Another good tip is to look for a Habitat For Humanity Re-Store. They are essentially a thrift store for surplus construction materials. Doors, plumbing, electrical, flooring, cabinets, countertops, all sorts of things, either pulled out of houses under re-model, or miss-ordered for new construction, lots of good deals.
@@Court-fl8ck That makes sense, I figure it’s still useful information, because a lot of his viewers are probably not going to Alaska, but may be interested in doing similar things in the lower 48.
You started this adventure right out of high school. You should be very proud of yourself on how far you have come. We learn by our mistakes. And, what mistakes we do make we figure out how to go on from there. In one year you have grown so much. You are someone to look up to! Well done Mick👍🏻
I once heard someone say, "make sure you get something done everyday" i took that to heart. I learned how to break down projects by how much time I had. Amazingly I made much progress, and enjoyed it so much more.
Every time I see you on RU-vid and hear your voice, I think to myself, your voice is fantastic. Have you ever thought of using your voice for an income? Maybe a local radio station with your own show. Tips for young starters building a homestead. You have a treasure trove of sources in your parents. Voice can be great for commercials, too, and radio stations. I have a friend who has a weekly show on the radio. He also opens up for questions. Keep up the good work!
@lisag-v is right you have a great voice. I said that last year when you read that short story. I know there are a lot of AI voices out there, but yours is different. There is nothing wrong with having a job. Take the talent GOD gave you, and use it to make a living. We all work to be able to afford to eat and put a roof over our heads. With a side voice-over job, you can buy a used truck. The fact that you're out there working on your own land, building, and learning as you go is amazing.
Hindsight is ALWAYS 20/20….EXPERIENCE is PRICELESS. WISDOM is gleaned from EXPERIENCE, be it yours or others…..and you’re certainly learning on a steep curve. BUT….you’re sticking with it where most young people your age would’ve gave up and ran out. Self-discipline is important as well….that, and the value of a good truck cannot be overstated. Looking forward to seeing you continue your journey…..
The fear of making mistakes has been my biggest problem….so as a 76 year old woman ….I will take your much valued advise and get to it before the snow flies! Thanks so much!
Life 101. You've come a long way in a year. Just living certainly has it's lessons. As long as we learn from our mistakes, the time isn't wasted. Looks like your place is coming together and that is rewarding in and of itself. It's been fun "doing it with you"!
Foam board isn't a good wall insulation so don't use that. If you don't liek fiberglass rockwool is better to work with but fiberglass is cheaper. Log cabin building is simple in concept but alot harder than stick building by far. Framing and finishing with pre dried wood is much easier.
100% spot on Robert is correct Mick. Unless you have more experience with log building then lumber framing don't think it's easier. You have to move cut notches and plan log construction. And trust me getting logs to fit correctly the first time is a beast, and if you are doing it by yourself even more like trying to get and angry bear into a sweater. And spray foam is easier then foam boards. Foam bards can cause mold and mildew in the walls. Trust me there are other options other then fiberglass, on a budget your limited. There are books and videos that you can watch or read that will give you more information. I would say one of the things you didn't do was understand construction principles first. You are going to figure it out man but stick building is going to be easier for you master that before going in to log construction please
All these negative comments are ridiculous, if these people would look back on there youth you didn’t know everything either, life is all about learning, your doing great, great advice
I wrote a comment and I stand behind it. He does keep making excuses. Ok. He’s young. But he portrays himself as having knowledge. Can you imagine him with his “ Lincoln log” mindless building project. Yes. His voice is pretty. But really. Look at his actions. They speak volumes.
@@richardschultz2743 A lot of truth in what you are saying. When i was his age i was drinking and drugging and partying wide open. I had a lot of learning and growing up to do. I am 69 now and in good health and live in the country and have not used drugs or alcohol or partied since 1990. Mick is young, moved to Alaska, built a cabin. But he also has a lot to learn and a lot of growing up to do. I think in the long run he will be alright.
What he has set out to do is admirable for his age all by itself, there has been alot of personal growth in this fine young man as he has gone along. The world needs more men like him and more men who share encouragement without judgement. Imagine where he could be in 5 years! Imagine the influence and impact he could show other young boys who have the same wild sense of adventure! Life is hard enough without undue hate from those who are bitter about the path they choose….
Your commitment to starting your adult life by building your own homestead has been impressive and inspiring! ❤ As a 49 year old father of four with no home to speak of, I have gone through life feeling like I’m always behind the curve. You Sir have proven that you can do anything!
Holy cow Mick, you learned more and grew up more in one year (or so) than I did in 20. That was eloquent, poignant, relevant and well crafted. I really look forward to your videos. Thank you.
