Couple Builds Luxury Off-Grid Home With Their Own Hands | Start to Finish ‪@ThePasturedHomestead‬

Welcome to Maker World. Today, we'll see how a couple named Zach and Ashlyn left their old lives behind to pursue a new dream. In 2022, they sold everything and moved to an old 26-acre farm in Kentucky. Here, we'll follow their three-year journey of building a self-sustaining home, from the foundation and solar power system to the final finishes. The white PVC pipes are measured, cut, and connected across the foundation area to create an effective long-term drainage system beneath the future home. Once the pipe work is complete, gravel is spread inside the forms and compacted with a tractor and plate compactor, creating a firm, level base. A plate compactor is driven across the spread gravel, compressing the entire foundation base evenly so the lower layer remains firm and stable before concrete pouring. Rigid foam insulation boards are laid across the compacted gravel, followed by a black vapor barrier to prevent moisture from reaching the concrete slab. A rebar grid is laid over the black vapor barrier, and every intersection is tied securely with wire to create a stronger, more durable concrete slab. Concrete is poured from the truck over the rebar grid while workers spread and level it to create a strong slab foundation for the entire house. The poured concrete is pulled level with a long screed board, keeping the entire slab at the correct height and on an even plane. As the concrete is spread, workers smooth the surface by hand and with leveling tools, neatly finishing the areas around the plumbing pipes. Once the concrete begins to set, a power trowel smooths the entire slab while the surrounding edges are carefully finished by hand. After the concrete slab has cured, the wooden base plates are set along the edge and aligned carefully with the anchor bolts for a proper fit. The wooden studs are cut to the planned wall measurements, arranged on the concrete slab, and fastened together with a nail gun to build the frame. Foam insulation is placed between two wooden boards and secured with a nail gun, creating a strong, insulated header for the wall frame. Using the tractor, the completed wooden wall frame is raised onto the slab while the worker climbs a ladder to align and temporarily secure it. Another wall frame is being assembled on the slab, where the studs and blocks are fastened with a nail gun to prepare the structure. The completed second wall frame is slowly raised with the tractor, keeping the heavy structure controlled while positioning it safely in the correct place. Nearby, two workers measure and arrange the base plates and studs, fastening them with a nail gun as another wall frame quickly takes shape. Two workers slowly push the completed wall frame upright, then align its bottom plate with the marked slab line and temporarily secure it safely. With help from the tractor, another wall section is raised into position while its base plate is permanently anchored to the concrete, keeping the frame straight and secure. The completed wall frame is gradually raised using the tractor's forks and chains, keeping the heavy section controlled while positioning it on the correct line. Once the frame is upright, its base plate is aligned and anchored along the slab edge while the connection to the adjoining wall is reinforced. Using the telehandler's extended boom, the completed roof truss is lifted from the ground and carried safely toward its designated position above the walls. The truss is lowered onto the wall's top plates and aligned at both ends while the worker guides its position and prepares the connections. The roof trusses are lifted one by one with the telehandler and positioned at measured intervals, creating an evenly aligned roof structure. From inside, the worker climbs a ladder to align and secure both ends of each truss, gradually completing the main roof framework. The roof sheathing panels are lifted with the telehandler, bringing the heavy boards safely near the trusses and preparing them efficiently for installation. Each panel is aligned across the trusses, its edges are matched carefully, and then it is secured with a nail gun to form the roof deck. The sheathing panel joints are kept straight over the roof trusses, while each edge is nailed securely to connect the entire roof deck firmly. A long level is used to check the panel rows and edges before nails are placed at measured intervals to complete the flat wooden roof surface. Waterproof sealing tape is applied along every roof sheathing joint and pressed firmly with a roller to prevent rainwater from entering underneath. After sealing all roof sheathing joints with weatherproof tape, green structural panels are installed on the exterior walls to continue enclosing the building. Large green structural panels are installed one by one along the lower wall and secured to the studs, strengthening and weatherproofing the exterior structure. Working from the scaffolding, panels are lifted and aligned across the upper open walls, allowing the building's exterior sheathing to be completed