Digging up the Damp Stone House! Transforming Off-Grid Homestead

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  • Опубліковано 2 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 186

  • @preciousoil
    @preciousoil Рік тому +19

    Good job on excavating and power washing the walls! The upper wall now needs pointed and rendered - probably best with lime mortar and then water barrier, insulation, french drain and gravel. The lower wall will need reinforcing - suggest building a plywood formwork, supported against the trench side, then fill the gap using 'no-fine' concrete (concrete with no sand in it!) - makes a great surface to then render onto. (I'm a retired building engineer, btw!) :-D

    • @kimbanyc
      @kimbanyc 6 місяців тому

      I am learning so much from Maya's renovation show from her and her audience. This is awesome..

  • @joeplusolga
    @joeplusolga Рік тому +2

    Hi Maya, we have dealt with four houses where the water was coming through the walls or the floor, old and new houses, after sealing the walls inside, outside, water would still find its way in until we started taking water away from the buildings, trenches, changing grade, and the best thing of all is doing French Drain about 1,5-2 feet away from the foundation sloping away from the house, a perforated pipe about 2 feet deep in the trench lined with landscape fabric and gravel. We also had to do a drywall at the end in two places, a good slope to take the water away from the house walls and foundation. The result is dry basement. Good luck, you are the best!!!

  • @petermuller4322
    @petermuller4322 Рік тому +4

    Gerne möchte ich einen Tip loswerden: Die Wand gut reinigen (abkärchern), gut trocknen lassen und dann versiegeln (zB mit Deitermann 24 und dann nich mal Dichtschlemme drauf. Noppenfolie an die Wand stellen bis weit über die künftige Höhe des Erdreich, Drainage ganz unten reinlegen und nur mit Schotter verfüllen (bis oben) Ich würde definitiv keine Steinerde (das alte Material) oder Erde nehmen um alles wieder zu verfüllen. Das Oberflächenwasser muss die Drainage erreichen und abfließen können.
    Toller Fortschritt.💪🏻👍🏻

  • @stevejohnstonbaugh9171
    @stevejohnstonbaugh9171 Рік тому +2

    I hope you will have your masons render the excavated walls with waterproof CEMENT render. That is what will be required as the first step to truly waterproof the walls from the outside. 😊

  • @shannonlynne1558
    @shannonlynne1558 Рік тому +2

    The drawing is so helpful to visualize what’s going on where. Thank you for that. 😊

  • @stevejohnstonbaugh9171
    @stevejohnstonbaugh9171 Рік тому +4

    The most important advice I can give you is that you MUST pipe the water away from your hillside walls to daylight. That typically means building a continuous French drain from the top to the bottom with a perforated pipe buried in gravel and the entire drain wrapped in filter cloth like a burrito. You want to see the end of the drain so that you can confirm that it is working.
    The corner where the two buildings join is notoriously hard to waterproof. Pay special attention to that area.
    Typically, the French drain is BELOW the interior floor. I don't believe your excavator was able to dig to that depth at the highest point.
    Your masons can rebuild the rubble pile wall of the pone story building from the outside. Not hard to do. You can start removing the extra rocks and stockpiling them for future projects.
    Finally (and this will really help to dry that wall) Install a continuous gutter system from the high roof to the low roof and drain it away from the buildings. That will be a big help to dry the wall.
    Use the local system for waterproofing on top of the cement render and French drain. The hillside wall will breath into the house.
    This is a good time to look through the excavated material and save any rock that you like for future projects. Because your property is on a hillside, there is always need for more stone walls 😊

    • @marleenbee4286
      @marleenbee4286 Рік тому +2

      Yes! Martijn Dolaard (on UA-cam) did a great job at this.

