Who cares if you are off grid or on grid. Get your home built and then decide rather or not to be off grid. I am just happy to see you guys building something. I am wishing you the best.
The reason I subscribed is that you folks are common-sense minimalists and off-grid practitioners, using off-grid tech when you can, but using the on-grid stuff where necessary or prudent. Well done. I'm sure the planet will be just fine.
No reason at all to explain. I agree 100 percent with you guys! Keep building and doing your videos and we will all keep watching and learning from you both!
I think it's very smart to go back on grid. One of the big lessons Preppers teach is to not only think about plan A but to think about plans B, C, D, and so on. Going back on grid is just another Plan if you will. Everyone watching is getting older, like it or not... having your house on grid is going to make that transition easier. Not every 80 yr old is capable of continually chopping wood for winter heat. Not every winter will be sunny to where you can generate a lot of solar power or mild to where you can safely trek down the side of the mountain for more generator fuel. I find it completely ridiculous to hear preppers tell people to prepare for the grid to go down and have other means in place but chastise those who are off-grid for utilizing on-grid capabilities. In essence you could just say you're preparing for retirement age or thinking ahead in case you ever need to sell... thinking about the kids either moving in or selling the property after you've passed (sorry morbid). I'm glad to see that the comments I've read are all supportive regardless of whether you're on or off grid. I watched you when you were on-grid, off-grid, and will continue to do so because you put out informative, interesting, and entertaining content both on & off grid. I'm just glad ya'll aren't planning a "Break Up with RU-vid" video. #ForeverFollower
I never could understand why people get so bent out of shape about using the resources that are available to you. The power is available, use it if it benefits you. Your you have solar so you won't be dependent on it nor will you spend much money for it since it's supplemental. I think your decision is a sound one.
I think “self-sufficiency” means making the most of the resources available to you. Looks to me like that’s what you guys are doing. Looking forward to seeing what works for you!
I really love your channel precisely for what you said: you are very practical and real people, and are not afraid to detach yourself from the all-in extremist views about homesteading. I think this makes your videos that much more relatable and real. Thank you for the time you put into sharing all of this!!
I didnt even watch this yet but I dont blame you whatever your reason right now. Just because you make a channel and wanted to be off grid, doesnt mean you cant change your mind or change your mind again. What you did even for a short time is absolutely amazing. And if you wanted an hvac system just to be cool and warm, not even worry about mold and mildew, no one is gonna blame you and if they say something, they are just trolls.
In the long distance backpacking world, we have a saying..."Hike your own hike". Similar to the kids "you be you". In essence, you are the only ones who have the right to decide how you want to live. What convenience (or inconvenience) you want to deal with. Never feel the need to explain yourself or justify your decisions to people who are not living your experience. Ya'll are doing great with this project, don't feed the trolls. We tried the off grid thing also, it didn't work for us either. No shame in trying. We learned and moved on. Better than sticking with something that made us miserable, simply to prove a point to a group of people we really didn't know. Do what makes you happy. Your fans will support your decisions. Your trolls will troll no matter what you do.
Smart decision in my opinion. Enjoy cheap, reliable electricity when it is available and have off grid backup options for SHTF scenarios. That's how I view the issue.
Smart move ! My philosophy on prepping, self-sustained living and off-grid lifestyles can be summed in one word: Insulation. You are insulating from the effects of what happens in the world around you. It isn't 100% isolation or immunity from the world, but you insulate your home and family from whatever SHTF scenario might occur.
Very wise. I do find it "funny" that some off grid RU-vid channels will have their wives cooking on wood and hand washing their clothes, but the husbands sure have a lot of power tools and tractors! You're setting up for the best of both worlds. Love your channel.
I think you’ve made the perfect decision. Part of living this lifestyle is using the resources available to you, and having a back up plan if those resources suddenly become unavailable. That’s exactly what you’re doing.
You should never have to explain your reasons for being practical - we certainly appreciate it, but you guys have shown over and over your practical and realistic. Your reasons are sound and to be honest, most people would do the same. Love your channel and love your honesty. You guys are awesome - and inspiring. Please just keep doing what you're doing. We'll keep watching.
