Kirkland WA Interior Garage Makeover

Blondziegbart · Apr 20, 2013

PITROW, My Kirkland WA Man-Toy Rhapsody in Blue

PITROW, my Man-Toy Rhapsody in Blue

Change Log (Latest Only):

September 22, 2013: PITROW is essentially done!

(Original project list, edited through September 2013):

Spring and summer 2013, three projects completed:
1. Outbuilding (shed).
2. Hot tub.
3. Garage interior makeover.

They interlocked, in terms of electrical, storage of goods, workflow, and etc. So I waited until the outbuilding and hot tub were rolling before starting the heavy lifting on garage project (interior).

I am not super-DIY, though I'm capable of knuckling down and engineering solutions. A good pal has great tools and equally great advice, and I (did, and will continue to) leverage him for some of this.

Exterior is fine, and in-fact the interior is decent structurally. My project was mostly about organization, polishing the rough edges, and improving workflow.

Below are done, unless indicated otherwise.

- Flooring
- Clean up loose wires along ceilings (aesthetics). ==Deferred.
- Proper lighting
- Additional outlets, or extend existing
- Interior paint
- Cabinetry
- 1,001 misc workflow-improving items. ==Never really "done," but close enough.

Major steps of my particular garage project (original, with comments):

-Clean out everything possible from garage to new shed. Hopefully permanently.
-Hot tub install: last of bulk items going to house back.
-Pod rental, to store remainder of garage items. ==Did not need.
-Interior finishing: something decorative in corners for exposed electrical wires (raceway, I believe it is called). ==Chose not to do this.
-Local vendor to spec, delivery, and install cabinets (not set in stone, but convenient vs. out of state).
-Race Deck flooring, possibly from same local vendor OR sourced from this forum.
-Strip useless garbage from walls, remainder of junky furniture to dump.
-Interior painting of garage: decorative.
-Cabinets up.
-New electrical install (power strips)
-New lighting install.
-Unload Pod, get rid of rental. ==Did not need
-Detailing at my leisure (decorative).

Most of the above (was) subbed out. Some I (did) myself.

I wince at my below starter photos, taken (April 2013). Granted, there are worse places to start, and I don't have a ton of stuff, but it's enough to put my teeth on edge since I moved in almost two years ago. Definitely minor chaos, at this point: clutter and disorganization vs. structural problems.

So here is where I started. Fun project, all-considered!

Thanks, all: let's see where this goes!

Toolfool · Apr 20, 2013

We'll be watching.

HSpencer · Apr 20, 2013

Where is your hot tub going? For ours I built a building on the deck (it was originally intended to be a woodworking shop--oh well). I also got an 8X16 shed which was a real lifesaver. You can see those in my thread. Looks like your going to be busy!! Keep us posted.

ODIS · Apr 20, 2013

Great projects lined up! Used to have a home on Juanita Creek in Kirkland.

Looking forward to all your progress.

Ody.

55cadillacking · Apr 20, 2013

let's see where this goes!

You took the words right out of my mouth! Looking forward to seeing where you go. In fact, I'm really curious what your first move is going to be.

Blondziegbart · Apr 20, 2013

HSpencer said:
Where is your hot tub going? For ours I built a building on the deck (it was originally intended to be a woodworking shop--oh well). I also got an 8X16 shed which was a real lifesaver. You can see those in my thread. Looks like your going to be busy!! Keep us posted.

The last owner built a concrete pad on the lot's south side, within the fenced yard. I didn't get a straight answer as to "why" he installed a 12' x 27' concrete pad, with nice stone steps and planter, but it's perfect for an outbuilding and hot tub. Maybe he was thinking dog run. Whatever.

Depth of field is a little weird on the below, but the far (east) end between the hedges is 11' W. Expands to 12' W by end of the first slab, left, where house ends and deck begins. Slabs are 9', E-W, total of three to base of steps (foreground) for total of 27'.

Shed will go on the extreme east end, hot tub foreground left (north). Shed is 8' W, 12' long. Might post photos of that when built, six days from now, just for giggles since it appears everyone here appreciates good craftsmanship of one sort or another

Mike K. · Apr 21, 2013

Blondziegbart said:

Do you have another picture of the cable railing on the deck?

Thanks, Mike K.