    • @magdalenamartinez2273
      @magdalenamartinez2273 9 місяців тому +1

      Highly recommend watching Martijn Dolaard - "Renovating Two Stone Cabins in the Italian Alps". Incredible work (solo with occasional help and surprises too) on his property, with his tools, and wheel barrel, and interesting to you; similar considerations to water controls/placement design. Oh and he likes to cook, too! Great bread baker! 👨‍🍳

  • @dansutherland70
    @dansutherland70 Рік тому +7

    Given how many springs your land has I would put in a French drain in the bottom of the trench before you refill it. Also insulate the outside of the wall of the house as well as installing a membrane, because some of the damp will be down to temperature differences causing condensation to form on the cool wall which is against the earth. This video explains it well ua-cam.com/video/EMjRgTSmcmw/v-deo.htmlsi=xWOeY_8RaIt_z2rI

    • @philipj3486
      @philipj3486 Рік тому

      I was also going to suggest a French drain would seem a waste after going to all that work digging it out

    • @dogslife7
      @dogslife7 Рік тому

      Yes I also suggest a french drain. The climate in your house will be much better!

  • @cindyshilanskis8503
    @cindyshilanskis8503 Рік тому +30

    So proud of you, Maya. For one person to be doing all this, I love it. Thanks so much for recording and posting ☺️

    • @mayafeliz
      @mayafeliz  Рік тому

      Thank you so much Cindy 🤗 All of your support is what keeps me going 👋

  • @fergusontea
    @fergusontea Рік тому +1

    Be on the lookout for archaeological things in the soil you dug out! Coins, pottery, and soon.

  • @katipohl2431
    @katipohl2431 Рік тому +6

    So ein erfrischender, motivierender und professionell gestaltender Tatendrang.

  • @edie_perty
    @edie_perty Рік тому +21

    Look at you go. Hard work and determination. You are an inspiration to all. Great work Maya. ❤

    • @mayafeliz
      @mayafeliz  Рік тому

      Thank you very much, hope you have a marvelous day ☀

  • @uribove
    @uribove Рік тому +1

    tip, next time turn off the hose before you unplug it from the pressure washer :)

  • @reeree05
    @reeree05 Рік тому +26

    So amazed at what you do Maya and always so positive

  • @runs_through_the_forest
    @runs_through_the_forest Рік тому +3

    erosion and landslides can only be avoided by taking smart actions, combination of planting (non-invasive) trees to hold the mountain together, guiding the water in winter as to not let it take it's path of least resistance aka making landslides, traditionally they did that by building terraces preferably with some small channels.. and planting trees on these terraces, if you don't think about this and do at least the basics prepare to get nature coming in and doing the landscaping for you this or next winter. hope you will consider this seriously as i'm sure you noticed a lot of rain can come down in portugal and i wish you a stable mountainside to live and love life upon!! cheers and keep up the positive vibes!!

  • @Ana-Maria-Sierra
    @Ana-Maria-Sierra Рік тому +9

    So much progress! Maya, I understand that dampness is common in Portuguese homes. It’s recommended installing French drains to prevent the dampness and draw the water away. It’s a job, but it will pay off because the dampness will return otherwise.

  • @ceesvandenberge5611
    @ceesvandenberge5611 Рік тому +2

    Food for thought, seal the wall with concrete layer till road level. Than on that layer Plastic with a french drain (gravel & porous plastic pipe) on the bottom. Refill with original ground till road level. Hope you have thought about it. Great activities! Succes....

  • @walkingstick6655
    @walkingstick6655 Рік тому +2

    I guess you'd want to lime plaster the walls below grade, before sealing it and putting down the barrier. I'd also put in a French drain, sloping down and out to the grilling area, backfill with large gravel, the top with the available soil.

  • @bevtrue6937
    @bevtrue6937 Рік тому

    Everything is so SO STEEP, there. So much work. I guess that is why everything gets terraced in Portugal.

  • @gailbenjamin5137
    @gailbenjamin5137 Рік тому

    Watch this winter where the water runs and makes a hole across your road then next year install a culvert.

  • @LubomirOchotnicky
    @LubomirOchotnicky Рік тому

    Maya, STONES are expensive construction material which you will need later because your property is on such a steep slope. In future, you will need to build supporting walls for your terraces, roads and gardens. So if possible, try to save stones/ rocks for future projects.

  • @l.g.4451
    @l.g.4451 Рік тому +1

    I've been binge watching you for over three days now. I am so excited to see your place come to life as you breathe new energy into it. Your vision is commendable, and I am amazed at what you are getting done. You also stay positive with such overwhelming work, heat, obstacles, etc. You are amazing. I really love watching your videos. Can't wait to see the finished project one day.

