Workshop Remodel Project

Just finished a workshop remodel. It was an ideal time to do this because my client had just finished up a large kitchen project. Therefore, ALL of his tools were out in the workshop area, because he had used ALL of his tools.

A clean, ready to use, work area!

We began by putting the boxed tools, drill bits, router, cordless drill, staple gun, etc. back in there original cases. I then used my handy P-touch labeler and labeled all the boxes. The boxes are the same black plastic material and several of them are the same size.

When I was done with the labels, each box said what it contained as well as an up arrow to indicate how to open the lid. I then lined them up on a shelf and they looked so orderly and accessible, it was refreshing.

Peg board came next. The pegboards were arranged so that items that were similar to each other were gathered together. Levels with levels, saws with saws, etc. I then took a picture of each pegboard and printed them out, mounted them on cardboard and covered them with cling wrap and attached them to each pegboard. That way when ALL the tools are out of place again my client can see where to put them back without having to remember. Visual reminders are great.

Peg board

We then organized the drawers in the workbench. Previously the nails and screws in their original boxes (a good thing) were on a shelf. Every time he wanted a nail or screw he had to move the boxes around to find what he wanted. They fit perfectly arranged with the writing on the boxes facing up. Now no more shifting them to find what he wants.

We utilized 2 old hollow core doors and a few 2×4s to make two workshop benches, added castor wheels and reworked the space to be more effective and workable.

View more before & afters in the photo gallery!

This Old House

My services can assist a with a cleanup, even if you are out of town!  Here’s how:

I recently worked on a house here in Baltimore. My client used to live here in town but moved to the west coast many years ago. Her elderly father kept a house and lived here until he passed away at the age of 92. My client was unable to make the trip back east and needed someone to package his clothes to donate to charity. She arranged for me to get a key from her father’s last caregiver.

I went to the house whenever my schedule permitted. Sometimes I went during the day, sometimes in the evenings. It didn’t matter because I didn’t have to coordinate my work with anyone else.

My job was to go through four closets and two dressers full of clothes. Every shirt, pants and jacket pocket had to be checked because her father had a habit of putting cash in pockets. I didn’t find any cash but I still had to check each pocket.

When I finished each session I would take the bags of clothes to the Good Will or The Salvation Army on my way home or if it was too late, I took them the next day on my way to the house.

I documented my progress by taking photos of the filled bags and empty closets and drawers. These photos I would email to her each evening.

During this process I was also instructed to look for a favorite ring of her father’s. I found it, photographed it and left it on a dresser top for my client to retrieve when she returned to the house.

Our working relationship was the perfect solution for the distance problem. I also did other work in this house but I will save that for another blog.

View more before & afters in the photo gallery!