My first Q&A! | Do I regret that shipping container video? 

You may have gotten too jaded for being a professor, but you are still an educator through this channel. Thank you for all you do educating us in your audience.

I appreciate your intellect and honesty

I loved your shipping container video! It raised excellent points. I am exploring many ideas for alternative housing..and I want facts so I can make a educated choice.

Spray Jones sent me this time. I watched your "7 reasons why shipping container homes are a SCAM" video when it first came out, you were correct on all 7 points.

The shipping container video was my first introduction to your channel. It was refreshing to hear the reality and pit falls that I as an engineer had identified so clearly pointed out, as well as a few I missed. If people are upset that you popped their unrealistic fad dream, that's their problem, not yours. Keep giving the facts and keep up the good work

5:10 is exactly why the world needs people like you as teachers but also why the system doesn't want that.

Belinda would make an EXCELLENT professor... what she presents is always so interesting.

I like how you keep it 100% real. In germany we say "kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen"

Your intelligent, candid way of presenting information is always nice to listen to. It was a treat this time to hear a little about you personally

I came upon Belinda's channel because of her shipping container video - it had been something I was interested in. I have found her videos to be very informative, and Belinda herself seems to be very down to earth. I hope she has many more years of enlightening her audience.

Thanks Belinda, I’m glad you didn’t go chasing dinosaurs. Your container video was my first. It hooked me with your insight, sincerity and unwavering courage to present the evidence that you’d researched. I value your opinion, and would love to see some videos for ‘building your own home’. Thank you from Australia. 👍

Congratulations on your 60k+ subscribers. Your videos are very interesting.

This is a refreshing channel, no BS, no hype, just a normal person with a really interesting perspective on things.

"Learn something new every day".... precisely why I am here.

I'm currently converting a container, and your video didn't insult me at all! I've been a carpenter for over 40 years- from a union carpenter in Fort Worth to a cabinet maker for a Fort Worth art museum to a construction super for the Parks and Wildlife. The container is the hardest thing I've ever tackled. Very little of it is as easy as building with sticks. To do it to "code" is nearly impossible, and it took me weeks to come up with a way to properly insulate it without using expensive spray foam. (I'm trying to produce an affordable home in a controlled environment that can be delivered and lived in on the same day.) Anyway, great channel, Belinda.

It's so refreshing to listen to someone with an abundance of common sense and realistic break downs of how things really work and operate, not the glossy hype you find nearly everywhere else!!

I love your idea about the no-contractor home. This is the type of home that I keep designing 'in my dreams' as well. Just like in your idea, the plumbing would be outside the walls. It would run elevated in the middle of a drain channel (that runs around the foundation and collects the gutter water as well) and only enter the house at the locations where if it needed. The kitchen sink would have an extra cleanout access on the outside wall, so the plumber don't ever has to enter the kitchen with their equipment that has been 'elsewhere' before. The shower would be placed so, that on the outside wall an access door can be opened, to access the pipes. Also extra outside cleanouts for the plumbers. I would also have a utility room, with good access (driveway or front of house) that would house all the utilities from hot-water, hvac to internet. It would have a drain system, for case of leakage. As far as electrical, each room would have it's own circuit (and breaker). The fridge would have it's own circuit breaker as well! AND under (almost) every light switch, there would be a receptacle. Cat6 cable running everywhere for optional installing security cameras. Oh and the most important part, but that I'm still brainstorming if it is even possible to do. A Roman style hot air floor heating system. That way no danger of leaking floor heater. I'm thinking about preparing and insulating the crawls space and heat it. Air conditioning would be similar style. The cold air would circulate inside the walls. So there would be no blowing air movement inside the house and the house would be perfectly temperature controlled. It is just a dream of course. But if I ever win the lottery, this is what I will build. Until then, these are my ideas for anyone who might like them. 😎

You provided a concise analysis of the proposition to use shipping containers for human habitation. Salesmen seldom sell an item on its merits, alone. More often, they resort to selling you your own preconceived, rose-hued image of how much better your life would be, if only you owned that thing you are so enamored with. My dad was a mechanical engineer in R&D for a large multi-national American equipment manufacturer. His pet peeve was when sales people would take liberties with the truth; many of them without so much as a basic understanding of their own product's capabilities and limitations. Misleading the customer is always bad business, so kudos to you for stripping away much of the irrational hype surrounding the shipping-containers-as-home phenomenon.