  • @kennethbarber438
    @kennethbarber438 Рік тому

    I would not have left the dugout soil on the ground above the trench, adding weight and pressure. Just be aware that a cubic yard of soil weighs upwards of 3000 pounds. A collapse could cause serious injury or death to someone in the trench.

  • @mariapottery
    @mariapottery Рік тому

    You have a nice soil on the bottom of your property, where you empty the your used water. You can use that soil in your vegetable garden.

  • @poodlegirl55
    @poodlegirl55 Рік тому +1

    You are a hard worker Maya. You are making a beautiful home.

  • @theseaglasscompany
    @theseaglasscompany Рік тому +14

    Absolutely fabulous and it’s a serious job with long term benefits. You both worked so hard and it’s going to make such a difference. X

    • @mayafeliz
      @mayafeliz  Рік тому

      Thank you so much, I appreciate it! 😁

  • @hilaryestradahaigh2217
    @hilaryestradahaigh2217 Рік тому +11

    Wow Maya - What a marvellous job you are doing with Casey. So well thought out - No surprises there! Exciting to see - Blessings xx

  • @RedPhone-mz5lv
    @RedPhone-mz5lv Рік тому +3

    Your soil look great good growing soil I wish mine was like that we have so much clay ,your home is going to be amazing

  • @charlessmyth
    @charlessmyth Рік тому

    With the run-off from the hill and contact with the wet soil, those walls must have been really damp :-)

  • @TheWebtuts
    @TheWebtuts Рік тому +7

    Great progress Maya, Oportunity to point up the stone walls to the house and tank the wall to prevent water / damp ingress.

  • @ethant9006
    @ethant9006 Рік тому

    That wall definitely needs to be reinforced, it looks like much of the stone you pulled out came from the wall itself.
    Also, don’t rely on waterproofing to keep hydrostatic pressure away from the structure, the best method to prevent this intrusion will be to create a French drain by backfilling with water permeable stone and laying down a good filter fabric to prevent soil intrusion.
    Take advantage of the natural slope and direct the water away rather than resist it.

  • @tyraelpl
    @tyraelpl Рік тому

    Nice, wholesome as always. I do suggest tho you hold the pressure lance with BOTH hands. One like you were but the other somewhere mid length. Else you needlessly tire just one arm to counter all this torque generated by a relatively high force on a long lever (the lance itself).

  • @libbybertrand9320
    @libbybertrand9320 Рік тому +3

    Awesome progress! Looks like that lower stone wall needs to be re-built/strengthened. Deep breaths and take one day at a time. You’ve got this!!!
    😊❤️🇺🇸

  • @siriannemaeder112
    @siriannemaeder112 Рік тому

    I am very impressed by you and your hard work.
    Have you thought of animals to help you keep the vegetation open instead of all the work to keep it down?

  • @andiatbaden9990
    @andiatbaden9990 Рік тому

    Hi, great Progress. You should install a French Drain. A Membrane alone doesn‘t help

  • @rikkehansen1676
    @rikkehansen1676 Рік тому +1

    If you roll out your cord instead of leaving it on the coil, you prevent overheating

  • @SmokingGouda
    @SmokingGouda Рік тому +4

    Love the progress! Something that you could do to help you paths to not erode is to use a soil compactor on them(can be rented), then use a fertilizer spreader to spread Portland cement on them, then water it in! May take 3-4 layers(not putting a lot on at once), but it's an easy way to preserve driveways!

  • @inekesimonis9349
    @inekesimonis9349 Рік тому

    Great great job you are doing !!! Just one tip: unwind the extension cord otherwise when overheating it can be a fire hazard. But i watch your video's with great pleasure.

  • @lorriehall7243
    @lorriehall7243 Рік тому +9

    Its amazing how far you have come and how much work you have done. Congratulations…so close to 50k subscribers !!!

  • @donaldmackinnon5779
    @donaldmackinnon5779 Рік тому +6

    Great job done. So pleased for you, looking forward to the next chapter. Well done ❤❤

  • @bernadinemarr8432
    @bernadinemarr8432 Рік тому +1

    Water blasting is such a satisfying job to do, especially in the heat. Great work Maya ❤

  • @UrbanGrrl69
    @UrbanGrrl69 Рік тому +5

    How amazing is that trench, it will feel so good to know afterwards that you did this work. I think in the past the mortar would have been there and it would have been a smooth wall but over the years etc. It still looks like a pretty solid building. Look forward to seeing the next part. Thanks for sharing.

