The Bike House

It is a lot more fun to say that we built a new house for Nick’s bikes than to say we needed to replace the shed in the backyard before we go to put the house on the market in the next couple of years.

So… NICK’S BIKES GOT A NEW HOUSE! Although the base size equates to the same number of square feet, we did gain some head space (and a loft) with the new shed, which I am sure we can put to use in one way or another. Two weeks ago we (mainly Nick) undertook the fun task of tearing down the shed in the backyard. Then this past weekend we started putting up the new shed.

First, a BIG thanks to Eleanor’s Godparents, Mike and Megan, for watching her all day Saturday so both Nick and I could focus on the building without having to take time outs to take care of a little one.

Second, I cannot believe that Nick and I put up the shed with just the two of us. Mainly, I cannot believe that I could help enough (or Nick could make up for what I was lacking in ‘man’ strength) to achieve some of the feats we did.

Third, another BIG thanks to Nick’s step-father, Jeff, for lending us some very useful tools to make the project go a lot faster. For anyone that thinks they can put up a shed without an air nailer and just a hammer and regular nails- you are crazy! Here are a few pictures of the not so fun venture.

The shed in pieces: aka the Lumber

The first couple of steps: leveling the foundation, the floor and the start of the sides

The sides are up! They were not light in weight.

We are supposed to get boards for a roof all the way up there! That was the part I was DREADING!

Day two included our very own Supervisor!

She watched from her comfy seat in the Bumbo almost the entire day.

(Thanks again Eric and Jess, that thing is a life-saver!)

Every once in a while the Supervisor required some attention from Daddy.But she let him get his work done (putting up the tar paper).

Tar paper means we did get the boards up on the roof- way to go us!

The shed just a few minor steps away from it current stage. Man that thing is HUGE for a house our size!

In total, I think we spent around 44 ½ man hours between the two of us constructing the shed this weekend. We still need to shingle and paint, but that will have to wait a few days (we need a break). Nick and I are both sore today- but we accomplished a lot for one weekend!