NewLogik · Apr 21, 2013

Mike K. said:
Do you have another picture of the cable railing on the deck?

Thanks, Mike K.

Was going to ask...

Thanks,

Blondziegbart · Apr 21, 2013

Mike K. said:
Do you have another picture of the cable railing on the deck?

Thanks, Mike K.

OK, the people asked, I took some shots :thumbup:

This is my rear deck, w/various views of the interesting cabling. Aforementioned steps and concrete pad are partially visible in a shot or two.

The last owner made a lot of renovations. The back deck was particularly well-done, it appears to me.

If there is burning interest, I'll email him and see if he'd like to hop on this thread. He was pretty conscientious about renovations to this property, sold to me not long after a major makeover several years ago. Otherwise, I don't have too many details available.

(Shameless plug for technology: my little Canon S95 camera takes spectacular shots, macro and otherwise, with fast (f/2) glass for low-light. Since superseded by the S100 and S110, but the S95 remains a bargain. Recommended as a pocket/walkaround, for not much money.)

NewLogik · Apr 26, 2013

Thanks for these shots

Blondziegbart · Apr 30, 2013

Project: Garage (interior) - Hot Tub - Shed ...continues.

Shed is up, built in about 3.5 hrs from a pre-made kit. Seems sturdy. 8' W x 12' L.

Company that sells these sheds is based in Sumner, WA. Appears to be a hella-bargain for what you get (materials, installation), though I suppose the ultimate bargain is to design, source materials, and DIY. Wood is Douglas Fir. Ultimate judge will be how it wears over time, I suppose.

These kits are pre-fab with not a ton of options. Intending to stain it myself, after a bit of research on the forum (paint vs. stain). Will caulk first.

Toolfool · Apr 30, 2013

Alright ! One project down. Looks good.

dubber · Apr 30, 2013

Love the deck. That is how would want my ideal deck to look. :thumbup:

Blondziegbart · May 5, 2013

Cosmetic makeover continues.

Garage cabinets ordered. Trying something interesting, blue doors with graphite sides. Company in Seattle area builds 'em.

Other decisions of-interest:

- Racedeck flooring ordered, will install sooner v. later. Black, alloy, blue perimeter
- Once a little electrical work is done, probably tomorrow, painting the interior a light gray. "Graytint" in eggshell, Benjamin Moore.

Right to left:

- Slat wall for my bike and a few tools. Will expand that as-needed.
- Diamond plate to cover a rater ugly stone wall, depth of garage. Height: 41"
- Cabinetry on back wall right to left of center.
- Slat wall around the window. Countertop: 6'.
- Tool box under window.
- Additional cabinet to left wall.
- My floor freezer and a bit of blank wall, probably for misc (I'll find a way to fill it).
- Foreground left: small work area for storage of motorcycle gear, car keys, other fast-tasks coming and going daily.
- Tire rack (wall mount) will go somewhere, tbd.

Saving room for:

- Mid-size compressor.
- Motorcycle lift.
- Fire extinguisher: big, mounted, "Fire" sign.
- "Attractive" trash can, with nice lid.

mgoug · May 10, 2013

Keep the pics coming! Just curious who you ordered your cabinets from? I spent a lot of time scouting cabinets but don't recall a NW option.

ps. Nice work on the shed! :thumbup:

Blondziegbart · May 13, 2013

mgoug said:
Keep the pics coming! Just curious who you ordered your cabinets from? I spent a lot of time scouting cabinets but don't recall a NW option.

ps. Nice work on the shed!

Thanks. Shed is done, hot tub is done, electrical is done. Time to catch up on that in this thread.

Answer to your question: Garage Logix, NW local (Lynnwood). I asked Eric, my rep, and he doesn't mind a little visibility to the project here on Garage Journal. He listened quite carefully to my needs and I have high hopes the cabinets will nail it, based-on.

Blondziegbart · May 13, 2013

Couple more "before" shots: garage interior. Marching along: most junk moved to shed. Great to have space back again. Walls unpainted, pre-electrical work, no wall brackets or obsolete alarm box removal (yet). Whoopdee sports car in a few shots. That the car couldn't stand to be seen in a disorganized, ghetto garage was sort of an impetus for this project! ;-)

Blondziegbart · May 13, 2013

Hot tub, shed.

