Since it first started in Texas in 2018, the Life Uncontained [YouTube channel] has gained tremendous popularity all around the US.
Its subscribers are getting closer to one million and a half. However, there’s a lot of speculation about where in Texas Life Uncontained is filmed.
So, we did some digging and found that all the episodes for this YouTube show were filmed somewhere in the woods outside Houston, Texas. This is where Mackenzie and Spenser, the couple who star in the show, shoot all the videos that detail their journey.
Key Points:
- Mackenzie and Spenser, the couple who star in the show, live in a fully solar-powered home made from a shipping container.
- They chose Houston for their off-grid house due to its great weather and the fact that Spenser’s parents own the land.
Life Uncontained Channel Overview
The channel has been popular for its in-depth, step-by-step videos covering various topics, from construction techniques to sustainable living practices. Here are some facts about the channel:
- Focus: The channel’s primary focus is DIY home construction using shipping containers, aiming for a self-sustainable lifestyle.
- Popular Topics: The channel covers various topics, including construction techniques, alternative energy sources, water collection and purification, and interior decoration, among others.
- Audience: The channel has attracted a large and diverse audience, including those interested in sustainable living, construction, DIY projects, and minimalism.
- Upload Frequency: The channel regularly updates its content, often publishing videos weekly or bi-weekly.
- Community Engagement: The channel actively engages with its community through comments, polls, and sometimes Q&A sessions to take viewer suggestions and answer queries.
- Social Media Presence: Apart from YouTube, they also have a presence on other social media platforms where they share updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and other lifestyle-related content.
- Educational Value: Many viewers find the channel educational as it provides practical tips and how-to guides, often detailing the tools and materials needed for each task.
- Transparency: One of the notable aspects of the channel is the transparency with which the couple discusses not just their successes but also the challenges and setbacks they face, providing a well-rounded perspective on what such a lifestyle entails.
- Monetization: The channel is typically monetized through YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and potentially merchandise or direct viewer support like Patreon.
- Inspiration: Many viewers consider the channel inspirational for their determination, problem-solving, and resilience in the face of challenges inherent in such an ambitious project.
The Location
Life Uncontained takes place in Houston, Texas. It’s the city that the couple chose as a location for their dream debt-free house.
In 2018, Mackenzie and Spenser moved from Florida to The Lone Star State to start their new life there.
As soon as they arrived, the couple started their first mission: to transform an old barn into a solar power station. Since then, they’ve begun chronicling their journey on YouTube.
Over the years, the idea of off-the-grid homes, which Mackenzie and Spenser promote, has become extremely popular. Also, Life Uncontained has become a way to advocate being eco-friendly, organic, and natural.
Where Do They Live in Houston, Texas?
Mackenzie and Spenser lived in a shipping container when they first got to Houston. That was before they transformed it into their 900-square-foot off-grid house.
Now, the former 40′ container is their fully solar-powered home.
What Are Some of their Accomplishments?
The couple has lived in Texas for about five years. During this period, they went through a few main milestones in their journey, like the following:
1. Created a Solar Power Station
Living off-grid entails building an alternative, stable power source you can rely on. That’s why they started constructing a solar power station once they arrived in Texas.
Mackenzie and Spenser built that station to be the primary power source for their house because they said that they never wanted to buy power again.
Nevertheless, it still took them about two months to start running the station.
2. Built Their Fully-Equipped, Off-Grid Home
This is the couple’s main mission. They began building the home after finishing the power station in May 2018.
The process took about four years to ultimately make the home fully equipped, just like any traditional house. Still, it took them only about one year to equip the place with the minimum living requirement.
3. Continued Improving the Living Area
The couple has built their house and owns a popular YouTube channel. Now, they’ve embarked on a new stage of their journey, which is to clean the surrounding area of dangerous animals, like snakes.
They’re also currently working on other projects related to their home. This is in addition to creating new videos to share the stages and vibes of these projects.
The Creators
Life Uncontained is about Mackenzie and Spenser, the 30-something couple chasing the goal of building their dream home. The two grew up in Florida, got married, and worked there all their life before moving to Texas. They now have two lovely daughters: Cam and Beau.
| Age | Both in their 30s |
| Channel Subscribers | About 1.35 Million |
| YouTube Starting Date | Late 2017 |
| Channel Net Worth | Estimated to be $246 to $529 thousand |
Previous Jobs
Before working as full-time constructors and YouTubers, both Mackenzie and Spenser worked as waiters at restaurants in Florida.
The couple has also always loved to travel and try new things. This is actually how they came up with the idea of moving to Texas.
YouTube Earnings
Life Uncontained now reaches around 52.53 thousand daily views. This translates to a daily profit of about $257.5, or approximately $94,550 thousand a year.
In addition, the couple has over 380 Patreon supporters who back the show financially. So, this earns them an estimated $800 a month.
Note that these are estimated numbers based on their online public online activities. The actual earnings might be higher.
Why Did They Pick Houston, Texas?