Your life, your home, your family, your choice. Glad I'm not reading any judgmental comments from people who's business it isn't... I enjoy your channel, keep it up guys :)
What ever helps you achieve what you need. thank you. I watch yall to learn new skills. I live in an overpriced tiny apartment in a medium city in California, single mom , bad credit(...) and 3 kids. someday i would love to live on a few acres and a small trailer ( my 2 youngest are going to college next year and my oldest has Autism and will be with me for a long time. thank you for telling it like it is and showing us that to reality of homesteading is what ever you need it to be and to do what you can. all i want is some chickens and a garden for canning and a safe place for when the power goes out i can cook and live. xoxoxox from California..
When I saw the power available to you a few videos ago I thought that your system and on-grid combined is the way to go. You have plenty of solar to offset most of your usage plus an awesome backup system. It makes sense.
I commend you both for making choices based on your needs and requirements! The humidity in the smokies can be brutal!!! This past summer spent 4 months in Franklin and the humidity and heat were a challenge. We just bought in South western VA and realized we just could not completely off grid. It was a fantasy but reality is exactly what you said, live as sustainably as possible as simply as possible but LIVE!!! Love all that you are doing!
My 104 yr old friend said one is none, two is one and three is two. If any equipment or tool broke, he had the means to keep working, because he had extra. He was a farmer on top of a mountain. So having elec and solar and hopefully a/c plus a wood burner is a benefit to your lives. Live as you see fit. Looking forward to see your house. Subs will make your project go more quickly.
The most enjoyable part of your channel for me is your common sense. No ego big enough to see what you need to do for the end goal. Thank you for your hard work and honesty.
I don’t care if on grid or off you guys rock I have learned a lot from you and I will stay and keep learning........what works for you works for me, to see you guys move forward. ❤️
I think you are making a great choice because you will have two great systems to work with and in the meanwhile, you can upgrade your solar system if you feel the need. Good luck with the building of your new home.
Makes total sense, grid right there so use it. But keep your focus in the sustainable living that brought you there. I will definitely be watching how you pull it all together. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for saying what most of us are thinking. I grew up in the city and now live in the PA mountains. I've learned to grow most of my own food, can those foods, etc. I am excited to start to expand my prepper panty. However, I have no desire to live without electricity. It's nice to know I have a reasonable place I can turn to learn new skills without being told I'm not committed enough.
No such thing as committed enough. Whatever you choose to do is what you choose to do. Your only commitment should be to you amd your families health and safety. Period.
totally agree with your approach. better to have both when in need. living in the north, i'll be using the on demand propane to heat my shower and laundry water.
You don't need to justify going back on grid and thank you for explaining your (very sensible and thought-through) decision. We have solar panels which provide electricity when there's enough light and the rest of the time we are on-grid. As you say it means we can ensure a continuous supply of power. As yet we don't have batteries for storing power in case of a power outage - they may come in time. I completely agree that when you are thinking about the last home you'll live in you need to future proof it as best you can for all eventualities. Love and peace, Liz
Do what works for you and your family. I hope you are able to sell you solar power back to the power company so you have a net zero energy cost for a year. I have a friend who does that and is very happy with his net zero yearly energy costs. Enjoy your new home and do what works for you.
Don't let anybody shame you. You live your way. I live in florida and my father in law no matter how freaking hot it got left the house open all day. Then closed at night and ran the ac. It kept things from getting molding. And it was good
You do what you gotta do! 100% get your perspective. You need your house built. If that means on grid for now ... So be it. You will always have the option to go off grid when you're ready. The future may bring other HVAC options. You never know, right? Love you guys. ❤
You two are just awesome! I hope you two take a moment and just appreciate each other for the tenacity to make your dreams come to realization. Not everyone can just go build their own house! And the fact that you both research and experiment and are willing to TRY! Many people talk about ideas but never see them to fruition. Here you are ‘dirt deep’ into it. Grid or no, you do what’s best for you! My hats off to you! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Well, this is exciting! I’m considering investing in solar to reduce the electric burden. So, I’m down with seeing how it’s all setup and ties together. As for my opinion, I say to each their own so long as they are not intruding upon others. I’ve learned a lot from y’all over the last couple years and you have my support.
