10 Mistakes We Made Building Our Spec House
Though you will never be able to anticipate every outcome, and hindsight is 20/20, here are a few things we could have done differently. The entire Spec House series starts here: • EC's Big Announcement si=VnkKVzhi18dZxi9i
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Scott and Nate - I have to admit, I was a bit nervous watching this video when I saw it on my feed. I knew about some of these from our discussions and your other videos but some are new to me. We feel very fortunate that we get to own this house and know we could never have it built for what we paid even if we were given the lot. I did expect to see the main stairs be mentioned but there isn't anything I would add to your list based on the last 2 years of using the house. This video demonstrates how humble you two are by admitting your mistakes to help others and doesn't change the way we feel about the house. There are so many ways and opinions to build a house and I think you did a great job with the final product while not completely losing sight of the targeted price point. That pot filler accident was a big set back but is likely the reason we got to be the owners. Had that not occurred then the Spec House would have hit the market a couple months earlier and we were not in the position to buy at that time because our previous house was just hitting the market. I look forward to the Shop Talk sessions you host and always learn something.
Hey Mark! I thought of you as I was editing this and thought about giving you a call but then obviously… Just didn’t! I’m so glad that you guys own it and I am delighted that you are happy with it! See you on shoptalk!
Congratulations on owning such a fabulous & famous home ,!wishing ye many happy years ahead!.
My Mom has always wanted a pot filler faucet at her stove. In her kitchen you only have to slightly pivot to put water on the stove top, whereas in my kitchen there's at least 8' between my sink and stove. Meanwhile I am the one who is always saying "Actually having a faucet by your stove looks like an accident waiting to happen." 😅
The Spec House Series is hall of fame youtube. This is an important educational document that will be shared with many moving forward.
great way to put it! hall of fame for sure!
Humble enough to not only admit, but share your mistakes with a few million others- in hopes they avoid the same. Keep up the good work. ❤
Watching this spec house being built on KZhead and having the opportunity to meet you and see the house is something I will never forget. Thank you.
The Spec House series is, without a doubt, the best long format teaching content that I've seen anywhere!
I watched every episode, and loved the series. And it's no shock to me you're only just healed from it now! For me the only mistake that's worth counting is buying that site. It was so difficult in every single way. If you had had a more conventional site that would have given you a bit more bandwidth to do everything else, and mitigate the need for crazy retaining walls, and compromised access
As a spec house, I'd agree any day of the week. As a basis for content creation, it's absolutely perfect. There are several episodes in there we'd never have, had it just been flat dirt. And then the view.
One aspect in that regard was the slope up that beautiful driveway that left little horizontal surface for use as a patio. Tables and chairs don’t work well on an incline.
Same! And I built a shed this winter with the knowledge learned. Great series, you should build another house!
The house has a wonderful view though!
Je vous ai suivi depuis le début avec environ 200 épisodes, vous êtes quelqu'un de vraiment incroyable, je ne vous souhaite surtout pas de mal mais si vous veniez à vous casser une jambe vous ne pourriez pas vous empêcher de bricoler, voire de monter sur les toits (lol).vous êtes un sacré touche à tout, rien ne vous résiste. BONJOUR DE FRANCE , near Le Mans ❤❤❤❤
I’ve never really considered a pot filler over the stove. It makes perfect sense to AVOID installing a water source without a drain to evacuate the inevitable leak. Now I know not to ever install one! Thanks for displaying your mistakes!
Having to replace the floor after a minor water leak should be a heads up to anyone wanting a wood floor in their kitchen!
@@joemace6218 totally .. 100% disagree. what would be under any other floor finish unless it is a concrete slab? wood. I have built many homes and many high end being built today with no issues. A leak can happen anywhere in a home. Frozen pipe, toilet supply lets go , so many things I have seen go wrong by accident. I have witnessed a water heater let go in a high rise condo building. Nobody's fault but boy the damage down multiple floors. It is an accident, unfortunate but an accident. I put wood floors in lav , no bathing, just a lav and never had a problem. So maybe not for you but it could be 'anyone'.
