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Affordable Desert Living
United States
Приєднався 19 жов 2020
With so many of us today unable to afford a home of our own I began a journey that I would never have thought possible. The dream of a lifetime come true. Owning an off grid home in one of the most beautiful places in the country, South East Arizona. With modest financial resources this is my journey to create a place of my own where I can live and thrive. I wanted to share my journey with others in case my adventures in the beautiful Arizona desert help and inspire others to find their own freedom.
One of my subscribers suggested I post an amazon wish list to allow folks to send a gift if they chose to do so. I am not as talented as I would like to be with so many online things to navigate! I hope I have set this up correctly. www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1
Contact me here: affordabledesertliving@gmail.com
Also for those who have asked to donate here is my paypal account. ibwonet1@gmail.com. Thank you! - Don K
One of my subscribers suggested I post an amazon wish list to allow folks to send a gift if they chose to do so. I am not as talented as I would like to be with so many online things to navigate! I hope I have set this up correctly. www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1
Contact me here: affordabledesertliving@gmail.com
Also for those who have asked to donate here is my paypal account. ibwonet1@gmail.com. Thank you! - Don K
Is this an Unconventional way to frame Windows?
Simply put, I could never quite decide what size windows to build into my 16x40 new offgrid home or even more important, their placement. So I chose a different way of building my window frames.
For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is:
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1
Some folks choose paypal for support.
ibwonet1@gmail.com
For those who want to contact me:
affordabledesertliving@gmail.com
For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is:
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1
Some folks choose paypal for support.
ibwonet1@gmail.com
For those who want to contact me:
affordabledesertliving@gmail.com
Переглядів: 9 026
Відео
Gable End construction with Offgrid Senior for 16x40 building
Переглядів 10 тис.21 день тому
I was super glad to finish up the gable end construction of my 16x40 new home. I got some help with the project as well. Music: UA-cam permission: Sunset Dream: Author Cheel For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Some folks choose paypal for support. ibwonet1@gmail.com For those who want to contact me: af...
Great news! Properties are available in my area!
Переглядів 11 тис.Місяць тому
So many of you consistently ask if I know of any properties in the region I live! Now I can direct you to a source for checking out real estate that may fit your own journey to off grid independence. Here is the direct link to search for properties! www.budgetland.com/cochise Remember! mention this channel and get $100.00 off your closing costs if you choose to purchase property Phone number fo...
Final install of remainingTrusses = Success!
Переглядів 11 тис.Місяць тому
Using caution and Mcgyverisms I finished up installing all of my trusses for my 16x40 off grid home! For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Some folks choose paypal for support. ibwonet1@gmail.com For those who want to contact me: affordabledesertliving@gmail.com
Offgrid Senior Solo Truss install - Dangers and Successes
Переглядів 14 тис.2 місяці тому
Working with trusses can be hazardous work. While I had a close call this has been an exciting project with great progress! Music used by permission from MusicLoops.com Level UP Music from youtube Library Jindupe - Lauren Duski For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Some folks choose paypal for support. i...
Finding Trusses for my new 16x40 cabin in the Sierra Vista Area
Переглядів 16 тис.2 місяці тому
After my walls were completed I needed to roll up my sleeves and find out where in the Sierra Vista area I could purchase trusses. I totally lucked out and found Southwest Truss Company only minutes from my home! Check out my experience here! You can contact Southwest Truss right here in Sierra Vista at 520-378-2302 or SWTRUSSAZ@gmail.com Music used by permission from MusicLoops.com Flying for ...
Big decisions on framing Windows. Super fun or royal pane?
Переглядів 10 тис.3 місяці тому
See the entire layout of my new big home and where all the windows and doors will be placed! For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Please note: With large products Amazon will mention they cant deliver to me but that is not correct. They will fill the order anyway and any deliveries go to the main post o...
All of the framed walls are up for my 16x40 off grid home!
Переглядів 11 тис.3 місяці тому
Happy days! I can't believe it but all of my wall framing is done for my 16x40 off grid home! For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Please note: With large products Amazon will mention they cant deliver to me but that is not correct. They will fill the order anyway and any deliveries go to the main post ...