Your channel is the best I discovered recently. Thank you for your inspiring and interesting videos. Greetings from the Netherlands.

It was that very container video that made me a subscriber. You project an extremely sober mixture of maturity, experience and wisdom. Your content is thorough and no nonsense. This channel is a gold mine.

I enjoyed the Q&A. I'm sure that I'm not the only one who watched one of your videos because you're attractive and continue to watch because you are so smart. I wanted to understand what I was buying when insulating my garage, you helped a lot.

I really enjoy your videos and I am glad you made the shipping container video. Thats why I'm here. BTW, I agree 100% with that video.

Thank you for the Q&A. I was transfixed by your presentation. I love your genuineness. Best wishes.

Belinda please keep your videos coming they are genuine and great!

You are one truly inspiring lady. Keep up the great work. Thank you.

Keep up the good work! I always find your content interesting.

Being able to manage your life and work so well is cheering. Belinda, you're genuinely an inspiration to all! I'd love to watch more of your videos. Keep it going and be yourself. It's great!

Thoughtful engaging and precise- always love coming to your channel. Keep going, You have so much to offer!

Belinda please make videos you like. I subscribed because of your honest approach that showed the pros (like anyone else), but discusses the realistic cons. Loved the Q&A, because it was sincere.

Well, at least we get to learn from you! I am so happy to have stumbled on your channel. I spent four and a half years earning a degree in business. We didn't have RU-vid back then. I would skip it today and learn from people like you instead. Thank you for all of your excellent content!

I have enjoyed all of your videos that I have watched so far. Thank you for the subject matter, content and delivery!

The container home video was your first video I watched! I'm trying to work my way through all of your videos! Excellent content, you must be an absolute joy to work with!

Your container house video was one of the best I’ve seen for some time. Even my 15 yr old son now realises that you can find objective content delivered in a humorous and entertaining manner. Next, can I suggest a similar critique of Tiny Homes. A similar study in unnecessary over engineering (generally), as well as poor internal spatial outcomes as well as not looking at the real issue of .... access to land.

Personally, I enjoyed your shipping container video, I learned a lot from it. Also enjoyed this Q&A and I think you would make a great professor, all your videos I've watched so far have been a great source for not only information but for learning and have all been entertaining to boot!

You made such good points in your video! I'm still building a container house but it's because I can do alot of the work myself. It's not ecologically focused for me, though the whole area is gonna be as off grid as I can get it. The 53ft domestics and Ibeams I need for reinforcement are not cheap. But everything else is easy enough for me to do, including moving the containers and materials to the house site. I dont think I could ever have a contractor build a house for me because I have seen first hand what you get from contractors, subs, and builders. Over all I think the containers are right for me but are certainly not the holy grail of building.

Your thoughtful articulate way of never giving shallow answers always leaves me reflecting about so many things I never even thought about before. Thank you for the great content!

Great video as always. As a San Franciscan, extra bonus points for your praise of The City!

Great Video. The world has become so much smaller with the change in technology. When I grew up, 60 years ago, relatives in other continents were so far away. Now we go to the computer and instantly look and talk to friends or associates. I too had wanted to be an architect. I remember talking to one when I was 10 years old. At that time I could read a drawing and knew a lot about buildings. When I met a drafting teacher in grade 10 he convinced me to become a machine designer. I still like to keep up with the changes in house design especially because we have a wooden 100 year old house. Needless maintenance is a must and that is why I love your channel. Good luck in your future.

Excellent videos - thank you. We are looking forward to more of your videos.

Thanks so much for answering my question! I'll have to look into engineered wood. It's not a topic I've spent much time on yet.

I’ve watched the container video few days ago, watched some more of your videos quite quick after that, subscribed next day and today I’ve used that video as an argument in a discussion about tiny houses. I love your channel and your concise way of explaining things!

You are a breath of fresh air...intelligent, knowledgeable, open, positive, logical. As someone who plans to build my own off-grid dream Passive House when I retire, I'm so glad I discovered this channel as a resource.

That shipping container video is what brought me here and what earned my subscription. Someone had to say it, keep up the great work.

