk22 1 month ago
Well that brightened up my day!
mekanopsis1 1 month ago
That's awesome .God Bless U and your house.
julia4gulia 1 month ago
lol@malcontents who hit dislike...
Excellent video and inspiration that the common man can do extraordinary things... ;)~
practicalprepper001 1 month ago
Where do you buy garages, and once you do, you just pick them up and bring them there?!
Melville21 1 month ago
@Melville21 I purchased mine from a guy nicknamed Badger. He had a trailer with hydraulic arms with clamps to grasp, lift and carry a garage behind his truck. It was fun to watch. He had vairous garages in a large parking lot with price tags on them. He purchased them from people who built new garages and wanted their old ones removed.
Praxxus55712 1 month ago
Good for you !!!
notpcone 2 months ago
great vid. congrats you did a great job!! good luck
buddyboy1953 2 months ago
you should have sold that and made more money haha
eltotoloco69 2 months ago
(applauding) Great vid. Very beautiful life.
dollazndiamondz 2 months ago
This is funny man !!! lol
Billabongs122988 2 months ago
You are such a sweet guy. I love your outlook on life. It's very refreshing. God bless you.
shuubooty 2 months ago
dandelions rule i remember being told to pull em when i was a kid now i make salads out of em, or wine, or tea from the roots
85mariapatricia 2 months ago
Great job! nice to see young men working on something positive!
troybrownrigg 3 months ago
respect :) i love that video :) u r the man :)
sandybel24 4 months ago
Paradise!
kittarats 4 months ago
Your house rolls on 4 wheels.
November10th1775USMC 5 months ago
That is SO LOVELY good job!
EebahQ 5 months ago
"dandelions Welcomed"(VERY COOL)---The SUNFLOWER WOW (I use to hate then Until I grew one)It's So much FUN to watch them grow so BIG!!!!..And I'm From "The Sunflower State" lol.. Your Video and YOU put a SMILE on my face this Morning!!! I watched your "I got banned" Video TOO FUNNY!!!! People don't go to THE TOMATO Site,They're all Douchebags!!!!!lol
sandrabellade 6 months ago 3
@sandrabellade I agrre that sunflowers are fun to grow. They get so freakishly huge! LOL
Praxxus55712 6 months ago
what size garages did you buy and place on the slab?
ebertmadwoman 6 months ago
@ebertmadwoman Approx 12' x 20'.
Praxxus55712 6 months ago
amazing .. great job ..great sprite,, if everyone is like you this world will be an very nice place ...
superwhiz88 6 months ago
Awesome. I live in Wisconsin on 80 acres of forest land in a cabin that my husband built. I love your videos:) You seem to have a great life. :)
Vectorwoman7 8 months ago
Wow this isnt still your house now is it? This was the most impressive video ive watched on ur channel so far !!! You dont mind taking on a challenging task.. ..I cant imagine doing all that work, id be worried to death something would go wrong or i wouldnt be able to complete it halfway through. This was great... inspirational !!! you are more than creative at just gardening thats for sure :)
GardenNewbie 9 months ago
@GardenNewbie Thanks! :) It was the most educational undertaking of my life. It's amazing what you can do when you have to. That's not the house I'm currently living in. It's at the front of my property abandoned and decaying now. Long story but it served it's purpose wonderfully. I think the strangest and funnest part was taking showers outside with nothing but a water hose (frigid water) and bar of soap before the bathroom was built.
Drying off naturally in the warm sunshine = Goodtimes!
Praxxus55712 9 months ago
Beautiful :)
Cat42timoshenka 9 months ago
That is what I call genius love that your living the best living in the nature is the most beautiful place. Paradise on earth. There is no place like the country in Minnesota.
imblessed62 10 months ago
[shouting out loud!!] I LIKE IT!!!! DAMN!
jixsyhoney 10 months ago
good job!!!!!!
stockbrot90 10 months ago
Wait so your house is made of old garrages? In more recent videos you have a basement i think? How did that happen?
