Things We Would Do Differently... 

You could always buy a third container and extend the house out for a utility room, closet room, pantry room. Which would also give you more content to film.

I am an old man and for 20 years, I was a carpenter/builder. I have to say that I am highly impressed with what you have done. And making a family at the same time! You could easily start your own business doing this, just like the Tree House Guy. You are self taught, like my daughter in Atlanta, who is a clothing designer. She has even had a dress in the Grammy Awards. Anything is possible when you are young. Take advantage of it :)

Y'all did an outstanding job considering your experience when you started. I've never heard anyone who built a house who didn't have things they would change regardless of the size of the structure. Congratulations and thanks for taking us all along for the experience.

I just adore these two. So glad they have us along for their incredible journey. ❤❤❤

I wouldn't consider these mistakes. I'd say it was a learning experience. You both created an amazing home for your family. Sit back and enjoy all the hard work you accomplished.

I am so convinced that you two could very easily do a side hustle as container home builder consultants. Set up a business, place ads on social media, and there you go. I think you all did a wonderful job, adjusting as you go.

Take your extra storage container and add it on to your home as a power house/utility storage/laundry room. You could use part of the container as a pantry and add closets for the kids… And maybe a small play room for the kids.

MacKenzie laugh is contagious. Thank you for sharing part of your life with us.

If you ever want larger bedrooms for the kids, you could add a third container. I'd put it along Cam's room and make the window a doorway. Cover one window in the dining room (make it a bookcase) and the front bedroom would be far enough out that it could have a window facing the front porch. Cross ventilation is lovely and makes a place feel bigger. The small bedrooms could then become office space, or even pantry, laundry, and battery closets.

I really think that the success of this was you two. You are very affable people. If it weren't for your humbleness, openness, patience and fortitude this probably would have failed early on. Congrats to you this is a great journey and it was great of you to include us. Blessings and many many joyful years of success to you and your family!

Guys! You've made something incredible here! You've built your own home, from scratch, without any experience, documented it in exceptional fashion, and built a youtube channel, that is an instant click for everyone who follows it. Not to mention you became a family of four, I guess a couple of mistakes here and there are expected along the way. Yeah, you haven't done everything perfectly right but this is what makes it real!

For a couple tackling a project like this with no experience is pretty amazing. I have been in and out of construction a lot (mostly electrical), and I didn't think about that wall transferring outside temperature in, causing condensation. There's always a lesson to be learned in mistakes, big or small. Overall you guys did an amazing job!

Cracked me up when Kenzie said "our next shipping container home" and spencer's reaction. Now that he has done such an amazing job with their own home I have been saying for a while that he should be contracting himself out to build other people's homes. Kenzie can stay home with the kids and edit videos as she is so good at doing. Not only that but over a million of us can continue to get our weekly fix.

It's never too late to add a little woodstove to a building. Decide on a spot, put in a hearth and heat shield, pipe the chimney and get a load of dried wood. No heating method can compare to it for comfort and warmth.

I see a laundry/pantry addition in the near future off the kitchen and maybe a dishwasher to replace the washer in the kitchen. 🤣The things you store in your master closet (tools, etc) can then be stored in the pantry/laundry/utility room/closet. I believe you could add a wood burning stove to your living room space. Now how efficient a wood burning stove would be in that space to heating the rest of your home, IDK. Then there is that exposed container wall issue with condensation in your living room. Unless you put the wood burning stove in the dining room? My guess is the biggest issue would be the chimney. OH BTW I love your enclosure around the outside of your home. 🥰 I love your home it's beautiful! I've watched from the beginning of your build. It seems like a new home is really never done though, we always have some lil project going. lol ☺I'm looking forward to your next project.

