Homestead life may seem picture-perfect, yet one homeowner in the Ozarks says several choices turned into recurring frustrations. During a walkthrough of the property, he pointed to three regrets he and his wife would handle differently, including an issue with the storm shelter.
Here's what to know
In a YouTube video, one of the creators behind Homestead Reliance (@HomesteadReliance) said his top regret was not putting the storm shelter deeper underground, even though having it was "one of the best decisions" overall. He explained that an extra two feet would have helped with temperature control.
Rainwater storage was the second lesson. His family began with 55-gallon barrels but realized that larger IBC totes worked much better because the barrels emptied too fast. The bigger tanks offered stronger pressure and more reliable backup water during a drought.
The final regret was more about looks than performance. Several buildings on the property do not match, though the structures themselves work well despite the inconsistent appearance.
Viewers appreciated the homesteader's candor and encouraged him, saying that he was on the right track.
"If those are your three main concerns, you have nothing to worry about brother. Most folks would love to have your 'problems'. I would be more concerned about not having a large garden area, rather than whether my paint is color coordinated on my outbuilding," one commenter said.
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More background
Small design decisions — such as how deep to build a shelter, how much water to store, or how much existing infrastructure to keep — can shape comfort, costs, and resilience for years.
The location of the homestead can also impact performance. After moving from Wisconsin, the creator said he thought he would be dealing with greater flood risk, but he said the Ozarks land drains so well that those worries mostly did not materialize.
"We were just as surprised as y'all were about the whole no mud thing, the ground is like a sponge," one person affirmed.
What can be done?
While not everyone wants to create an off-grid homestead, every home can be improved with features that benefit the environment and your budget. A storm shelter, rainwater system, and solar array can all be smart investments, but the details matter.
The same applies to landscaping. Choosing lower-maintenance yard options, such as native plants, clover, buffalo grass, or xeriscaping, can save both time and money while reducing water use. Even a partial lawn replacement can make a property easier to manage. Rewilding your yard can also help create a more resilient property while reducing the need for constant upkeep.
Where can I learn more?
Choices around outdoor spaces can add work and expenses or reduce them over time. These stories look at homeowners dealing with landscaping mistakes, lawn replacements, and lower-maintenance alternatives.
• A new homeowner was left sorting out a tarp that complicated the yard.
• One homeowner saving money on water-hungry grass battled an HOA pushing for uniformity.
• Across home gardens, owners are replacing traditional grass with more resilient designs.
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