Random Updates: Closet Progress, A Major Oversight, An Awesome Purchase, And A Potential Purchase
I’ll start with the most exciting thing that happened yesterday. My plywood, trim pieces, and molding were delivered! I’ve never had anything like this delivered from Home Depot or Lowe’s before, so I had no idea what that process would even look like. Lowe’s brings everything on a huge flatbed truck (the size of an 18-wheeler) with a forklift attached to the back, and then the delivery person uses that forklift to place the items where you want them. It was such a quick and painless process.
And y’all, I was so thankful that we have a driveway now! That made it so easy for him to drive right up to the carport with the forklift and place them under the carport.
He had to place the plywood at the edge of the carport because the forklift couldn’t fit under the carport, but it was the perfect placement to leave lots of room for me to work under the carport. I had already checked the forecast, and thankfully, we don’t have rain in the forecast for the next week.
That’s a lot of plywood! 😀 Most of it (21 sheets) is 3/4-inch plywood, and the rest is 1/2-inch and 1/4-inch plywood.
Of course, the plywood that I needed to start with was on the bottom, so I had to move all of the other pieces off to the side before I could even get started.
And all of the 3/4-inch ply needed to be ripped down to the depth of the cabinet boxes because all of the 3/4-inch will be used for cabinet boxes, shelves, and separators (i.e., between drawer sections and to form the dedicated slot for my step ladder). I was having trouble deciding on 16-inch-deep cabinets or 20-inch-deep cabinets, so I decided to split the difference and cut the plywood to 17.25 inches so that when the face trim is attached, the cabinet boxes will be 18 inches deep. I got about halfway through ripping down the 3/4-inch plywood for the cabinet boxes.
Since I don’t have a big table saw with an outfeed table, I had to work on the ground…again. 😀 I placed a 1-inch foam insulation board on the concrete under the carport and cut everything with my circular saw.
I used my Kreg Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide (affiliate link), which worked perfectly for this project. It’s a great low-cost option for those of us who don’t have table saws with outfeed tables. And it works with almost any circular saw.
I worked as late as I could last night (I don’t like using power tools outside past 8:00pm), and I got about half of the 3/4-inch sheets cut down and stacked. The stack on the right is the one for the closet cabinet boxes. The stack on the left is the waste, but I can assure you that it won’t actually go to waste. I still have an entire workshop that needs to be outfitted to make it usable as a workshop, and that plywood will be great for making shelves, storage cabinets, and other things.
In other news, I realized yesterday that I made a HUGE oversight. I still don’t have a scuttle hole to access the crawl space of our house. The scuttle hole used to be in the closet area of our home gym, but when the new subfloor was installed, I told them not to cut a new scuttle hole in that location because I didn’t want a scuttle hole in our bedroom floor. I also plan to move the attic access out of that room as well.
My plan was to put the new scuttle hole to the crawl space in this corner of the foyer, but of course, it should have been cut before I finished the floor. But now, I have a newly finished floor that I have to cut a hole in. Yikes!
I plan to put an upholstered ottoman in that area, so at least if I mess it up, it won’t show. But I’ve been stressing out about having to do this. In fact, I had trouble sleeping last night because I couldn’t stop thinking about how I was going to cut into this flooring and subfloor.
I finally decided (at about 3:30am) that the best option would be to buy a plunge saw. I’ve been looking at plunge saws for a while now, but the price for the brand that is considered the best has held me back. The Festool brand costs anywhere from $700 to over $1000, depending on the model. And since I haven’t really had a need for one to this point, paying that much money for a tool that I haven’t actually needed wasn’t really a priority for me.
But now that I need one, I still don’t want to pay that much for it! (There’s not a local place that rents plunge saws.) My priority now is to get the closet, bedroom, and foyer finished, and I don’t want to spend that much on a tool right now. So I’ve been looking at other options. There’s a brand called WEN that sells a plunge saw with a track for $169 (affiliate link), and it actually has really good ratings. And then Kreg has one for $299 (affiliate link), but it looks like the track is sold separately. So if any of you have experience with either of those brands of plunge saws, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
In happier news, I got the three-step ladder that I ordered for the closet (affiliate link). Y’all, I’m so impressed with this ladder! I wasn’t sure what to expect from an aluminum ladder that has a wood grain finish. Of course, the images on the product listing were impressive, but you just never know if those images have been edited to look great.
But it’s actually a very pretty, durable finish. It looks great, and it’s very sturdy!
When it’s folded and stored in its dedicated slot in the closet, this is all that will be seen. I may use a bit of Rub ‘N Buff on those bright chrome screws so that they don’t command so much attention. 😀
And finally, the electrician just left, so I have a working dryer outlet now! Woohoo!! That means that I can build that other cabinet for the dryer this weekend, and I can actually have a working washer AND dryer by the end of the weekend! I haven’t had a working dryer since the middle of December, and I’m so excited to get that in place and wash AND dry a load of sheets and blankets! I never thought I’d be so excited to do a load of laundry. 😀
The A2D Daily:
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
That ladder is pretty. I may have to buy one. I’m so happy for you. A working dryer is cause for celebrating!