I guess RU-vid didn't like my first comment. I was basically just saying I appreciate your excellent content, and I'm happy to hear you don't regret the shipping container video, because it may have been the controversy that got the RU-vid algorithm to recommend it to me, which impressed me to the point where I'm now a subscriber =)

Very insightful and candid as always. Thanks

Great video! Congrats on 60k subs!

Fantastic stuff! You are always so thorough and informative. Congratulations on 78K subscribers and I wish you continued success.

The Sutro Baths were my favorite place in the city too! Thamk you for another insightful video. Always a pleasure watching your posts!

I can't wait for the late night shows to discover you. You are a national, no scratch that, global treasure.

I enjoy your no nonsense and educated approach to the topics you present. Keep up the good work!

Discovered your channel because of your shipping container video, I subscribed after checking your other videos. Appreciate all your practical and scientific explanation in your content discussion.

Loved your take on changing opinions.

This is my favorite channel out of all the topics I watch. Just because of your honesty.

I like your videos. Thanks for being honest, and straightforward with your content.

I just recently started watching your videos. The first one was the laminate vs vinyl flooring. I was impressed with your knowledge so I started watching more as they came up on my feed and then I saw this one and I had to watch. I took drafting in high school and got hooked on architecture in the 10th grade. After I graduated (1977), my grandfather got me an interview at a civil engineering firm (it was his friend) but that's as far as it ever got for me. I have been a programmer since 1981, so I definitely took a different path. I still love architecture and I love using what I learned, way back then, when it comes to looking at houses and DIY projects and such. I cringe whenever I watch those DIY shows where the clueless homeowner doesn't even understand about load bearing walls. Anyway, I love what I've seen so far and I will continue to watch. I love your matter-of-fact style and how you present things in understandable terms. Keep up the good work.

Your videos are so interesting, and so well made, you are the first subscription I look for when opening RU-vid. Thank you!

Thanks Belinda. I discovered your channel earlier this week, and i have watched a bunch of your videos and shared them with my kids. You are a teacher already - with a large and appreciative student body. You are teaching that a rational and unbiased approach to discussing pros and cons within the building industry is informative for all. I also appreciate the fact that you shared some of your philosophy on life - it is always effective for a teacher to be personable and real! You are doing a great job - thanks for the effort that you put into your productions. jt

A Canadian viewer here. I really enjoy all your videos. I always hit the like button.

Love your honest and competent content. You are on the right track. No need for regrets or changes. 😎

Yes! I loved this parenthesis. Your beauty shines brighter. Thank you for your insights.

I really enjoy how you weave your personal life journey into your professional skills and knowledge, and then share this from an open, caring and vulnerable place. It is quite captivating, and I think you should keep doing the Q&A vids if you find it enjoyable and motivating or possibly cathartic. I will watch anything you post!

I appreciate your honesty and careful research. Thank you for all you do!

I was an early adopter and enthusiast for shipping containers until the raw basic facts became apparent. They make for dreadful housing projects ( excellent sheds though, especially if sandblasted) and your vid nailed all the relevant points in your customary clear and concise manner. Love your work, many thanks.

Your container home was the first video that introduced me to your channel. I was instantly hooked to your contents. That video has saved so much money to so many people. Thanks so much.

I love how clinical and analytical you are on every video you do on construction practices, as well as your honesty…

Fun video! It's neat to see your self reflection process

I haven't even watched that infamous video yet, but it makes sense. I'm happy you learned from it, because you've been making amazing videos since then I'm happy to watch!

Hi Belinda, your channel popped up on my feed and I subscribed right away. Love the content you choose. Thank You! Appreciation from New Zealand 💟

Great content again! - happy to know of this channel

First and foremost this channel is Underrated that said I admit I was one of many who criticized your video about the home living shipping containers, but you have brought a very good and excellent arguments. Love your content and thank you for sharing. 👌🏼

I subscribed to you after the container video. Thank you so much for your work here on youtube!

I like the contents with the link featured. Good idea.

you are authentic! refreshing...

Fascinating. Please do again!

i just found your channel from that shipping container video! it must be back on the algorithm again so i hope things go well! anyways, i subbed because of it! you raised great points that simply made complete sense to me

Thank you, I just subscribed to your channel a few days ago after watching your video on mineral wool vs fiberglass insulation. I look forward to your other videos on building materials.