Now that you're finished with the main build, after some rest (perhaps next spring), it's time for renovations! Seriously, you can still make changes. Did you guys ever consider Port windows like they use in boats etc? That may have fit that upper wall, given you light, and been an interesting accent piece. Anyway, the place looks great. You'll have time to upgrade your batteries later, maybe add some solar charger batteries that can stand alone or act as back up to your main source of energy. Your house is a work of art

As far as the wood-burning stove, I think being off grid, or any home, you should Always have a back-up heating source. Also, you have access to all the wood you'd need! And...being off-grid, the wood stove seems a given with needed extra heat/emergency heat, and it gives the home a nice comforting feel. Also, you could use the solar and stove together...being as you have high ceilings and it would lower and save on your solar consumption! I think you may still be able to add a stove. If you can, I'd highly recommend it. You could also make a nice little seating niche around it! (sofa, lamp, blanket, bookcase, etc.)

I think you guys have done an amazing job! Would you ever think you would add on to your home like maybe add another container to add a laundry room or closets, solar room, etc or another bedroom for another baby???? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts

Knowing that you all did this on your own is what makes your house amazing so be proud of what you all have done cuz we are proud of you from San Antonio Texas 🤟🏼

I couldn't be any more happy for you both and your kids. I am seriously considering binge watching this entire series. You guys did a phenomenal job, for having no experience and your film editing is pretty impressive also. Keep it up! I'm looking forward to more.

Your house turned out beautiful, but from the beginning I wondered why you didn't make center section wider. Don't put yourselves down for the choices you made. I think everyone who builds a house or a garage even see things they would have made it bigger or different. What you two accomplished is awesome!

You should be bursting with pride!! A commitment to a long project and with two babies, gosh, you deserve a medal!! Someone mentioned an underground room for the washroom and it would be a safe place in a storm too. 💗

I believe you have did well in building your humble home. I am one of your fans and have been following and watch all your flog more than three years since the beginning. I was impressed by the way you cooperated with each other in responsibilities, caring for children, construction, etc. I wish you success, happiness and from the bottom of my heart LOVE and good luck.❤️

Thank you so much! I love your home and I can definitely see how an another way to heat your home could have made a huge impact! Since you have never built a home before, it is a very beautiful home!

Congrats on finishing this amazing project. I'm hoping to see you build a guest house / home office with another container in the future...

Iv said it before in the comments and I’ll say it again….your a credit to humanity! Just the fact that you gave me much enjoyment in trying times and with all the terrible things going on at the present time. Thanks so much from across the pond 🙏

Thanks for taking us into your home, your family is just great.

I think no matter what you do when you build the first time you will find things you would change.

Beau and Cam should start their own channel, building a pillow fort 😊

Love the sit downs too! So happy for you guys and can’t wait to see what’s next!

Where there’s a will there’s a way! And you guys knew what you wanted and went out and you were able to do it! Because you are very strong-willed people! I just wanna say thank you for letting us be a part of this and being a part of your family! Very awesome job what you were able to accomplish! And once again thank you for letting us be a part of your journey!

There is really no such thing as a mistake as long as you're learning and no one gets hurt. You two rock and you built a beautiful home. And you brought us along on the journey. Thank You.

I just want to say, you guys are amazing. I've been here since day one. I've watched Spencer conquer every challenge. Your house is so beautiful 😍

I appreciate you all sharing your insights about your experience. My wife and I are beginning our own container home build in spring 2023. And this video is a game changer for us. Thank you so much.

about the washer/dryer vibrating, you can put beach noodles around it and they will absorb the vibration, that is what we use in our RV. We cut them and stick them, tightly, all around the washer/dryer, it helps a ton.

Would you consider expansion in the future? Add another container that could contain a pantry, walk in closet and storage/utility room? It would just require a walk through porch. Then you could even move your office in there and that would allow for a small fireplace in the living room

With a woodburning stove, you could have had a backboiler to create hot water and a few radiators running from it, plus you could have chosen a stove with an oven and two cooking points. Super efficient. Maybe for the next house. Well done, you did a great job. Always employ an architect!

Thank you for sharing! I have your next project LOL, -- buy another container to attach to your current home, on the side of your home where there are no tiles on the walls, (bathroom) and knock down the full length of your home on one side by adding the new container, it will extend all your rooms, then you can always put the washing machine in a new area, then Spenser can make more kitchen storage where the washing machine was located. You can add your new woodstove, make plenty of storage, and replace the windows (sell the current ones). If you are feeling really ambitious, then you can detach the front steps and extend the living room to make it wider. JUST A THOUGHT.