FluffyBalls009 11 months ago
@FluffyBalls009 The house in this video was built by me on a concrete slab on the front of my property. Many years later I had a new home built in the center of my property with a basement. I had friends come and dismantle some of this house and take what they needed to rehab their own homes. It was a fun project. Everyone got some cool stuff for their homes. It's an abandoned shell now, unliveable.
Praxxus55712 11 months ago
@Praxxus55712 Thank you for answering lol its been teasing me for over a year as i watched all your videos, but as you dont put up so many anymore im rewatcing them all over xD
FluffyBalls009 11 months ago
Wow..I want to come help!
akwolfsong 11 months ago
Wow! It's amazing you did this! (and for only 15k!) What's your job?
LOL @ the end I was not expecting the "Lord of the Chickens" it made me laugh so hard! :P + you and Mike look like brothers!
I'm moving to Minnestoa one day :) in the Grand Rapids area, from Australia. lol, BIG change.
You're awesome! and your vids are very instructional and accurate, thank you! :)
ChloeCraven 11 months ago
Other misc materials and many trips to Manards and Home Depot..Somewhere around-$800 and the rest was labor
fred58 1 year ago
@fred58 As long as the weather holds out, it's one heck of a fun and rewarding project. WAY cheaper than standard home building.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
The two and a half garage kit complete 24' X 30' (720 sq foot) run me around $4,700 - lumber and subfloor decking run about $1,100 - footing and block, complete with labor...$2,600...Other misc materials and many trips to Manards and Home Depot.. The two and a half garage kit complete 24' X 30' (720 sq foot) run me around $4,700 - lumber and subfloor decking run about $1,100 - footing and block, complete with labor...$2,600...
fred58 1 year ago
Wow that's pretty awesome...I built my own place from a garage kit in 06...After all was said & done, I cost me somewhere around $13,000 to complete the shell...Would have cost less if I built it myself, but I'm a wood butcher not a carpenter, although I been it the trades all my life working as an electrician, along with doing lots of handyman side jobs..
fred58 1 year ago
wow, thats really cool the way you did all that yourself. it definitely looks like all that work has paid off :)
DALEproductions 1 year ago
Warming experience im sure.
AlexMOFUKA 1 year ago
Wonderful how great for you!! Inspiring!
savgal1211 1 year ago
u live in paradise, beautiful setting.. this is what life is about..
superwhiz88 1 year ago
congraz on making the house!
to123156 1 year ago
I will graduate in may in architecture and I have to say this is better than a lat of projects I have seen.....Bravo
Nicolais73 1 year ago
susan(crosspecans) encouraged your channel, wow, you certainly have learned the phrase, "living off the fat of the land", good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!! amazing, and ingenous! ~nicole
saphre1964 1 year ago
id love to do this; be totally self sufficient though, i hate the idea of relying on any sort of bureaucratic system. i take you have no electricity (hence why no power tools were used) and as for water, perhaps be by a source of water, or a rain harvesting system.
jw11432 1 year ago
Wow, that's amazing what you managed to do! Great job!
OlympicClassDandy 1 year ago
thats awesome
RAM4486 1 year ago
Ray, ur bloody awesome dude
jc3mer 1 year ago
wow thats cool idea using garages :D
carriontribe 1 year ago
@carriontribe Try using it in the city and they'll be up you brown eye fast.
duaneafields 1 year ago
I'm going to echo what others have said before me... very inspirational and truly great!
glenniesan 1 year ago
wow, I didn't know that this was how your house came to be. This is pretty inspirational. ~Amanda
GettingThereGreen 1 year ago
Comment removed
Nolifeinternet 1 year ago
Man I have to give you credit. I can build anything, and I do mean anything but there is no way in Hades that I'd do it without my power tools. My question is why ?
I3addogy 1 year ago
Inspirational video man.