Three guys delivering the hot tub played Tetris under my deck, somehow maneuvering the 84" wide 600 lb thing through (under) vs. going around the long way (and building a ramp down several stairs). I was impressed.

Hot tubs are a bit of a boondoggle, but the company I'm working with stands behind their products and are local boys. I have high hopes. It's been wonderful to use, past week or so. They do require maintenance. Beyond the scope of this forum, I suppose.

Shed was mostly stained by time of these shots (by me, doing the Tom Sawyer routine). The Douglas Fir soaked up a lot of stain, at some obscene per-gallon price. Oh well. Time will tell if an oil-based stain was the way to go, vs. painting: seemed to be a lot of pros and cons to each. I'll be thrilled if it doesn't rot down in 10-15 years.

Blondziegbart · May 13, 2013

Ancient garage door opener out of here, coat of Graytint on most interior surfaces, new 200W panel.

Garage door opener is about to be replaced: that one dates from 1981, apparently. It's loud, slow, and keypad quit working sometime around the first Bush (Sr.) presidency. To be replaced by a Liftmaster w/Internet connectivity, controlled from Apple or Android. Yay 21st Century.

Previous electrical panel was 60amp, dating from 1979. Replaced with a 200amp: room to grow. Needed the work done to connect hot tub (240V lines to outside). Couple extra outlets added, while he was in there.

Finally: pictures are darker than actual paint, but garage interior is now light gray (Benjamin Moore 1611 Graytint).

Greytint%20-%20BM1611-%20Walls%20Ceiling-XL.jpg

dubber · May 13, 2013

Oh wow, and with a Turbo porsche, now i'm really excited

Blondziegbart · May 31, 2013

More progress: RaceDeck flooring. Photos not entirely flattering, light wasn't very good, but still pretty exciting.

Next up: cabinets. Diamondplate on the walls. Photos in better light...(cough).

Bumknee · May 31, 2013

Thats a sharp color combo!

chenthu · May 31, 2013

Great progress, (and nice car!) waiting for the cabinet pictures..

Toolfool · May 31, 2013

Hey, that floor is dirty already ! :willy_nil

Blondziegbart · May 31, 2013

Toolfool said:
Hey, that floor is dirty already !

Indeed. More like, "installed and I didn't bother cleaning it (yet)". Color combo is Black, Alloy, and Royal Blue. Pattern cooked up by me based on similar found here and Racedeck's FB page. Pattern is diamond (the original).

About 500 square feet, if not already mentioned.

When I have some real lighting in there (later step, will probably tackle myself), might look a bit more-striking contrasted w/dove gray walls and upcoming Diamondplate and cabinets. Cabinets are a couple weeks out, looks-like.

EMC2 · May 31, 2013

The floor looks great. I'm sure the Porsche will appreciate its new home

Blondziegbart · Jun 29, 2013

Cabinet installation, at long last. Dark gray sides, royal blue facing. Buildout by Garage Logix, they've been great to work with thus far. Through 6/28, thread bottom, brings my garage to rougly 80% completed.

Major elements:

Electrical: completed
Garage door opener: replaced, with Liftmaster 8550. Second installed on other door. Connected to home WiFi successfully.
RaceDeck: completed
DiamondPlate to cover concrete wall: completed.
Cabinet installation: 90% at this writing, need finishing touches.
Wall mounted tire rack: installed.
Slat wall: onsite, not installed.

Not yet started:

Lighting. I have a good idea how I will tackle this, next week or so (probably over the 4th).
Outlet bar or two. Will-research.
Bins for cabinets. Will research the forum and ask questions if I can't figure this one out (bulk-buy).
Accent color for: interior door, door trim, window case. Might ask for suggestions in other parts of the forum, or figure it out myself. Black, dark gray, light gray (wall color), royal blue (RaceDeck and cabinet face color) are logical choices.

Possible, but undecided:

Semi-permanent compressor
Motorcycle lift
Half dozen other minor accent-items. Will-address individually.

chenthu · Jun 29, 2013

blue cabinets rock! unique and very nice!

MajorLeeGassole · Jun 29, 2013

Great transformation. Definitely somewhere the 911 will like to stay.

Press_Corpse · Jul 1, 2013

Looks great! I feel like the cabinets need some Stainless knobs to match the diamond plate.