Great job building that house. I'm a bit of a history nerd,18th to early 19th century, and one thing I see on farms is separate buildings (out buildings or dependencies) for different functions. One for laundry and perhaps non seasonal clothes storage. Combine food storage and storm shelter into one underground (or mostly underground) structure. A Green house for winter veggies. Just a few notions and you can make the builds into videos. Y'all take care.

You two invested us in YOU and YOUR journey and the outcome of your story. You kept it real and interesting. Very quickly you made us feel you were a part of our family. Of course we kept coming back for more!

I think you did it right by not installing a wood burner with your windows not sealing well, the wood burner needs a lot of air when running it on full, and they suck a lot of air in from outside through window gaps and doors making it hard to heat the home. I removed mine and installed a heat pump and instantly noticed how much warmer the house was.

You guys are such special people. Great job with the house! ❤

Y'all did a stupendous job! First build, first solar, first water system - and so many other firsts, and you shared not just your process, but your feelings in a genuine way. Waiting for when you buy a 4th container to expand the house - closets, pantry, bigger kid rooms as they grow. I love this adventure and the fact you share so much with us!

I am truly amazed at how much effort you put into building your home. I smiled at myself when Kenzie mentioned about the sketches that she had been doing before the build. Everything that we do in life is a learning experience. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

I absolutely love your home!!! You did an amazing job!

Everyone who builds a home says, I should have/would have done this different. Your home is beautiful and Spencer you did and outstanding job. Done correctly from the start. You researched, Planned. Learned and executed your design. Enjoy your home and family. Solve the air flow problem, open the kids doors when you go to bed. It would be easy to add a very efficient small wood burning stove. (Every off grid cabin or tent on You Tube has one) They are not like a fireplace. Enjoy the weekend and we will see you later. Thanks for the video.

It's even hard to believe that you are DONE! It was such a journey and watching how you both learned to do so much was really very interesting. I still can't believe how you lived in the beginning, like the little trailer for example, oh and the outdoor shower!! You've done an amazing job! Be proud of what you made........... a HOME!

You both did a beautiful job and yes you always will say "I wish I would have done this".

I love and appreciate ypur building comments after build. Hind sight right! My father was a builder for custom homes and he said , if you are still married when the house is finished you can endure anything. You are a pleasure to follow. Keep up the good work and God bless you all with all you stand in need of. Grama June

Have you thought about putting mirrors across from the windows at the top of the center section? A couple of full length mirrors laid on their side would add a tremendous amount of light. Especially if you can mount them so that they are tilted downward. Congratulations on completing the house!! Thank you for taking us on your journey!!

That was interesting! I’m thinking your next project will be an outhouse or cabin, as a utility/laundry room and maybe famity games room for when the children grow older. 😀. Thanks for posting. I think you have made a wonderful home.

You both did a great job building your home. It turned out great. I know we all find things we could've done differently but that's part of learning. Great teamwork. It's been great following along.

Hindsight is always 20/20! You two did an incredible job! You're right, you did pack a lot in for such a small space! It's a beautiful home! I love it!

I've watched all your episodes and when I think of all the things you had to keep track of and to know which thing to do first, which to do second and so on, and that Spencer was learning as he went, it is an amazing accomplishment and deserves all the praise we can give you!!

It's been such a pleasure watching you both. I'm surprised that such a successful channel doesn't do sponsorships! I look forward to continuing to follow your adventures!

One great thing about doing what you have done is that as the kids grow you could build a semi-attached building as an additional master suite. The older kid could inherit your current room and the spare room could be a closet/pantry/utility room.

Add another container to adjust for laundry room and a pantry. You guys did an awesome job!

You could install a propane tank for really cold winters... or still install a wood or corn burner in the living or dining room. Also... they do sell duct systems for mini splits.