Could you put the scuttle hole in the middle of your dressing room, underneath the chest of drawers that you’re putting in the middle of the room? (I think the drawers were going to be on wheels?) Although cutting into the center of the floor is more nerve-wracking than a corner, so maybe ignore that idea!
Oh, wow! I hadn’t even considered that, but it’s a great idea!! The one problem is that I don’t have the measurements for the location of the floor joists in that area, but I’ll bet there’s a way to figure that out. That seems like a much better location, though. I’ll bet I can refer back to pictures I’ve taken and figure out where the floor joists are.
I was just going to post the same thing!! Great suggestion, M !!
I thought maybe you could put the scuttle hole in the storage closet with Matt’s things which could be hidden away. Also, I have a 3-step stepping stool with a curved handle on top for holding onto for safety purposes which has come in handy at times.
Oh, I love that idea! The only problem is that the room has to remain a guest bathroom until we build the addition, and right now, I have no idea when that will be. I don’t know that we can be without a scuttle hole until then. I guess the one option would be to remove the bathtub (which hasn’t been used since I finished our bathroom) and have the scuttle hole cut there. I could keep a shower curtain up so that that area can’t be seen, and the room can still be used as a guest bathroom, like a powder bathroom without a tub or shower. Hmmmm…I’m going to give that some thought.
I like this idea the best. Take out the tub — which is unused. And you won’t be cutting into any new floor. And you can plan storage in that room later. The shower curtain stays, and the scuttle hole stays hidden from guest eyes. This is my third comment on this one post! I seem to be very invested in your final decision. 🙂
I was going to suggest the same thing. Having it more hidden in a room behind a door.
Could the scuttle hole go in the new addition?
How about just renting the needed saw??
That’s my thought! Why purchase an expensive and rarely used item if it’s available to rent?!
I called two places this morning, including Home Depot, and neither of them have plunge saws available for rental. 🙁
Are you on Facebook or your local NextDoor? I’ve had luck borrowing tools for one-time-only projects from people in my area. And with your obvious professional-level skills, you shouldn’t have a problem convincing someone you wouldn’t wreck their saw.
I had never even thought of that. That’s a great idea!
You should check to see if you have an Easy Rent or something similar where you can rent tools and equipment that you may only need once or twice. We rent a yard power seeder occasionally. My SIL rented a small tiller. Saves money!
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a place in Waco that rents plunge saws.
Wow, that was fun to see. Took a load (bad pun) off your mind to have that delivery.
Kitty cat approved also. Such a social cat.
Can you rent that saw that you need?
Happy happy for your laundry situation.
Love the stool.
I called two places this morning, and neither of them have plunge saws available for rent. Evidently, that’s not a common tool that people need to rent.
Have you considered putting the scuttle hole in the bathroom that will become the storage closet? You could put it in the area where the sink and cabinet currently sit. I don’t know if you can wait that long to have the access to the underside of your house but this could avoid cutting into those beautiful hardwood floors.
I hadn’t even considered it until someone else mentioned it, and now it’s all I can think about! 😀
Would it be terrible to just leave it until you need to use one? Maybe you can get by until you are farther along since it wasn’t cut beforehand anyway. I like the idea of the bathroom too because if someday you did want to sell it would leave the beautiful wood floors intact.
My main concern is that if we have an emergency plumbing issue, I wouldn’t want to have to cut a hole in the floor at that moment for a plumber to be able to access the problem. Doing something like that under pressure and anxiety would cause even a bigger issue, and probably lead to mistakes.
I rent tools from Home Depot all the time.
My parents have an entry to under there house on the outside with a grate covering. It is nice because larger workers can fit through it. You could even put a square door on it.
Unfortunately, a plunge saw isn’t a tool that Home Depot has for rent. 🙁
I was thinking about an exterior access just this morning. The one problem I see is that the height of the concrete footing that is above grade might not be big enough for a person to fit through. It sure would be nice to have exterior access, though! I wonder if there’s a way to make that work.
That step ladder is very impressive. And the scuttle hole thing actually made me very sad. Love those floors.
Hubby said Wen is a low grade tool that wont have any longevity. We saw a youtube video on the china based company that makes that brand that also makes a major brand, which i cant remember. He said it would probably be ok for what you are doing and use level. He would prefer Ryobi over Wen. I do well with Ryobi tools. Makes it easy to keep our tools separate, lol. But, do you have a plunge router? Might have to do several passes with a longer bit. Or even a jig saw with a starter hole drilled? Just throwing out some thoughts…buying tools are such a bother to me! Sorry for all the typos…switched from apple to android and having issues clearing up glitches.