I agree....you might as well use the convieniences available as long as they are available. You have already proven to yourselves that you are able to live off grid if need be. Cant wait to see the house go up.
Going back on grid makes sense for you. Keeping the solar & generator as backup seems like a good choice too as I suspect you will get a lot of outages where you are. You did the off-grid thing for a while, got the damp tee shirt and everything else too :) I came to your channel as an off grid channel but will be staying around after you get connected up too :) Looking forward to your house build.
There are a lot of things I could do without if I had to, but until then I will do what is best. That is my view and from the sound of it you are thinking the same way. Thanks for the honesty.
You sort of sound like you needed to justify or ‘apologize’ to your audience for your choices. NO NEED AT ALL. Your life, your decisions. You have shown us all so much that is doable with a little gumption and know-how. No one thinks anymore. They just go out and buy buy buy. No more self-reliance anymore. I myself wouldn’t want to live way up on a hill and so remotely, but what you did can be translated to so many applications. You have given us so many easy to follow real-life examples. Bravo to you. Looking forward to seeing your house get built!
Nothing wrong with having all 3.. If you can afford it, then i say use the grid. You're still better off than the majority of people who are slaves to the city. Bravo! 😃
I always say....if our fore fathers had chainsaws they wouldn't have been using hand saws. Or fore mother's if they had electric washers and dryers do you think they would have been down washing in a tub with a washboard? Yeah right. I like my conveniences. But I still like to can my own foods. Grow a garden etc. Remember we still live in a free country, and you can decide to live like you want. Stead on!🌞
I think your logic is very wise. I started watching your videos years ago when you were getting into prepping and self-sustainable living. The house build series lost me because I didn’t really relate. I would check in on your progress from time to time. Well, I have now moved to the mountains of Western NC and we’re getting ready to build an ICF house! I’m now re-watching the series word for word! (Humidity is my enemy as well!) 😊
Right-on you guys. Hook-up. I’m so glad you’re doing it. Set a good example. Seriously this past May I moved out of my apartment because of mold! I got black mold poisoning and became so ill. These past two years of sickness has weakened me beyond. 75% of my belongings furniture clothing rugs etc etc had to be trashed. I’m starting over. And at my age I’m overwhelmed and too exhausted to start again. Get hooked up continue on your journey. I respect you all so very much. You two are so smart so real and just lovely people . I enjoy you channel so much. Warmly ~ Corinne
Thank you for being real and transparent. I believe in balance and having electric utility available if needed is prudent and using wisdom. Have enjoyed watching your progress on the home build. Blessings to you all, Rob S. (Rockford MI)
Jeremy and Jaime💜HUGS💜 After 3 years of renovating and having "temporary power, we are estatic to receive our electrical inspection certificate that allows us to live in our home. We have started moving and hopefully will be in our home full time by December 1st. I wish you all the best and minimal setbacks. Hiring contractors is a pain, getting them to actually show up is a miracle. Be blessed, love you💜
Congratulations Kitty. You're going to have a LOT to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving. Good Luck on the move and Best Wishes for the first of what I hope will be many, many Happy Christmases in your new home, from Sharon in Nottingham (the one in the UK)
No shame in using the resources available to you, in some ways it would be a waste of resources not to use the power pole and grid line that had been invested (time and energy wise) in by others. You will no doubt feed back energy into the grid over time and this is sustainable and assists those that don't have the assets to do so. I applaud people that think through and adapt to their circumstances. We are all in this together. PS. I love watching you guy's make your way.
Completely understandable! The thing I've loved most about watching your channel is that you are honest and do your best to show how you are trying to balance the modern and self-sustaining lifestyle and how it is possible! If you weren't able to keep moisture off your equipment we wouldn't be able to learn from you all via RU-vid. I'm able to catch up on your build because of being out of work due to this pandemic. I'll try not to spam with too many comments ☺ All the best to you!
I watch a lot of different channels, and, I have stuck with yours through-out the beginning. You have always been upfront and honest about what you do and why you do it. I appreciate that. What you are doing makes sense and is not at all contrary to what you have said when you started out. I'm glad you will now be able to get subs in to help with the build. Take care and I look forward to the next update.