I absolutely love your house, it is beautiful and very classy. I think you should consider making a stand alone building with a sheet metal siding exterior that would compliment and match your home and move your washing machine and solar system in it. Plus make room for additional storage and perhaps even a small freezer. Take your own advice and make it much larger than you think you'll need for the future. You then create a custom pantry cabinet where the washing machine was. Just a thought. You should be so proud, your home turned out amazing!!!!!!!

Y'all did an amazing job! I'll always believe......doing something, no matter how big or small, that you've never done before makes you a better teacher. The knowledge you gained is awesome! Keep pursuing your dreams.....share your knowledge.... you'll be happier in the end......God bless you and your family

One more container added on at one end would give you all the room you need to add those areas you need...like the solar room and laundry room and storage! You can do it!! 😁

Congratulations on finishing your home. It's been great following your journey and growth!

Been watching your progress since the beginning, it's great to watch how your skill set has progressed Spencer, you have both done a great job, you should be very proud of your achievement, and great work with the videography, you've managed to keep the videos both instructional and entertaining, can't wait to see what your next project will be, regards from the UK

Whether you're building your own home or renovating or just living in a pre-built, we all have a 'list' of things we accumulate on the journey we would have done differently - don't sweat it! that's the joy of life, living and learning along the way. Incredible what you have done - bravo! I'm sure you'll iterate on some of the things in that list and come up with creative solutions - and I'll be here for it :)

Very different from your "normal" working one. I totally enjoyed it. As is with most people, I could comment on every single item that you talked about with "MY opinion". For never having tackled anything close to what you have built, you did a great job. I love the house, it's very nice. Thanks for sharing your tips from what you have learned on your journey.

I have been watching your videos for a short tad. Left you a bit of advice on the snow storm video, please read it as I grew up country - east coast and have lived in East Texas 35-40 years. I have a experienced view of weather in both cold and hot. I think you will see another artic blast this winter. In the videos with the plastic damage I was saying ' no, no copper two feet deep or below the frost line. And in this video I agree with all you said. Solid advice. I grew helping Dad self build two houses so I been there. Free standing stove, w/ fire bricks, heavy cast iron with adjustable vent for burn rate. Sometimes you can find old used USA built units ( the best!) for sale but do your home work there is more to stoves then first imagined. Fire proof tiles or bricks on the floor and a proper flue pipe and wall or roof/ceiling transition ( a pipe within a pipe - no fires in the wall). And think about your todders getting too close. If it were me I'd put it in the 'office' area off the kitchen as the most central and open area to do the most good. Burn only hard woods to reduce the creosote build up. Steward, you have my respect because when you're new to a trade mistakes happen. Yet you have the Perseverance and your mate's humor / smile to go back and get it right. You do not see that alot today. My last bit... when at the home stores for building materials park in the tradesmen area and ask a obvious tradesman about how to do a part or best materials. It will surprise you. God Bless.

Love you guys. It’s been such a pleasure watching you build your home & your family. Great work, great team!

Your home is amazing! I really believe that the main ingredient here is your relationship, my husband and I get into an argument just trying to assemble furniture together 😡 I truly admire how you can work together 🙌🏼

Some clear flex seal will help with adding a thermal break on the interior exposed wall. Thanks very much for sharing your first hand experience. Nothing is more valuable when looking at designing a container/tiny home...

Great job overall ! Live and learn. Since you brought up the rain catchment system, I want to add where you still will have ongoing issues which you have shown in past videos you had to deal with. In drought, you worry about running low and always will. Bigger family means that your water usage will go up. Wintertime, tanks freezing up and still don't think you are 100% ready. Since you have a pond and creek which means you have ample ground water source, PUT in a WELL, run it off your solar ! Bury waterlines and you have ample supply all year ! I Don't think twice or my family about how much water we use: washing clothes, running dishwasher, taking long hot showers, etc. all at the same time. Wash cars and truck, water the garden - no worries. Heat source - got electric heat pump, had wood fireplace - changed that to gas logs with thermostat - getting too old when power out to get fireplace going all night. Gas logs - shut on/off as needed - sleep like a baby all night !

