The Biggest MISTAKE We've Made (So Far?) 

My husband is a structural engineer and he watched this with me. We love watching you guys by the way. We do a lot of diy at our farm. He mentioned three things that are all listed below: 1) you can bracket the weak spots you notched with a steel plate to add strength or change the beam out as you intend, 2) the mortar/lime can shrink causing the beams to drop so the shim idea below makes best sense, and 3) treating the end of the beams to prevent future rot/decay is prudent. These are all mentioned below in various comments. Your place will be stunning when it is done. He said you could also consider making the lower wall a support all versus a stem wall so it does provide a level of support for the joists. Anyway - hats off to you both. Keep up the great work and great attitudes about it all. He's happy to chat with you guys if you need help structurally in the future.

At least you’re doing it . The world is full of people doing nothing but find it easy to criticise .

That moment when I saw the huge notch in the beam.... 😧🤦🏼‍♀️ I sighed a big sigh for you and figured you'd notice...eventually. Hang in there! The DIY struggle is real. But its so satisfying when its done right, done well, and you know the next generation will be enjoying the changes you've wrought. Looking forward to the satisfying re-do video. 🤭

As was already mentioned, simply sister additional wood at the “weak” points. Also, if you ARE taking out the joists, definitely coat the ends under the entry way-actually all ends should be coated/treated-for against moisture absorption and termites/wood worms.

I'm an architect and loving watching your progress.... As others have said, you can add plates over where the notch is. Adding studs in the wall below can be done also, but a real PITA since you have all the wood lathes nailed up on both sides of that wall. Three other observations/recommendations since you seemed committed to doing it over... 1. It looked like you made similar notches at the ends of the new joists where they bear on the plates. Those notches weaken the joist in the same way as the notch in the middle. Better to notch the plates as required to accept the full depth of the joist. 2. Where the ends of the new joists are bearing on masonry, you need to fit small stones as shims instead of relying on only mortar for support which over time can shrink/crack/crumble. 3. Lastly, PLEASE coat the ends of the joists with a waterproof coating where they are in contact with masonry. Regardless of it being breathable lime mortar, since you are in there replacing all that material, it's so easy to protect the ends of the new wood that I don't think you can afford NOT do it now and know that moisture will never get into the wood. Same for that new plate section you put in. That should totally be protected from masonry contact. Don't be discouraged.... This is a small bump in the road of an awesome project.

That's WHY we watch you. You don't settle for half-assed. If doing it right requires a little more time and expense so be it. Good for you.

I think the biggest mistake both of you are making now is not listening to your bodies/minds. A bit of rest will probably lift your spirits up. Hopefully reading this comment helps a bit too: no matter what mistakes both of you make, you look like absolutely wonderful people and are an example to me 🥰

Hi 👋, I am new to your renovation project, I am sorry say I new what were going to do even before you done it, as it is one of the most must Mistakes that people do, but you learn by your mistakes, and so long as you do that you will get better and more efficient, I now it is time consuming but it is better to draw something out, even just a sketch, and never cut the under side of the beams, I am retired , Specialist Jointer, Cabinet Maker. Of over 40s , and I have made mistakes, I have been working on very large barn conversions over the last 17-19 years, mainly in the Uk , just one project had 8 Doors, 24 windows, in 2015-6 one of the biggest windows I have ever made 4mt wide 5-6 Mt high , and the doors 80Ml thick , I am now living in the Correze in France in a moulin , we I/ ex partner purchased back in 2012/3 , I had to replace 24 beams on the first floor, I dropped them in the basement, it only took me about 5hr but 2 days to remove and clean up, and burn in , I decided to build a wall plate 100x220 x 12Mt long I put post every 1Mt , I got a company to make 2 jigs in aluminium, one to cut a tail, and the other dove, as to make a very large DOVETAIL joint, this is a technique that Germany and Swedens do in beam construction it is very strong, but you have to calculate the length of the size of the beam and then it will get you size of the dovetail, Sorry for going on so much, I am a old guy with no one to talk to, Good luck with your rebuild, if I still had my bike I would come and see you and if wanted I would love to get you a hand , I have been to Portugal twice, it as some amazing scenery. Stay safe, Phil from the moulin France.

