kajutisg
New member
Stumbled across this forum during Google'ing today, researching spot weld removal for 2003 Venture van work I have coming up soon.
Wife & I purchased this home about 12 years ago (I didn't think we could afford it but she proved me wrong, & it'll be paid for in about 5 years more). I retired 2 years ago at 55 (wife & I planned on this) & putter around now.
Some pics attached of our dream home that's still a work in progress. I'll post more when I have more, & as work progresses.
Work accomplished, to date & future plans:
All: replaced cheap wooden man doors with steel frame industrial doors. Also changed from swinging in to out (for quick exit). Reduces possibility of vandals breaking in but some issues with warping during heat & cold, plus although they're insulated, they still can frost up in intense cold. All dead bolts are high security Abloy, so possibility of key duplication little to none. FUTURE: install security system(s)
Garage 1: came with forced air heat. Added wire shelving around perimeter to store camping & other stuff. Added phone (permanent line to be installed later). Issue: interlocking brick outside either has risen over years OR garages & house have settled, 'cause driveway is higher than garages & causes water infiltration during Spring thaw. Plus water table is relatively high so sometimes get moisture wicking up through concrete floor. Applied latex sealer last summer to prevent further concrete damage from "salt" spray from vehicles over winter (spalling) while still allowing concrete to "breathe". FUTURE: may remove some wire shelving & install wall mounted tire racks to store spare rims/tires for these vehicles in here, rather than storing them in Garage 3.
Garage 2: came with radiant heat. Added railing to mezzanine & access it via 12 ft stepladder (infrequent access). Store multitude of things up there but need to organize better. Added pegboard (used from Zellers) to railing to allow storage of motorcycle parts & accessories. Pegboard behind existing workbench & add 1 shelf below it for storing drills, etc. Picked up used 4-post Rotary lift & installed. Good, although in hindsight I would go with 2-post if I had to do again, 'cause 4-post is always in the way, whereas 2-post can be manouvered around (advantages to both types). Shelving on far wall for storage of small parts & numerous magazines/manuals, plus speakers for garage sale sound system. Replaced 4 incandescent fixtures with flourescent but still need more light. Hooked up industrial garage door opener (hadn't been connected) but still needs safety equipment. Opener arm has torn free of door twice when tension cables have failed & now using heavier cable & lubing occasionally to prevent corrosion (supposed cause of failure). FUTURE: reorganize & install No Mar Tire Changer (have had for years but not yet installed), as well opening up space to make servicing motorcycles easier.
Garage 3: no heat & unfinished inside. Added peg board to store parts & such. Create 3 overhead storage shelves using purchased lumber & used steel shelves from Zellers, for storing a variety of lighter things overhead. Inexpensive sound system. FUTURE: lumber storage rack, possibly some used cabinets for storage. Would like to get proper 220V & other services run out here (only have 2 110V breakers) for future finishing.
Gary K
Wife & I purchased this home about 12 years ago (I didn't think we could afford it but she proved me wrong, & it'll be paid for in about 5 years more). I retired 2 years ago at 55 (wife & I planned on this) & putter around now.
Some pics attached of our dream home that's still a work in progress. I'll post more when I have more, & as work progresses.
Work accomplished, to date & future plans:
All: replaced cheap wooden man doors with steel frame industrial doors. Also changed from swinging in to out (for quick exit). Reduces possibility of vandals breaking in but some issues with warping during heat & cold, plus although they're insulated, they still can frost up in intense cold. All dead bolts are high security Abloy, so possibility of key duplication little to none. FUTURE: install security system(s)
Garage 1: came with forced air heat. Added wire shelving around perimeter to store camping & other stuff. Added phone (permanent line to be installed later). Issue: interlocking brick outside either has risen over years OR garages & house have settled, 'cause driveway is higher than garages & causes water infiltration during Spring thaw. Plus water table is relatively high so sometimes get moisture wicking up through concrete floor. Applied latex sealer last summer to prevent further concrete damage from "salt" spray from vehicles over winter (spalling) while still allowing concrete to "breathe". FUTURE: may remove some wire shelving & install wall mounted tire racks to store spare rims/tires for these vehicles in here, rather than storing them in Garage 3.
Garage 2: came with radiant heat. Added railing to mezzanine & access it via 12 ft stepladder (infrequent access). Store multitude of things up there but need to organize better. Added pegboard (used from Zellers) to railing to allow storage of motorcycle parts & accessories. Pegboard behind existing workbench & add 1 shelf below it for storing drills, etc. Picked up used 4-post Rotary lift & installed. Good, although in hindsight I would go with 2-post if I had to do again, 'cause 4-post is always in the way, whereas 2-post can be manouvered around (advantages to both types). Shelving on far wall for storage of small parts & numerous magazines/manuals, plus speakers for garage sale sound system. Replaced 4 incandescent fixtures with flourescent but still need more light. Hooked up industrial garage door opener (hadn't been connected) but still needs safety equipment. Opener arm has torn free of door twice when tension cables have failed & now using heavier cable & lubing occasionally to prevent corrosion (supposed cause of failure). FUTURE: reorganize & install No Mar Tire Changer (have had for years but not yet installed), as well opening up space to make servicing motorcycles easier.
Garage 3: no heat & unfinished inside. Added peg board to store parts & such. Create 3 overhead storage shelves using purchased lumber & used steel shelves from Zellers, for storing a variety of lighter things overhead. Inexpensive sound system. FUTURE: lumber storage rack, possibly some used cabinets for storage. Would like to get proper 220V & other services run out here (only have 2 110V breakers) for future finishing.
Gary K
