The Dilemma with the House Build... 

Another week of solving one problem at a time! Hope you didn't mind a little slower pace this week as we brought you along for what we got up to in the evenings...it can't always be build, build, build, right?! Plus, the boys and squirrel deserved a bit of quality time given the long construction days lately! Can't wait to hear your opinions on the tower. If you weren't sure of option 1 or 2, we're all ears!

The way Eddie got so excited but desperately wanted Charlie with him before he went for the water so so cute 🥰

Option #3 - Black metal siding, vertically.

Option #3 - black vertical siding. The tower is a large mass of area. If you use something light-colored it will visually overwhelm the rest of the structure. If you use the fake stone siding, again it will visually overwhelm the looks of the structure as a whole. Black siding on the tower will somewhat subdue its visual effect on the rest of the structure.

Please no fake stone, plus way too much for tower...black so it blends in and doesn't stand out. You guys are the best and such an inspiration for all of us!!!

If I was going to suggest anything about the tower , the whole home is made of black steel, do the tower in black steel sheets too. then it will come together . you have covered the side walls in the "wood " panels. I think thats enough wood, as you are also surrounded by it.

No stone, no wood. I like the same black metal ridged

Team Stone here to add texture to the smoothness of the wood and metal.

4:45 you have no idea how happy it makes me to see the boys like that. this is life, this is happiness.

Option 1 if it is between only those two. But I think an option 3, a corrugated vinyl or aluminum that mimics the shipping container exterior look would be amazing. The stair tower is the shape of a shipping container on its end and if it had that look I think the house would look amazing and you won't loose the this is a shipping container house look.

How about #3 -- metal siding painted the black color that looks like the container material? Otherwise, I'd go with the wood. I think three materials (and different colors) are too much. It's looking beautiful, btw. And love seeing the pups play in the stream!

As an artist, i appreciate contrast and balance, i think the metal stone would be a gorgeous accent to the tower. Its all looking great!

The dogs living their best lives all because of their great-dads. Definitely hits all the feels! ❤❤❤

BLACK METAL!!! Continue the existing dark siding. Please. I beg you. Stone on a soaring tower is such a bizarre contradiction.

DO NOT GO WITH THE FAUX ROCK! Think 19070's basement...that's what it will look like. I live in a neighborhood with a lot of artificial stone siding (the vinyl stuff) and after a short while it looks terrible. Use your stone at the base of the house to provide that natural anchor and stick with the wood siding. The other alternative is to go with a wood style siding but with a much darker shade.

You both have no idea how much it means to many of us to have this weekly ritual. It's so comforting to pop in to see what Tyler and Todd are up to this week. And to see how amazing both of you are at problem solving while reaching your goals. It's so inspiring! Thank you both for being who you are! Fan for life here!!!!!!!!😀

Option 1 - Stone. I think, yes it will help break up all that wood/metal look, but it will also give you something to draw upon when you're tackling the pool area. All that cement for the pool gives me rock vibes.

Option #1 - Stone! For the win!

My vote would be plain black for the tower! Anything else would stick out “like a sore thumb.” Love you guys!

The stone gives it another natural element and it keeps visually in toe with your og vision! Good luck but remember not matter how you build it we will still come and support! Much 💚💚💚 ~Vie

Stone feels like an actual tower like cheesy fairy tale but understand and like the contrast of a grey.

Finally a contractor that knows his stuff! No Stone

The stone - I don't think you'll regret this in the slightest. Such a beautiful 'natural' element look to contrast with the other materials.

I vote for the “stone”. It was always meant to be stone so I would go with your initial feeling. I love all the construction materials available these days. Love those animals 💕

Definately option #1. Never compromise on your dreams. Stone would look awesome and also match your dream idea of stone.

Black metal - in the forest - well designed but simpler - EPIC and dramatic. The stone look would seem as if the entire tower was an afterthought and although it was an addition it would really look like an afterthought addition. Also, I agree with you that wood grain siding would be just too much.

Vinyl stone would look great. Love how relaxing it was down by the river, definitely include those moments not just the build. Good luck guys with the next phase of the container home, you’re doing a great job.

Option 1: comes under the ‘power of three’, it will also adds another ‘natural’ looking material to the building - wood & stone with the modern black metal.

