They are definitely a lot of help, but they also are gaining such valuable knowledge that even they may not understand until they are building things on their own. Life lessons are the absolute best knowledge you can get. Good job of teaching your children!

This presentation format is MUCH better than doing little bits over many days. It really brings out the progress in a more cohesive way. Well done and kudos to your work crew. I’m sure they are being well fed for their efforts😊❤

You guys are raising some stellar kids!!! Love seeing those boys working right along side of Dad and Buggy is right there in the mix most of the time! Love it!

In the years to come when your grandkids are complaining about how hard they have it your boys will be able to tell them about the time they built a house, in winter - BAREFOOT!!! 😂 great job guys!

I remember you building your home with very little help. Your children will have gained so much experience living with parents like yourselves it wonderful to watch. Thanks for posting

I'm with Meg. Construction is so cool! It looks ginormous. Ben's excitement is priceless.

Thank you boys for helping your dad. These will be great lessons, learned and valued as you get older.

"People keep throwing boomerangs at me." It's me. I'm people. Sorry- couldn't resist. That said- looking good!

Thanks Ben for helping Jason with the use of your tractor

Your son’s our awesome good helpers so is your daughter so sweet. Your wife can’t wait until she could walk out onto the porch . I had a muscle lock in my leg was wearing a brace at the time we started to build our patio porch. We couldn’t afford to have someone come in and help us . We build us a big patio porch just me and hubby ,it took us a week on floor pillars and floor rails took two day’s step one day. My husband works night shift and I help get more of it done . We didn’t put a roof on top just opened patio porch . Our patio porch is wide as our double modular home we added another three foot more so it would go around like a L shape patio porch. We have a few touches to get done yet .

That's so good for the boys. Building good memories. 🕊

Listening to Ben talking about his Boys made my heart so happy. It is telling his boys that he’s proud and thankful for their help. 🌝🌝🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

I thought you had to fill the blocks with cement so they don’t come apart, with the earth moving I think the blocks will fall

Ben, thank you so very much for lending your tractor to Jason. You are one great friend!! You walk with Christ for sure!

I enjoy watching Buggie “help!” When I was four years old, I “helped” my grandpa build the foundation for my uncle’s house by gathering stones to go into the poured concrete walls. It takes more time and patience to let littles work with you, but they learn so much! I don’t know if you’ve noticed Buggie is growing like a weed lately! I’m sorry to tell you, your toddler has transitioned into a preschooler! Meg’s enthusiasm is so fun to see! I love it when people are happy! Your whole family seems like quite a happy crew. You must be doing something right!

I was just thinking abeout Brett the garden manager today... and I remembered... man, I started watching Luke at MIGardener when he was a teenager gardening. If it turns out he loves it hard... he could really turn it into something. I am so stinking excited about this reno!!!

It is so nice to have children that want to help. I know you're proud of them. You have your own construction crew. I can't wait till the next video.

If you look at your upper chest from then to now, it has grown over the yrs from all the hard work , kudos to you man of the house...

Unlike so many their age they have been lucky to be raised seeing the benefits of their input, and proper rewards for good effort. They can see the benefit to the family of helping out and they know in the long run they are appreciated for their help, that's all most kids really need to be willing to chip in. Its not always big over the top rewards that get kids involved, sometimes its just including them in the benefits. Its great watching your homestead grow and blossom!

It will be nice to have the extra space as your family is growing. I'm hoping for a baby sister for Buggy, she can teach little one lots of things

All those boys are growing into wonderful young men. Kudos to your great parenting.

Please forgive me if this is a stupid question, I don't even pretend to know about this stuff. Don't those piles of block need concrete or something in them to keep them stable? I can't wait to see this when it's done! I love the fact that your boys are helping. You two are theaching those kids so much. Great job.

Watching these really makes me want to go build something. I bet your daughter will turn out like me, knowing my ways around tools and woodworking from hanging with my dad in his workshop growing up.

Brett is so cute…always sneaking around in the background. 😊 I would think he’s up next to have his own KZfaq show in due time.

I have been MIA for a while due to health issues and have come back to see you adding onto the mobile home. I also noticed a bump under Meg's shirt! Congrats! When I saw the bump, I figured you'd be adding a bedroom or two - so great to learn you will be adding a lovely deck as well!! That's far better than winding up with bunk beds in your bedroom, lol, so it's great you can do both! Have you learned/shared the baby's gender yet? It would be lovely if you had another girl, but we also know you raise amazing boys! This is so exciting for your viewers, but mostly for your family. I'm so happy for you. A deck will be a great addition to your lovely home. Heather🇨🇦🥰

I love being able to watch all of you doing this addition to your home. It is going to make things so much better for all of you.