Yeah, I'm not sure how this passes code since the fixture doesn't have a drain. I think they're stupid for this exact reason of leaking and destroying other things.
Earthquake in the chat; Let’s consider blaming the manufacturer in this example. It’s as simple as adding a 2-part safety feature on the handle. Doh 😖 why didn’t the decades and millions spent on R&D think of that.
They're a bad idea, and I think not used nearly enough by people who have them to justify the risk. The installation of these things are driven by fashion and trends, rather than practicality.
You made a handful of mistakes amongst the tens of thousands of tasks you completed perfectly. You deserve an Olympic Gold medal for this massive achievement. Your work ethic is incredible. Well done.
Best full documentary of building a house on KZhead hands down watched every episode and have watched some more the once lol love from a chippy in the uk 🤝🏼
It was an incredibly fantastic series to be sure, and when you humbly point out a list of your own mistakes (that you can count on only one hand) it's obvious that the building team hit a home run...and has nothing to regret or be ashamed of. And, might I add, I hope this video series is being used in corporations and universities as a perfect study of team building, project management, communication...not to mention physics, fluid dynamics...and the list goes on. A magnum opus on many levels, covering multiple disciplines. Outstanding.
This video is what we love about EC! We aren't afraid of mistakes. They are an opportunity to learn. And ill say this, as someone who is about to start the journey of building my families forever home, this is the greatest series ever.
I’ve kept up with this build and am stoked y’all finished it. I own a small plumbing business in Hawaii and I’ve gotta say that watching Phil made me a better plumber.
No build was ever seamless. I admire those that share their true experiences and remain humbled. Knowledge obtained through error embeds deep. Thank you once again!
I thought it was an absolute masterpiece. Not many housebuilders are perfectionists.
What a beautiful home they have built. Truely incredible craftsmanship and attention to details
That’s been one of the best series ever produced for KZhead!
These "De-Brief" videos are just as, if not more valuable than the original build series. Thank you for all you do to teach all of us!
As a builder I thank you for posting this. It’s part of the building process.
I never thought I’d see a video on this home again, what a pleasure to watch from start to finish but it’s also awesome to see a video come out about mistakes or what you may have done differently. I’m 34 and still learning new stuff everyday and to be humble and critique my work. I’m glad to see a seasoned professional doing the same.
Scott, I watched from day 1. One of the most memorable series on KZhead.
The amount of ambition, and the level of execution on this series, and the consistent tone, cinematography, color grading, narration, and content value makes this series, in my opinion, the best thing ever done on youtube. I can't think of any other youtube channel with anything near this.
The perfect narrator . Clear tone of your voice draws one in , not to turn away or swipe left. Always a great video.
To me, the difficult site and complicated site was always what this house was meant to be. This channel showcases great work and problem solving so while it may have been hard, your audience was able to see what is possible with tons of challenges ahead. I was a laborer/carpenter when this series came out, and now I’m an estimator working on projects worth tens of millions of dollars. I learned from it then, and continue to use that knowledge to this day. I’ll always appreciate you guys taking the difficult route to make a great product. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
It is the best video series on KZhead and it still inspires me. You are a role model of mine and beyond your lessons on construction, your lessons on character are ten times as valuable.
I would love to hear you speak about your FAVORITE parts of this also! What a great recap on the mistakes thank you!
I just finished and moved my family into our new house 3 weeks ago on 30 acres in rural NE Kansas. I managed and did a large portion of the work myself with a newborn and a 2 year old at home with my wife, while also upholding a demanding full-time job. I watched most of this series in the build-up and planning of my house. It was great timing and a great resource for thinking through a lot of items and how I wanted to do it and helped give me the confidence to tackle my dream. I can relate to some of these mistakes. The house was larger and more cut up than I realized, and my pot filler gave me fits just prior to move in as well! I can relate to the feeling of tackling a large task bit by bit wondering how you’ll ever get to the end some days… and such a relief when it’s done and great to look back on. Great series and thanks for the ride. It’s a piece of my life this channel will always be associated with.
The spec house series is the best youtube project I have ever watched. I am ready to start episode one again.