Off grid senior solo wall framing for 16x40 cabin
Переглядів 12 тис.3 місяці тому
It's hard to believe it but the walls are going up! For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Please note: With large products Amazon will mention they cant deliver to me but that is not correct. They will fill the order anyway and any deliveries go to the main post office nearby! Some folks choose paypal fo...
Water Shortage and Big Plans
Переглядів 11 тис.3 місяці тому
Overall its been a pretty dry period and I definitely need more water here. What should I do? For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Please note: With large products Amazon will mention they cant deliver to me but that is not correct. They will fill the order anyway and any deliveries go to the main post ...
Subfloor Installation for my Off grid Home. Plywood vs OSB?
Переглядів 10 тис.4 місяці тому
Laying down a solid and correct subfloor is paramount to having a living space that is both sturdy, professional looking, and welcoming. I was quite sure I made up my mind to use plywood as my material of choice. Watch to see what I chose in the end. For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Please note: Wit...
Insulating the floor of my 16x40 off grid cabin in SE Arizona
Переглядів 10 тис.4 місяці тому
I know from experience the winds blow cold here and I wanted to make sure the floor of my new cabin was snug and warm during those frigid winter days. What type of insulation would work best was the question I needed to answer. Music used by permission or purchased for production: Jindupe - Lauren Duski Level up - Music Loops Purchase For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is:...
A visit to the Homeland in Winter
Переглядів 6 тис.5 місяців тому
I have never been to the beautiful province of New Brunswick in Canada where I am from since 1991. Join me as I explore Canada in February! Music: Used by Permission Author: Eeyanzai Sound track: Disfigure Blank Author: Lauren Duski: Soundtrack Jindupe Purchased from Music Loops: Flying for the Journey Purchased from the author: Dream or Destiny Purchased from Music Loops: Level Up For those wh...
Is my Off Grid Life Going Down the Sewer?
Переглядів 14 тис.5 місяців тому
So much to learn here about sewage and plumbing! Music by purchase Music Loops.com Song: Flying For the Journey UA-cam Songs Jindupe from Lauren Duske Sunset Dream by Cheel For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2P5JOVHO31I2C/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_1 Please note: With large products Amazon will mention they cant deliver to me but that is not c...
Will they show up in my yard and destroy my new off-grid Home?
Переглядів 12 тис.6 місяців тому
Will they show up in my yard and destroy my new off-grid Home?
Crazy winds and weather but construction continues on my 16x40 "Big Home"
Переглядів 8 тис.6 місяців тому
Crazy winds and weather but construction continues on my 16x40 "Big Home"
Powering my offgrid cabin with the Oupes Mega 5 Solar Generator
Переглядів 15 тис.7 місяців тому
Powering my offgrid cabin with the Oupes Mega 5 Solar Generator
Keeping Deer Away with A Lion and Beach Balls?
Переглядів 8 тис.8 місяців тому
Keeping Deer Away with A Lion and Beach Balls?
Off Grid Floor Construction Challenges and Final Success
Переглядів 13 тис.8 місяців тому
Off Grid Floor Construction Challenges and Final Success
Offgrid Senior Chooses Building Supply Store - Did I choose Lowes or Home Depot?
Переглядів 7 тис.9 місяців тому
Offgrid Senior Chooses Building Supply Store - Did I choose Lowes or Home Depot?
Securing my 16x40 cabin using mobile home tie down method
Переглядів 15 тис.9 місяців тому
Securing my 16x40 cabin using mobile home tie down method
Serious Mistake on my New Cabin Foundation corrected by Lasgoo LG-3D Laser Level
Переглядів 10 тис.10 місяців тому
Serious Mistake on my New Cabin Foundation corrected by Lasgoo LG-3D Laser Level
Offgrid Senior Escorts Squatters off of his Arizona Desert Property
Переглядів 69 тис.10 місяців тому
Offgrid Senior Escorts Squatters off of his Arizona Desert Property
Offgrid Senior lays floor foundation for 16x40 cabin
Переглядів 15 тис.10 місяців тому
Offgrid Senior lays floor foundation for 16x40 cabin
Building a Lumber Storage Deck+ Dewalt DWE7491RS Table Saw assembly
Переглядів 7 тис.11 місяців тому
Building a Lumber Storage Deck Dewalt DWE7491RS Table Saw assembly
Will Strong Winds from Mexico Destroy my New Home?
