From Seed to Bloom

            ​Determining where to build the writing shed was a process of listing the pros and cons of the two possible sites. On the pro side of placing the shed in the rear corner of the lot, the shed could be bigger and could be fashioned to look like my Grandpa’s dog house. However, on the con side of this placement, the shed would be further from the house and less accessible in inclement weather. I also wouldn’t be able to see the writing shed from the house and I really wanted to be able to see it.  
            The other location on the side yard, right behind the garage, offered easy access and a view of the shed from the kitchen, which were definite pros. At that location, the cons included the sizing and design of the shed. In order to comply with the City’s Building Codes, the building would have to be three feet from the lot line and six feet from the garage. That left just eight feet for the width of the shed. We also had to keep in mind the distance from the overhead power lines which would mean we would have to move the shed back a bit. Doing that would take some garden space and that was a con.   
            Another thing to consider – electricity. Running power from the garage to the rear of the lot would be more difficult and expensive compared to running power the six feet from the garage to the side yard location.
            ​In the end, I decided easy access and being able to see the shed from the house were more important than building a replica of the dog house. This writing hut or writing shed (I call it both) would be uniquely me!
Here are some pictures and explanations of the building of my dream shed – oh “Dream Shed” has a nice ring to it.  Just don’t call it a she shed!  Enjoy.

#1 – September 17, 2016
            The post in the middle of the yard represents where the door to my writing shed will be located.  My son-in-law Colby is shown working on the footings. The placement for the shed is behind the garage.  There will be a 6 foot wide area that will serve as a walkway to the garden and deck in the back, back yard.

#2 – October 8, 2016
            Colby, Sam and Mac worked on the weed barrier and rock foundation today while I was working at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. Sara cleaned my house! I really appreciate my kids and grand kids helping me out today.  The shed will start looking like a shed soon.

#3 – October 22, 2016
            Colby hasn’t been able to come work on the shed for the past couple of weeks. But today he is back and getting the floor on the shed. Hooray! More Progress.

#4 – October 22, 2016
            Colby is getting a lot done today: Insulation and subfloor!

#5 – October 27, 2016
            Colby brought Drew to help frame the shed. Colby tells me they should have the roof on tomorrow.  My cousin Cindy came over to see the progress and was the first one to look through the window!

#6 – October 28, 2016
            This is what the shed looked like before we went to the pumpkin patch. And pictures of the shed after we returned from the pumpkin patch.  I have a better idea of the size of my writing space.

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#7 – December 3, 2016
            Lots has been accomplished over the past several weeks. Electricity has been run to the shed and Colby was able to put in the windows and the door. Here Colby and Mac are figuring out how to install the heating and air conditioning unit.

#8 – January 14, 2016
            Colby mudded the drywall today and he told me to leave the heater on for a while. I went out to turn the heater off – it was the first time I had been out there at night. I liked it. The walls and ceiling are well insulated and the shed was warm and toasty. Because the shed is so close to the garage, the walls had to include a firewall.  The walls will be covered in ship lap.  ​​

Here is the finished product!