'The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of other things, of saws and drills and ceiling wax and cabbages and kings'. Good team work and calculating!

Such wise words, from a hugely admired couple.

That is what is so brilliant about your videos. You are always learning from mistakes and you have such courage to forge ahead. Amazing team💖💖💖

What a heavy job !!!... but what a dream team !!!...

Honestly, I would be balling my eyes out. Frustration and more frustration. I feel for you. I really do, because I've done something similar and it feels bloody awful. Thank you for keeping it real. What you need right now is some kitten love. Saludos desde Asturias.

As an ex-forester I am impressed with what good quality timber you are using for your joists - so very few knots and good grain! Lovely. Delighted to hear that they will be repurposed

So sorry guys, that's just how it goes sometimes. We've had redos on our projects here too. It hurts for a day but we just had to get stuck back in. Hope you are still proud of all your hard work. Good luck. Love from South Africa ❤

It Was fiddly, awkward and heavy but you both did it and its now done..there you go. Well done

I dunno, sometimes I think ... how further allong you could be with a, 'profesional' onboard ... yeah, I know, not the same 'fun' is it. 😅

You also should have shimmed the bottom of the beams, rather than lifting them up and putting concrete mix below them. The beam should rest on the brick, that mix could weaken and the beam shifts down to its pre lift position, causing the floor to have a dip/spring. You could also consider filling that notch in the beam with a piece of the same wood that is tightly fitted in to it. Save you redoing it.

I really admire your patience and perseverance. I'm sorry that you have to redo it all.

Great comments below, such a supportive community! Get r done

I’m a Portuguese gal living in the USA. I love your videos! Being an English high school teacher, I don’t understand anything about building. I don’t even understand what you did wrong, but I admire your courage, work ethic, perseverance, and honesty.

Love your team work my husband and I worked on our home just like you team work makes the dream work and you prove it, good luck love the care you give that lovely old home

As mentioned by other people, the best, easiest, quickest and most efficient way of fixing this is to bolt a length of steel plate either side of the notch. This is not a bodge it repair it is used by professional builders so you won't have to feel guilty about it. Do yourselves a big favour, remove the stress, remove the reason for beating yourselves up and save a whole bunch of time, effort and money. 👍

If you are concerned about losing 25% of the strength of the beam, it would be much simpler to add that amount of strength back by either sistering the weakened section or bolting a short length of flat steel to either side of the beam. Otherwise you risk moving the goalposts from "done" to "perfect" again!

Hello, here in Brazil, when a person works a lot, we say: "you worked like a grown-up". And that's what I say to you. Congratulations!!!! 💚🥰💝🙏🙏💐🌻 Hugs from Brasil 🇧🇷 🎉❤

So glad you have been given expert advice on how to rectify your issues to avoid pulling it out altogether.

you are great and I like the way you are doing You are genuine persons good luck and enjoy your time

you can re attach the bits you cut out to save buying new beams

I know it is scarce comfort, but u have my respect. Not many people are able to see they made a mistake and learn from it. You are learning on the job. On hindsight everything appears easy. Yes you r right, rest and sleep are important. We all make mistakes but not many are able to admit and learn and correct the course. You did. Thank u for another video. And yes i found this episode exciting. I get satisfied and excited when i see u tackle and overcome yet another milestone on your road. Keep ur optimism up and allow ur common sense to guide u as u have so far. Continued best wishes.

And... 100K congrats.

I caught it (!) but told myself, they know what they’re doing! ❤️ And you did, after a good night’s sleep.

Well that is quite a 'twistment' at the end, I'm sorry but glad you both chose to do the painfully right thing to do. 😶‍🌫I'm sure there's a silver lining to this!

Is there enough room to leave the mistakes in place and put yet another beam done correctly long side. The floor will be super strong.

Don't despair ❤you are doing a great job

First, your span is not that long. Do some research, see if the dimension remaining (excluding notch) is structurally capable of handling the span. Second, how difficult would it be to add structure to the bathroom wall, making it load bearing, essentially halving the load requirement of the floor joist either side of the wall. Finally, (best option) sistering with true plywood (not OSB) or actual 1 by material can add remarkable amounts of strength to the entire span. Would need to be glued and notched INTO the bathroom wall but it would solve you dilemma and last for decades. Metal plates would also work and be incredibly strong. Metal is just a bit more fiddley and requires drilling into an already weakened joist. I know it's ok to do that but it always makes belly grumbly when drilling more holes into an already questionable framing member. Good luck and don't beat yourselves up. A...it can be fixed and B...It doesn't require removing final finishings.