evenly. The window openings are cut through the green sheathing panels, while the surrounding joints are covered with sealing tape to prevent water intrusion. Following the interior framing, the window location is measured before the green sheathing panel is cut open to prepare the opening for future installation. Green zip system sheathing panels are installed one after another to fully cover the exterior walls, rapidly enclosing the entire structure. Using scaffolding, large sheathing panels are precisely installed along the upper walls, creating a continuous weather-resistant exterior enclosure. With the zip system sheathing and seam sealing completed, the building is now fully enclosed. Window and door openings remain ready for the next phase of construction. The drone view reveals the entire building fully wrapped with zip system sheathing. With the exterior protected from the elements, the structure is now ready for the next stage of construction. Wood boards are cut to size and installed around each window opening, then secured with screws to create strong, even exterior frames. The lower sills, side jams, and upper headers are fitted one by one, completing each opening so the future windows fit securely and precisely. Black flashing tape is applied and firmly pressed around the windowsill and edges to prevent rainwater from entering the wall. The window unit is lifted into the prepared opening from inside, then aligned, leveled, and secured firmly to the surrounding frame. Several workers lift the large glass window unit into the opening, while others guide it from inside to align and level it correctly. Two workers carry another heavy window unit toward the prepared opening so it can be safely lifted and installed into the frame next. Long wooden furring strips are secured evenly beneath the roof trusses, creating a level base for installing the future ceiling panels. Following the interior layout, a wooden stud partition wall is raised to divide the large open space into separate rooms and passage areas. The upright studs of the interior partition walls are aligned and secured to the top plates with a nail gun, creating stronger, more stable room framing. The completed tall partition wall is pushed upright into position, then secured to the upper plate to keep the structure stable. Required holes are drilled through the partition wall's bottom plate and studs, allowing the PVC pipes to follow the planned route and connect properly. Primer and adhesive are applied to the cut PVC pipes before joining the elbow fittings, creating a strong, leak-resistant, and reliable bathroom drainage line. The white plumbing vent pipe is routed through the roof trusses, then flashing tape is applied around the roof opening to prevent water intrusion. Red and blue electrical wires are pulled through the wooden framing along planned routes, allowing power connections to safely reach different areas of the home. Alongside the white PVC drain pipes, red and blue PEX lines are routed through the walls to prepare the bathroom's hot and cold water connections. A cement bed is spread and leveled in the bathroom before the bathtub is positioned securely and aligned precisely with the drain connection. Long-treated wood supports are arranged at measured intervals across the waterproof roof deck and leveled to create an even base for the next roofing layer. After checking the measurements and angles, each wooden section is securely fastened to the roof deck with drills and screws, keeping the support structure straight and stable. Foil-faced insulation panels are installed one by one between the roof sleepers, creating a thermal barrier that improves the building's energy efficiency. Large insulation boards are carefully positioned across the roof, forming a continuous and uniform thermal insulation layer over the entire surface. Roof decking panels are installed over the foil-faced insulation layer. Each board is carefully aligned and fitted tightly at the joints, creating a strong and level roof surface. A uniform grid of wooden battens is fastened across the entire roof, creating a strong and level foundation for the final roofing material. Large metal roofing panels are laid over the wooden batten grid and securely fastened with screws, transforming the roof into a durable, weather-resistant metal covering. Ridge caps and finishing trim are carefully installed along the metal roof joints and secured with screws, ensuring a fully weatherproof and long-lasting roofing system. The front porch area is outlined with wooden formwork. Insulation boards are then laid down, followed by crushed stone, to create a solid foundation for the future porch. Crushed stone is evenly spread across the designated porch area using a tractor, preparing a stable base for the future concrete porch. Concrete is poured directly into the porch formwork from the mixer truck. It is then spread evenly with rakes to fill the entire porch area. The crew spreads and levels freshly poured concrete across the porch, ensuring the entire area is evenly filled before the final finishing process. After the porch