I modelled my concrete retaining wall here in Thailand on yours and it is still standing tall, strong and looks great after 3 years. Thank you for all your efforts 👍👍
Netflix or one of the content providers should pick Scott up. This series would be a top tier home repair/improvement series.
I watched the job, start to fnish. I didn't always agree with your choices but I learned so much from you, Scot, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart fir what you undertook to produce the Soec House series. I'm still an avid viewer and love the guys you have introduced me to, your family, Phill Rocus, Justin, Ken, Sy Swan and all of the rest of the amazing folks who make your channel. Thank you again for bringing me into your world. Bless you.
My then four year old and I watched almost every episode, I was planning on bringing her with me to the open house but an unplanned layoff caught me. She paid you a massive comment EC, during one of the concrete episodes (I think it was the sack and patch) as you were talking about a minor mistake you made; she in a slightly reverent awe said “Boy, he sure knows what he’s doing there.” I grew up watching This Old House and New Yankee Workshop with my dad, glad I get the chance to share the next generation of those shows with the next generation.
When this series launched, I had just finished another grueling year trying to convince myself that treading water in a traditional college degree path was what I really wanted to do (this would later prove to be untrue). Just today I submitted the very last of the work to complete a degree in computer aided drafting & design as a much happier, and more hopeful, man than I was in 2017. I attribute a lot of my bearing change in life to this series in particular: for re-awakening a childhood love of all things construction; for providing a model of discipline and perseverance in trying circumstance; and for putting together a total package that showcases the myriad ways in which the trades can be every bit as intellectually stimulating as classroom pedagogy. Thank you, truly.
Very complicated floor plan! I remember when this series was happening. I am a framer in new england and have always appreciated your videos. Passing knowledge to the next. Just little tips here and there can shave seconds off a task or make it that much easier. Thank you for showing the good with the bad! Btw the clips of the young one placing hangers is gold! Great to see family involved in work and being together!
I like the tips that shave hours off a task!
@@AlanTheBeast100 🤫those are the ones we keep secret 🫡💪🏻🤣🔨
I watched every episode as they were originally posted and always looked forward to the next. There were times when I almost got hot and sweaty with you. It says a lot that you’d pull back the curtain and highlight your mistakes. That’s one of the best ways to learn - and to make it all “real”. There are way too many people (and KZheadrs) who don’t have that virtue or at least don’t display it enough. Thanks!
Great job! I always thought those over the stove , pot fillers are not best idea they have come with in the past 20 years
Agreed. Nearly useless and so many potential problems.
@@jeffweber8244 Really only good if you have a proper stove with a drain.
I found the house build videos excellent, especially as I am building a wooden house in France. But now I just like to go back and watch different ones, for the depth, interest and the relaxation of them. Hope you're all doing fine. Thanks so much for an amazing series.
This series helped me and motivated me with my own full gut remodel. I can really relate with the survival mode feeling!
It’s a one of a kind series, that is no doubt.
Lack of Hubris, an admired trait! Great video!!!!
One of the most amazing KZhead experiences! Thank you. Am currently building my first house in my 50's in Ireland!
Actually only 10 identifiable mistakes out of probably 10,000 potential mistakes is awesomely good! Thanks for warning us about them.
You built a beautiful house that will be grand for a long, long time! Also, you are the guy to call if someone needs a difficult build done.
This idea of showing all of these possible mistakes/ struggles was brilliant, much respect!
An amazing series with great attention to detail. As a retired General Contractor, home builer, excavator, I felt the lot was a huge Detriment. The cost for the engineering, retaining wall, rip rap Boulders, rear retaining wall, no yard space, limited accessibility in the construction from start to finish complicated the project More than about anyone would ever want. Beautiful home.
I watched almost every video in the series when they came out and absolutely loved it! I hope you do another one. I'll tune in again.
Thank you for the extreme honesty in revealing some shortcomings in the project. Very few IMHO.
Wow, that’s amazing. They managed to restore that hardwood floor.. I would’ve never believed that they could do it without leaving an obvious transition!