The sad reality is the people who probably listened to that video ar 2 to 3 times older than you lol. Rest easy knowing you are far more mature than most my friend. That compliment is heartfelt Mick
Firewood is priority job #1! Currently stacking my hardwood in the wood shed for not this upcoming winter but next. Stacking wood is my absolute LEAST favourite job living in the sticks (northern Ontario near Sault Ste. Marie). Great video Mic. But I cannot agree about the tongue & groove.. I'd rather do T&G all day long and twice on Sunday rather than work with drywall. Keep the videos coming! 🙂
Life is our most excellent teacher and it's obvious you have gained an abundant amount of knowledge in just a year! Just imagine how much you will accomplish and how happy you will be with yourself and your life with all this experience under your belt for the coming year! I continue to be completely vested in your adventure and your story ... I'm looking forward to seeing how your homestead grows and what projects, adventures, and learning curves lie ahead for you and your loyal followers!
While “building with logs” might have saved you “some” funds in the short term, it also requires a LOT more skill and a whole lot more time unless you’re using pre hewn (or machined) logs and there goes your cost savings!
Don’t THINK….just DO! Mick your “school of hard knocks” and lessons learned on your year-one have been well documented. Be kind on yourself and treasure the friendships you have up in Alaska.
Dude. A Sunday video. And yes, I have noticed your improvement in consistency. I think there are probably advantages and disadvantages of logs vs sticks. I wouldn’t settle into “this is my building path” just yet. Do what feels right in the moment. Stay interested. Stick framing can get boring. And people are right. I’ve watched a lot of solo log cabin builds and they all take a ton of time. Maybe your first “tip” should be “don’t build alone.”
I remember our first cabin was 18 x 20. Bigger than yours, but there were 5 of us. Now, we didn't live there full time, it was a holiday thing, but after a few weeks it got a bit crowded. That's why we got so used to running around the woods as kids, inside was for eating and sleeping only.
Mick, thank you for that stellar advice. You're a very intelligent young man. Never stop learning new skills. We wish you well; on your journey through Alaska!
I have two suggestions. If you have learned it would be much better to build with logs, then change and build with logs. And I believe it's most important to pick your families brains for important ideas . Your dad ,mom, and uncle are absolute pros on this subject . Take advantage of what you have been blessed with. They would be proud to have a visit like that. You have learned a lot this last year. I'm sure you will continue to. Good luck . You can do this. You have already did a lot. Love from Central Oklahoma and an old lady.
It's way harder. And way less safe in a big earthquake. The material is heavy and doesn't flex in a log cabin. And he doesn't know the pink foam is ten times slower to install. And he doesn't know you can get a good brand new sawzall, like a hardware store house brand, for much less than 100 bucks.
"...it's all uphill from there..." LOL! 2023 Mic has evolved to 2024 Mic - and the evolution has brought you so much experience and knowledge. You have gained far more than a year's experience - maturity and perspective - Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing what you accomplish in the coming year!
#7 Budget your time. Using a ⌛ timer as a tool, pausing it at breaks, and keeping up with the days time goals. Gonna use this for my own projects. ✔️ Thanks, Mick!
100% spot on Robert is correct Mick. Unless you have more experience with log building then lumber framing don't think it's easier. You have to move cut notches and plan log construction. And trust me getting logs to fit correctly the first time is a beast, and if you are doing it by yourself even more like trying to get and angry bear into a sweater. And spray foam is easier then foam boards. Foam bards can cause mold and mildew in the walls. Trust me there are other options other then fiberglass, on a budget your limited. There are books and videos that you can watch or read that will give you more information. I would say one of the things you didn't do was understand construction principles first. You are going to figure it out man but stick building is going to be easier for you. Master that before going in to log construction please. I want you succeed. You are young look into getting framing experience with a local carpenter. Find some one that will teach you how to do things easier. I have been a carpenter for longer then you have been alive and it may surprise you but I am still learning. The fact that you are looking for better options is a really good thing just don't get ahead of yourself. Understand the easiest ways of doing something before you do it. A "deadman" (a block of wood with a screw in it) would have helped with your ceiling. If your pride dose not allow you to ask for advice you will fail. Reach out to knowledgeable people for advice.
1. Have plenty of money before you start. 2.If your going to build in Alaska......Get a good 4x4 long bed truck.... 3. Learn building skills before buying land and building. 4. Have all necessary tools before 2 and 3. 5. refer to no 1 thru 4 again......
Kudos to you Mick for having the sheer grit and determination to build your own homestead which you can be proud of. You're right that the only people who don't make mistakes are the ones who do nothing. Fear of succeeding is as bad as fear of failure. Making mistakes is how you grow by learning not to repeat the painful ones (in time, cost and injury). I believe the hardest thing for people setting goals is procrastination. I had a client and friend tell me over 40 years ago to do the things you least want to do first so when you finish, the rest of the tasks are much easier by comparison. It sounds like you are well on your way to learning life's lessons at a much earlier age than most! Budget your time but also take time out for the things which bring you joy. Once people lose their joy, it is difficult to recapture it. 😊😁👍
So interesting to see life's journey through the eyes of a young man who values a good work ethic and the grand idea of Alaska. Good lessons learned. Keep up the good work!
