We are among the slowest re-modelers you will meet. Because we DIY as money allows, our remodeling projects can take forever. Literally years. When we moved into our "fixer-upper" in 2008 the projects we first envisioned (kitchen, bathrooms) were quickly trumped by projects that must be dealt with - insulation, heat, windows, mold...
Mold. On that note, let me take you to our former laundry room closet.
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| 2008 - before we knew what "that smell" was |
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| Finding the source of the stink: mold, eech! |
The lower level of our split level was half garage, half living area. Obviously, the mold needed to be addressed so that area was gutted and removed, drywall and all. Add to the list above. Drywall. We are removing and replacing most of the drywall in this house because our house has been well lived in by the animal species.
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| During this demo we found a bird nest in the garage ceiling |
Eventually our laundry machines made their way into our garage.
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| 2009-2012 |
A few months ago my parents asked me for birthday ideas for my husband and I. Sitting in the laundry room at the time, struggling with our breaking down washing machine, I said what first popped into my head. "A new washer/dryer?" It was not an actual request, but, my parents are very generous. They helped get us started in purchasing these new appliances.
So, fast forward to July 2012. My "laundry room" still looked like the above as the appliances were delivered to the room. The room did not suit the sparkly new appliances. And, as our life goes, another project was born.
First step was flooring. The concrete was built in a way to allow water to go down to a drain in the corner of the room. As such, flooring options were tricky. Nothing is a good option on uneven floor. So that, and budget reasons, I went to Big Lots and picked up peel and stick tiles. That gave me a base to work on. I built pedestals with inspiration from Sausha and Ana White. I also had to build a pedestal for the utility sink due to a plumbing issue.
First step was flooring. The concrete was built in a way to allow water to go down to a drain in the corner of the room. As such, flooring options were tricky. Nothing is a good option on uneven floor. So that, and budget reasons, I went to Big Lots and picked up peel and stick tiles. That gave me a base to work on. I built pedestals with inspiration from Sausha and Ana White. I also had to build a pedestal for the utility sink due to a plumbing issue.
Most of the materials used were scraps from Mr B&B's past carpentry jobs. The cabinets were from a wall we tore out in our kitchen. The blue paint was a left over. This weekend I finished up by building the laundry tower and adding the counter top I picked up at a building supply wholesale place for $25. We finished off with the closet rod...another left over from old job.
When a friend saw this picture she said "nice job Mr B&B!" But most of this job was done by me! My husband did most of the dry wall and provided assistance on tool use and concept. And, if you have visited pinterest, you can probably recognize a few ideas.
I am so happy with how it turned out. I also have a utility shelf on the opposite wall for added storage. My husband has always wanted a laundry room that you actually do the laundry in (folding and all). We finally have it and so far so good. No couches or beds have been utilized in the laundry process thus far.
Next project....finish that darn family room I posted about months and months ago!