Переглядів 14 тис.11 місяців тому
Will Strong Winds from Mexico Destroy my New Home?
My Hearing Loss and Recovery Story - Featuring Jabra Enhance Select 200 Hearing Aids
Переглядів 8 тис.11 місяців тому
My Hearing Loss and Recovery Story - Featuring Jabra Enhance Select 200 Hearing Aids
It's 104 Deg Farenheit but Foundation Work on my 16x40 cabin continues
Переглядів 18 тис.Рік тому
It's 104 Deg Farenheit but Foundation Work on my 16x40 cabin continues
Off Grid Senior Builds Own Affordable Retirement Cabin - Part 1 Foundation work
Переглядів 21 тис.Рік тому
Off Grid Senior Builds Own Affordable Retirement Cabin - Part 1 Foundation work
Preparing my Solar Water Tank for Monsoon Season
Переглядів 16 тис.Рік тому
Preparing my Solar Water Tank for Monsoon Season
I too am a made in Canada Tilley hat man. I lost one on a bar room floor in Hanoi. I too use dish soap to wash my Tilley. They clean up really nicely. I don’t let it get too grungy before cleaning. I've never scrubbed too much, just gentle mushing around and rinsing. Currently I have two Tilley hats. One white and one brown similar to yours. 😂😂🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Yes, pull out the plastic shape holder to clean
That was great! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Non-morning person...Best way to get going is a mug of coffee while sitting with the sun...kinda like a lizard on a rock...😂
Ha I have similar hat. It looks like a Tilly
Cool Dude! I'm hoping to begin similar in a few moons. However, frostline is 5 feet so, ughh, much more foundation work. I may follow Boss of the Swamp advice for that.
Hi Don, Cathy here from Surprise AZ. Hope you are doing well. Sorry to hear about all the storms in your area. I can only feel your frustration to get the roof on. Thinking of you every time it rains.😢..❤
Hey Don how is this holding up after 2 years?
Thanks for asking. Friends thought it was overbuilt but it has wonderfully stood up to crazy winds and monsoon weather. It looks the very same as when it was first built. I am super encouraged and thankful it is doing so well.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Don to me its not over built from what I understand for the area. I myself like it and is what I plan on doing once we are down there and building. Thanks
John 3:16
How are the Paulownia trees.
Rocky road! 🍦
He’s Sure not afraid of hard work.
Great job Don! I so proud of you!
Great job!
The humming bird in the background at the end of the video was pretty nice catch. Enjoying the videos. I have aplace in the west Texas desert and been working on it a little at a time as its 8 hours from my home. I like to call it a little better than a tent. :)
That's pretty cool. I really want to do a vaulted ceiling for my build, so I'm debating doing a stick-built roof versus something like a scissor truss.
Hello Don is there an email I can write you on
On a different subject.. hehe... ua-cam.com/users/shortsrqYeFz4_R1g?si=1P052pyf127Opxcs (in regards to the area where Don lives)
Router, Computer, Monitor, and Lights: Total draw of 82 watts. Refrigerator Brand: Galanz (retro style) Wattage: Increases total draw to 148 watts. Toaster Cost: $3 from a thrift store. Wattage: Increases total draw to 900 watts when in use. Toaster Oven Brand: Black and Decker Wattage: Around 744 watts for broiling (spec sheet states 1150 watts). Inductive Cooktop Wattage: Low setting: 878 watts. High setting: 1100 watts. Power Management Solar Generator: Titan with 4000 watts of power, charged to 100% by 9:30 AM. Solar Panels: Eight 340-watt panels. Battery Storage: Two 2000-watt lithium-ion batteries.
I’m curious if you have taken any precautions to protect your new building against possible fires. I’m starting my build in a few months and I am trying to decide on a foundation like yours or a slab and also siding options. Natural builds are great but take forever and like you I’m building mostly alone. I’m also near Palominas. Your an inspiration. I’ve followed from the beginning and watch how you do everything carefully. It helps me feel like if Don can do it then so can I :) The fires really really scare me though.
🙌 Can’t wait to sit in your living room one day, and admire the beautiful views. 😊
Will be so great to have you folks come by and enjoy the views for sure!
Don, you are an inspiration to all us old people out there Thanks for showing us how it's done correctly.
I love seeing your house progress and your kind face. Keep up the great work!