I can just imagine how guttered you must have felt when you realised your mistake…. However your attitude in facing that mistake is admirable !!! Enough for now … go and sleep, let your mind rest from all the measuring and planning … and then get back into this amazing courageous journey !!! Durban 🇿🇦

mistakes happen - I suffered 3 years of beam theory at Uni to know notches are bad in structures - so you've got off lightly! Might I suggest you leave the beams in place & prop them to take the weight (i know you wanted to save the wall, but look where that has got you!) keep going!

The down side: redoing really laborious work (sorry about that), the upside, you have templates for the new joists! 😁👍🏼 Have I mentioned how much I admire you both for the incredible, difficult work you’re doing to renovate and preserve this beautiful home? Well done! 👏🏼

Reminds me of the time Guy's sister renamed the channel "MAKE. DO. AND RE-DO".

I love watching all your projects, and your wonderful honest, learning and growth oriented attitudes! You two rock!

Hello from PEI. When you "finish" the house reno, please have a heck of a great party to celebrate

Maybe an addition to the title….Make,Do,Undo,GROW. Sometimes s*** happens. I’m thrilled you found it so quickly. Good job.

Such a couple of hard workers you are !! This house is going to be the best constructed/renovated in Portugal !

Thank you for documenting and sharing your hard work. I learn so much by watching. I’m perpetually in awe of the work ethic and energy you two have, along with producing your videos weekly.

Its a pleasure to wacth you work. All you do makes sense. Renovating an old building is much harder then building an new one. Its a discovery and creative project from beginning to end. And sometimes goes wrong and there s redoing... From a fellow renovation worker, with years of landscaping and constrution experience (not expertise).

Lovely

I would have left it, the beams are strong enough and it would have lasted at least a lifetime. You are perfectionists😂

Been in the building industry all my life,i❤watching the both of you fashion this building to your requirements. Learning will take you to next level. The job that you’re doing is excellent 😊😊😊……Cheers from Australia………

Can you just sister up some more joists at the weak spots?

Don't forget to leave your names and the date hidden somewhere so people in future years can praise your handy work.

Good thing in my opinion you are not using construction adhesive, I would rather have a squeak to deal with rather than fight the adhesive when its time for a correction

Wow teda páni jste opravdu úžasní.Moc se mi líbi ,že i když to je opravdu těžké tak se tomu umíte i zasmát a držet při sobě.Moc vám fandím a držím oba palce.Zdravím z ČR

Love your honesty with yourselves well done .

Rather than take that floor joist out that was notched instead of notching out the non weight supporting wall , I think I woul notch out the wall and than while the joist is still in place bolt flat iron in that blank area and beyond on both ends, and that would more than replace the strength of the wood and be fine , It is another way to do it, but if you are going to be seeing the floor joist it would make a difference of course, but if those joists are not going to be exposed it would make no difference and structure would be fine for the purpose of the house.

Hello ! We have been watching your journey the past few years and are currently in Portugal looking for property. We heard that there is to be a “Craft Beer Festival” in Serta this upcoming weekend. If you are interested we would love to buy you a beer or two! What do you think??

As another engineer noted below, they make metal straps with nail holes that could be placed across the bottom of the notches that will likely provide the beam strength you require. However, if the beams or joists will be exposed you would see those straps. You could make straps if you can't find them where you are with some 1/8 inch plate the width of your joist about 3-4 feet long. Drill holes for 10 penny nails about 4" on center and stagger them left to right..........................

Following you noticed, this just by curiousity, with my Swedish ear a difference in dialect between you. Probably wrong and not being British used as excuse. "- You look full of joy." Best ever.... Re: Perfect/Done; Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without. (Confucius) Not sure being a mistake: It all comes down to the load bearing capacity influenced and the capacity needed. Obviously you put in joists in need of trim to fit the outtakes in the stone wall (or?) and even in some cases doubled. I'm not a engineer in building (electronics: with some DIY building experience renovations) so before tearing it all down/redo it have a second (third?) thought and, if possible, consult someone with experience or occupational ability to evaluate. Enthusiastic (not like a football hooligan, consider I'm 64) follower.