Nice to see the whole family so excited about the addition. Everyone pitching in and Meg just out of her skin elated to see this coming to fruition just when spring is arriving and a new member will be joining the beautiful Hollar family. Bless this family. What a great 2024!

I miss the days of my kids being home, everyone working together. Cherish those days!

Your teens and buggy are learning each day from their parents. You might not realize it and they probably won't either. But their absorbing everything. My husband was like Ben. He set his mind on something and got it done. When our sons were old enough. He asked their help, and they learned. Knowledge is meant to be passed down. No matter what it is. Your children are a wonderful help. Good job guys! 🙂🦋

So those blocks don't need to be cemented together? I am not a builder, but that sounds rather unstable. I'm sure you know what you are doing...just always been the questioner.

We love watching all of your family chip in and help! Nothing like learning how to do things yourself and never questioning your ability to do it! One thing you're doing right, Dad ! Seeing a wonderful example in building yourself and that together, anything is possible!

What great example of fatherhood you are!

Safety first Dad…. Shoes !

Nothing more exciting than watching a father and his children work together what a wonderful blessing

This is fun to watch I grew up in a trailer and my dad built on a whole other side to our home. He was a carpenter and made our house fit all eight us

Ben your shout out to you boys was priceless 👏👏👏👏. They are turning into fine young men Absolutely loved your project manager shouting from the doorway 🤣😂🤣.

Your son's are such good hard worker's !! They seem to enjoy helping where ever they can. Thankful there's only one off, you will have it fixed in no time. All the skills your son's are learning is great and will help them in life forward. Love seeing buggy right in there with her brother's 😊 How exciting! can't wait to see it all done. Loving this !!

Love Megs excitement over the construction. I get it, I love construction too.

I have been following your family adventure for quiet a while now and enjoy watching the projects and the animal/food harvesting. Your rural lifestyle reminds me of my early childhood in the mountains of east Tennessee. Not so very far, from where you live today. I rarely make comments on channels I view and refuse to be one of the trolls or critics that so many content creators must endure in the process of sharing their life and experiences. Having said that, I would be remiss if I didn't mention to you that leaving the form boards around the concrete footings for the block piers will provide the ideal breading ground for termites. This is a serious concern in the area of North Carolina in which you live. Time spent removing those now will eliminate the possibility of infestation in the future. Good luck with the build and enjoy the moments with your boys. They will look back one day and smile at the precious memory.

How exciting to be able to double your home size! You have a beautiful growing family with a very active Mom spending hours in the kitchen. Will be a joy to increase your whole space! Those strong healthy sons are a true blessing!

New Tee Shirt: Grow your own construction crew! Add a kid drawn pic of six kids and Mom and Dad.🥰

Watching the kids walk on the beams, especially Buggy, priceless, and oh so adorable!

“Them thar” young men are what you call back savers. They literally have got your back! 😊You both must be so proud of them. You are giving them a fabulous hands on education👍🏼

Why not fill the blocks with concrete?

Thunderstorms in the summer while sitting on the porch is an awesome thing.

Nice to see all the pilings built. Looking good! I'm so glad you have the help of all your boys! You could probably use that block in a garden somewhere? I agree, one mistake is not bad! I'm so impressed by you all! The foundation has to be right so I'm so glad you got it right. Lumber! Many hands make short work! Pressure treated? Sister the beams together. In our state, the deck has to be self supporting and not attached to the "house." You're not supposed to use ledger boards even. You can cantilever out a bit so the deck comes out past the pilings and it is more hidden. That's how our deck is built since you have the supports under the deck itself. Our deck is 21 inches out beyond the support beams. It makes quite a difference. I bet you could have a horse come up on that deck if you needed to. That's a lot of pilings. Thanks for this video Hollar family! Meg looks so excited!

Cover the entire deck with a tarp to stay on until the addition gets dried in. After its dried in you can cut it out along the bottom of the walls. This will protect the flooring from weather.

My two boys are 10 and 9. Almost old enough to be helpful on my projects. They are still scared of power tools but I know it’ll change here soon. Awesome progress Ben

6:00 why would you remove the footer? Just use half blocks, wow. Please core fill your blocks, 😂😂😂😂

Just FYI, the holes in the concrete blocks should always be oriented to the sky/vertical, not horizontal. Blocks laid the wrong way can crack & crumble.

Your excitement is contagious. Love watching your growing family grow the space you have.

This is just so exciting! Can't wait to see the walls and roof framed! It is wonderful to see the entire family working on this together. Have a good weekend.

