My cellar-office conversion

[makeitfit]

Been a bit bogged down with house work of late cranking up my brownie points ready for offroad season :sly
So I thought I'd show you some pics of my office job conversion. It was an old damp cellar and is now well on the way to being my funky office /spare room :D
These were bargain basement tesco units and got them even cheaper for some reason 2 of them for 24 quid :thumbs
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141025_164312_zpskpi1wbul.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141025_164312_zpskpi1wbul.jpg.html)
Some of my CDs that have been allowed to stay (for now) . All alphabetical too :question
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141025_164336_zpso1nufezl.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141025_164336_zpso1nufezl.jpg.html)
I'm using Alu treadplate on the underside of the joists to make extra book shelves for her indoors ( points make prizes ) :naughty
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141025_164350_zpslhzgx9dr.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141025_164350_zpslhzgx9dr.jpg.html)
This is the steep stairs with offset treads. I had it made for me many years ago out of reclaimed pitch pine .
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141025_164417_zpscvjpxl0x.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141025_164417_zpscvjpxl0x.jpg.html)
I'm making the desk top out of 25mm Birch ply and will eventually make the doors out of the same stuff :cool:
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141025_190525_zpsqnxubbvd.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141025_190525_zpsqnxubbvd.jpg.html)
We've been flooded in the past a few times and this room always copped it. So I've got electric underfloor heating in there now underneath the tiles. Also put tiles up the wall a bit like skirting board and used swimming pool adhesive all round .
LED lights are a personal favorite and are dimmable too :cool:

[AlexD333]

Looking good my dear! :thumb2

[trophymick]

Love the stairs.:thumb2

[macabethiel]

Looks a great job!
Did you find a reason for the flooding?
Sounds like you have sort of fixed it by 'Tanking' using tiles instead of usual methods.
Hope it works OK and that damp does not trip out the underfloor heating if its electric!
Was it worth putting a sump pump in to keep it dry?
Still looks a really nice bright space a subteranian Man Shed no less!

[Banshee]

The things I'd do for a room like that :(

[solarman216]

Looking very nice mate, as said love the stairs, have you sorted the flooding problem? other than tile tanking, Rick

[Sweety]

Very nice:D would love to do something like that but the Son hasn't moved out yet & not been able to marry him off yet:lol

[terrano bob]

the stairs are called paddle stairs :thumbs

[johnb5177]

That's a nice man cave......:thumb2

[rusty nuts]

I'd probably break my neck on those stairs. Looks very smart though

[makeitfit]

Ha ha , yes the stairs are defo right foot first on the way down or else you'll be down in one :lol
The flooding has been from external issues , namely the the water board drains don't cope in massive downpours. In some cases the water fills the sewer system and then hydraulic pressure blows the manhole covers and then oodles of nasty water escape off the road, through my old front door into the hall and then into the cellar and then out the back door :doh
At last I persuaded the water board to fit a one way valve thing in our soil pipe so no water pressure can back up my hole :eek:
Being optimistic I'm doing up the cellar again ;)
The walls are tanked and then rendered with waterproof cement, not cheap.
Then the under floor heating laid . Tiles on top with swimming pool adhesive so in theory if water does come in again it'll do little harm. Hence my design has all the units on plastic legs lifting them neatly off the floor :)
I'll get the desk bit joined up tomorrow and show you some more goings on at chez makeitfit :cool:

[solarman216]

MMMMMMMMM do not rely to much on that check valve, the nature of what is going down that pipe = possible obstructions stopping it sealing just when you need it to, seen lots of these fail when needed, what happens is the majority of the flow is stopped but they weep with say a panty shield caught on the seal = over a period it still comes up surprisingly quickly, I would have an automatic sump pump set at a lower level than than your floor to keep the level low, Rick

[makeitfit]

I know what you mean Rick however the deed is done . Sump pump won't really help me any as it happens all I need do now is open the office door and play "Poo sticks " :lol
My next project (in the spring) is a new porch. I'll be making that flood proof too and so hold back upto a meter of wet. I've already run two 4" drain pipes from the gulleys at the the front of the house to the back. They cope with all but the worst.
In the mean time I'll advise the wife to consider carefully her water closet activities :augie

[jims-terrano]

Looking good. Im supposed to be fitting out an ensuite when money allows but being an upstairs the floor levels are going to be silly. On top of the floor boards will be 18mm marine ply screwed down at very close intervals. Then the insulation board recommended for the heating mats. Then the mat with tiles on top and the thickness of tile adhesive. So all that extra thickness its going to be a huge step trip hazzard from the bedroom. Do like the idea of the electric under floor heating tho.