  • @amandascheerle1892
    @amandascheerle1892 Рік тому +7

    Es ist so schön , dir bei deinem Fortschritt zuzuschauen. Du hast schon so viel geschafft. Grüße aus Deutschland

  • @elainekaufman2264
    @elainekaufman2264 Рік тому

    You are certainly not afraid of a hard dirty challenge 😊

  • @MoniqueDiCarlo
    @MoniqueDiCarlo Рік тому

    Definitely would put a French drain at the bottom of these walls!

    • @MoniqueDiCarlo
      @MoniqueDiCarlo Рік тому

      Not sure why you’re pressure washing the wall if you’re going to cover it up again?

  • @LizMcNamara47
    @LizMcNamara47 Рік тому +2

    Beautiful soil there, will be very fruitful

  • @EscapePlan_th
    @EscapePlan_th Рік тому

    Thank you Maya, you're so inspired. I watched all of your video.

  • @petro3441
    @petro3441 Рік тому +2

    Wow Maya you are really making magic with this piece of land❤❤

  • @nancyvargas3689
    @nancyvargas3689 Рік тому

    you probably need to build a retainer walls

  • @dweamy1
    @dweamy1 Рік тому +1

    Maya, have you considered a ditch with your roads? When the rains come the water needs to go somewhere and better that you decide to direct it somewhere than leaving it to nature and risk that road and the banks get washed away?

  • @LesterSuggs
    @LesterSuggs Рік тому +1

    I cannot get over how dry & dusty the soil is but also how fertile. Those trees and weeds you cleared come back with such vigor!

  • @DavidJenkins-m6n
    @DavidJenkins-m6n Рік тому +3

    Awesome Maya , you really work so hard and never complain about anything .You have a great vision for the future and it's starting to work out great for you .I love your energy and never afraid to get get dirty ..
    Well done Maya .
    Dave .from Scotland.

  • @lfuentes4098
    @lfuentes4098 Рік тому +2

    Nice. Now you must build some retaining walls to keep the hill from eroding. I can’t wait to see how these walls are sealed in Portugal. 😊

  • @communistgreyman2078
    @communistgreyman2078 Рік тому

    The hand draw map is great. Well done 👍

  • @antonpilmark5894
    @antonpilmark5894 Рік тому +1

    You can really feel the quality of your videos improving, so cool! And awesome progress, keep it up!

  • @shezmullen2306
    @shezmullen2306 Рік тому +1

    Is Cody Zimbabwean? Either Zimbo or South African.... I love what you do, sweetheart....

  • @havvashenol6777
    @havvashenol6777 Рік тому

    love your videos and watching the progress you are such a positive young lady a joy to watch thank you for sharing the journey

  • @melsparkles
    @melsparkles Рік тому +2

    Wow great work. Your house will last forever now.

  • @myitaliantherapyginafiore4414

    Maya will you put in a French drain along the stone house wall while trench is open.
    This is wonderful.
    Great job Maya and Digger guy Casey.
    Is he from South Africa?
    You guys made me giggle after you tried to stack those logs.
    So much work.
    Proud of you.
    You've accomplished so much 👏😊.
    I love following our progress 😊

  • @comandoreci
    @comandoreci Рік тому +4

    Muito bom, o local é espetacular, esse finalzinho do vídeo mostra que vale muito se esforçar. O resultado final vai ser perfeito.

  • @kimbanyc
    @kimbanyc 6 місяців тому

    There must be land cover to hold the terraces above back. I know they do that in China. Portugal must also do it, besides having trees that love to catch fire. Oh my. Your property is so both beautiful and wild. Have loved seeing your vision come to life. That drawing you made of your property is special and really helped us be with you.