It’s great when our children grow up and are physically able to help us. Having a lot of boys is even better because they have more upper body strength to help with the more physical jobs. I have two sons (now in their 30’s) and it’s great when they can help us on the hard physical jobs, especially when their dad and I are in our 60’s. Watching your vlogs lately Brett seems to be with Ben a lot more. It looks like they are very close Which is lovely to see too. You’ll not know yourselves when this extension is built. Good luck

Not only are the boys old enough to help but, the knowledge they gain from you & Meg about building, cooking, gardening plus good work ethic. Well one good thing Ben, you only had to do one oops 😅. Can't wait for the next segment . Have a great weekend Blessings to you and the family. 😊🇺🇲

I have been watching all your old videos, and I tell you, I'm so happy for you all, and it's awesome what you have created and are creating! They boys are so much bigger!😢

This project has so many teachable opportunities in it! So glad to see the whole family supporting the work. You can already see their sense of pride in the work! Great job guys!

So enjoy watching your family work together on the addition. ❤

Love that the boys are actively helping

One of those boys is going to learn the value of wearing boots on the job site.

Ben, being excited is an understatement, to say the least! I am so very excited for y’all🤗! We all know how much this extra space is needed for your family😊! I like the Friday videos and I look forward to the weekly updates🤗! Be safe y’all and many blessings💜!

I could watch your build on normal speed any time.

As a non builder, this is so fascinating, I thought you would have had to concrete those blocs or rebar them or something. And, I know you all are sick of hearing it, but the boys moving concrete blocks and using shovels barefoot makes me cringe. Sorry , just had to say it. I love that they are taking such an interest in helping you and all the knowledge you are passing on to them. An education in real life.

Hey, I'm not bashing your system in any way shape or form cuz I have no idea how to do it myself. Just curious why you didn't put any cement and rebar in the blocks to lock them together?

That space under your addition would make for a pretty good rootcellar!

If it was up to me and it's not I would core fill all those blocks or at least a third of them Maybe even some rebar. But you know your area so be it.

Good sons are a God's blessing! Yet, I hope Buggy gets a sister:))

All that space! Wow! The energy kids have is astounding. They work hard all day and still have the time and energy to play. Prayers for a smooth, safe build. 🙏

Those boys, oh my God! So much kudos to your young men. I was 14 when my dad built on to my house. I was a huge help, but I was one female,having four boys,You are Rocking!

Truth! The NC Rain Rule....it will rain where the tools are but five feet away it will be perfectly dry. Weirdest weather ever.

Family memories creating together. ❤❓ Please explain if you want. Why, you do not need to cement the blocks. Thank you ❤️ Another great FRIDAY SHOP TALK. 45 YES✨,❤🎉 GOD BLESS YOU ALL SE MICHIGAN

I’m like Meg. I love construction also. I use to get excited when my husband started to build something…anything. Just love working with wood. Great job…so exciting to see your boys helping. Something they will always remember.

I had a student whose hobby was making boomerangs. He could actually throw them so that he could stand there and catch them. But, he also showed me that almost any shape can be a boomerang. He gave me one that was an eagle (the school's mascot). I thought that given your kids' penchant for working materials, it could give them an additional source of mischief.

Great parenting you & Meg are doing. These kids will grow up knowing how to work and willing to do it. What a wonderful family you have. Excited for your additions especially the new blessing 👣!!!!

Hey Ben, love to see how it seems without fail that some of your construction crew works barefooted…totally cool and scary at the same time lol. Keep doin whatcha doin brother.

Hi, Ben and Meg! Your boys and Buggie really rock. You’re a good example for all families to follow.

I love when you teach your kids participate with everything, learning, , building a family home , when they are ready to leave the nest , they’ll have a tool box with full of skills like their dad , great work 👍

Many hands make light work. I watched your house build with a few friends that came to help, but you mostly did all the work yourself. It’s really great that the boys are old enough now to help. They will be learning a lot. I know you’re excited for this build and I’m excited right along with you. Have a great weekend 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️👩🏻‍🌾

What your boys are learning right now will serve them well for the rest of their lives. I remember when I was about 12 my dad said "come on and go with me". We went to the lumber store and brought back some 8 foot 8 inch wide boards and we just built a simple shelf for books. Just that one little project set me on a path of building things and each one more and more complex. I built a set of speaker cabinets that sounded great for my hi fi system. More book shelves. Got into college and took shop so that my guitarist and I built our own multi speaker PA for our band and this was before the multi speaker columns that would come later. We were the first to have such a PA and it sounded great! Later built two shops, two studios, lean-to's decks, remodeled two houses among other things, all out of my head, no blue prints, and it all started because that first book shelf made me aware of how to make things out of wood. For them to see a renovation of this size they will learn so much. You and Meg do such a good job with those kids, and they seem to love and respect you so much in return. What a family you are raising. They will be a blessing in the world in days to come. You should be proud! I always enjoy watching all of you. And then of course, the star of the show, little Meg!! Always right there in the middle of everything with her dad and her brothers. And don't get me started on Mamma Meg's kitchen!! ❤❤

It's great watching you Ben and your boys working together building the extension and making lots of memories together and also teaching/learning at least 2 or 3 trades. And yes Meg too.

