Bonus Room Project

Today marks the end of a project I have been working on for more than six months - finishing a bonus room above our garage. I am so glad to have it completed and off my to do list. It ended up being a much more involved project than I thought it would be, even though we hired others to do a lot of the work. Here is what we did:

1. The Starting Point - This is what the room looked like when we bought the house, it was already framed with a window and floor boards.

2. Electricity - We hired some electricians to put in the outlets and lights, because I didn't want to electrocute myself or burn the house down.

3. Heating and Air - A whole new heating and air conditioning unit had to be added with all the ducts and vents. We hired professionals to do it.

4. Insulation - While Margaret and Mary were in California I spent a few days putting in the insulation and drank a gallon of lemonade per day.
5. Drywall - I wish I could say I did this step myself, but I chickened out and had someone else do it.

6. Paint - I primed and painted the walls with the help of a couple friends.

7. Floor - Some friends helped me put in this laminate flooring.

8. Closet and Trim - I installed and painted the closet door, closet shelves and the baseboard.

9. Storage Cabinets - Before we started the project, Margaret had the great idea to leave room behind the walls for storage. So I built a floor and walls for the storage spaces and my neighbor helped by framing the doors and teaching me how to make the doors and hang them.

10. The Finished Room - This is now our guest room and also Margaret's sewing/project room. We are so happy to have it.