Junglist1974 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
are you christian? your additude toward life is phenominal
gokory 1 year ago
You know there has to be a law against being so happy! You're supposed to pursue it not catch it. =)
ElShadaiLives 1 year ago
You are truly amazing!!
mamalena7 1 year ago
Can't imagine you moving after all those good memories. :(
veggiegrow7 1 year ago
Cools! The simple life! I wish I had that back again! Don't take this the wrong way, but are you married OR? I don't care, just wondering.
brettkling 1 year ago 2
@brettkling It was an amazing adventure, that's for sure! Had to take a shower behind a tarp with the water hose for mnths during the summer until the bathroom was finished. COLD water but warm sunshine. :)
I prefer being single because it seemed when I was in relationships I spent less time with my garden, animals and enjoying just sitting in the grass looking up at the sky. Guess I dated the wrong people.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago 13
@Praxxus55712 i'm willing to bet that out in the world theres someone willing to dig in the garden with you and spend time hanging with your animals
gokory 1 year ago 11
@gokory It's weird that there aren't more people who do enjoy this sorta thing. :)
Praxxus55712 1 year ago 3
@Praxxus55712 i raise animals although i substitute gardening for dirtbiking and fishing...
gokory 1 year ago
Man, I was kind of liking you anyway until I saw this, but this totally ROCKS! You're a little crazy, but man you get things done. I would have suggested insulating at least a small area for the winter lol, but hey, you lived anyway! : ) lol
I'm in a group called Cheap Lazy Bastards, and you are prime material for the bunch : ) ... (not really lazy, just use ingenuity to a high degree like you did to make things come together without a lot of expense or wasted effort)
omegahpla 1 year ago
@omegahpla It was a blast doing the house but I don't think I'd ever want to undertake such a monolithic thing again. lol
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
that looks like so much fun !! its pay to be creative !! Good work ! I love your videos !
skyaglow 1 year ago
that looks like so much fun !! its pay to be creative !! Good work !
skyaglow 1 year ago
oops someone finally actually noticed! LOL Sorry about that but it was such a funny song that I couldn't stop laughing and had to use it in the video.
Praxxus55712 1 year ago 2
Did ur sock doll say 'Thank God, I'm a pubic hair?!' LOL!! Any how, I just happened upon your video. Wow! To see what u have accomplished is just so inspiring to me! You are so Blessed to be living such a Beautiful life!
dianne2061 1 year ago
Inspiring no doubt.
keithallenlaw 1 year ago
its a beautiful thing! i did it!
smilekyle25 1 year ago
I stumbled upon your pineapple video, now I want to watch all of yours. What an interesting person and life.
We had a fire at our apt building earlier and trying to get rid of the adrenalin, you're so calm and fun, it's working.
Thanks!
luckyducky9752 1 year ago
Luckyducky9752, glad you didn't get hurt in the fire. That sort of thing can ruin your whole day. I'm glad you enjoy the videos. If they make you smile a little then they did their job. :)
*juggles eggs, tomatoes and a turkey*
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
@Praxxus55712
Sounds like a tasty sandwich! You should move back to Texas and grow year 'round. My aunt and uncle had a farm in Illinois, fabulous the eats! Rhubarb and strawberry pie, the strawberries grew wild. I am bit frustrated, only have a shaded deck to container garden, still fun. Rex and Fluffy say hi friend and where's the catnip patch?
Look forward to many updates!
luckyducky9752 1 year ago
Man I've never seen this video!!! This is great!!!! Buling a house out of sheds!!!! Man you really are crazy...the good way ;)
jihadacadien 1 year ago
You`re really an inspiration. Creative ingenius guys like you are what has made america great.....keep it up!
Gunnarsguns 1 year ago
Beautiful ! You have beauty all around you and as anyone can see within you as well.
