The framing went without headache. I built a simple jig that allowed me to compress-fit a board onto the top sill while I screwed in the studs. Yes, I used screws exclusively for this project per the recommendation of retired, professional framer.

I’ve never done much home electrical work, but a little research goes a long ways. Actually, I rarely stop at a little research! I read through my books and made many a query to the Internet on specific topics. I feel as though I have a much better understanding of the general electrical work going on in homes. I ran a new 20amp circuit for the workshop, though I have not connected to the panel yet. I still have to fish that cable through the wall – bleh. I also extended an existing garage circuit (15amp) to add additional receptacles. I cut-off the workshop portion of the garage from this circuit with the exception of the garage door opener. I will have five receptacles in that room when I’m done. It’s not because I plan on overloading the circuit, I just need maximum positional diversity in the room rather than a bunch of extension cords and/or surge suppressors. At any rate, I’ve added two receptacles to the room, a light switch, and have one more receptacle to do on an existing drywall. So far, everything is working perfectly. The one thing I did learn after-the-fact was that I don’t much care for 12 gauge wire. It’s so much stiffer than 14 and hard to compress into the electrical boxes!

The last thing I’ve worked on is the insulation. That’s a simple enough job, though tough on the lungs and skin if not protected. I really need to wear a mask no matter how little the job. Having a dry cough from insulation fibers just doesn’t seem like a good idea. At any rate, that job will be finished up soon and I will be adding foil-backed foam insulation onto the exterior dividing wall. First, I have to get all the stuff I moved into that part of the garage out of the way!

This project has been a constant shuffle of things. As I finish up one area, I move clutter into it to free up the next area to work in. My poor workshop is completely unusable at this point and I don’t care to drag out the tools into the wintery weather we’re seeing. I can’t wait until this project is over so I can begin finishing the workshop too! It has been hard to keep my mind focused on the room at hand, rather than wandering off on all the things I want to do in the workshop.

Of course, you’re all probably more interested in seeing our newest addition! Head over to the Gradin.com blog to see the news.

My plans are thus:

Garage divided in two (~21’ x ~10’)
Sleepers cemented and nailed to the concrete around the perimeter, 2 rows within (perpendicular to joists)
2×4 joist caps and joists attached on-edge around perimeter to form box – leveled
2×4 joists spanned 16” o.c. between joist caps – level ends, shim floor connection to meet sleepers
Insulation floor, 4 mil vapor barrier on top
23/32” T&G OSB subflooring
Create wall to divide garage, run power, etc.
Insulate wall, add foil-backed hard foam insulation
Multi-purpose underlayment
Engineered bamboo flooring

So far, I’ve started the subfloor, but haven’t laid and leveled all the joists. I’m hoping the things will really take off once I’ve finished this part!