[makeitfit]

Marine ply's a bit excessive innit ? :augie WBP will be fine. Also before you lay that, pay attention to your existing floor. Give it a service by fixing it carefully too. Fit yourself a nice sloping threshold mate to save a late nite toe stumping :eek:

[jims-terrano]

Whats wdp? Im assuming the sloping threshold will be under the bedroom carpet?

Cheers

[makeitfit]

Sorry, Weather and Boil Proof ply . Easily good enough for your needs. Marine ply has different glue and better quality ply layers and virtually waterproof. WBP will be virtually as strong and almost as water resistant but once in place where's the water issue ?
Threshold graduates between carpeted bit and raised level of wet floor bit and so yes partially covered at least by carpet :thumbs

[jims-terrano]

Cheers Pete, now all I need is some enthusiasm and cash:doh

[makeitfit]

Cheers Pete, now all I need is some enthusiasm and cash:doh

I have enthusiasm and no cash :o SO what you need to do is create your pl;an/desire and then a shopping list. Enter searches on fleabay and save them. Checkout local faceache sales and swap pages etc. gradually you'll be able to pick up bargains along the way. Put a wanted post up etc Eventually you'll have most of what you need and then you can hit the task :rolleyes:
GFI :cool:

[makeitfit]

Got some time on the desk bit today and did this :)
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141028_141508_zps8pmrazdb.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141028_141508_zps8pmrazdb.jpg.html)
It's all cut from one sheet of 25 mm ply and so all the grain goes the same way ;)
First run round with the router
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141028_141531_zpsg1fhhatb.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141028_141531_zpsg1fhhatb.jpg.html)
Then a quick trim off the edge , chamfer style :cool:
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141028_142740_zpsdpqikvns.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141028_142740_zpsdpqikvns.jpg.html)
Started the oiling job after a good sanding but a bit difficult to take a good enough pic for you.
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141028_151757_zpst2buvcp2.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141028_151757_zpst2buvcp2.jpg.html)
Got the sofa bed in , just :augie
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141028_174454_zpsrromxoz9.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141028_174454_zpsrromxoz9.jpg.html)
At this rate we'll be able to eat off table in the kitchen without fending off avalanches of receipts and kitchen plans :lol
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141028_174527_zpsfh7mtkmh.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141028_174527_zpsfh7mtkmh.jpg.html)
Shelf racking etc next and some PC plumbing to do before the books start to flood in , boom boom :D

[Fez_uk]

Neat little space that mate :)

[solarman216]

Nice work Pete, I got to do new kitchen soon for the boss, will post pics then, but not in your caliber, Rick

[makeitfit]

Nice work Pete, I got to do new kitchen soon for the boss, will post pics then, but not in your caliber, Rick

I'm sure you know what you're upto mate :sly
Good luck with it ? Is it to be done for Crimbo :lol

[solarman216]

Is it to be done for Crimbo :lol

yep that is the plan:(, Rick

[makeitfit]

Looking a bit more lived in now as the books are going in :eek:
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141031_142639_zpsrv0mein5.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141031_142639_zpsrv0mein5.jpg.html)
Special beer shelf seems to holding up :lol
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141031_221507_zpsxmlaga5i.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141031_221507_zpsxmlaga5i.jpg.html)
A bit more alu folded to make shelves and the files will be off the kitchen table :rolleyes:
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141031_214450_zpscyhaljut.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141031_214450_zpscyhaljut.jpg.html)
Beer o'clock is calling so just bunged some file boxes off the table to keep her indoors happy :naughty
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20141031_230349_zpsfvhf8stg.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20141031_230349_zpsfvhf8stg.jpg.html)
It'll never look this tidy again by the way :lamer:

[solarman216]

very nice, do you have a ready supply of ali checker plate? Rick

[makeitfit]

Yerp, the blacksmith up the road has it and a very big folder :D
I theme kind of developed :augie
but there's no messin' now it IS a man cave :naughty

[exosteve]

Ffs.thats wicked.