Stone looking plastic veneer weathers poorly after 4-5 years. The sun dries it out on southern exposures. It also looks dusty after the elements get to it. Being in contrasting patterns gives it an uneven wear appearance. It also becomes brittle. You should look for the stone veneer made from metal sheeting as it will age better. (Former Lowe’s pro contractor). Go to your local Lowe’s, Home Depot or one of your Canadian home improvement centers pro contractor’s desk for added knowledge and tips. BTW, I was up in NovaScotia this past week on vacation. It was beautiful there.

Option 3 - Black Metal. I recommend to use materials as much as original as possible. The metal with the wooden print is already a compromise but a venyl stone tower feels like Disneyland. for my opinion this does perhaps fit in an urban neighbourhood but not in the woods. Your new home is becoming amazing! You sort all problems out and come to great solutions! Keep going!🤗

Definitely option #1. It's closer to the original design and will look amazing! 😊

Charlie and Eddy are such happy dogs, they loved it down at the river and were so relaxed back on the land. The container really does look like a house now and the work is going great. I personally like the stone effect to have a contrast for the tower x

Neither Option 1 nor Option 2, but a third option: black metal siding installed vertically to mimic the container home's corrugated metal. But, in any event, not the "stone". Too many different finishes if you use the "stone". Team Black Metal!

Option 3 - black “metal” finish to match the container style.

Stone would look so good . Enjoyed watching Charlie and Eddie playing in the water they looked so happy!

I think option 1, the stone, is the best idea. The tower already stands out, so the stone would be best for making it an 'intentional' focus and adding just enough variety that complements the rest of the house. I have really enjoyed all the vids, and content, ty both!

I vote for black metal. You guys are doing an awesome job. I'm so glad that you were able to find the lake house. You got a well-needed break. Now you are able to focus on your other home. Your orchard looks great. I learned that if your fruit trees aren't producing, you should hit the trunks with a plastic baseball bat. That encourages the sap to rise. We had a bit of an orchard on our ten acres, but beavers took out most of our trees. Have a great week. Until next Sunday ...

Another option. Metal siding to match the shipping container, but in an accent color.

I like option 1 - The stone would make the tower pop against the metal and wood effect.

Vinyl stone for the stairway addition. I was disappointed when you said you couldn't do stone, because the wood, metal and stone together works so well together. The vinyl is a perfect choice. Using more of the wood, would be just okay, but with the stone, it really pulls the whole look together.

I love Dumpy. He’s had to fix the problems others created! He has such a great sense of humor

For RU-vid, and for photos, option 1 is great, but for anyone actually standing within 10 feet it will be obvious that it is fake, so not recommended. Have you considered shou sugi ban (burnt wood) siding, mounted vertically? That would give you the strong black vertical element from the shipping containers, and the wood grain pattern from the faux wood siding.

Option #1. The wood look would be too much and ruin the beautiful esthetic you both have created. I'm so excited to see how you have overcome the difficulties and continue to create such a beautiful home.

Love how Eddie wouldn't go to the water until Charlie could join! 🐾❤

I think the black metal continued with that wood looks amazing.

I agree with so many others, the plastic stone just doesn't feel right. OPTION #3- Black metal somehow!

I LOVE the contrast of ”stone” in the rendering the designers provided AND the tower looks awesome with it. Stone Plastic Option 1 all the way I feel like the editing didn’t show the rendering long enough so that’s why many want just all black. The stone IS a great contrast. Just like ya don’t wanna buy an all matchy bedroom furniture set… ya need the focal point. That tower needs the extra zing of contrast.

I would like to compliment Tyler for the supreme quality of these videos, and Todd for his astounding energy and humour. I have watched other gay blogs and lost interest after a while, but Tyler and Todd keep going on and on with boundless energy which invigorates my 90 year old soul. God bless you both.

Not sure about the stone. Liking the suggestion of black metal siding. The stone seems a little washed out in the background and something dark would help tie it all in.

I think you should go with the stone. I also think that when this is all over, you need to have a huge banquet with Mel and Dumpy as the guests of honor.

Option 1 fulfills your original design while still looking natural.

I like the stone but I really like the black siding idea that matches the windows trim. It would look so beautiful. It’s looking so good!!

Corrugated aluminum panels painted back would be cool.

The more natural look of the stone siding will help unify the more modern, clean, lines of the house and the surrounding environment. Opinion offered for free, no need to send the $5. 😎 Also, seeing your puppers playing so joyfully was absolutely adorable. What good boys!

Option #1 would look stunning,like a castle tower in the woods, ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I vote black metal for the tower. One of the things I love about your design is that it is fire safe - a vinyl product would undo that IMHO

There's a funny thing here in Canada, more than 2 types of siding on homes and particularly random sections of stone or stone-like material, it looks chaotic, not contrasting -- "arbitrary change of design". The "stone" siding seems like over-kill; the black and wood look fine together.

