February 7, 2019

About a year ago our DIL asked if we thought we might be able to do some stuff in her laundry room to get more storage.  She had some Pinterest examples of her wish list.  One big item was to have a cover over the top of the washer and dryer.  The left pin was one example.  Well, the first thing we had to change was the fact that her controls were at the back, not the front.  There is, also, a topside dispenser unit for detergent, softener, bleach, etc.  Research, exchanged emails and hand drawings led to the example on the right.

source:  http://www.laundryroomstorageideas.com/blog/

https://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2017/07/the-power-of-paint.html

There had to be some savings done.  I decided we would give her stuff for the project for her birthday last year.  Christmas gift included a retractable drying unit.  Besides waiting for finances, there was the bike accident.  Vacations, birthday parties, kids activities, well, just life in general.  

Finally on Tuesday afternoon the destruction began.  That is Hubby pulling down the braces for the fairly useless shelf that was installed by the builder.  Note Lila in the window and DJ standing behind her Grandpa.  Just like me DJ loves this guy.  By the time the destruct was done DJ was needing some rest.  Lila did a cat scan of the work.  

There was at least an hour of time cussing and discussing exactly how we would make the shelf work.  The reality of on site projects are always a bit different than the vision.  This shelf will extend from wall to wall.  Openings at the ends will be used for the litter box and either the laundry cart or recycling depending on what DIL wants.  Measurements and re-measurements for the shelf supports were made.  One support was installed for the shelf.  We are old and were ready to go home and sit in comfortable chairs.

Wednesday brought more discussions.  And walking around DJ and Lila.   Also, moving the cat dish to a location DJ could not get to it cause she will eat everything.  There was a litter box to keep from being a DJ snack, uck.  I had planned to paint but the paint was not available.  I had forgotten to bring the level so I took DJ with me to get the level from our place.  This gave Hubby time to make more measurements and make a template for the door we will eventually put in the long shelf. 

DJ was intent on watching for squirrels during our drive. By the time I returned, all the supports were installed.  It was time to put all the stuff back in place cause with 5 kids there is ALWAYS laundry.  Besides, Oldest Grandson had a lacrosse game we all needed to go see.  Our grandson's team won!   

Thursday started with a trip to Home Depot to get additional supplies to put the shelf together.  Paint was matched and purchased.  Some stain was selected as well as the varnish for finishing the long shelf.  We grabbed some Starbucks and headed to Son's place.  First up was the installation of the wall cabinet.  More measurements to locate studs.  Hubby pre-drilled holes in the back of the cabinet for attaching to the wall.  Together we were able to get the cabinet lifted onto a sawhorse.  We made the final lift and I held it in place while hubby installed two screws.  That was enough to hold the cabinet in place for him to install the remaining screws. 

Hubby headed for the garage to begin the assembly of the long shelf.  The shelf is being made from 6 ft. by 12 inch pine boards.  The span to cover is about 104 inches by 35 inches.  Boards are being doweled, glued, cleated and mounted together.  So lots of measuring, cutting and thinking to make sure all is going in the correct location.  Meanwhile I was working on painting along edges and small areas a roller would not fit.

About when it was time for some food I realized the roller had no pads.  I was just certain we had roller pads in that container.  Oh, well.  Two good reasons to get Hubby to stop and rest.  Over night he had awoke with severe cramps in his thigh.  Had to put a heating pad on it for him to get relief.  Picked a fast food restaurant that was next to Home Depot.  Sitting down surely felt good.  After eating we headed for Home Depot.  Hubby chose to stay in the car while I purchased the roller cover.  

The roller unit we use has a built in paint storage in the handle.  Just squeeze the handle and more paint feeds into the roller.  This requires a special roller cover that has holes.  Hubby had purchased this from Home Depot about 15 years ago.  Home Depot no longer carries the unit nor the perforated covers.  Just fine give me that unit that has the roller, cover and extension tube.  I just want to get this painting done.

It was the end of day three.  Another day and all the painting will be done.  The long shelf assembly will be complete.  Before we Thursday tonight the washer and dryer were put back in their permanent place.  Kitty litter box, food and water were put in her reach.  Home surely felt good that night.