HI J + J I think you are doing the right thing 100%. What you will have is OPTIONS! On grid makes it easier for you to get the contractors to help you build your home. You will have the re assurance of knowing you have a double redundant power back up should the mains fail for any reason. If at some point in the future you feel the solar grid can meet all you power needs you will have the OPTION of cutting the cord! Some of these "extreme" back to basics people think we should go back to living in the time before electricity, well I quite like the idea of Modern drugs to treat illnesses that used to kill millions. I like modern things like the Internet with all the fantastic new things you can learn. I think what people should aim for it to take the best of the past and add it to the best of the present, something I think you are doing a great job off. Looking forwards to watching house build. Andy, Shropshire, England.
Your openness and truthfulness is commendable. You 2 are awesome and are developing a great home and admirable lifestyle. Good luck and good health to you both
I think its a smart decision being completely off grid in this day and age it not all its cracked up to be ..You say this is going to be your retirement home got to remember what you can can do now at your age more than likely wont be able to when you are in your golden years ..to me you have the best of both worlds when you can switch back forth ...Have fun building your semi off grid homestead looking forward to good videos ...God Bless
I never realized how much humidity your area gets, I think you are wise to preserve all the belongings you have and to not waste them by letting them rot. Best of luck to you in all your endeavours, I am glad you are able to bend to achieve your goals.
We love watching your content no matter what you decide to do. We're getting ready to do build a house too and there's no way we could live off-grid. We plan to live as sustainable as possible but we live an electronic/tech lifestyle, like many others, and it's very expensive to go 100% solar and have enough power all the time. We support you guys and we're so very glad you share your life with us all. Super stocked about the house build too. Keep up the great work.
You have to do what you have to do... What a blessing how close you are to existing power! It's great to have options. I have been ill from mold before... it is SERIOUS stuff you don't want to deal with. You never know down the road what you might need. Blessings to you in your journey.
All my leather molded, when I moved from out West where it’s very dry; to Ohio . The humidity in storage ruined all the leather . Lesson learned.☹️ You guys are awesome
I agree with the things you said about going back on grid. I would love to live debt free and be able to provide the power I need in an emergency since I rely on oxygen intermittently. I love your video blogs because they teach skills that encourage how to be more self reliant. I think it’s fun to do as much as I can. thank you.
You guys got some steep hills too! 😂 I say that I'm semi-offgrid. I am connected to the power grid, but have a well and private sewage system. So agree with the ventilation system. Thinking ahead - to older age, when you might not cope with the extreme heat or humidity, that is smart. A tip - is keep all important rooms on one floor, for the days when stairs is not your friend. 😉
As someone that have hit a higher age I can tell you that the A/C can make a big difference. When it is humid some of the joints hurt more! When I was young we didn't have A/C and it wasn't much of a problem. Now in my 70's I can't sleep very well without a/c. You have years of doing things before you get to that point but sleeping on a mattress that has mold isn't good at any age. You can still do things that makes you less dependent on the grid as you see what is best for you. I want to get some solar panels just to lessen what I use from the grid. I learn from different videos on here what works for you and others and what doesn't. That helps me know what may or may not work. Thank you for your information.
I like that you both seem level headed about stuff like this. It helps to make reasonable, sustainable decisions when you are not zealots about things.
I loved what you said about balance. Having the skills to deal with the times when modern practices or products don't work for you is important, but it's just as important to use modern technology when that is the option that works best in the situation.
You guys are doing a wonderful job on your home. Can't wait to see ya finish. Living smart and true to yourself is a part of life, glad all your hard work won't be ruined by mold and mildew, a family member of our's was dealing with mold issues, they became very sick, everything was ruined and had to tare the house down to the studs. Health issues, finances, time and precious things you can't get back, It's no joke. Wishing you all the best & safety on your journey.
Hello ! I LOVE your honesty, and the way you express the truth about living on and/or off grid. I appreciate the way you focus on the positives, and express how Life is about finding the balance in all things...Stay strong, and I wish you every success in everything you do !!
We only here for a short period of time. We need to be happy, content, comfortable, and strive to make a difference in our own world and in someone else's world. Your channel has always provided . A way of life for one person doesn't mean it is the only way. You are prepared for many situations, which may come to pass. But above all, you need to enjoy where you live.
