Invention Room

Barrett's Basement

Witch's Garden

Basement progress

I still have some metal to add to the walls and fix the window. But adding insulation to the old windows has really helped the 'basement smell'. 

Ryan's Room

Goal: turn a 10x20 into an office that includes our video game collection, action figures, DVD's/VHS and Legos.

Challenge: nasty gross-gross, uneven floors, drywall on the ceiling, unfinished window, window to hell, plumbing

The biggest question I had before starting this project was if it could actually be livable. It is a basic 1925 basement with cinderblock walls and a concrete floor. There are three large window's (two covered up by the addition) so I assume that it was built to be livable. And there was evidence that it was considered 'finished' in the 1970's remodel. But it is not livable anymore and hasn't been for decades.

I had a concrete guy come over and asked his opinion. He said everything looked excellent. So I got to cleaning. I bought a $100 pressure washer and went to town on the walls and floor. I was so disgusted. It was like a sludge. But it was getting done.

After I got everything clean, I took down the remaining walls and drywall that was screwed to the ceiling. I suspect that the previous owners tried to make it a little more livable by using left over drywall as a ceiling. That lead to me uncovering that there is another large window that was covered up. I knew about one in the laundry room, but not this one. As soon as the dry wall came down I smelled what I call 'basement'. I went and grabbed my mask and covered it up as much as I could. I will fix it for reals later.

I had to scrub the mold off the walls and floor with some nasty cleaner. Then I filled in the gaps, primed and painted. There are a couple seams in the floor that have settled about an inch off. I know the only way I could get the floor level is by having new concrete poured and I don't have that money. So I evened them out so it is easier to clean. And painted. I'll put down a couple rugs.

Next step is to address the upper walls, window and plumbing. Once all that is done, we can see if we have enough space for all our stuff. The kicker - I know the whole house will need to be re-plumbed. So I have to wait to finish things until I get that plan. So 3-4 weeks!

Foshay jacket

2007is - a super old woman gave me this jacket. She said she bought it for a party when the Foshay was brand new and talked about how you could see the same design elements. Super cool, but super moldy. 

I didn't know what to do with it at the time so I packaged it up and put it in a "deal with it later" box. Since I done quit meh job, I'm forcing myself to deal with those boxes now. 

Good thing I spent some time working at a museum so I know the basics of preservation. I learned them while preparing a private showing of possibly the world largest collection of vintage electronic vibrators. The jacket was super gross. Still needs like 2 more baths, but I can finally touch it with out feeling itchy. 

Goals - 1. Make wearable. 2. Get invited to party at the Foshay Towers. 3. Wear jacket. ***aim for late fall/winter cause it is wool and will be warm. 

Craft cart

I got this for $2.99 at a thrift store. I needed something on wheels that I could put my tools on and not care about ruinin it. But I came to like it so I pimped it out. The purpose is to contain the mess of a Craft project in a small area.