I shared your video on my Facebook. Not only did you have a lot of good tips about building, but I don't think you realized it. You had a lot of good tips on life and I'm 52 years old. Enjoyed your video. I always do. You're doing a great job making something out of nothing. Keep it up
When estimating the amount of time to finish a building project, I quickly learned that it always took me at least twice as long as I figured. Experience sure is a great teacher. Hope you have a wonderful summer, now get yourself some firewood.🙂
Thank you so much for sharing the top ten tips; you have taken lessons learned as an opportunity to help the rest of us avoid some pitfalls and that is so appreciated. Have a great week.
Respect to you young sir. You don't get your dream without the odd mistake. You have worked hard,and I'd say now you are living the life!!! It looks amazing.
What you’re trying to do at your age is very admirable man! As you “do” you will get more “experience” and being honest with yourself about everything will develop the “wisdom” that will help take you to each new level! Keep going!!
Hey Mick, you should be very proud of what you have accomplished in a very short time, and as the saying goes you learn something new everyday. I also agree with other viewers that you really have a great radio voice and you are great at storytelling, take care.X💕🏴
Auctions can be gold mines for a ton of things. I love the piles of stuff that sell for literally $1. One good thing in them but no one wants the other stuff.
Great video on your top ten thoughts on do's and don'ts. And I tell people all the time to look like on Facebook market, OfferUp and my favorite is pawn shops . And I'm 100% in agreement with you about log cabin exterior wall and then framing in the interior walls after . Me and my son can't wait to see your new videos for this season. Looking forward to seeing them
Great vid Mick. Im so interested in how youre doing and the location of your home is incredible. Keep us posted and please bring back "toil for your food". Keep up the work and keep gaining experience. 👍
Some good advice for your first time mick . And giving where you live. Using wood to heat in the winter time is best . I found it very easy to go around the area of my home in the woods and pick up trees that are down. Or about to come down. Also for the summer projects it's a good time to get working on the outhouse and also drill a water well. And build a Insulated Shaq around the water well pump. To insure it runs year round. Also maybe some solar panels for lights and soforth
The tongue and groove does look cool, but just simple drywall would have been cheaper and faster! Being your first build, you actually did a pretty descent job being a total rookie!! But some more power tools and a good generator would have gone a long way!!! But make sure the exterior of your cabin is really well sealed with caulk and paint, or it will leak and cause lots of trouble!!! Anyway have fun put there and stay safe. And enjoy many happy trails 👣!!!😊!!!
There are easier ways of building a log cabin than the traditional approach. A big downside is that you save problems in the future if you let your logs season first. As far as T&G ceilings go, I made a simple jig to hold the boards in place. Turned it into a much easier process.
Mick you need to stock pile dry food for the upcoming winter..also store in jars so mice are not a problem..Rice, pasta, knorr mixes, freeze dried anything meats...
I think you should do this video every year. It would be a valuable resource for ppl and a nice digital legacy for yourself and children and grands, if you decide to have them.
Pink foam board insulation has an R value of about 3. Fiberglass insulation is about R-13. You’re correct on the pickup and saving. Used tool are great if you avoid battery power. Stick framing is quite a bit easier than logs. Logs need a year to dry. They are heavy and irregular. You are solo. Not the best combination. You need to use headers above windows and door openings to distribute the weight of the roof. Not trying to bust your chops, only trying to help. Good luck.
Reflection is one of the greatest things we do as we grow older. I am one year older than you and these videos have had me doing a lot of thinking. A lot of adults underestimate young adults, you’re gonna go places. -Danny P
Hi again MICK What a great vid! Many lessons learned and soo helpful and kind to share to help others especially those just starting out like yourself. An extra challenge for sure living in such an expensive state. Many wisdoms you will have gained along the way that are priceless for learning more about yourself that will help guide you for your lifetime. You have the want to in soo many ways and will grow and live in your happiness... Thx as always for sharing. Will catcha next time.
You're doing great. I wish I'd done anything like what you're doing when I was 18. If learning and gaining experience and maturing is all about making mistakes, fixing mistakes and then learning and growing from mistakes, you're absolutely doing it right. Get as many mistakes under your belt as early as you can.
Shoot! Ya dont know till ya know brother! Its hard to grow inside your comfort zone…. Advice people give out isn’t always the best fit for the person with the challenge. Keep doing your thing and the growth will keep coming! I enjoy watching you progress my man!!
RU-vid is tough, but fun. It’s a learning experience. Keep going. You have great content and what you do keeps people locked in. That’s a hard one 😅 And again, great video!
Well said, wise words young man. Dave & Brooke are obviously phenomenal parents and it shows in you Mick & in Belle. Much love and outrageous blessing on all 4 of you❣️
my two cents for buying tools is if you are unsure how often you will need, dont' be afraid to go with the cheaper options. I got all my power tools for free from the scrap metal bin! And if you use something enough that it wears to the point of failure, treat yourself with something a litttle bit higher quality. and at the end of the day: tools dont make me happy, it is what I am making with them that brings me purpose in life