I do have a plunge router, but I’m not as confident using it. I might do some test cuts on some of my leftover plywood and see how that works, though.
Can’t you ask the nice flooring guys, see if they could pop by and help? Paying them to do the job can’t be as expensive as buying the tool – and it certainly will be less stressful!
That’s a good idea! I’ll call them and see if it’s something they’d be willing to do.
I was thinking the same thing, Phoebe! It would probably be less expensive to hire someone for this job — you won’t be buying a one-time use tool. Not to mention, you won’t have the stress of having to cut into the new flooring; you can pass that stress off onto (hopefully) an experienced expert. Peace of mind is valuable.
Rather than put out so much money on something you will rarely use, does anyone rent a plunge saw near you? That way you can use it, take it back and let THEM store it until you MIGHT need it again! I did that with a floor nailer, since it was the last room in the house that needed hardwood flooring. I never looked back!!!!
I can’t find anyone around here who rents out plunge saws. 🙁
Can’t you rent a plunge saw?
I am enjoying all the progress updates. I love your process.
No one around here rents plunge saws.
What about putting the scuttle hole in the hall bathroom that will eventually be a closet? You’ll have to redo the floor in that room when you take out the tub and toilet anyways. I would rather have a hole in a closed closet than the foyer to my master suite.
I love that idea! A couple of other people suggested that, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.
Do your scuttle holes in the storage closet when you convert from hall bath to storage for Matt’s equipment.
That’s my favorite idea so far. I just need to figure out how to put it in there now. If we ever have a plumbing problem, we’ll need easy and quick access, so it’s not something I can wait to do when we do the addition, especially since I’m not even sure when that will happen. We don’t have a start date on that yet.
I completely feel your joy of having a delivery! We’ve been in a build from ground up. It was exciting to have the concrete boom truck pour the foundation walls…. But the Lowe’s/Home Depot delivery of all the lumber/roofing/siding/sheetrock, was over the top exciting!!!
Enjoy the moment. Love the new step ladder 🙂
Could you hire a plunge saw (not entirely sure what that is)? Here in the UK it’s common to hire big pieces of equipment that you don’t have much future need for.
Too bad there’s no place to rent the plunge saw in Waco! I like the idea of having the flooring guys do it, but I wanted to pass along another tip for future reference. I’ve had luck buying good tools from pawn shops—maybe not Festool, but definitely DeWalt and Milwaukee caliber. If you thrift, there are also tools available on the regular; I always look for spare batteries and have saved a lot of money that way. Even if I don’t need the tool, I grab them if they come with a battery that fits my other equipment.
Just wondering if you could rent a plunge saw? I’m sure you have already considered this option!
Just saw in comments that you have already checked on renting one.
We have a Festool tracksaw and love it! Well worth the investment. Quality equipment. Most of our tools are now Festool. The best investment has been the mobile dust extractor! We can cut and sand inside with NO mess to clean up. It could save you a lot of time even in the shop to not have to clean up so much cutting debris. With all the work you do they would for sure pay for themselves in no time if you cost average per use.
I think removing the tub and putting scuttle there is the best option. I would want the hole somehow trimmed out so there would be no gaps for dust, hot/cold air or bugs to get in.
Hopefully your nice flooring guy might be able to help out as you’renot having any luck hiring one . If not, could you borrow one from a friend, maybe someone from church? Seems a shame to buy one just for once-off use.
I could ask around. But honestly, if I had a plunge track saw, I’d use it regularly. I would probably never use my regular circular saw again, and I’d only use the plunge track saw for what I do.
Lots of work ahead of you! You only need the plunge saw for one specific thing, have you considered renting a plunge saw, instead of buying one?
You make me laugh. I’m excited for you that you will have a real, workable, laundry room! It was so sweet of your kitty to check things out.
Have a great weekend.
Why not put the hole into the floor in the closet that you are going to use as storage. Seems like that would be a great place and out of the public’s eye.
Do you need any air space around the washer and dryer for circulation?
My washer and dryer require zero clearances on the top and sides.
Did you know that Home Depot and I think also Lowe’s let’s you rent power equipment?
No one has plunge saws for rent.
10:10 A.M Sunday morning now – I am sure you are in heaven doing laundry! :-)) I’m sure it was a task you are happy to do now, at least for a few weeks! The step ladder is fancy pants pretty! Too bad there is no place to rent tools in your area, we have a place not too far away, and it has come in very handy in the past for us. I know you will find many uses for a plunge saw though, so I wouldn’t buy the best, but I would buy a really good one. Tell kitty to grab the broom and start sweeping sawdust – he will enjoy it as bedding! LOL!
WOW – lots of exciting things going on…and the setback/overlook has a solution…you will be fine. I know what you mean…laundry I don’t really mind, as long as everything is working well. When it isn’t it becomes a real chore! Very soon you can throw stuff in when you are busy and get it done while you are busy elsewhere. Love that! PS) Love that ladder too!