Great seeing the progress and relaxing time with furry babies. I like the vinyl stone look for variation on the stairwell. The builder friend is lovely and appears really kind and helpful. Nice seeing it come together for you both.

I like Option 1. As an artist, I really love the three color texture effect. They compliment each other in a very visually pleasing way as well as esthetically with the environment. ❤

My vote would be for black metal, probably vertical. Whilst I do like the stone, keeping the colour palette simple is for me more elegant and striking. I think that using the stone siding will make the tower look like an add on.

Curly leaf is totally harmless. Copper deficiency is normally the cause but hammering a copper nail into the trunk is one old fashioned way of curing this. However, our preferred (and much more successful) is to get seaweed off a beach (if you're close) and hang bits throughout the branches. On a small tree like that, you'd only need two strands. Within three days, all your curly leaf would have fallen off and you'll have beautiful leaves for spring. Love from New Zealand :)

Our dog chewed the sh!t out of a cricket bat this weekend. He reduced it to a bunch of twigs all over the back yard. It's his superpower. Love how your home is looking, it's so beautiful in its setting. 🥰🥰

The boys were Soo excited to go in the water! They are happy babies now. You all have to take them there to see that love and excitement. So precious! They really miss this place....home to them.

Honestly, I could go for an Option 3 re: Tower. I really like the consistent alternation between the "wood" and black metal. What if you could put a full black metal finish on the Tower? I know you guys like the stone (with good reason, it's beautiful) but I'm worried it will contrast too much with the theme of the rest of the house. Thinking as I'm typing, I can see a black metal tower with a small "wood" trim near/at the top. If i had to pick between your two options though, I would actually go for the "stone". Yeah, I do worry abt the contrast but I do agree that a full "wood" tower would be too much. Great luck to you both!

Aluminium and waterproof. Less rust. More durable on a tall structure. Keep it light and waterproof. Less maintenance! Take it from a homeowner of 30 years plus. ❤❤❤

I love Charlie "patiently" waiting for Eddie and then triumphantly taking off for the water!! Let's see the Bunky and Option 1!

Please consider an option three. I think the plastic stone will look like plastic stone. I’m confident that your joint creativity will find another siding choice. I love your doggos and my cat(s) would be long gone into the woods and fox food. Squirrel is amazing.

Oooooo Pick off those curled nectarine leaves. The tree will grow a new batch that will be much cleaner. Peach curl spreads, so you have to keep pinching off affected leaves. There's a dormant spray you can use to prevent it next year. I think it's sulfur based. Stay on top of that, or it will overwhelm your tree.

Dumpy has an " alluring" voice, love hearing his tone, accent & laugh. He's a treasure, for sure.

Voting plastic that looks like stone!❤ Who's gonna know❤❤❤❤

Option 3 - black! You have some nice ideas in the comments. (I wouldn't add a 3rd colour, that's for sure.)

I love how Eddy would not go do to the water without Charlie.

I vote for the option 3 mentioned in the comments. And if it’s possible to do it vertically, very cool, but I don’t like too many different materials on a house, especially since you are trying to unify the containers and tower

Option #1! The stone-metal siding for great contrast to the rest of the house.

Stone would give the house a beautiful touch ! The blank metal would also look very nice, but I believe that it he stone would be much more of a designer look ❤ You all seem very relaxed today 🎉 the boys certainly enjoyed their rock diving adventure !! ❤

I love how squirrel just be doing her own thing.. vibing lool

Stone, metal and wood- all the elements. Love that

Option #1: faux grey stone. The wood siding creates a strong contrast in color yet maintains the smooth texture of the black shipping containers. If your goal is creating a design that blends more harmoniously with the surroundings while still maintaining some textural contrast, be current/modern with classic design elements. I agree that the faux stone (option 1) is the best choice. Here's why: 1. Neutral Color: The gray tones of the faux stone sample would blend better with the natural surroundings. It's a more neutral color that won't stand out as starkly as the wood or black metal. 2. Textural Contrast: While the color of the faux stone is more subdued, its textured surface provides a nice contrast to the smooth, industrial finish of the shipping containers and faux siding. This adds visual interest without relying on a color contrast. (A subtle contrast to the majority of the house where color is used for contrast.) 3. Original Design Intent: Using faux stone is more in line with the original design tiu bith approved and liked.This maintains the initial architectural vision while adapting it to the structural constraints. No rule you can’t change your opinion and taste but holding on to some of your original and longtime decisions might also help guard against a change that in time you’re unsatisfied with. 4. Natural Integration: The stone-like appearance will likely complement the forested setting better than either wood or more metal, making the house feel like a natural part of the landscape. 5. Weight Consideration: Since real stone is too heavy, the faux stone gives you the desired look without compromising the structural integrity of the wood tower. In summary, the faux stone seems to strike the best balance. It offers a neutral color that blends with nature, provides textural contrast to the containers and faux wood siding, aligns with the original design, and is lightweight enough for your structure. This choice maintains the essence of your design while practically addressing the constraints.