  • @lorrainewoodcock520
    @lorrainewoodcock520 Рік тому +5

    Wow so much progress well done 🎉

  • @steveallen1635
    @steveallen1635 Рік тому +1

    This is a special plot, will be awesome when finished,,,,,, but life is a journey, so let's enjoy the build!❤

  • @Slowrollingtheisland
    @Slowrollingtheisland Рік тому +3

    Each eps. Things look better and better🎉🎉

  • @psychotricot
    @psychotricot Рік тому

    I might be completely wrong here but isn't a stone/mortar/plaster building meant to "breathe" and putting a membrane on might trap the humidity from the inside out?

  • @ellenjane6
    @ellenjane6 Рік тому

    Dear Christ’s and Mark. This is so inspiring. She is mostly working along by herself. What you can achieve by your self is amazing Sleep well EJ

  • @mikeb5556
    @mikeb5556 Рік тому

    Digging day: what a hard day's work. Buy Casey a beer two after that (not forgetting yourself). Stabilising the terraces next tasks, so the good work stays that way. I don't blame you at all for being a bit overwhelmed at the state of second house wall. All very determined & impressive!

  • @ΜατίναΚαραγιανιδου

    Stone walls like the lower one on the property where used to create terrases. If you create such walls on the side ways they will keep the soil stable when it rains and the paths open. They know around there, it should be easy to get info.

  • @annafargher1289
    @annafargher1289 Рік тому

    Good keep on going like that you do good so far. We love to look.

  • @suegreenough8522
    @suegreenough8522 Рік тому +3

    It looks great Maya! Are you going to try and put retaining wall on the new road to prevent more dirt from coming down?

  • @greeneyedgirlina
    @greeneyedgirlina Рік тому +1

    It’s always a big treat to see you’ve posted a video. And I noticed you’re almost at 50k viewers, wow, hope it grows exponentially, you deserve it. It was frustrating to see the logs tumble off the excavator bucket, but it was like watching a comedy of wrongs and I did have to laugh. So nice to see all the people helping you along the way, glad you’re able to find good workers. Have a great week, now I’ll count down the days to your next post. Thanks, Maya.

  • @ananunez8374
    @ananunez8374 8 місяців тому

    Maya
    You have to plant for the hill to don’t come down on raining season. The roots secure the soil.

  • @daveffs1935
    @daveffs1935 Рік тому +1

    You are doing this place justice Maya, keep up the good work. Maybe a french drain would be a good idea, just to take the water down away from the wall

  • @lidiaalvarez7187
    @lidiaalvarez7187 Рік тому +3

    Hi Maya,estoy muy .impressionada por todo tu proyecto !! Eres formidable,que fuerza de voluntad tienes!! Te sigo i estoy admirativa! BRAVO

  • @maritzm
    @maritzm Рік тому

    Great project! KC sounds like a fellow South African ;)

  • @tucker476
    @tucker476 Рік тому

    I watch a lot of channels but I always wait for an update from you!!!!!!!!!

  • @arjanvogel6444
    @arjanvogel6444 Рік тому

    Thanks for your vid 😇💟💟💟 Love and bless you Maya, maybe you should point this whole to make it stronger. Good work girl 👍😁💪

  • @lancedaniels
    @lancedaniels Рік тому

    Thanks for posting and sharing.

  • @phyllisanngodfrey6137
    @phyllisanngodfrey6137 Рік тому

    So exciting…….your first Winter on the land…..I will be watching 👍🏻😉

  • @tfhmobil
    @tfhmobil Рік тому +1

    I always wanted to see what the little JCB can do.
    Thanks for sharing 👍

  • @nicky_bee
    @nicky_bee Рік тому +4

    Love following your adventures!

  • @anthonytodd3408
    @anthonytodd3408 Рік тому

    Hi Myer fancy pants,🎉 what a great job your JCB digger has done. Always love your videos as you are so positive and never let things that go wrong bother you, and you also work so hard. Tony ❤️🇬🇧xx

  • @Djauntywanker
    @Djauntywanker Рік тому

    Massive job, but I love how you are just getting stuck into it. GIRL POWER !!!✌️

  • @cl3132
    @cl3132 Рік тому

    Very cool video! Have you ever thought about building a small dam and then using a water wheel to generate electricity? best wishes

  • @erciliapinto7917
    @erciliapinto7917 Рік тому +4

    Cuidado ao cortar as barreiras, elas podem ficar vulneráveis no tempo das chuvas...