I love your home. ❣❣The time, effort and love you put into building your home is evident in the finished product. For two people who knew nothing about building you have done a tremendous job. Well done! I salute you!👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍

I've been with you from the beginning so I've seen how you have problem-solved and overcome challenges that always come up along the way. You guys did a fantastic job. Your home is beautiful inside and out. All of your learning will benefit others. I have loved being able to share your home and family building journey. Thanks so much!!

We built our home when we retired. I was an accountant and my wife was a claims adjuster. We knew as much about home building as flying a 707, but others have done it, so could we. We started by measuring our bedroom furniture to figure the size of the master bedroom. We then started drawing the house and we never could get it to work. I found a part time architect that worked full time for a tract builder. We then started building and we hired subs to do all the work we could not do, slab, framing, roofing, doors and windows. I hired a helper and finished out the house. We certainly did things we would rather do over, but no one noticed but us. We loved the house. We loved the 50 acres. We loved that we did it. Years after I would go out with the dog and just sit amongst the trees with the dog and listen to the silence. There is absolutely no feeling like it. That was almost 30 years ago. My wife has passed away now and I live in a townhouse in the city. I am 88 now and have such wonderful memories of that house and neighbors that were such a delight. Just because your project is big, do not let that stop you. Remember, you got married once, and that was a huge undertaking!!!

No home has perfectly even floors, when you transition from tile to wood, carpet, or vinyl, there are always transition thresholds. A dehumidifier would solve the moisture problems. I love the way it turned out, and windows can be replaced, or added. A wood burning stove is a quick and easy addition, I have done it with two homes. You can cut the chimney in the top, or easier, at the top of a side wall and then up. Time to rent that one and start the next to make it perfect! 🙃 Your videos are practical, educational, artistic, and entertaining in the perfect blend of all four.

⭐️🌟✨Suggestion/Note 📝: You can always add a wood stove at anytime. The Problem with that is, where to put it? Also, having to constantly cut wood, being outside in winter-snow), fill the wood stove, cleaning ashes (ashes causes dust all over everything), smoke, and the smoke staining the white walls. Lastly, since your house is completed now, you could always add another shipping container and extend your house. The extension could be a pantry, laundry room, and extra closets. There are so many options. You both could do it if you wanted. Once you both put your mind to it, it gets done. Personally, if it was me, I wouldn’t do anything else. You have accomplished your goals, building a house. Rest, take some time to enjoy your completed house and family then later on you might decide to do something.

I love watching your videos! You both are very personable and it’s a pleasure to get a glimpse of everything you’ve accomplished! The whole setting for your home is beautiful and I’m looking forward to seeing it next spring!

You done absolutely brilliant building your home, you can always update and extend your home as you go.

Hey, get a shed and finish it to make it your laundry room, and closet space that you need. Just vbe sure to seal, insulate, and install hvac in it.

Hindsight is always 20/20 and it's so easy to look back and see everything you could have done or things you'd want to change or do differently but what you both have accomplished is absolutely AMAZING and I LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL HOME!!! You should be so incredibly proud of yourselves and I have loved following along on your journey 😊

Don't be hard on yourself. You did extremely good for first timers. You can enlarge the kitchen by building on at the side through the kitchen door (scullery/laundry and pantry area ).That will give you breathing space.

If I had the money my partner and I have said we would definitely attempt this! Creating your own family home must be an amazing feeling!

Hey guys, regarding the hotter bedrooms... If you had passive low vents to the rooms, it would allow for better convection. This will help balance the room temperatures.

After almost a lifetime, having learned my lessons, I've ended up in a tiny house with a woodstove ( propane heater backup) and a gas cookstove. Everything needs backup. A wood stove would dehumidify that container wall. Thanks for the tips.

You two have been my biggest inspiration! I’ve been watching you guys since the beginning and just want to say congratulations on all you two have created. The house turned out beautiful and the two little ones are growing so fast. Can’t wait to see what else you guys have in store for the future:)

Hope you continue building your off-grid homestead…would love to see your systems expand and applied to a whole estate/farmstead.

