The past 4 weeks I have been working on our third car garage. It had been six years since we moved into the house, and the garage had become just a glorified storage unit. Because of the split design of the two garages, the smaller one had become neglected. Out of sight, out of mind. Only when I needed to get to the lawn mower or to a specific tool. And that was if I could even find them!
Front view from the driveway.
View from the side door.
Enter Papa Dave and his brilliant idea.
While the grandparents were here over the holiday he told me that I could procure some decent cabinets for dirt cheap at the local Habitat for Humanity, and build myself some sort of workshop to house my tools and supplies. It was a little embarrassing for him to see the garage like it was; I had always admired the workshops he had created in his garages every time we would visit Denver. Really, there was no one to blame but me. I had made the space unusable and unkempt. It would be up to me to finally do something about it.
But I didn't want to spend the money I thought it would take to get those amazing workshops you see featured on TV or in magazines. I thought for sure it would cost a few thousand dollars; I had done my research and priced those things. But the idea of having my own workshop lingered in my mind and now with Papa's suggestion of refurbishing and repurposing cabinets from the Habitat, gave me inspiration to bite the bullet and get it done. And how great would it be if I could get the same effect for a few hundred dollars!
So, starting 4 weeks ago, with my demolition crew (aka the kids), we set out sifting through the landfill, clearing rubbish and throwing out a ton of things we hadn't needed (like large boxes for everything we've purchased in the time we've lived here) or used (like Tangie's old bike from when she was in high school, which we ended up donating to the Salvation Army). We created a little more space to move around, in the meantime checking with the Habitat to see if any cabinet sets in decent or good condition were available for sale. One Friday afternoon, we scored, finding an unused white set that the previous owners had taken out of their spec home, because they wanted custom cabinets when they purchased the house! I had priced a single cabinet at Home Depot for $120; I bought that whole set for $125!
Bought the set before anyone else snatched it up. What a deal!
Brought a couple pieces home.
Went back to get the other two pieces. They could fit in the minivan with the seats down!
Now came the designing, layout, and creating part. I was also able to find and get 4 more top cabinets from Craigslist for $60, as well as a set of 4 panel walls with metal baskets for $45 from another seller. I was able to create a countertop (thanks to Duncan for coming over a couple of times to assist me!) and after a nice paint job created a workshop I can keep my tools organized and accessible! I was also able to attach some storage racks from the ceiling (again, thanks to Duncan for his help!) so we can keep the seasonal decorations up and out of the way throughout the year! And with all the garden supplies and sports gear up on the walls, we had the entire floor open, with enough space to fit a small car…or perhaps a new riding lawn mower?!?? (cross my fingers!!)
Picking up some 2 x 4's for brackets and braces.
Changing the color of the cabinets.
I thought they would get lost in the white walls of the garage if I didn't paint them.
She wanted to help so I said go for it!
Building a bottom brace to give the cabinets some height.
My assistant re-attaches the hardware.
Duncan comes over to help lay out and measure the countertop.
Making the cut!
I had several old 60 lb. bags of mortar that had hardened, so we used them as weights until the glue dried.
Cut a hole in the corner for the trash.
Used metallic paint to give it a nice glossy, industrial look.
Top cabinets purchased, they came in white as well!
Bracket up for pegboard and whiteboard.
The twins already enjoying writing on the whiteboard.
A couple of the top cabinets up, I flipped them upside down to access the door knobs better.
Wall panels arrive, painting them to match the rest.
Brackets up for the wall panels.
Duncan came over to help install the overhead racks. Definitely a two person job.
Second overhead rack put together and ready to be installed.
Bikes on pulley systems high above.
Things hanging/mounted on the walls for easy access.
Cycling supplies and lawn/garden tools.
We have floor space!!
Anyway, it's been a lot of fun cleaning, organizing, and transforming the third car garage into a functional space. I hope it adds value to the home if we ever sell it. In the meantime though, I can now enjoy my new workshop for all my home projects!
Here was the rest of our week:
Chilly start to school Friday morning.
Taking Gaby home before picking Braelyn up.
Picking up our gymnast!
Sabbath we laid low. Braelyn had a slight fever and everyone kind of had the sniffles.
Working on some art.
Solo ride Sunday morning.
The kids giving Cheddar his weekly bath.
We took a few hours in the afternoon to go to Hollywood Studios, just to get out of the house.
Enjoyed the snowfall at the Frozen Sing-a-along.
With characters Phineas and Ferb.
Frozone and Mr. Incredible.
Upon arrival home.
Kept Brae home Monday and Tuesday to get over her cold and congestion.
She helped get the twins ready for school.
And accompanied me on some errands.
Picking the twins up, Kohl offered to carry little sister's backpack. Sweet boy!
Getting the plates to set the table,
and wrapping up the silverware in napkins, just like in restaurants!
Maddy offered to wash the dishes that evening.
Working on some Valentine's Day art before bedtime.
Got some balloon hats from the workers at Home Depot. Who knew?
More interested in the timer going off the phone camera than the bedtime story!
Kohl decided to do his hair in a mohawk like one of his classmates!
Putting together her Valentine's Day goodie bags for her classmates.
Working on his splits!
Helping little sister with her form.
Cuddling with Cheddar before bedtime.
Randoms:
At Disney, this young gentleman found an outlet to charge his phone…on the bathroom floor! Gross.
Every Sunday morning this old man is always on the trail doing his exercises in nothing but shorts.
It was 50º when I snapped this picture.
Ah, the old ladies group that meets each week for coffee…at Home Depot!
Great work on the garage, Allen! It doesn't even look like the same space...I didn't realize that Cheddar was so big, does he like cheese?? Or is it a girl?
Nice garage, Allen! I can even build a tent on the floor for Lolo and me, plenty of space! Great job, Allen and Duncan and the 3 little helpers!
ReplyDeleteGreat work on the garage, Allen! It doesn't even look like the same space...I didn't realize that Cheddar was so big, does he like cheese?? Or is it a girl?
ReplyDeleteGood idea on the garage it looks as if you had a plan! You will certainly enjoy the work space and being able to find things!! Great Design!!
ReplyDeletePapa