Friday, October 23, 2015

Fall and the Garage to Rec Room makeover

Definitely fall is in the air.

Cool breeze, shorter days and chilly mornings/evenings.

I honestly have only decorated a few things around the house...
I am mainly a Christmas decorator. 
Lol
I also have been working on our garage project. 
But Summer has ended and I am not done.
I knew I wouldn't.

But we made progress. 

The old (exposed) insulation was taken down, and I am pretty sure we will leave the 
wood ceiling exposed.
I like it.
I makes the room feel more cozy.

All walls but one have been treated with drylock.
Twice.

There were actually some small holes and cracks that I patched with hydraulic cement a few days before the drylock went up.

Extra Outlets and extra lights have been wired.
Vents have been cut and a gas heater has been installed to keep this room and the basement warmer during the winter months.
The metal doors have been taken down this past weekend (finally), and a neighbor was able to pick them up and reuse them.

Which is awesome. 
I am all about reusing and keeping stuff out of the landfill.

Next thing to do will be to install the new lights.
There will be 4 of this in the almost 500sq ft room.
 I am considering building "dummie" walls to separate the laundry and storage area. 
I don't want to enclose the area with drywall, since the water heater is right next to our washer and dryer. 
We'll never know when we'll need to replace it of fix it, and I want to make sure we can easily move stuff out of the way.
Right now, I put up dropcloth curtains. 
I just needed some visual enclosure.

As far as the floor,
I have the feeling the floor will have to wait for spring.
And I am ok with that.
Right now I have more important things to take care of.

By doing most of the work ourselves, we have been able to keep the cost down to very little. 
Some paint and material...and a lot of work.

Stay Frugal, 
Daniela

12 comments:

Carla from The River said...

Looks good so far. I like the lights. Keep us posted. :-)

Kelly said...

Looks like you're making good progress on your room. Love the lights you picked out!

NanaDiana said...

That is a great project, Dani, and gives you more space for family things. I think the partial wall is a great idea. Even old repurposed doors would make a great divider wall, too. I have sheets in my basement, too, to curtain off storage areas. xo Diana

NanaDiana said...

ps.IF you have time pop over and sign up for the giveaway for my son's newest venture.b One would look great in your new room!

td said...

The exposed ceiling looks lovely, but maybe you could insulate from the top side. I don't actually know how cold your climate is, but here in the midwest, I'd barely be able to use it without insulation, especially as neither the walls or floor are insulated. (Or afford the gas, at least. :) )

I like the curtains. Maybe you could make tall folding screen or even a sliding one. My dad made a barn door type thing with regular sliding hardware. I'm sure you'll come up with something clever, frugal and cute.

Colleen said...

Looks like you have really accomplished a lot and can't wait to see the finished area.
In front of your drop curtain; why not make a nice DIY 3,4 or more panel wood divider.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Daniela,
Well, you have done a LOT and I know that feeling of never having enough summer time to finish up.
We too have decided to have our garage pressure washed and painted in the spring. Too much had been going on, we just finished a big project, one that came up on a whim and I will show soon. That was outdoors so we're glad that got done before it cools down.
Love the walls and your lights and also your decision for keeping the ceiling bare. That looks great with the drop cloth curtains in place.
Glad the doors are being used; you are very much like me for feeling guilty for anything ending up in the landfill. That's our Old World upbringing; they do far better over there for recycling and separating things.
Thanks for your comment on my Halloween post. Yes, we never ever wasted any money on things like that.
Happy weekend and hugs.
Mariette

Junkchiccottage said...

Looking good. I love the lights they will look awesome. Have a great week end.
Kris

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

Wow! You've made lots of progress in your "new" room. Well done!

Katie Mansfield said...

I bet it will be amazing. Great job.

Mindi@MyLove2Create said...

It is looking like you have done a ton of work!! Awesome, I can't wait to see the finished result!

Anonymous said...

Ciao Daniela! Che bello aver trovato il tuo blog. Io sono Italo Americana e vivo in Italia. Mi fa piacere leggerti. Ti seguo! A presto, Silvana