Ep 1. Home Sweet Homestead: Safer at Home-stead

In the season 7 premiere of Homestead Rescue, the Raneys continue to visit and help families living off the grid in remote parts of the country. This time, they head to California to help a couple who recently built their own homestead but are struggling to make it work.

Martin and Dominique have been living on their 10-acre homestead in the Sierra Nevada Mountains for about a year. But they've encountered some major setbacks that have left them wondering if this life is really for them. Firstly, their homestead is located in an area that's prone to wildfires, and they were forced to evacuate during the devastating Camp Fire in 2018. Since then, they've installed a sprinkler system and taken other precautions to protect their property, but they still worry about the risk of another fire.

Their second major issue has been water. Martin and Dominique planned to start a farm on their land, but they quickly realized that they didn't have enough water to irrigate it. They've had to rely on a nearby creek to water their few crops, but that's not a sustainable solution.

The Raneys arrive on the scene to assess their homestead and figure out a plan to help them succeed. The first thing they notice is that Martin and Dominique's shelter isn't quite up to snuff. They've been living in an uninsulated yurt with no heat, which isn't ideal for the cold winter nights in the mountains. The Raneys decide to build them a more permanent cabin that will be better suited to their needs.

But before they can start on the cabin, they need to address the water issue. The Raneys discover that Martin and Dominique's well isn't deep enough to provide them with a reliable source of water. They make the difficult decision to drill a new well, which will cost thousands of dollars. Martin and Dominique are understandably hesitant about the cost, but the Raneys convince them that it's a necessary investment if they want to make their homestead work.

While they wait for the well to be drilled, the Raneys get to work on building the new cabin. They work quickly and efficiently, using local materials to keep costs down. The finished product is a beautiful, sturdy cabin that will provide Martin and Dominique with a warm and safe place to live.

With the cabin and water issues addressed, the Raneys turn their attention to fire safety. They walk Martin and Dominique through the steps they need to take to protect their property in case of a wildfire, including creating a defensible space around their home and making sure they have all the necessary firefighting tools.

As the episode comes to a close, Martin and Dominique reflect on how far they've come since the Raneys arrived. They feel much more confident about their ability to make their homestead work, and they're grateful for the Raneys' help. It's clear that with the right attitude and a little bit of guidance, anyone can make a homestead succeed.

Overall, Homestead Rescue season 7 episode 1 offers an inspiring and educational look at the challenges and rewards of living off the grid. It's a great reminder that with perseverance and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.