Work on the new office space continues

after

before

Work on my new office space is continuing. Take a look at the before and after shots showing some of the progress.  These shots are from the same general angle. We removed the garage door and put up a wall, using much of the same style cedar shiplap siding that was originally on the exterior walls.

We removed the ladder that went to the small attic space, removed some rotted wood at the bottom plate, replaced some rotted studs, and added pressure-treated lumber where the bottom plate meets the masonry. I also removed the traditional frame and sill from the windows. We have not bought the windows yet but I hope to begin working on the windows next week.

The project began back in early May. As you can see from the photo of the trailer full of junk, I had to clear out over 2 tons of garbage and random junk before I could even begin work. Originally, I had a "handyman" who had agreed to do most of the work. The only thing he was good for was hauling the garbage out, and for that, I am thankful. However, he bailed out on the job at the last minute so my brother and I have decided to handle this small repair/remodel job ourselves. Word to the wise, never get into business with an "handyman" masquerading as a contractor.

garage after wet scrape

This space is actually the garage behind my Mom's home. It has alleyway access and faces the Union Pacific railroad tracks that lead to a busy rail yard and roundhouse in Roseville, CA. Currently, I actually live by the roundhouse, a loud facility pumping out pullutants that I will not miss living down the street from. I plan on staying here awhile and working out of the new office until things shape up with my career.

I am happy that things are starting to come along now. After a major lead paint removal hurdle, I hope that most difficult tasks with the repair/remodel are behind us. Wet scraping lead paint, cleaning up the paint scrapings and chips, wearing full-body suits with respirators in Sacramento Valley 100 degree heat is not fun at all.

Hoping to get back into doing more web development work and taking more classes on web design and development for applications soon after this project is finished. Hopefully, if everything goes as scheduled, I should be done with this project by mid-August. Until then, stay cool.