Its inspiring to see the life you are living.Hard work , simplicity, beauty and sustainability. What more could anyone want. Just wonderful.
hot4inxs 1 year ago
Hot4inxs, that was one of the coolest comments I've gotten on my videos. Thanks!! :)
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
More of us might have your joyfulness if we could get away from the city rush and the lies we are sold that flashy houses, cars, trendy clothes and gadgets will make us happy. These lies rob us of peace, perspective and trap us into living in all kinds of unhealthy ways, We work fast and die young chasing these things. Time for relationships with those we love and living sustainably close to nature is the best way to live, even if it has its problems.
hot4inxs 1 year ago 2
Wow, nicely done! And thank you for sharing.
2SistersintheGarden 1 year ago
So you basically live in garages that are renovated? thats a good idea im serious :P
theweirdthings 1 year ago
eddie, the acreage cost $29,500. I had some trees logged off it, which paid me $20,000. So the end cost is $9,500. The garages were moved with a truck with a special trailer. The truck backs the tailer into a garage, the hydraulic arms and clamps lift and hold the garage 3 feet above the ground so it can be towed to the site and set down. It looks pretty cool seeing a pickup pulling a garage on wheels. lol
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
Hi Ray,
i have to tell you.....
you're the Man!
best wishes from Germany
Joe
JoeHell67 1 year ago
Awesome. It's the kind of place and life I dream of. hehe
dillpretzel 2 years ago
Love your video. Nature does create the view that lifts the spirit. Congratulations!
classy64jas 2 years ago
what town are you near in east central minnesota i grew up in starbuck mn you must not be to far from there great vid by the way
lyndonraaum 2 years ago 2
lyndonraanum, I'm over on the northeast side of lake Milacs. Starbuck is just a stone's throw away. Thanks for the compliment on the vid! :)
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
Love the recap on how you got your place. Man you are living a good life.
psion128 2 years ago
How does it work with building permits & inspections in your area.Reason I ask is that bureaucracy has run amok ,here in Ontario, Canada....they'd never let me do something like this here.....They won't even let me use my own lumber , off my own land, to build my own house.....They say it has to be "stamped" lumber from a lumber yard.....insane.
ggmorvaj 2 years ago 2
There were zero permits required here for anything. No building permits or septic permits etc. I was shocked but happy as heck because I couldn't afford to build by the book. 2 months after I finished the septic, they started requiring permits for all new septics. Mine was just under the wire. lol
The most rural areas are best for not needing permits. It sounds a bit Draconian where you are with them not even letting you use your own wood. yikes!
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
Wow... Your local gov't actually believes that a homeowner, building a house (by & for himself) is the best judge of what 's appropriate.
An attitude like that is just too REASONABLE for our Canadian bureaucratic establishment.
No, in my (rural) area they wouldn't let me use my own lumber.Even when I could prove the species & it was all "clear" and rough-sawn(stronger). I envy you!!!!
ggmorvaj 2 years ago
Just to add a bit of Australian slang! Lord of the Chooks!
ninyae 2 years ago 2
5*!
Octahoney 2 years ago 2
Love the music. Is it Enya?
MimiZ914 2 years ago 3
It's "wild child" by Enya. It's sort of my theme music for how I live my life here. I don't know why, but everytime I hear it I smile and just cheer up. :)
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
Hi Prax,
What do you do for electricity and sewerage, do you use a septic tank and a generator.
I feel so envious of what you have done that I have seen the video 4 times. You look very happy and content.
PCO636 2 years ago 2
Initially I used solar panels & produced my own electricity, but eventually had the power company connect me to the main power lines. Mike & I dug our own septic system. THAT was more work than I care to remember. Holy cow there are some monsterous rocks buried a few feet down! One thing I didn't show in the video was the time that the 3 male geese in the video cornered me in the chicken coop and totally beat me up. It was scary but very funny. I got a bunch of bruises from it. They're tough!
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
Wow Prax,
This video is so very, very inspirational mate. I live in the UK and do not stand a hope in hell of buying 80 acres of land for that kind of money. I am fortunate to live 6 miles outside of a city and I'm totally surrounded as far as the eye can see by nature, but it's only a little village and all I have is my 60fx25f garden and my name on the allotment list, which is by the way is as long as your arm and I have been waiting 12 years. It's a very beautiful place you have there Prax.