You could add a mud/utility room off the rear entrance for your solar and washing machine...just a thought!!! Love the channel

Thank you so much for doing this video! My hubby and I have decided that we are going to build a container home, and since it's just the two of us (our children are all grown and have their own homes) we are going to go smaller than you have. But the design elements that you have mentioned you'd change will definitely be a consideration for us. You have been a true inspiration to us, and we really appreciate both of you taking us on this journey with you.

Beyond impressed and have watched your journey from day one. Incredible family, home, and RU-vid channel. As for the kids bedrooms, you could easily add a wardrobe type closet. IKEA has several that can be customized and made to look built in across an entire end of the room.

You two did an awesome job!💖

You have that extra container sitting there for storage. You can always add that additional square footage to your home making it an extra pantry n add a small wood burning stove for back up? Move your washer n have a small Utility closet! I know you are Add a extra walk in closet space for your kids... on the other side? You can always build a connecting hallway to the house? With all the skills you have you can creat that extra space. That would be interesting and have that little extra you need? Btw: 73 degrees is not hot 😝

Thanks for sharing your experiences so far. Your channel has been a learning experience for me, and this will be of great help for me for converting our cabin in the mountains to a home.

Spencer: you did a great job! Planning and laying out everything is tough, then to do it all yourself us a great accomplishment. You have GREAT memories of building yourself. All those days of inclimate weather you had, I bet you were thinking "this is so hard", and now you have the finished product, look at your hands and say "i did it! Its all done!" Now you reap the rewards. Mackenzie: You have an amazing husband. I see how you supported him every step the way. I love the fact that you helped him a LOT with the physical tasks too. Your upbeat, fun loving personality is very helpful as well, even though we only got to see this side of you, I'm sure there were arguments along the way. As am Emmy award editor, I can say your recording and editing skills are spot on. Stay with that recognizable format as well. Don't change! Both if you have created the dream and now have a beautiful hone & family you both can be proud of. When your children grow up, they can look back at the work you both have done to create a beautiful environment for them. It is now time to relax and enjoy your family and to teach them all your skills. When they get into thier 20s & 30s they will really appreciate you for teaching them. Wish I could be there in person to congratulate you both!

Добрый вечер всем 🏘️ вам ребята 👏👍 ура дождались 👏👍 мир дому вашему а самое главное здоровья вам и вашим детям 💞💕🌺❤️

Awesome wish list, even some are still within grasp. The wood burner can be added on at any point. A pantry cabinet can be built onto the end of the island in a very tasteful, convenient way. The washer can be relocated to and exterior laundry room, a little inconvenient perhaps, but less noisy. Ya'll did an amazing job, but homes are "works in progress", as you've seen. Love ya'll ❤️

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge on your build with us.God Bless your awesome family.

Love you guys! Sharing is LOVE!!! You all did such a great job! Now, adding the next container!!! Yep! WOE that drill action!!!

You two are absolutely amazing! Your home is lovely.....but, I hope you build another one incorporating all that you have learned.

YES! I can see the challenges you brought up. We are off grid with a 40 year old, 1500 square ft. mobile home; slowly gutting portions. We will have that utility room with batteries and inverter, pantry shelves, work counter and access to bathroom. Our washer and dryer will go onto an enclosed porch. Great advice on this video 😊💞! You guys are amazing.

GM Spencer you should start a business. I’ve watch all videos up until you finished kitchen and cabinets. Watching tour video now. You should build for other people or tiny homes in your state. You two are awesome and even though we don’t know each other I’m super proud at what you’ve accomplished with no training. You both are so brave. Give yourself a pat in the back. You did it!🎉🎉🎉

The house and everything else you guys have done looks amazing. I'm sure you'll figure out some solutions to your concerns as time goes forward since everything is beautiful and functional as it is you have time to figure things out without rushing to get it done. Congratulations on everything you've accomplished so far and I look forward to future episodes!