Black metal for sure. The dogs in the water and orchard were adorable, and the all cooked out after. They are so loved!❤

I think the fur kids may like 'The Land' more than the cabin? Squirrel is the cutest!

It was so cute how Eddy waited for Charlie to be lifted down to the ground before he went to the water. Thanks for being real and showing the problems along with the accomplishments. I always look forward to your videos!

I vote for the dark metal siding (vertically installed) or continue on with wood.

Option 1 …..Definitely The Vinyl Stone!

I think black panels that mimic the windows, making it look like the whole thing was glass, would look really cool!

I feel the stone tower siding is a 3rd wheel in a well coordinated design. I recommend going with something else (not stone or wood) and paint it black. Let the other areas in the mock wood be the focal point. The tower has the glass that will always reflect the scenery or ,when the lights are on, the inside.

Option 1! I'm all aboard with Todds line of thinking here. I build in the Sims all the time (which is not the same, admittedly 🙈) but when it comes to colours and contrast I always go with contrasting themes to accentuate the "add on" instead of making it seem as tho it was planned from the beginning. I also think that when looking at the house from the viewpoint where Eddie was rolling around in the underbrush it won't really matter if it's wood or stone however from the other side of the house where you can see the whole tower I am 100% for the contrasting stone look 🪨☀️ Thank you for this weeks video, I always look forward to Monday mornings thanks to your videos 🤩🇸🇪

Omg that face when you asked your pup if he was a cow, had me busting a gut. Your animals are in love with that area. The house is coming along really well.

Option 1 but in black to match the shipping containers. It would be awesome!

I agree with the consensus that the stone will be too much, it is giving off cheap greige vibes and we don't love that after all you have been through! I am seeing more of an accent color! Like Cedar or Teak-ish type of pop. If you were able to get the same light weight material that your siding is made of, but install it vertically it would look amazing and create a true visual interest. Good luck, can't wait to see where you land on it.

I’m watching you guys from my daughter’s N Phoenix home as I babysit my two grand pups, Atlas and Cooper, two Goldens. Look at the beauty you’ve created…..nature and animals…..nothing better! ❤🐾😊 I like the stone!!!

I think option #1 , the stone look, would look awesome!

I love the way the three of you work together, laugh and learn. Thank you for sharing.

Your interaction with your animals is so fun!

Definitely the “stone”…the contrast will look amazing! Great job guys.

It's very clear where the dogs considered to be home, and it's not the lake. It's a shame that the two of you have drifted away from it or rather been frustrated away from the Dome and container home property. I feel you call my boyfriend and I went through a very similar situation and all of our critters loved the old property and to be honest so did we until due to development problems etcetera etcetera it became untenable. Sadly so did our relationship. He got the dogs and stayed there with the cave cabin and the creek, I got the cats took the fifth wheel and moved over to a lake 15 Mi away. To this day I think we regret giving up on it and pretty much only remember the good times now. Who knows maybe in the future we'll both end up back there. Back home.

I personally think that continuing what yu have already done would be best, do option 3. If possible, the black siding should come up from the bottom of the tower, slightly higher than the porch deck side black siding goes, perhaps close to the same distance that is between the shortest black siding (middle section) and the porch deck black siding level. I think it would look cohesive and not an add on, which it is. My second choice would be the fake stone and then maybe the fake wood on top, again not equal to any other transition in the other sections. Whatever you do it has pulled together so nicely it’ll be sweet!❤

That was so great getting to be with the dogs at the river again, they're so happy when they're in the water. I love watching Eddie dive for his toy!! Pretty darned impressive!

I think the stone would look amazing, but the important thing is YOU gotta love it.

Black is so much more clean and binds everything together!

Definitely the vinyl stone. It'll look like a castle tower.