PCO636 2 years ago
Thanks! I got to admit that I love living here. At one time I considered moving to England because I have always thought England has the most amazing countryside I have seen anywhere, no guns and I know it sounds cliche but British accents are wonderful. My dad's side of the family came from Britain, so maybe it's a little in my blood. You live in a beatutiful country. :)
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
NO GUNS is definitely the best law in the UK. Your so right Prax, the countryside here is very picturesque and is the same as on the postcards, but there are also many places of exceptional beauty I would love to visit in the USA, but there are also places I would not set foot, but every where has good and bad, your gun laws are definitely back to front and should be the exact oposite, Charlton Heston and his NRA members don't have to live in the gun ridden crime areas that the majority have to.
PCO636 2 years ago
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
-ban guns..... crime increases.
b2mic1 1 year ago
b2mic1, what does that comment have to do with the video?
Praxxus55712 1 year ago
@Praxxus55712 LOL-I enjoy my guns too... but I must say-I was thinking the same thing bro!-Nice job! Thats American ingenuity at its finest! Thanks for the vid...
Jeenyus1983 1 year ago
directed at pco636. i like what you have done with the land and house though. good work
b2mic1 1 year ago
That first winter must of been pretty rough without insulation like that in Northern Minnesota.
CMLovejoy 2 years ago
It was insanely cold. Had to work the woodstove at full capacity to keep it liveable in there. I got used to wearing 3 layers of thermals that winter. :)
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
Great work, so good to see someone who thinks out of the box and will put up with some discomfort to get what they want!!! Very cool!
Cruizin66 2 years ago
here in winter if i dont run the heater it can get to about 5-8c. could that be 40-50.f
still cold. infact its warmer outside once the sun gets up in the late arvo(aussie for afternoon).
still my brother up in queensland says its nice and warm even in winter.
steviebboy69 2 years ago 2
It's amazing how a little (ok, ALOT) of hard work can transform a bare chunk of land into a home. We've spent 5 years on ours so far. Rewarding, peace of mind - yes - But I wouldn't want to do it again either! lol. Great job!
RedneckHillbillies 2 years ago 2
5 years? That's a long time. You have waaaay more stamina than I do. I woulda died by then. lol Hats off to you. :)
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
ecellent job kid, way to go and good for you, your smart
lordmacrae 2 years ago 3
Thanks LordMacrae! It was more work than I want to even think about, but it was the best time of my life! :)
Thanks again!
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
was? Are you not there anymore?
nasanction 2 years ago
Yep I still live here. :) I'll never move.
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
Good for you for just doing what so many people talk about but never actually just do it. I'm 18 years old living in London Ontario i've been dreaming about buying about 40 acres and building a cabin. I just love the idea of a simple life without as much stuff. I also love the satisfaction that comes with building and repairing things. working with tools. Being off- grid and completely self sufficient. Not having to on anybody else.
thanks for posting the video!
KickinWing329101 2 years ago 4
Cool man, Im 24 now and living in windsor. Im actually in london as i write this at my gfs apartment.
I have the same dream as you. Just picked up a smallholding book from UWO about 3 hours ago.
Maybe we should talk..bounce ideas off of each other?
Heres a great link of an amazing series of videos called "river cottage"
Go to FACTUALTV,COM and type in river cottage. Youll love the videos. Anyways, get back to me.
adamberk07 2 years ago
Thanks! It was quite a time doing all that. Very rewarding with the feeling of accomplishment and peace of mind living here though. :)
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
very cool...I'm happy for you....
trex65ghia 2 years ago 5
That's really impressive!
kathinspain 2 years ago 4
great job you guys did,
kwvrad 2 years ago 5
Thanks! It was a total blast to do, and I had the time of my life.....although I would never want to go through all that hard work again. lol
Praxxus55712 2 years ago
beautiful.
blablablaROCKIT 2 years ago 4
Great vid. It is so good to see someone truly enjoy life and all it has to offer.
