The Shed ::ahem:: Guest House

In the last two weeks I've had 3 people tell me that they were "admiring" my "property."  I can't tell you how nice it is to hear that. Considering that the patio looked like this only a few short years ago.  Click here to see more on the patio transformation.

We also have a little building on our property that is called a shed. The story, from residents that have lived here long enough to know the owner that built it, is that he built the miniature house for his kids as a playhouse.  He really must have been into his kids because it's way more elaborate than the cardboard boxes I give my kids.  He also built a killer tree house.  Enough about him though--he's really making me feel inadequate.

The shed, affectionately called, the guest house, is going to be winterized soon.  You see, you may recall I wanted to "finish" our garage.  But, to do it right, it's gonna run ya.  So, I started thinking about what I really wanted this winter.  I wanted to be able to use that very expensive treadmill I bought in a warm, and safe (for my daughter) place.  The guest house is small, about the size of a standard bedroom.  Heating it will be no problem.  So, little by little we have thrown money at it. 

So far the shed is framed out (it's a shell basically).  Dave strung electric throughout with plugs and overhead switches.  The licensed electrician tied that to our electric box (don't like those pesky light shows so we left that job for the pro). It's tempting to start insulating and sheet rock but the guest house must have windows.  It's just a big dark box right now.  So, I have a few different people coming to give me an estimate on window installation.  Just as a side note, why can't they say something like, "Oh.. put in a window?  That's $75."  Instead they come here, look at the shell and then say they'll call me later.  Don't you know your business?  How hard is it to give me a number?  Ballpark? Something?  There's not a lot involved--cut hole, stick window in it, charge customer.

I'm hopeful that it will be ready to use this winter.  My daughter will only deal with the jogger for so long.  The trips on the jogger are shorter now (she gets bored) and once the weather turns it just feels mean to bundle her up and bring her along.  So, hopefully once this is complete I can run on the treadmill and she can play with some toys,  and we'll both be happy and content in our new little guest house. 

 

 

Technorati Tags: garage conversion,running,winterizing

Storage Space

If you have a small house (like me) efficient use of space is an issue.  In addition, good storage is critical.

I have three kids and they're like most: spoiled.  So, having the space to put things away is a big deal.   Also, if it's not easy to put things away, or take things out, eventually you'll all get tired and just pile the clean clothes on top of the dresser or dump the toys in a nearby open bin and call it a day.

I like my small house--there are many benefits to small houses.  Particularly this winter if you use oil to heat your home.  My heating costs will go up, but not anywhere near what it will be for my friends with the McMansions. (And even though you can't see me right now I am SO NOT GIGGLING!)

Another benefit is the INability to collect too much.  Eventually there's no more place to put things and you're more strategic with what you keep.

The downside of a small house is that it doesn't take too much to make the place look sloppy.  The upside is that it doesn't take that much to keep it looking nice and clean too.

The key to keeping your house looking tidy? 

1. Don't stack dirty dishes in the sink.
2. Make the beds.
3. Keep the floors free of debris. 
4. Put the clutter away.

By the way, I know this because I saw it in some magazine somewhere--not because I actually subscribe to these rules.  It's just what I heard.

Anyway.. storage.

My daughter went from a tiny room with zero closet space (grounds for a call to social services I'm sure) to a pretty large room (psst.. a bit larger than the room her brothers now share) with a nice sized closet.  The problem was that the closet wasn't really being used.  Not properly anyway.  So, I told dear ole Dave that he had a couple more projects to complete before he went back to work.  The biggest? Closet storage.

I went on the ClosetMaid website.  They have a few tools where you can design your closet based on the dimensions you have.  It's nice because you can plan your closet while in your house looking at it rather than in the middle of home depot looking at massive the racks of accessories while your children run and scream through the store, "Mommy! Mommy! Jimmy just knocked over the light bulb display!"  In fact, leave the kids home--even without kids this is kind of a pain.  My husband, a very educated and former math-camp attendee, had to make more than 5 trips to HD to get all the right parts for our closets.

But now... they're GORE-JUS DAHLING!  My daughter and I got some kick-butt closets now. I'm still not even using half of the functionality--I keep forgetting I have all these shelves and hooks.  Her closet is great though and has helped me keep her room looking even more magically princessified than usual.