You have quite a crew ! It is good for the boys. They may be carpenters some day. Even Buggy as she will know how to build too.

Your young men are worker bees. It's good to see everyone getting involved. Meg is correct watching building projects, and the progress is cool. Love the friday updates.😊

Patience of Job,you have! Great job,dollars!❤

Ben and Meg i just want to say how awesome it is to see your sons being raised into such great young men

Time to make plans for your team. You need to get one into plumbing training, another in to electrical and a master plasterer. The other one could be an accountant to handle all the paperwork. Family team ready to go.... I'm with Meg, I love to watch construction work when it's close to home.

I LOVE watching your boys help you ! They really get the job done don’t they!! Also love seeing Buggy out there too, she loves helping and not one bit afraid to try anything ❤

Ben where the pillars are higher up, you should make a storage/cellar make shift thingy. For root veggies, gardenstuff etc

So exciting that you are making this fabulous extention . I remember when Ben was building floors in your now house . It looked like there was never be the end of all . I suggest wood stove in new extention .💕 ( I always suggest wood stove 😅 )

So much fun watching. Remind me in my younger days when we did a lot of work on our house, I’m an old lady old now and love to just watch you guys ❤

You are my favorite channel. Always honest and real. Love seeing family working together. The boys have sure grown up to wonderful young men. Buggy is simply the best. So inquisitive and helpful. Loves being with both mom and dad to help. Both of you are great examples of how good life can be. ❤❤

Are you not cementing the blocks together so in the wind storms they are more stable? Just thinking of their height.

Forgive me for adding my eyes to your build. You have thought about this already. The height of the floor on the addition in particular. If you tie in the roof of the addition to the existing house, after putting some slope to it (1/12 minimum for metal roofing), will mean the outside wall is going to be pretty low. Again, forgive me if I’m way out of line. It’s looking good!

Like eating an Elephant one piece at a time looking good, nice job got some really good help thank you ALL stay safe

Hey, Hollars ! (and anyone who lives in the area), just wanted to let y'all know about a Organic growers school spring conference taking place at Mars Hill university ( I think that's the name, and he said it's in western NC ), March 8 thru 10th. Farmer Jesse Frost of the No-Till growers podcast and YT channel, who farms in KY, is going to be speaking there. The conference says it "fosters OG living through affordable, practical, hands-on education in farming and gardening". 13 tracks (?) 60+ classes. Registration now open. I got all that off Farmer Jesse's vlog today, didn't go to the conference page/site, don't know prices. I'm in WI and can't make it. He showed a pic of schedule for Sat. and each time block offered 13 (I think) dif. categories of classes going on, from cooking to business to production and a stewardship cat. featuring things from DIY solar to tool repair. I definitely recommend Jesse's channel ( No-Till Growers) and book, as well. There's a lot of helpful nuggets from someone who grows veg for a living (while naturally improving soil health) !

I might have cut off 2 inches from the block before redoing the entire section but maybe that’s a short cut that would not have given you piece of mind. As parents you and Meg are stellar. I look forward to watching your progress each and every day.

Bret's smile. What a fine young man he has become, such a good helper.. All of the kids are growing up waaaay too fast.

I’d recomend giving your backfill a good water-in, early enough so it can dry somewhat, then you refill, before you tarp it.

I’m pretty excited for you. Meg is bursting with joy at the prospect of more “kitchen” - and living - space. Thank you for lending Jason your tractor. Your lives are so different, but the spirit is the same❤

Fabulous to see you and the kids working together 😊 Terrifying to watch them work in bare feet though 😳 😬 My Eldest is a CSO, construction safety officer, they cringed and walked away.. Work Safe, Stay Safe and keep all the toebeans 😊

It cracks me up that the kids are running around barefooted while helping with a construction project. I was either barefooted or in flip flops as a kid and even now still in flip flops unless there is a bunch of snow on the ground

Not melting down and learning how to correct mistakes is critical. Love seeing Dad having the sons do the work like nailing and mixing cEEment.