Blondziegbart · Jul 2, 2013

Press_Corpse said:
Looks great! I feel like the cabinets need some Stainless knobs to match the diamond plate.

They're coming. Stainless, actually. This Wednesday! :thumbup:

G20-Budo · Jul 2, 2013

Looks great! Just curious, what did you use to layout your garage with the cabinets in blue in post #14?

Blondziegbart · Jul 3, 2013

G20-Budo said:
Looks great! Just curious, what did you use to layout your garage with the cabinets in blue in post #14?

Wish I knew: I am a software guy by profession, but went old school (pen, paper, ruler) to sketch it out initially. The Garage Logix guy (Eric) refined my design and created it for an estimate with "Software unknown". He'll chime into this thread, perhaps.

G20-Budo · Jul 3, 2013

Thanks for the response. Yeah the layout is very nice. Something like that would allow me to get an idea of how my garage would look with different colors.

aps63 · Jul 4, 2013

Garage looks great, really like the floating cabinets.

Pat Brady · Jul 4, 2013

I really like the deck. And you did a great job on the garage. Super job!! :thumbup:

rockchucker · Jul 4, 2013

Very nice! I am really liking the whole thing. Good show!

Blondziegbart · Jul 4, 2013

About 90% done with cabinets and various planned interior features. Not including lighting, decorations, or possible new tools. And 101 minor details (paint door and window trim, etc.). I'll snag some DiamondPlate electrical outlet plates one of these days.

Recent highlights:

- DiamondPlate is amusing, a bit blingy, and definitely does brighten the place up. It covered a concrete wall so ugly I thought I might go blind if I stared at it one more day. Installation and finishing was a challenge for various reasons.

- False cabinet front over my electrical panel: nice.

- More cabinet fronting over my God-forsaken center structural post, that I could not/cannot get rid of without re-thinking the spaces's engineering situation.

- Slat wall looks good. I'll decorate it with a Scott bicycle, me thinks.

- Last cabinet to-do is stainless steel cabinet handles. That's tomorrow.

Blondziegbart · Jul 4, 2013

Today I installed two 8' banks of Lithonia Lighting 4-Light Fluorescent White Strip Light Fixture, Model # TZR 2 54T5HO. Source: Home Depot. I used 54-Watt Straight T5 Fluorescent Tube Light Bulbs, Natural daylight (6500K), bought in bulk off Amazon. Total of eight 4' bulbs, 4 per bank. The ballasts are by Sylvania.

Thought process around this was a bit subjective. That is to say:

- I have three legacy ceiling light fixtures. With hanging bulbs. Lighting like some 1970s "Halloween" movie.
- My space is a little weird, with a ceiling beam bisecting N-S. Thus I couldn't really create an optimal "lighting plan"
- Wandering Home Depot, these particular 54T5HO fixtures were the most interesting: bright, and long.
- OK to flush mount, apparently.
- I don't particularly crave light in the garage, but off-the-cuff assumed that four of the 8' banks would likely be sufficient for my purposes (500 sq ft). The aforementioned beam cuts the area into two distinct lighting zones.
- There are big threads here and elsewhere arguing merits of T12 vs. T8 vs. T5 vs. T5HO vs. God knows. Great reading. What I selected seemed the biggest-bang for my particular configuration.

I cannot with a straight face suggest that these particular T5HO are the best, worst, or somewhere in the middle solution for any particular garage compared to the myriad of T8, high-bay, low-bay, flush, non-flush, on-and-on. I do know they looked neat at the Home Depot, I didn't mind spending the money, and I like Daylight bulbs. Hence the expression, "YMMV!"

So I put up two banks. Monkey-simple to do, alone, though another person would have made it quicker. The banks are light, no pun intended (10 lbs, per HD site).

One cannot easily photograph lights, so I'll describe it thus:

- They are indeed bright!
- 6500K Daylight bulbs suit my purposes, with blue cabinets, gray walls, etc. Other temps available.
- Installation went fast.
- Does not appear they are going to burn the garage down, flush mounted.

That is all I know at this point. Assuming nothing weird occurs, I'll mount 2 more bays early as this weekend, thus completing my garage lighting AFAIK.

RaceDeck1 · Jul 4, 2013

Looking great! Nice color scheme too

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