New Washer & Dryer

After the flood, the old washer and dryer finally died.

We decided to build a cabinet in order to hold the new washer & dryer a few inches off the ground.

We decided to include a section for the sink, complete with backsplash.

We found a great deal on some tile on clearance sale, so we decided to tile it.

A little bit of molding really helped pull everything together.

Final step: we added the sink, and a small door for the sink cabinet.

As you can see, I’m very happy with how it came out.

Also: behind the cabinet you can see the new water heater.

Disaster Strikes!

Back in June of 2007 we spent a few days fixing up the garage. This year, after returning from our summer vacation, we discovered that the water heater had exploded, turning the garage into a sauna. After two weeks of slowly simmering at 90+ degrees, the garage had become a real mess.

Water heater go boom.

Fun fact: mold loves the warm, humid climate of Florida.

A new water heater is on the way, with new doors soon to follow.

More updates as events warrant.

Front Yard Update

Today’s subject: the little strip of land between the garage, and our neighbor’s property.

When we last visited this area (December 2007) things were not looking good:

Seven months later, the grass had started to grow back, but the area was still a mess:

The plan: path leading from driveway to the garage door (side door) and garbage can area, surrounded with pretty planting beds:

Progress: edged the lawn, cleared the path, relocated healthy lawn to giant dead spot, and prepared planting beds:

Left to do:

- build small wall to hide garbage cans

- create path (bricks? pavers?)

- replace garage door (side door)

- replace outside light (after painting house)

- repair the rest of the front lawn (after removing a few stumps)

The Garage: the story so far

The Garage: bottomless pit, or well-organized workspace? I want the latter. This is what I started with:

Step one: remove everything, including old shelving, washer & dryer, and a mountain of tools. A crowbar is invaluable while removing 20+ year old wall fasteners. When finished, your garage will most likely look as though Al Capone has just visited you with his Tommy Gun.

Step two: stir up some mortar mix, and patch all holes and missing chunks of the garage wall.

Step three: there is a fixture in the ceiling to run the garage door opener. There was also (yuck) a fluorescent light running into the second, wall-switch-controlled outlet. Solution: install a second ceiling box based on the light switch. Replace switch-controlled outlet with a normal (always on) outlet.

Step four: cut drywall to fit holes in ceiling, screw into ceiling beams, tape & mud as necessary.

Step five: prime ceiling with anti-mold paint, and then apply a thick coat of textured ceiling paint. Install sexy new light fixture.

Step six: give the walls a fresh coat of exterior paint. Switch out all outlets and plates for an extra-snazzy touch.

Step seven: buy Epoxy Garage Floor Kit, follow directions:

Step eight: buy tons of high-quality steel shelves, and begin organizing your collection of junk. Let your OCD go wild.

Step nine: install a new utility sink, with cool sprayer-thingy.

Remaining concerns: our washer and dryer, although still functional, are not long for this world. They were built in 1834, and are powered with coal.

Left to do:

• Build tool bench/work area. Put up some peg board, organize small tools
• Donate washer & dryer to the Smithsonian, replace them
• Install some cabinets above the new washer & dryer
• Replace drainage pipe on hot water heater
• Replace exterior door, door to kitchen, door to Florida room