Wow that is an amazing reminder that this is craft and not mass production. Expectations are the hardest part of so many businesses and perhaps ultimately life.
I am almost finished watching every episode. What an amazing series. Thank you 🙏. I am 64 and want to become a builder now, ha hahaha 😂. Very inspiring indeed ❤
The man who Never Made a mistake, NEVER made anything. You, Mr. Wadsworth made an awful lot!! Even if one or two things were learning points, as how not to do it. I salute you.
I’ve always considered an over the stove pot filler as a disaster waiting to happen. My wife has wanted me to retrofit our kitchen to have one and for years I’ve resisted. Thanks for providing some real life evidence to my theoretical argument 😉. Love your channel and I’ve learned so much from it!
The spec house series was awesome, I really enjoyed it. Anyone who didn't see it, go back and look.
You did a fantastic job! Absolutely beautiful home that anyone would be lucky to live in! I would take your worst home build over some other builder's best! Cheers!
I did see the whole series on the house and if those issues are all you can identify, it doesn't change my opinion of how impressive your accumulated knowledge and wisdom are clearly on display with the finished product...Well done sir, and thank you for sharing your journey...
Most pure and honest channel available. Thanks guys. I’m Thankful for the example you guys are for the world.
I'd forgotten about that project. Good Stuff.
Ya know Mr. Wadsworth I’ve been with you from the start of this channel and I’m always grateful for your honesty and how you don’t make excuses for mistakes. There are many other good parenting things you do for your audience but, I just wanted to say, you’re a good man, Scott, to the glory of God. thank you.
We can all be a Monday morning quarterback, but not everyone can accomplish what Scott and Nate achieved during this project. I see humility and gratitude in Scott’s demeanor, and we are all fortunate to have access to this man’s wisdom and teachings. I built my home twenty five years ago and I have not stopped thinking about the things I wish I had done differently. That said, I still gained the satisfaction of accomplishing something worthwhile for me and my family. I appreciate Scott as for sharing his life skills as he teaches us how to be better. Thanks Scott and Nate and the Essential Craftsman family.
Thanks again for the Spec House Series. To this day it's still the best KZhead series I've watched start to finish!
I watched this whole series. It was amazing..
watching your series on the spec house was my first time seeing your you tube channel and i followed it from start to finish. enjoyed every min and always looked forward to the next one. i learned a few things and it got me to watch all of your videos from then on. I like watching what you do and you building your gate is fun to watch because i have done a lot of that kind of work my self. so to steal a phrase from you.... keep up the good work....
Beautiful home. A design that will stand the test of time.
Scott, my wife and I were there for your open house event. THANK you for opening your work, heart and life to us via the Tube. Best!
My dad, brother and I are about to build our first spec house. Thanks for the video!
So awesome that you made this video…….we never really walk away from all the projects we’ve been involved with. They always stay with us, they’re a part of our past and who we are going forward. The good and the bad. Just like our memory takes us back…..this video reunites us all, back to this build. Thank you!
"Can't see it from my house!" But dang man, if those are the only mistakes... bless you brother. It was a fun series to watch and kudos to you for making this dedicated video of the items which the untrained eye would never even notice
My wife and I just finished up our first custom home and it was easily the hardest thing we’ve ever endured. There are so many factors that we just never considered, all while having to manage the expense of everything and maintain cash flow. In the end, it was the best experience of our lives and taught lessons that you can only learn from experience.
Thank you so much for this video, I really needed to see this. We are just finishing the interior of our own house and we are now in "survival mode" just like you are describing. I get the impression with every new build you find new ways to make mistakes, but this was very encouraging to watch!
What a gift you and your subcontractors are to humanity. What you call mistakes, I see as learning by doing. It is that learning by doing that you so graciously pass on to other craftsmen.( I put in a doorway in my garage area, it was under a load bearing wall. Thanks to you, I was able to handle it elegantly and safely. "The 2x4 Jack".)
This one spec house built with character. It started with the site selection and was enhanced with the multi sloped roof against that hillside. Your architect hit a home run on that. You did a quality job on a valuable asset.
Thanks, for who you are and what you do.