concrete is poured, a long bull float is used to smooth and level the entire surface, spreading excess concrete to create a flat, even finish. Before the concrete hardens, the porch edges are carefully shaped with an edging tool, creating a cleaner finish while improving durability and reducing the risk of chipping. Long wooden purlins, nailing strips, are installed at the correct height on the exterior wall and securely fastened with screws, creating a solid base for the upcoming exterior cladding installation. Metal post bases are anchored at designated locations along the concrete porch, while wooden nailing strips are installed on the wall to prepare for the future porch roof framing. Heavy wooden beams are lifted onto the porch posts and securely fastened, forming the primary structural frame for the future porch roof. The tops of the posts are connected with long header beams, completing the front porch frame and providing the strength needed to support the upcoming rafters and roof structure. Wooden rafters are installed one by one across the main porch beams and securely fastened, completing the porch roof framework and preparing it for the next roofing stage. Zip system flashing tape is firmly applied and pressed along the porch roof wall connection to create a complete watertight seal. A reflective waterproof underlayment is spread evenly across the roof, with overlapping seams to protect the structure from moisture and rain. After the underlayment is installed, metal drip edge flashing is secured along the roof edge to guide rainwater safely away from the roof. An auger machine is drilling deep holes at marked locations to prepare the foundation for the solar panel support posts. Support posts for the solar panel structure are being positioned upright in the drilled holes, ready for permanent installation. Concrete is being poured around the solar panel support posts to create a strong foundation for permanent structural installation. Horizontal and diagonal wooden beams are being securely attached to the solar panel support posts, strengthening the overall frame. Diagonal supports and cross members are being installed to complete and strengthen the mounting frame for the solar panels. A trenching machine is digging a narrow deep trench along the planned route for the solar panel system's electrical connections. Solar panels are being securely mounted in aligned rows on the support frame, preparing the system for power generation. Electrical cables are being routed through conduit and securely connected to the solar panel system inverter for safe power transmission. Electrical connections are completed inside the solar panel DC combiner boxes, and circuit breakers are installed to ensure safe power distribution. Cables are connected to the solar inverter and the main electrical panel, completing the final electrical integration of the solar power system. Wooden furring strips are being installed evenly over the reflective insulation, preparing the exterior wall for cladding installation. The exterior wall insulation and furring strips are being completed, preparing the entire surface for the final exterior cladding installation. Reflective insulation boards are being evenly installed and securely fastened to the exterior wall to provide improved thermal insulation. Reflective insulation boards are being installed on the exterior wall, preparing the surface for the next furring strip and cladding installation. Vertical wood furring strips are being evenly installed and securely fastened over the reflective insulation, creating a strong base for the exterior siding installation. Reflective insulation boards are being installed and securely fastened across the exterior wall, improving thermal insulation and preparing the surface for the next siding installation. Reflective insulation boards are securely installed over the roof structure to provide improved thermal insulation and energy efficiency. Reflective insulation boards are being installed and securely fastened across the front exterior wall of the house to provide improved thermal insulation. Wood siding framing is being evenly installed and securely fastened on the exterior wall, creating a strong base for the exterior siding installation. Wood siding framing is being installed around the windows and exterior walls, preparing the entire surface for the final cladding installation. Mineral wool insulation bats are being fitted between the wall studs to provide improved thermal and sound insulation. Insulation bats are being installed step-by-step inside the wall stud cavities to improve the home's energy efficiency and comfort. Mineral wool insulation bats are being fully installed within the wall stud cavities to provide effective thermal and sound insulation. Mineral wool insulation is being cut and fitted around windows and wall cavities to eliminate thermal gaps and improve energy efficiency. Mineral wool insulation bats are being densely installed between the ceiling joists to reduce heat loss and improve the building's energy efficiency. Mineral wool insulation is being fitted into each ceiling