My favorite quote is “successful people make failure their best friend because they see him often"! I think it may be John Maxwell because I read a book on him once about success and he talked about how successful people see failure often because it is such a critical part of the learning process. I always tell myself “I made the best decision based on the information I had at the time or my ability to access all the information I had at the time of the decision” then like you I make adjustments and move on! I find that negative thoughts or beating myself up just use too much energy and I can apply that energy to something more interesting. As I have gotten older and wiser and as my energy is not what it was in my youth, I am happy with that decision. What is great about you two is that as you learn from your mistakes your vast audience also learns. I am 78 and have no plans to do any more major projects like you two have undertaken but I really enjoy watching the two of you work together and figure thing out. I majored in math and worked in computers! Early in my career I was the only professional woman in computer work in each company I worked for, the other women there were secretaries or clerks. I had to learn to work with men and solve problems together. It was interesting to see the different way each solves problems differently. I found I had a global view of the problem where the men had a more detailed and event driven view. Now when I watch men and women working together I often see the techniques change back and forth between the two. It is nice to see how we have learned to work as teams!

Just goes to show you are not perfect. Make sure to get some rest. You are doing a brilliant job.

I have so much respect for you. Just relax a bit and then start again. Hugs

Absolutely no need to take the floor out, just put fillers on top of the wall so it takes some of the load. If you wsnt to have more insurance, board up the outside of the wall with OSB to strenghten. Maybe a days work and will outlast you guys.....

Oh no... are you 110% absolutely certain you need to redo it. There's no other solution? If not then celebrate your persistence and resilience with a good beer! Take care

Just watched the latest vlog from Ateliermavi which you might find interesting. He has used hempcrete blocks that look like breeze blocks. It shows him cutting channels for electrics and plumbing which looked easy going and then hemp plastering over. Might be a good option for your brick walls if available in Portugal. Love to the kittens ❤

Pack up where you have notched out so it is supporting on the wall will be fine

I have seen the weak point when watching the video and I'm sure i've done the same mistake :) be brave and persist

Your strength your teamwork is a pleasure to see... doing and redoing not being afraid to recognize the mistake and having the courage to redo it is strength of character. 😍👍

have you supplied a parachute to the cat, the cat flap is a bit dodgy

I'm surprised you didnt put glue on the joists to hold the floor panels down.... Any reason why you didnt use glue?

Don’t despair correct it and move on, you doing fab and the house will be great when finished 😅😊

I am always in awe of your courage and hard work, I get tired just by watching your videos! 😄How anyone would even dare criticize what you do or what you've accomplished since taking on this project is beyond me. Sending good vibes so you get your mojo back!

Aww my heart sunk when you said at the beginning you've got to redo all you've just done. It did look like awful hard work so no wonder you're both tired. I admire your stamina and positivity to get it right. Rest and have a good week ahead xx

Definitely not perfect, but probably would have lastet the next 50 years anyways. With the bonus joists and all it looked way sturdier than what was there before.

Love watching the channel, legends!

Do you finally want to put OSB on the beams? Osb is Not breathable and I think you will geht the Same Problem like now in the Future. Why Not wooden planed floorboards which can transport the moisture? Just an answer. Thank you for your nice Videos!

Did you make a calculation weather the beams are to light? My guess ( as a naval architect) is that the beams are overkill in size anyway and by adding extra beams you divide the load so each beam has to carry less load ! If you are still concerned about the strength, you could sister them with either a wooden beam or mild steel. Adding a flatbar 50x6 mm will add a lot of strength. Don't beat yourself up to much, you are doing a wonderful job!

*Kia ora (hello) Kylie & Guy, It takes guts to come back to admit you made a mistake and what can be done to fix that mistake... Not many would do that.... and that is why I have followed you both from your original channel over to this one... I shall look forward to seeing the updated video, when you come back to this part in the future. See you both in the next installment of your wonderful videos.*

DIY is a hard road to hick .Hang in there.

