Above 1200 Sq/FT The Lab [Latvia]

[madison069]

What kind of roof you will be going back to?

 

[the lab]

What kind of roof you will be going back to?

Will be going with a metal sheet roof again — same style, just a different color this time around

 

[Jayman17]

You should try not to put so much weight on those beams by walking on them, they might not be able to handle the weight.

 

[the lab]

You should try not to put so much weight on those beams by walking on them, they might not be able to handle the weight.

I'll be gentle

 

[the lab]

The roof is coming together nicely! Every day we’re one step closer to winter, and one step closer to having this roof finished just in time. Progress feels good.

 

[littlebean]

looking good

 

[Tynee]

How tall will the area between the ceiling and the rafters be when you're done? Useable space?

 

[the lab]

I know it’s been a lot of roof updates lately, but we’re making serious progress, and I’m hyped to get this roof done before the snow hits

 

[the lab]

How tall will the area between the ceiling and the rafters be when you're done? Useable space?

It’s not very high, so it won’t be usable space, but honestly, the building’s already big enough to cover all my needs. Restoring the whole thing will take years, so I don’t think I’ll be needing extra room anytime soon. Decided to stick with the original roof shape, even though raising the attic wouldn’t have been too hard.

 

[the lab]

Roof membrane is in place! Now just waiting on the metal sheets to finish it off before winter rolls in. Can’t wait to have this phase locked down and the space fully protected from the snow.

 

[Jayman17]

How is the adjacent roof holding up, seems to be a lot of debris up there, not meant to criticize.

 

[the lab]

The old section of the roof is finally cleared of over 20 years’ worth of leaves, branches, and debris. Feels good to have it done! Looks like next year, the house roof itself might be due for a replacement.

 

[the lab]

How is the adjacent roof holding up, seems to be a lot of debris up there, not meant to criticize.

The current roof could probably hold up for another decade or so, but I’m thinking I’ll replace it next year anyway. Better to get ahead of it and keep things solid.

 

[madison069]

I am very surprised by the condition of the roof where the tree was growing. I really thought the root was growing into the living space and it was going to be best to leave it alone until you're ready to replace that roof. Major improvement with the removal of the trees and dirt. But it's nothing compared to the new roof! Everything is looking great!

 

[the lab]

I am very surprised by the condition of the roof where the tree was growing. I really thought the root was growing into the living space and it was going to be best to leave it alone until you're ready to replace that roof. Major improvement with the removal of the trees and dirt. But it's nothing compared to the new roof! Everything is looking great!

Thanks! I was surprised too when I saw from the attic side and realized the metal sheets were actually holding up better than expected, even where the tree was growing. I thought for sure the roots would be invading the living space, but luckily not. Planning to replace the roof next summer, so for now, clearing out the trees and dirt has already made a huge difference.

 

[Jayman17]

I can now sleep restfully after looking at that cleaned off section of roof.
I guess I didn't remember there was a house attached to the shop, I thought the whole building was shop space.

 

[wendle]

The little peak/valley folds to direct run-off around the chimneys were very well done.
I don't think I've ever seen that method before?

 

[the lab]

Take a look at this—we're so close! The garage side of the building is nearly covered and protected. Just waiting on those metal sheets to arrive so we can get the roof in place before the snow hits

 

[the lab]

A few weeks ago, the roof material finally arrived, and the roofers got straight to work without any delays. Now, the roof is finished, and the lab is officially ready to face the winter! It feels amazing to have this big step checked off the list.

Next up is parking the Moskvitch under the new roof - giving it back the shelter. But as for the lab renovation project, this is where we hit pause for the year. Time to let the winter settle in and pick things back up come spring. Progress may be paused, but it’s been a great journey so far!

 

[Jayman17]

That looks great, congrats on getting it done before winter settling in.

 

[littlebean]

that looks great (plagarism I know.... ) lots of progress, looking forward to your next steps

 

[the lab]

Recently stopped by the Lab to catch up with my architect and game plan for when it’s not freezing outside. Plan is to rebuild the roof on the other side this summer and keep chipping away at the garage side.

 

[zanyad]

Love the restoration project. Just read through your thread, and I'm looking forward to following along!

 

[Mr onetwo]

Everyone loves when an old truck or car has patina. I must say...your buildings have a wonderful patina to them.I hope you can preserve some of it. I am subscribed and much good luck!

 

[the lab]

Taking advantage of this cold and snowy stretch to get all the paperwork and planning in order. Once the weather warms up, it'll be time to get hands-on with the repairs again and make some real progress with the Lab’s renovation. Excited to bring the next phase of the project to life.

 

[the lab]

Love the restoration project. Just read through your thread, and I'm looking forward to following along!

Thanks! It’s definitely not going to be a quick one, but I’ll do my best to keep the updates coming along the way.

 

[the lab]

Everyone loves when an old truck or car has patina. I must say...your buildings have a wonderful patina to them.I hope you can preserve some of it. I am subscribed and much good luck!

I appreciate that! I’m definitely planning to preserve some of the old look so you can still see the building’s history and how it has evolved over the years. Hoping to find the right balance between restoration and keeping that character intact.

 

[the lab]

Sound system is dialed in, but the Lab? Far from done Just waiting on some warmer weather so I can get back to the grind. Still a long road ahead

 

[madison069]

bring the lab back to life.......

 

[the lab]

Well, that was a short one… This winter didn’t really show up the way I hoped, barely any snow, and it felt like it was over before it even started. But when you’ve got a Subaru WRX, you make the most of whatever you get!

 

[the lab]

Snow’s gone, sun’s out, and The Lab is calling. Finally getting back into the groove after winter hibernation. Got some pretty big plans lined up for the summer, gonna be making some serious moves out here.

I’ll try to keep this thread a bit more alive this season and drop updates as stuff happens. For now, just developed a roll of film I shot around the place recently. Figured I’d throw some of those in here until I’ve got some real progress to show.

 

[yhprum]

Thanks, looking forward to watching your progress!

 

[Mr onetwo]

That panel looks like it came out of Shawshank

 

[the lab]

That panel looks like it came out of Shawshank

Totally agree. That panel really did look like something from another era. I’m waiting on a roll of film to be developed so I can share some photos, but the old power box is already gone and the new one’s in

 

[Mr onetwo]

You need to get an Iphone 16

 

[the lab]

You need to get an Iphone 16

Bahahaaa I’ve got one too, but man, film photos just hit different.

 

[the lab]

With the warmer weather finally kicking in, I’ve been spending a lot more time out at the Lab. It’s been great to be back into the swing of things. One major win last month, I got the place officially hooked up to the power grid. No more juggling generators or running off temporary setups. Having proper electricity changes the game and makes it way easier to tackle the construction work I’ve got lined up.

Right now, the red pipe you see in photos is just a temporary solution. I don’t have the final house layout locked in yet, so I wasn’t sure where exactly I’d want it to run inside the house. Once the layout’s clearer, I’ll sort out a proper setup.

Feels like the whole project is stepping into its next phase and I’m stoked to keep pushing it forward.

 

[ChefRex]

Looking forward to where you go with this, you've made a lot of progress so far, best of luck this year!

 

[the lab]

Snapped a few shots on film around the Lab and my LandCruiser before diving back into renovation mode.

There’s something about film that just hits different — dust, light leaks, and all. The Lab’s still rough, but it's got soul. And the Cruiser? Forever looking ready for an adventure.

Big push ahead on the renovation front — sleeves getting rolled up real soon. Will keep you posted as the grind kicks back in.

 

[Mr onetwo]

The photos are really spectacular....great work! I'm very much looking forward to watching your progress.