62sarina 3 years ago 10
you have to try and let me know! i have a small organic in my backyard that the land lord gave. all organic and fabulous!! i grow awesome tomatoes here! old fashion variety nothing frankan food for me thank you very much!
frenchys69 3 years ago 3
tilapia need a certain temp to grow- you could attach a green house to that barn-made out of plastic and ree bars or old windows you can get a habitat restore..and the thing too in my favorite vids i have one about raising fresh water shrimp in idaho i think-i mean if it can be done there why not here? things to look into no?
frenchys69 3 years ago 3
Well shrimp are bottom feeders and my pond has muck on the bottom, so it would be a food paradise for them. I love shrimp, so that would work out very well for me. :)
Praxxus55712 3 years ago
i rent for now. i am looking into what called bio-dynamic farming.. its like organic but a little better. also i would like to raise tilapia and do in a hydropic way..i can go on and on about the ideas in my head!! and besides i like the smell of a barn. weird but i like it :)
frenchys69 3 years ago 2
I was gonna raise talapia in my pond up at the front of my property. It's a natural, rain-fed beaver pond about 1-2 acres large and about 5 feet deep. I had read up on how they were a good fish stock to raise for self-sufficiency. I never got around to it though.
Btw, I love the smell of hay too. Even the smell of the chicken coop is no big thing to me. Took awhile to get used to but now it's like the smell of "home" for me. I know just how you feel. :)
Praxxus55712 3 years ago
i have been thinking for a while to have a place like that here in windsor ontario canada! a self reliant organic green house ! i am a taurus i love nature what can i say!
frenchys69 3 years ago 2
Do you mean having a basic type of home, or are you planning on having land as well? My house used to be 100% solar powered until I decided I wanted the convenience of a few appliances. Washing laundry by hand gets old real fast. lol
My garden and land are 100% organic and chemical/fertilyzer-free. I hate the idea of using chemicals on my property. Also, with organic, you feel way better about eating things straight from the garden.
Praxxus55712 3 years ago
i love this!! that is exactly the life i want !!
its freakin awesome!!
much respect from canada!!
frenchys69 3 years ago
Thanks Frenchy! It's the experience of a lifetime, that's for sure! lol
Praxxus55712 3 years ago
You are fearless, Ray. I grew up building and work full time as a carpenter and building consultant. The plan that you have applied here is brilliant and innovative. Did you keep all the original walls? They look like they make excellent hallways.
This project I have esteemed respect for. You could build huge business around this process you have applied. Awesome.
AugustusLarch 3 years ago 2
Hey thanks! :)I wish I woulda had you here to help with it.
Yeah, the 3 foot area between the houses made a great cross-style hallway. I installed some interior walls for the kitchen, bathroom and a storage room as well. The only bad aspect of this project is that the exterior walls are built from 2x4s. As you know, regular houses are made from 2x6 framework. One way I worked around that weak point is to use all interior walls as support walls. You could park a car on that roof. LOL
Praxxus55712 3 years ago
Most people over-build these days. 2x4 walls are fine as long as they are studded to standard schedule and not much over 10 feet high. The Dutch used to build huge barns out of 2x4's. 2x4's are easier to saw by hand after all.
Cool house.
AugustusLarch 3 years ago 2
Yeah the walls do hold a shit ton of snow on the roof. We've had up to 3 feet of heavy snow on the roof and it held fine. One good aspect of the 2x4's is they're the old type from back in the old days when they made actual 2x4's and not the "nominal" 2x4's of today.
Praxxus55712 3 years ago
Good job! I live in St. Cloud, which I've always considered Central, Mn. You must be close eh?
festyxfi 3 years ago 4
nice job man, have been lookin at some land myself in eastern AZ where the weather is nicer, but would def. consider minnesota instead since it looks a lot more like my native home of northwestern CT. Great work~
noyzone01 3 years ago 3
Northweat connecticut is amazingly beautiful! I lived in New Mexico and the land there and Arizona is cheap from what I heard.
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