I enjoyed this video and you always present very logical and valid points. Sometimes it is hard to have some of my preconceived ideas shattered, but we all need that from time to time. Please keep making videos and sharing your ideas.

I really enjoy your channel. Your candid and “common sense” explanations are very clear and interesting.

Love your style! Thank u. Realistic!

Very nicely presented. I’ve seen many other Q&A videos that just ramble on and I usually just lose interest and bail out. You did an excellent presentation format and I look forward to another Q&A. I like your videos because you think outside the box on many subjects.

I watched your video on shipping containers, which was straightforward and informative and so was surprised to see the next one on some of the negative comments you received. Some of the feedback was pretty harsh but I'm glad you persevered. I just subscribed to your channel and am looking forward to watching your other videos.

I’ve been binge watching your videos all day oh my god!

The big problem I was seeing with shipping container "tiny homes" I have seen on RU-vid is the inflated cost and level of work to make it NOT look like a container and function as a dwelling.

I love this channel! So intelligent and accessible, I’ve learned so much (home ownership as a scam really blew my mind). Thank you!

Thanks so much for this container video, you saved me so much time !!!

Very interesting Q and A. You make many good points about life that most people dismiss but are valid and relevant.

This was great, thanks for sharing what you do - Subscribed 😊

I love it that you're sharing your personal life. You also communicate well.

Honestly, I'm happy I ran across your video on shipping container homes. I'd been completely sold on the idea until you explained in concise and honest terms the downfalls and struggles of that type of building method. It was a nice breath of fresh air to come across a different perspective, and it made me evaluate that form of construction from a more realistic angle. You effectively changed my mind, and for that I'm grateful.

liked - been a subscriber for a while now. Loved your description of an ideal home by the way.

You really shot me down, as far as my own container home idea. I'm grateful.... you've taught me sooo!!! much. Thank you.

Commenting for the algorithm. Also to say keep up the good work. You're awesome! Keep calling it like it is unabashedly.

The problem with most housing is not that construction costs are too high...but that land costs are too high and/or the building permit process is too expensive/difficult. Making cheap houses is not going to help the situation when land is too expensive or simply not available. San Francisco has no available land or certainly no cheap land available to build on.

Appreciate the video & your thoughts / input on multi-faceted problems w/ innovative solutions; thank you!

I'm still sold on a shipping container home but the moisture happening because of the wood touching the metal had never been brought up. I'm now looking into how to minimize that so thank you 😁. The thing that's great for me is being able to build it on family land and paying for it piece by piece. Concrete first, container, siding (thanks to you), framework, and lastly finishing touches. Then moving on to buying land and fixing that up and shipping the house over to that land. I can do $20,000 loans and paying them off asap much more than $250,000+ mortgage where if I lose my job I lose my house.

Another highly informative video. Thanks. I also had a sneaking suspicion that you were named after Belinda Carlisle, but now you've confirmed it.

I really like you channel. Opening up peoples eyes to some of the other options. Home ownership is really a scam if you can not afford to buy outright. I own my own home and I own it out right. I am in the process of buying another home and some more land so that I can build a new home with options to build out an entire block of homes. I want to build ICF as I think it will be the most cost effective and the least maintenance along with a commercial appeal. Opting out of the standard home trends and thinking about everything that I would want and what other would require. Keeping everything in mind for space that people would want to use or do with. I really think that home built today fail to move past the old ways and think about the new ways. I will have very large bedrooms with attached Suite master bathrooms. That include everything everyone would want from a Sink, tub, shower, washer/dryer, mop sink ( think pet washing station use ) Toilet/bidet, Urinal, everything you want in full on bathroom that houses everything you need from that room. If you build a 4 bedroom house you should have a bathroom for each bedroom and a half bath for general area use, though this is not required. Energy efficiency is key such as using mini splits to control heating and cooling for each room and not the whole house. Setting up homes for the option for EVs, Solar and other options.

Awesome, thanks for the great video!

I really liked this video it was informative & I feel like I got to know more about you

Thank you so much for your honesty. Saved me a ton of money! Love your channel 😊