Mackenzie and Spenser were greatly inspired by the idea of building alternative-style houses for a long time. It was only an idea until they went on a trip to Alaska, where the story began.
During the trip, they stayed in a variety of alternative-style places. One was a train car transformed into a solar-powered hotel in Washington. Another one was an Earthship house in Taos.
By the end of the trip, they were incredibly motivated to start building their own fully-equipped, off-grid house.
So, when they returned from their trip, they immediately started drawing up plans for their new home. After researching, they chose Houston, Texas as the perfect location.
Besides having great year-round weather and being an all-around great city, some claim that the couple chose Houston because Spenser’s parents own the land where they built their house.
Once they decided, they went to Houston and bought two 40′ shipping containers, which would become their home. Then, they returned to Florida to pack up all their stuff and start their new adventure.
Laws for Using a Container for A Home in Texas
In Texas, as in many parts of the United States, using a shipping container as a home falls under the broader category of “alternative housing,” and it is subject to both local and state regulations. Here are some key aspects you should consider:
Zoning Laws:
- Local Zoning Regulations: Before you can build a container home, you need to ensure that your local zoning laws allow for such construction. Some residential zones may not permit alternative housing types.
- Special Permits: In some cases, you may be able to obtain a special permit or variance to build a container home even if it isn’t explicitly allowed in your zone.
Building Codes:
- Texas State Building Codes: Texas doesn’t have a statewide building code, but many local jurisdictions adopt the International Building Code (IBC) or International Residential Code (IRC), which provide guidelines for container homes.
- Foundation and Structural Integrity: The state or your local jurisdiction will likely require that your container home meet specific foundation and structural requirements to ensure it is safe for habitation.
Utility Connections:
- Electricity, Water, and Sewage: You must adhere to local and state guidelines for connecting utilities. Off-grid solutions, like solar panels and composting toilets, might also be regulated.
Other Regulatory Considerations:
- HOA Rules: If the land where you plan to build your container home is governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), you will need to check their regulations as well.
- Environmental Restrictions: Some areas have environmental restrictions that could affect your ability to build a container home. Check for any such restrictions in your desired location.
- Title and Land Use: Make sure the land you are building on is appropriately titled for residential use and is not subject to any easements or covenants that would restrict building.
Inspections:
- Building Inspections: During and after construction, you’ll likely have to pass a series of inspections to confirm that the home is built to code.
- Occupancy Certificate: Once all inspections are passed, you’ll typically need a Certificate of Occupancy to legally inhabit the structure.
Taxation:
- Property Taxes: The tax implications of owning a container home in Texas could differ from those of traditional homes, especially if the structure is considered temporary or mobile.
Since you have lived in various cities across Texas, you would know that building regulations can differ widely from one municipality to another. Therefore, consulting local government websites and officials for the most accurate and personalized advice is crucial. You may also want to consult with a local attorney experienced in land use and zoning issues to guide you through the process.
Life Uncontained FAQs
Is Life Uncontained Finished?
Although Mackenzie and Spenser finished their primary mission of building a fully-equipped, off-grid house, it seems that the show will still run.
After building their home, the couple started working on other DIY projects. One of these projects is building new solar panels to increase their current power supply.
So, up until this moment, the couple is still shooting and uploading new videos. They’ll continue documenting their unique lifestyle in the exquisite former shipping container house for a while.
Is Life Uncontained Fake?
Definitely, no. This show has authentic scenes and footage from the couple’s real life. Plus, the couple is used to explaining everything that happens behind the scenes to ensure complete transparency.
Being authentic and genuine might be the top reason why the show has managed to gain all that popularity quickly.
Similar YouTube Channels
Here are some similar channels to Life Uncontained that you might enjoy:
- Tiny Home Tours: This channel showcases various tiny homes and alternative living spaces. They provide tours of different designs and styles, giving viewers inspiration for their own projects. Link: Tiny Home Tours YouTube Channel
- Living Big In A Tiny House: This channel features videos of people living in and building tiny houses worldwide. It explores the challenges and benefits of living in small spaces and showcases unique designs and innovative solutions. Link: Living Big In A Tiny House YouTube Channel
- Exploring Alternatives: This channel focuses on lifestyles, including tiny homes, van life, and sustainable living. It interviews people who have chosen unconventional living arrangements and provides insights into their experiences and challenges. Link: Exploring Alternatives YouTube Channel
- Off Grid with Doug and Stacy: This channel follows the journey of Doug and Stacy, a couple living off the grid in Missouri. They share tips on sustainable living, gardening, and self-sufficiency. Link: Off Grid with Doug and Stacy YouTube Channel
- Living Off Grid w/ Jake & Nicole: This channel documents the lives of Jake and Nicole, who live off-grid in the Pacific Northwest. They share their experiences, tips for sustainable living, and insights into their alternative lifestyle. Link: Living Off Grid w/ Jake & Nicole YouTube Channel
These channels offer a similar focus on alternative living, sustainable practices, and DIY projects, which align with the themes of Life Uncontained. Enjoy exploring these channels!
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
