What do you do when your much-needed vacation to Hawaii gets cancelled due to COVID? Home improvement, of course!
When we built our house a few years ago, we knew we needed a greenhouse on the property somewhere. But to build one from scratch seemed like it would never happen. Instead, we decided to convert half of our well house/shed into the greenhouse I’d been dreaming of. So, as all good demolition projects start, we rented a dumpster and got started!
Step 1: Gut everything
We filled that dumpster up with all the things. Felt really good. Even if you’re not doing a home improvement project, throwing a bunch of junk away is quite satisfying. Highly recommended.
Step 2: Frame the windows
We measured and decided how our window walls would lay out and then framed openings for each window with 2 x 4s, making sure they fit as we went. Then we added finishing boards on the outside of the studs and installed the windows.
Step 3: Flooring
Since the space will get pretty wet, we decided to rip out the subfloor and put in pavers instead so any excess water will drain easily.
Step 4: Add a clear roof
We swapped out our metal roof panels on the greenhouse side with clear ones to get as much light in as possible.
Step 5: Finishing touches
We hired a contractor to replace the metal siding with hardiplank siding to match our house. Then I painted it a darker grey with some pops of color.
We still need to add water (a must for a greenhouse) but continue to work on things on the weekends. Though I see another holiday staycation in my future! I need to get everything ready to go for spring planting!
–Laura Martin, Communications
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