You helped me build my own house with this series. Thanks for the videos!
This project was a great instructional project with minimal problems congratulations
I’m probably the 100th person on this video to say your house series was such a treat and one of the best series’ on KZhead. Definitely in the hall of fame. Thank you.
It sure was a fabulous time to follow the build
We'd all do things differently in hindsight. We do the best we can with the info we have at the time. Looks like you did that and cared to do quality work. Good job
The “master” would only consider these mistakes. This is a critical look at your work in an effort to improve. You’re so light years far ahead of 99% of other contractors out there.
Loved watching this entire series. My late grandfather was a framing carpenter and late father a finishing carpenter, so seeing this was a trip down memory lane. Granted this project was more updated then what I remember of their work but knowing the hardships still persist, but the pride and beauty of a well crafted home will endure. Thank you!
😅 loved that series! What a gift you made for us
The spec house build that was documented on this channel, is the best video series I have seen online documenting all the steps on building a home. Very Informative, interesting, and detailed. I would LOVE to see a second spec build someday.
It's time to do another spec house. You can't overstate how knowledgeable our school craftsmanship is, and it's an honour to have watched your last Project, but I genuinely hope for another one on this scale.
if I might comment, the entire project was a delight. I’m about your age, EC, and I’m a licensed electrical contractor, but the more I learn, the more I know how little I really know. But truly, your work, and descriptions along the way, were wonderful. I usually watched each episode twice or thrice. Thank you, and kudos for the father-son team dynamic!
That was a great series. It was good to renew acquaintance with the old guy smoking his pipe in the chair while you worked.
Even if you made mistakes; the result is beautifully made; with quality and surely will stand time much better than most houses.
I truly enjoyed watching the series. I hope continue to do projects that make a series. I liked the garage/office series. Maybe next a shed or room remodel?
Perfect is the enemy of good. Well done. You’re a great narrator.
This looks like a series I'll have to go back and watch! As for the space under the steps, if the homeowner is ever desperate enough for it they can knock a hole and get to it lol not like it's off limits forever!
Well done EC.
At the same time I was building out a 1250 sq foot walk out baseme into an in-law suite for my son and daughter-in law. You inspired and taught me how to do so much more than i ever had done in regards to construction and the trades. My wife 55 at the time( the trooper she is) and I 56 did all of the framing, including the removal of 16’ of load bearing wall and the in if the microlams to replace it. No job was sub’d out we did everything with our sons help. Thank you very much for the help, guidance, and inspiration you provided along the way.
That whole series is one of the jewels of KZhead. Great content, very good video quality and editing, extension and accurate explanations from experts in their craft. Can't recommend it enough to my friends and can't thank you guys enough for sharing it with us.
AND, you got it done!
I watched almost every one, and you Nate and the others certainly put the work in. I would have loved to come over and see the house, but living in the UK, it wasn’t feasible. It doesn’t surprise me to hear that it took a lot of getting over. You did a good job, and by filming it, Like Larry Hahn all those years ago, the world is a better place as a result. Well done!
The spec house series is what got me watching Essential Craftsman and it was a joy to watch this home be built and all videos. Keep up the good work! 👍
Class work and a wonderfully inspiring teacher!
Thank you for sharing. Sometimes you learn the most when you make mistakes. Such a wonderful gift to be able to learn from someone elses mistakes though.
Your house building series is likely the best, and most comprehensive, on KZhead. I loved every episode.
spec home?..nicest spec home Ive seen ..great job!..someone got a really great looking home, functional layout, view, and bang for their buck!
That was a wonderful series to watch. Once again, thanks for sharing.
Even with the basis you guys had combined and the network, it's still a monumental task you've overcome. Be proud of yourselves - it's definitely allowed. And now it's here for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
The best series on the internet 100% nothing comes close. If you have it in you scott we would all love another even if it is on a tiny home!!!
I loved that series, and am now embarking on a garden storage shed. Wood frame and IBR cladding and roof. Desighen to be temporary, because when we are done shufgljng the junkin and out of it, it will be disassemled and transported to my daughter's small farm where it will expand her horizons.