  • @joanie7107
    @joanie7107 Рік тому

    Land was free with derelict buildings . Was it worth your investment & man power ? How much have you budgeted thus far ?

  • @luisaleonardi666
    @luisaleonardi666 Рік тому +1

    Another progress which is so important against humidty,Maya.
    Your hard work is paying off. Your winter stay in the house will be comfortable. Love your vids.😅

  • @ramfrancisuk
    @ramfrancisuk Рік тому +1

    Maya do you the ground level for these two buildings was historically much lower. Over the years soil erosion and water run off caused the ground level to rise?

  • @stan525
    @stan525 Рік тому

    maintaining your terraces will be an important and on going process, dont worry about the hill falling but the house moving because you removed the surcharge of supporting soil. love what your doing and looking very nice. good content. becoming my favorite channel

  • @veronicabalfourpaul2288
    @veronicabalfourpaul2288 Рік тому

    Ooh, that was scary, watching the walls being so exposed! Great work with the digger.

  • @oldroue4504
    @oldroue4504 Рік тому

    Maya, this is so funny. I was watching the dusty grading work and I started coughing and sneezing! I couldn’t believe it! Anyway, love what you are doing and it is going to be great watching it all come together!

  • @jeanmeyer8194
    @jeanmeyer8194 Рік тому +2

    The soil looks so good

  • @sheilajoseph9953
    @sheilajoseph9953 Рік тому

    Amazing work achieved. You will reap the benefits later once complete.
    So interesting following your journey. well done so far. 💚

  • @philvale5724
    @philvale5724 Рік тому

    Hi 👋, Maya, What a great job 👏, that is so satisfying to see the end result, I had a contract back in 2004/5 to build a hand made kitchen, before I started I removed the backs out of 2 of the old kitchen cabinets, it was rotten and then I noticed that somebody had put old felt up against the wall to stop the damp coming through, Later in that same week, we had found out that somebody Years & Years ago, had built the kitchen using the garden wall, and put the felt on both sides, and over the years, the land, the other side of the wall had been filled in with soil, rubbish and rubble to the height of the wall so the kitchen lights off was in the ground, needless to say that the damp and everything was coming through into the kitchen over the years, my client has actually just recently purchased the property, and I had found that the floor in the kitchen got very wet when it poured down a rain for long time, we ended up having to remove all the soil at the back of the property. It took best part of two weeks. So we had to terrorists the land at the back and remove a lot of soil and rubble. Even found an old bed metal one. In the process of removing the soil.. The Garden Wall fell down, we ended up having to remove all the soil, and dig new footings, And the original part of the property all had to be underpinned, as I had called the building inspector round and a structural engineer before I proceeded to do any more work, I was there for nearly a year before I started building the kitchen, I had done some of the sort of work before, as I have been renovating my own property dating back to the 1600s, and the underpinning cost around £12,000 just for the concrete which was put in over the course of two months, as it had to be done in stages,
    What you are doing is very very dangerous, as if it rains it could cause the bank to collapse, please be careful,
    You have a mammoth task a head of you, good luck and stay safe, I am now retired and living in Correze in France.
    Phil from the moulin France,

  • @Rbmc2611
    @Rbmc2611 Рік тому

    Looking great!

  • @mesutozsen903
    @mesutozsen903 Рік тому +1

    Eline emeğine sağlık bu güzel video için kolay gelsin hayırlı işler....👍👍👍👍

  • @Smokkedandslammed
    @Smokkedandslammed Рік тому

    That little JCB is awesome!

  • @holly5256
    @holly5256 Рік тому

    Wow how wonderful, you work so hard, must be so rewarding to see the progress, I know I love to see all the progress, you are doing all the right things for the long term.❤

  • @heidihughes8806
    @heidihughes8806 Рік тому

    You have accomplished so much in this video Maya, and your friend was a great help. Good work! 👍💝💝💝

  • @artstartdiy
    @artstartdiy Рік тому

    Great job with all the earthworks and pressure washing! Are you putting a ‘French drain’ and gravel down next to the wall to ferry any water away?❤️✨

  • @nerissaangel5200
    @nerissaangel5200 10 місяців тому

    Thank you for the map and showing us stuff on it as I had been getting confused