[johnb5177]

Looking really cool, like it.....I know the feeling about the kitchen table filing system......I made a space upstairs.......now my splicing jobs and saw parts are not part of mealtimes......result...:thumb2

[makeitfit]

Looking really cool, like it.....I know the feeling about the kitchen table filing system......I made a space upstairs.......now my splicing jobs and saw parts are not part of mealtimes......result...:thumb2

Been on a sailing course today but the wife has been clearing and filing :rolleyes: We have even found in all the detritus a GENUINE Windows 95 disc and cert :lol
Space appearing as quick as my Brownie points just now :clap

[Paff]

Don't forget the beer fridge/chiller :thumb2

[makeitfit]

Don't forget the beer fridge/chiller :thumb2

I like your thinking but with space at a premium the beers will be out the back door :cool:

[solarman216]

My workshop will be my man cave, two post lift now refitted to the new rag bolts set in 4.25 tonnes of reinforced concrete, not to be used for 7 days or so to allow the concrete to achieve sufficient strength, now comes the start of getting rid of 20 years accumulated rubbish, (not all mine as I have only been here for around 14 years) setting up some cheap racking, re siting the work bench/air compressor and welding kit out of the way of the lift, the roof is high enough that the lower part of the chassis will be at chin height to me with 2 inches to spare with my roof rail cross roof bars on so if I need extra height the bars can come off in two tics, need to reglaze some windows to cut the draughts and already have a rudimentary wood burner for the colder times, will not be as plush as yours Pete, but I have another little workshop with a Lathe and ought to obtain a better pillar drill to compliment it, and you know one day I might just get some time to use them, Rick

[makeitfit]

Top job Rick :clap I also have to sort my garage out at some time :eek: It's a small integrated in the house one. More of a workshop / storage room disaster area :doh
You NEED your own space Rick, enjoy it :naughty

[Banshee]

Oh man!!!! I would live in there 24/7 !!!!!
I'd be off my face on my bong :lol

[makeitfit]

Oh man!!!! I would live in there 24/7 !!!!!
I'd be off my face on my bong :lol

Then you'd just love the sounds in there then ;) 5:1 surround in very clean air, no soft furnishings or women to upset the mooood ;)

[AlexD333]

Lol part of me wishes I still smoked up, if you think I'm bad now you would have loved my questions back then :naughty

Ricks workshop is awesome, I've been in many pickles and every time, rick and his aladins cave has saved me :lol

[Sweety]

Lol part of me wishes I still smoked up, if you think I'm bad now you would have loved my questions back then :naughty


Thank god you gave up then as this site would have only one member by now you:lol:naughty:naughty

Oh i'd love a man cave:rolleyes: my shed is full of stuff & falling to bits so can't use that:doh really think it's time we moved house so had a garage or a much bigger garden so could put up an 8x6ft or bigger shed:augie

[Banshee]

Lol part of me wishes I still smoked up, if you think I'm bad now you would have loved my questions back then :naughty

Ricks workshop is awesome, I've been in many pickles and every time, rick and his aladins cave has saved me :lol
Alex you're a walking talking pickle!!!! Lol

[exosteve]

Did I mention I'd had my steering done.
And I'm celebrating bonged of my face:eek:

[Banshee]

Did I mention I'd had my steering done.
And I'm celebrating bonged of my face:eek:
Jealous!!!!

[makeitfit]

Did I mention I'd had my steering done.
And I'm celebrating bonged of my face:eek:

Been clean for years now and today I have a monsta rush from just sailing in full on grrr nature :D
Life is the best rush there is, don't waste it on gear :o
Holier than thou ex :splif but not judging :flush:

[rayf3262]

Alex you're a walking talking pickle!!!! Lol
Apologies, but made me think of this.....