joist cavity to provide continuous thermal and acoustic insulation throughout the roof. Gypsum drywall panels are being installed over the wall studs and securely fastened with screws to prepare the interior walls. Gypsum wall boards are being cut to size and installed on the interior walls to create a smooth and durable wall surface. Gypsum wall boards are being installed over the interior partition wall studs and securely fastened with screws to complete the wall covering. The interior doorway opening is being cut into the gypsum wall board according to measurements, preparing it for proper door frame installation. Gypsum wall boards are being installed over the interior partition wall studs according to measurements and securely fastened with screws. Gypsum wall boards are being installed on the upper section of the interior partition wall wall and securely fastened with screws to complete the wall covering. Moisture resistant gypsum wall boards are being installed over the bathroom wall studs according to measurements and securely fastened with screws. Gypsum wall boards are being installed over the interior room wall studs according to measurements and securely fastened with screws to complete the wall covering. After installing mineral wool insulation between the wall studs, gypsum wall boards are being installed and securely fastened with screws to complete the wall covering. Gypsum wall boards are being installed over the front interior wall studs according to measurements and securely fastened with screws. Window and door openings are being cut into the installed gypsum wall boards according to measurements for a precise fit around the frames. Joint compound is being applied over the gypsum wall board seams and screw heads to create a smooth surface ready for painting. Joint compound is being evenly applied around the arched doorway drywall seams and corners to prepare a smooth finish. Joint compound is being thoroughly mixed to the proper consistency preparing it for smooth drywall finishing before painting. Tongue and groove wooden ceiling boards are installed one by one creating a seamless warm and natural wood finish across the room. The final rows of wooden ceiling boards are installed across the remaining section bringing the room's wood ceiling close to completion. New wooden ceiling boards are installed one by one across the remaining opening and securely fastened to the framing gradually completing the ceiling. The final ceiling boards are carefully aligned and secured with a nail gun creating a continuous and clean wooden finish across the entire room. The remaining section of the large living area ceiling is completed by installing the final wooden boards creating a continuous wood finish throughout the interior. With the wooden ceiling complete recessed lights and a ceiling fan are installed in their designated locations completing the room's lighting and ventilation system. Concrete fireplace blocks are assembled one by one to build the main frame. The upper sections are then added forming the complete fireplace structure. Pre-fabricated concrete blocks are assembled in sequence to build the fireplace base and firebox structure preparing it for the next finishing and chimney installation stages. After completing the main fireplace structure the upper section is aligned and secured finalizing the fireplace unit in its permanent position. Finishing boards are installed around the fireplace structure forming the exterior enclosure and giving the fireplace its final shape. Bricks are laid one by one around the fireplace base and bonded with mortar strengthening the foundation and preparing it for the final finish. Brick courses are carefully installed around the fireplace base with each joint filled with mortar to create a strong stable and clean foundation. Bricks are laid one by one in an arched pattern around the fireplace opening and secured with mortar creating a stronger and more decorative entrance. Precisely cut bricks are arranged along the arch with every joint filled with mortar completing a classic brick arch across the front of the fireplace. Bricks are installed one by one around the upper section of the fireplace completing the exterior enclosure. Each joint is filled with mortar to create a stronger and cleaner structure. The chimney flue adapter is installed at the top of the fireplace and securely enclosed with concrete blocks and mortar completing the main smoke exhaust connection. Large stone hearth slabs are set into a bed of mortar and carefully leveled creating a strong heat-resistant platform in front of the fireplace. After the hearth slabs are installed, the fireplace's glass door and lower ash clean-out door are fitted making the wood-burning fireplace ready for use. Finally, despite having limited experience, Zach and Ashlyn transformed their old farm into a comfortable dream home through courage, planning, and relentless hard work. Friends, if you enjoyed the video don't forget to give it a like and subscribe to the channel. Your feedback is our inspiration, so let us know in the comments how you liked the video.