As I started to put the studs in place, I had to move my kitchen counters around so I could access the wall. Discovered I really liked the L shape of the counters. After a quick run to the local Home Depot, I spent the day making the counters more permanent. I added several pieces of 2X2 to give more strength, a piece of plywood for a backing and pieces of 1X4 so my food storage baskets would be secure while I am driving.
What do you think?
October 16, 2019
My friend asked if I could build a second railing for her mom to use in the winter. I took a look at the front entrance and realised that the original hand railing was on the far side of the steps into the apartment. Not the greatest position for an elderly person to use, especially in the winter with the snow and ice. I sat with my notebook and came up with a potential design. I had to measure the stairs and the space for the new railing. The whole job from idea to finish was about 2 1/2 hours. It was a good little distraction from the bigger job I have been working on - my truck.
Given the space I was using - the extra railings and baluster posts were not needed. It's sturdy and will last a long time. I even gave the hand railing a good sanding - no splinters.
The rain started to come down in the early evening, and it rained for 24 hours straight. Which meant Thursday was going to be a quiet day.
October 17, 2019
It's still raining. It was quite cold and very windy. My friend and I decided it would be a great day to go get some of the pieces I wanted for my conversion - an inverter generator, a sink, a window and a few other bits. I was excited to be able to get them before I moved on. My to do list just got a little longer and that's alright by me.
October 18, 2019
It finally stopped raining last night, and it's sunny again. Time to get some work done!
First thing to do, to figure out the best placement for the window, then remove the exterior plywood sheathing and start removing the pieces of styrofoam. Now, I want to do things properly, so I will need to add more studs, jack studs and window framing.
It didn't take me too long to add all the framing, seal the styrofoam with tuck tape and replace the plywood.
I will have to wait until tomorrow to actually put the window in - it's getting a bit late and I am getting tired....mostly climbing in and out. I know in the future I will be adding a couple of stairs.
October 19, 2019
It was bright and warm today! I am looking forward to adding my window. My friend and their family are up and working on getting their yard ready for winter. There was a wonderful fire in the fire pit. Yup, it's definitely late fall now! Time to hustle.
I carefully cut the window hole in the plywood and reattached it to the wall. Everything lined up perfectly!
And there ya have it! My window, the right side has a sliding part with a screen and I plan to have my stove under that to vent any cooking smells and steam. I figure eventually I will get an exhaust fan of some sort - but this will work now now.
I spent some time putting the sheathing on the door and portion of the wall that had been left incomplete for a month. Things are coming together really well.
Other jobs to do in the next few days - build a cabinet for the propane tank(s), install the electrical outlet for the generator, finish adding rafters and start putting in plywood. For the ceiling I think I will use 1/8" panelling - light weight, cheap and eventually I will paint it, I will also add trim and a sill around the window and finish off the kitchen counter - install the sink and water works.
October 20, 2019
Went back to Home Depot, this time with my friend Tealey. I picked up a couple of rolls of Reflectix, 12 sheets of 1" styrofoam boards and a few other things. I got into installing the insulation. It was a quiet Sunday for sure, but I am thinking about the next steps for making the Box more comfy.
October 21, 2019
I got one whole wall insulated and started on the other one. Once I am done with the second wall - my insulation is complete.
I bought a special plug-in for my generator. I started to think about where the best placement for the electrical outlet.
The most creative thing about this process is actually moving my belongings from one side to the other while I fix things.
Upcoming projects - generator plug-in, kitchen counter and sink, water system setup and cabinet for the TV and storage racks.
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