Building Alaska

A new generation of builders tackles the Alaskan wilds to build off the grid. A first-time builder faces some harsh realities, a team fights nature every step of the way and a father and son take on a floating lodge project.

Reality sets in for Nick as he fights the tides trying to retrieve pylons for his foundation, while Brannon's team gets stuck on the muddy trail bringing in more build materials. Jere and Ben continue to build the aluminum barge.

Jere, Ben and Tim struggle to get their 112-foot barge on a trailer, and hurricane-force winds delay the launch. Then, Nick's family and friends have a hard time installing pilings needed to build his fishing lodge and warehouse.

Nick hunts for driftwood to use for building and realizes how dangerous it is to live in Alaska. Jere and Ben's barge begins its journey to the water, and Brannon's team reaches a major milestone in his cabin build.

Rain and a muddy trail slow down Brannon's cabin build, but even with dampened spirits, the gang hauls windows across the two-mile trail. Then, Jere and Ben finally get the barge launched so work on the lodge can begin.

Nick and Kent design and build a "honey bucket," also known as an Alaskan toilet. Brannon and his team haul a wooden stove to their finished cabin, and Jere and Ben's crew struggle to get the roof on the guest rooms and lodge.

The builders are in the home stretch as they try to finish their cabins and floating lodge. Jere and Ben's progress comes to a halt when they run out of stain and nails, and Nick works to finish the sleeping loft.

Nick's family visits and his mom is amazed by the finished cabin. Brannon's client and his family arrive to admire their newly finished lodge, and the first guests arrive at Jere and Ben's 5,000-square-foot floating lodge.