Love all those level bubbles. Those window frames are square, level and plumb, and wow what a view they frame!
you were having trouble cutting the rebar because the bar was sagging and pitching the blade. If you were to move it to the end to cut the bar will fall away from the blade instead of pitching it 😁
Love your videos and kudos to you for your getting it done work ethic! This is not the way I understand about how to place the header. I thought it needed to be longer than the window and resting on posts on either side of the window frame. Seems to me that the way you’ve done it, the window framing will be supporting the roof.
It's almost painful to watch you try to move those trusses by yourself. I'm glad you didn't break your butt. Do you often see snakes?
Your methods are excruciatingly painful to watch. You're obviously getting the job done but, Lordy...! Maybe watch a few more framing videos on UA-cam?
Thanks for watching TheBigfoot567.
Your views will be magnificent!
14:23 lightning in the clouds. Storm coming
Let's get Don a small 🛻 pickup truck. He could really use it.
What a kind comment. Subscribers here are so caring. Definitely dont deserve such lovely people watching this channel.
Cutting with the circular saw "above your head" not a good plan.
Appreciate you watching @RS-oy7uh.
Don I liked the way you constructed your window frames. Makes it easier for you to do it by yourself. My father was a contractor and my mother and I would help when ever we could. At 50 I went to trade school and have a diploma in carpentry so I love watching building your big house. I wanted to tell you something that my mother had my dad do in every house he built. On either side of the header above the window she would have my dad and a board the width of the header so that when the owner was ready to hang curtains there would be a board to attach the rods too. Much better than just the paneling or Sheetrock to hang from. Love the views from your windows!!!
Thanks Marilyn. This has indeed got me thinking about how to easily install curtains at some point etc. Thanks for the encouragement!
It's always a good day when I see your video in my feed. 🇨🇦
Verykind. Many thanks.
Never seen windows framed this way on a new build, byt totally makes sense if you wanted to pick where they went after the walls were framed up. Great work! Loved seeing the lightning in the distance. I think the thunderstorms are one of the things i miss most from living in AZ... and the sun haha.
thanks for watching gordon. Thundering/raining as I write this.
Those are definitely "picture windows" you've installed my friend! ... with the beauty of nature your changing image within! 😍
Hope they work great Michelle. Many thanks for faithfully following the channel.
Beautiful views
Thanks marilyn
Thank you for collecting and sharing this info.
Entirely welcome Shayne. Hope it was useful.
You are going to have the best views
I am pretty excited here Sara!
I like your hat! The Roof should be first, protect your floors. Don cover the big House, then you can take your time with all the rest!
Doing my best to work on roof work Jim. Rains are holding things up a bit.
Your view through the window frame was beautiful! as you say 'looked like a painting'. (minute 14:40)....I enjoy your videos, quite an accomplishment to be building your own home.🌵💚
Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Hey Dom... since you like to save money use "Titebond Wood Glue" next time. it has been used for years never a problem. Gorilla glue about 5 dollars more same amount.
Great work! It looks great.
Thank you! Cheers!
❤❤❤
Looking great Don, you definatly are a man of detail
Thanks Mark!
Bravo on the method of framing your windows! I have a gorilla cart! Love it. However, l got tired of the pneumatic wheels going flat, so l ordered solid rubber ones. Cheers. Have a blessed week.
Yep the solid rubber tires are a must I find.
I might place windows so while sitting, I see the view. Yours seem to be placed while standing, you see the view.
In your defence I didnt show the other direction. There will be a huge picture window with even better views you can see while sitting. Stay tuned...
Hi Don l am loving the work you are doing on your home it’s truly beautiful there keep the videos coming , how lovely it would be to sit on that porch and watch the sunset. Have an awesome summer. It is cold here in Johannesburg
Thanks so much Cecile! Your lovely African summer will be here before you know it.
Nice Don you doing good job alot better than what i did on my shack and my shed only two things i have put together
Thanks so much mate! Hope your having a good winter.
Cripples under the ends of the window sill plates. Hopefully the scraps you cut out can make these cripples.
hmm. just like my engineer friend suggested. Done! Thanks.
It's a valid way to do it. Reminiscent of cutting in a window after the wall has been in place for a few years... But easier. And it gets the result you want.
Yep It was the only way I could truly determine what I wanted for windows and their placement.