I don't want a pickle
Just want to ride on my motorcycle
And I don't want a tickle
'Cause I'd rather ride on my motorcycle
And I don't want to die
Just want to ride on my motorcycle

Artist? anyone....

[makeitfit]

Hello again here's a little update on the door front dans le cave de homme :sly
Got round to doing the Birch ply doors and drawer facias at last :thumb2
All matching grain flow etc
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20150215_174714_zps2pd7dxy5.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20150215_174714_zps2pd7dxy5.jpg.html)
Made up some handles out of aluminium angle I had in the garage and made file hangers from a kitchen supplier I use .
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20150215_174756_zps2rr9iri8.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20150215_174756_zps2rr9iri8.jpg.html)
Here's a better view showing the grain action :cool:
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20150215_174834_zps65xrlbnc.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20150215_174834_zps65xrlbnc.jpg.html)
A bit more lived in now as all the "stuff" finds places to live :o
http://i667.photobucket.com/albums/vv36/daudwpsyn/Office/20150215_175250_zpsbzblv2dk.jpg (http://s667.photobucket.com/user/daudwpsyn/media/Office/20150215_175250_zpsbzblv2dk.jpg.html)
Still trying to fit a quart into a pint pot, but getting there :freak3:

[Banshee]

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Pete that is superb!!!!!! Can I live in it?

[jims-terrano]

Yeah brilliant looks really nice.

[Sweety]

Looks great Pete:thumb2 priced up some 18mm thick birch ply the other week & almost pasted out at the price:eek: it's not cheap stuff is it:augie

[makeitfit]

Looks great Pete:thumb2 priced up some 18mm thick birch ply the other week & almost pasted out at the price:eek: it's not cheap stuff is it:augie

£40 aint that bad . ( the desk stuff at 25mm was about 70 I think ) It's the theme of the room, desk top and doors and all that fine end grain . Also very few if any gaps in the layers , which is important for show ends ;)
I'm hoping to be doing more home offices etc as there's so many people working from home these days :naughty

[solarman216]

yep price is not that bad, very nice Pete, you are much more tidy minded and organised than I am, I have yet to decide what my full retirement man cave will look like, I love working with wood and have a fair bit of kit, but also like metal work turning on the lathe, but not so much kit, more thought required, but not now as got pub conversion coming up and too much to organise there, Rick

[Sweety]

No not really for what you've used it for:thumb2 but for a sub enclosure it's a bit to pricey for me to use for very little acoustic gain:augie wouldn't care it's only a tiny bit more expensive than MDF in the US:augie no wonder so many homes in the US are built from wood as timber is dirt cheap over there:augie

[Sweety]

yep price is not that bad, very nice Pete, you are much more tidy minded and organised than I am, I have yet to decide what my full retirement man cave will look like, I love working with wood and have a fair bit of kit, but also like metal work turning on the lathe, but not so much kit, more thought required, but not now as got pub conversion coming up and too much to organise there, Rick

You just need a split workshop Rick, wood work one side & metal work the other & the garage for the constant repairs/mods on Alex's truck:lol:lol:naughty

[makeitfit]

Right then how about HDF high density fibreboard ? More difficult to get hold of but should be better than Birch I'd have thought. You'll probably need to laminate some sheets together to get the thickness you need :thumb2

[Paff]

So tidy... :eek:

My study/office looks as if a bomb has gone off! Sometimes I'm lucky if I can find a clear bit of floor to put my foot :o

Respect :bow

[solarman216]

So tidy... :eek:

My study/office looks as if a bomb has gone off! Sometimes I'm lucky if I can find a clear bit of floor to put my foot :o

Respect :bow

me too and that includes my 45ft x 25ft barn, it is an obstacle course to get round, one day I keep telling myself I will have time to sort it, Rick

[makeitfit]

So tidy... :eek:

My study/office looks as if a bomb has gone off! Sometimes I'm lucky if I can find a clear bit of floor to put my foot :o

Respect :bow
It's only that tidy as I've been working in there putting the doors on :D
Panic not chaps , it's not usually like that :lol