Mudroom Update

Hubby has been working really hard to get the mudroom and storage area completed. Of course, things just get in the way sometimes, so it’s taking longer than expected. But that’s to be expected, right? Here are more 2×4’s (sticks, as hubby calls them) going up along the front of the storage area.

Since the lights ended up being in the storage area, hubby had to install lights under the storage floor to light the garage. Light is always good.

Okay, I couldn’t help it. I had to move some things into the storage area. I was too excited. I’ve already rearranged them again since this picture was taken.

Look, wallboard. I think we’re actually going to have a mudroom before the end of summer.

Now I’m looking for a light for a mudroom. Here are some ideas:  Don’t mind the bugs in the last light.

I’ll probably look at more before I decide. I still have a while. Which one do you like?

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Starting on Mudroom and Storage Area

I have loved this house since the day we moved in, almost 5 years ago. Something that I really wanted, that it didn’t have though, was a mudroom. Having 5 kids still at home and a coat closet only 25” wide just wasn’t cutting it. Especially when you consider the winters in Utah with the boots, coats, hats, scarves, gloves, etc., etc., etc. What a crowded mess it could turn into, even though, of course it was very organized. Wink, wink!

So, guess what I’m getting now. That’s right, a mudroom and a storage area! We were concerned about the mudroom taking valuable space away from the garage and then we thought, “why not build up.” My husband’s brilliant and handy! Our garage is 13’ tall so we had a lot of wasted space above and the garage floor was packed with things and having a hard time staying organized, thanks mostly to my kids’ toys and husbands’ tools.

It’s been a little slow going because of vacations and illnesses but we’re finally making some progress. Here’s where we’re at now:

Hubby is just getting started on the mudroom. He already moved the stairs and built the mudroom floor before I got home. I was at a baby shower and he had mentioned starting on it, but I didn’t expect this. When he sets his mind on something there’s no stopping him. See the stair railing in the background. Look at all that stuff, what a mess. I’m glad that’s in my garage and not in my house.

Ammon is standing where the mudroom will be. I’m so excited to have enough space for backpacks, coats, shoes and everything else. He’s a big helper to dad. See how the stairs come down on the side of the garage, they used to come down behind where Ammon is standing.

Now he’s starting on the upper storage area. What’s so great, to this point so far, we haven’t had to buy a lot of supplies yet. Our builder left a load of boards and supplies he didn’t want to haul away. Lucky for us! It’s in that, it’s going to look worse before it looks better stage.

Look, we can still park the van without any problem. Although we will be parking it on the other side of the garage when it’s finished. The car will fit better next to the stairs. You’re looking through the frame for the stairs leading to the storage area.

Here’s the stairs leading up to the storage area from the mudroom. We can walk on them but there’s no floor in the storage area yet.

The floor in the storage area is almost complete. Just a couple more screws. Of course we still need to build the wall on the front side. I wouldn’t want the kids bungie jumping off.

This is the view from the storage area looking down into the mudroom. There will be two doors from the mudroom, one leading down to the garage and one leading up to the storage. The door going into the house will be taken out. Incase you were wondering about measurements; the mudroom is 5′x8′ with a 9′ ceiling, the storage area has a 5′ 10″ ceiling and the garage still has a 7′ 4″ ceiling. There’s still a lot of work to do, but I’m really liking the progress so far. Thanks hubby!

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Remodeling Projects that Add Value to Your Home

A lot of remodeling projects don’t really add value to your home, but you choose to do them to make your space more livable for your family. We want our homes to be a shelter from the storm, feel welcoming and reflect our personal style. There are remodeling projects that really do add value to your home and will help sweeten the deal if you’re planning on selling at some later time. Here are a few of them you might want to try:

 

·                    Replace your old drafty windows with new energy efficient ones. Recycle your old paned windows by decorating with them in your home. Use chalkboard paint to turn some into a chalkboards, use some as picture frames and others as room dividers.

·                    Install new lighting, especially if you’re still using the lights the builder installed. You know the ones that are in every house in your neighborhood. If you don’t want to spend money on new light fixtures, paint the ones you already have and buy new shades.

·                    Refinish your old worn wood floors. It only costs a few hundred dollars and they will look brand new again. This is on our list for this summer.

·                    Replace your old sliding doors with new atrium or French doors. I love my back doors and since I’ve covered them with matchstick blinds, I love them even more.

·                    Remember first impressions and upgrade your foyer. Bring in new furniture and items and take out the old. Put them in another area of your home. Change the wall color or add a subtle wall covering. If you’re feeling really daring, brick or rock one of the walls. Don’t forget to change out or paint the chandelier.

·                    Upgrade your kitchen by replacing kitchen countertops, adding an island and changing the backsplash.

·                    Add a porch, patio or deck. We all need a place to sit outside, read a book, sip lemonade and daydream of our next project. Okay, we need a place to watch our kids play too. Don’t forget to add some landscaping around it and maybe a water feature. I’ve been dreaming of a water feature, that’s what I’ll be working on soon.

·                    Add a fireplace. Wouldn’t one in the master bedroom be amazing? I’ve been thinking of a see thru one between our master bedroom and master bath. Just dreaming, for now.

·                    Upgrade bath materials and install a second sink in the master bath. I owe happy mornings and evenings to the second sink in our bathroom.

    

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