Good for you! doing what you need to do. I live in humid area too and I totally get it. I love watching you guys, and one of those reasons is for your logic and common sense.
Sounds like a well thought-out plan. When we dreamed our house build over the years, we always planned to be off-grid. When it came time to do it, we realized how difficult and expensive it would be in our area(sun hours in winter are very low). We ended up buying land that was almost the total opposite of what we always said we wanted. Dreams are wonderful to have but practicality sometimes has to kick in, and then plans change. Our ICF walls are two years old and the concrete inside our crawlspace walls and slab floor is still releasing moisture. The dehumidifier runs 24/7. Also, because these houses are so airtight, indoor air quality is an issue. We live in a land of extremes(very hot dry summers and cold winters with alot of snow) so keeping windows open isn't always feasible. A ventilation system is required in Canada so we installed a simple one that works. Also, because ICF houses are not terribly common, and because we didn't put in a forced air gas furnace, and because we live in a rural area without fire hydrants within a kilometer, we had a very difficult time getting an insurance company to cover our house. Knowing what we know now, being off-grid would likely have been one more hindrance to getting insurance. You will make the decisions that are best for your particular situation. Good luck!! I can't wait to see what you build.
I think that you are doing it right. Going completely off grid full time just doesn't work for everybody, but having the capabilities to be completely off grid is a great back up system
I agree, you have the skills and equipment to go off-grid if you have to but if you don't have to why should you 100% support you, from the beginning subscriber
My hat is off to you for being off grid as long as you was. I agree on grid makes sense. I live in the same mountain chain as you. Here the problem is the grid leaves me. I don't leave it. Just yesterday we got our power back after a 42 hour outage due to an April wet snow. Because we do have other systems. We never took a cold shower. Or worried about freezer spoilage. I'm still trying to get past the 75 % no store bought veggie thing. I am 100 % no store bought meat. But just can't get past the veg. However I buy grains and feed. So am I truly 100 % Anyway that's a rabbit tail,,.in short I think it's very wise to be on grid. But be able to survive off. You have already proven you can . Certainly you you need not prove that to anyone but yourselves. But you took us along with you as you lived that life. Thank you
Love, Live, enjoy life and be as prepared as you can. Those are my rules for living. I really enjoy your channel and content. Cheers from Northern California
I totally get it. You guys are so rational and reasoned in your decision making. I am a very big fan of options - and comfort. Having the ability to chose between both solar and conventional electricity is the best way to go. We just had solar panels installed as we live in an area where that makes really good sense. We also decided to go with the solar back up batteries. The electric company is buying our power most of the time but they are there when we need them, such as when we need air conditioning. I love your videos and respect what you are doing.
Although it would be most interesting to see you live totally off grid, I agree with you that it only makes sense to live with modern conveniences, but, also be able to know how to live primitively, should the need arise. Thank you so much for your channel. I truly enjoy it.
Keep up the good work. Nothing wrong with going back on grid. I believe in work smarter and not harder. There a reason man invented electric. It possible I have missed an episode or two but from what I gathered the main thing you wanted was to be able to have piece and quiet and be able to have a small farm which you couldn’t do in your last home. Your place is going to be amazing once your done. I like how you both work as a team and both get out there a break sweat together to make your dreams come true. Each of you have your talents and together your unstoppable. Heads up and keep moving forward.
I dont think there is anything wrong with being on the grid, especially if you don't depend on it! You guys have learned so much and its good to have options.
Being prepared for life without a "grid" is great and if you can have those systems in place I say do it - But if you can why not use the "grid" it's there, yes cost is something to consider, but why make things harder then they have to be. This is your home, do what you need to do for your family and so you don't have to revisit something. Things start getting pretty expensive when you have to go back, I am sure you two know this! All the best!
Good for you guys! Seriously, the balancing act is probably the hardest part of this lifestyle. I think the old ways of living are so heartwarming and amazing to have as a skill set. There is just something about it that speaks to my soul and brings me home. But it is difficult to function in everyday life if you cant find the balance. Wishing you guys the best! Cant wait to watch your next housebuilding steps. 💗