No. I am a builder and this is what happens. Take up the plywood (you can use it exactly where you had it before, take out the ones you notched, cut down the wall, install new beams (which you have the PERFECT measurements for) and reinstall the sub floor. NO WORRIES. Six days total for a floor that should last centuries - no big thing. Good Luck. Smile and learn.

Just screw some steel plate to one or both sides of the joist.

New parents of kittens get tired!

Hm, nothing would have happened imo. The joists had the same seize (after notching) as the old ones. If you want to be sure sure and triple safe, place a decorative pillar or two taking the force effect from the new walls below to prevent cracks. Or putting a piece of rubber inbetween (also helpful with noise reduction). And maybe protect the end of the joists in the outer walls and entrance area with some resin or tar against the problem of moist you had or still have ?

I always look forward to your videos. I love how you try to solve situations through "trial and error". After working in the construction industry for 40 years, I can tell you something you forgot to do. Insulate the ends of the wooden beams that come into contact with the masonry. They will rot if they're not coated in "bituminous material". Other than that... keep going. 💪👍

Floors and beams and kittens 😂 but are the chickens laying?😮😊

I think you are doing an amazing job…but will admit I was thinking, “You can’t notch out support beams! “ But what is so good about your renovation is the thought you give to it all, even afterwards. In the end I have every confidence that your renovation will be well done in a safe and yet respectful of the past manner…and of the many I have watched on RU-vid, yours is the only one I would say that about! And by the way, you make our 20+ year renovation of our 170 year old house look like a piece of cake (we hired a lot of help!)

Just a question from an uneducated perspective. Would it be easier to just beef up the walls so they would be supporting walls? Love what you are doing and thank you for the kitten updates as well!

How about putting extra vertical studs in the new wall under and supporting the joists above where you notched them out ? And/or a couple of long checker plate (or similar gauge )steel cheek plates bolted through on each side of the the joists where you notched them out .Any local blacksmith would make those for you from your cardboard pattern template .Would have thought that would save a lot of buggering about with taking out the just fixed new joists .After all you only have to repair the structural integrity /stability of a couple of joists at the notches .A vertical post under the notch in the stud wall below and or some steel cheeks would do that .And all can be achieved from below .Just a thought that perhaps you have already had !

No more custom joists! Just add side supports at the cut outs, some character. Character is strength, that goes for not only your joists but for the both of you!🙃

The original wood you removed made me think you guys were walking on wasp nest wood!! I'm surprised someone didn't fall through it. Typical to form, you guys realized your mistake and are fixing it, that's what I love about your channel, you show your mistakes and then show us how to do it better. Hugs from 🇨🇦

Just sister on to the joist.

I feel for you guys, this is how we learn and improve. Well done for all your hard work and for sharing both the highs and the lows - very real and much appreciated. Hugs to you both

I kept thinking that you could have the holes for the joists all prepared but a little too big and then clamp some beams across with the joists clamped down below them so they'd all be in place to be limed in, when you came to fitting them. You did look rather jaded throughout if you don't mind me saying, you have to bear in mind that the kittens have probably taken it out of you. Keep going though. It will be worth it.

Take my hat off to u both

I once had a very smart boss (I know.....unusual, right?) and he told me after a massive cock-up, "if you never make mistakes, you are not working hard enough!" And he is/was right.

No, I didn't see the error but I felt the pain deep down when you explained it clearly. Been there enough times to know not to point the finger. It's heart breaking but lessons learnt as they say in the classics. Thanks for sharing, if you two can make the occasional error then I don't feel so bad.

Great job, well done for catching that mistake! One more did you apply glue to the beams before you attached the osb to prevent squeaking? ❤️✨

I don't know anything about building so no keyboard advice here. I will just say BUMMER!

Argh, I can imagine your thoughts and feelings. Maybe some properly qualified commenters can offer helpful (time- and cost-saving) ideas. Otherwise, you are not defeated and will fix it. I have infinite admiration for your courage and hard work, and the two of you are a brilliant team. By the way, your voice and narration are very pleasing.

Kylie: Are you in? Guy: Yes I have been in for a while... Kylie: Are you sure it's in? This doesn't feel right...

MAKE DO RE DO 😅

Loving your presentation. The ‘fly on the wall’ style worked really well. Great!