When we purchased our cottage 12 years ago it came with three outbuildings.
The smallest was on the slope on the upper part of the lot which was so ramshackle that it was really only good for storing firewood.
When we finally knocked this down as part of our Covid-19 Isolation campaign we found some hard evidence that this was once the original ‘privy’.
At the driveway level there is a small but functional shed that we use mainly for garden tools, firewood, hoses, etc. It is in fairly good shape but is on the list for a make over this year – new roof, repair door, mouse proofing…
The priority for a makeover was the largest outbuilding, situated just outside our side door at the deck level. It measured only 6′ x 6′ with a low sloped roof and over the years it has been our tool and miscellaneous storage depot.
Time has not been kind to this shed and it became increasingly damp as the OSB walls and untreated foundations rotted.
The old, dilapidated shed
The plan was to remove this shed and replace it with a larger and more functional one that would provide storage space for tools, but also function as a small workshop.
The first step involved the removal of the current shed which all went into a ten cubic yard disposal bin (along with the old privy, the rear deck and other bits of old lumber.)
The old shed 6′ x 6′ floor was to be extended to 8′ which, due to the proximity of the property line meant extending the footprint 2′ forward onto the deck area.
But first a trip to Gibsons Building Supplies (GBS) for some treated lumber and other wood.
Then: Dig out the old foundation and reset the concrete pads.
The treated 2x8s form the foundation frame which is then covered with 3/4 plywood.
The two long stud walls are prefabbed on the deck.
The walls are then man (and woman) handled over and fixed in place.
Side story… I was dragging my feet on placing an order for a door but had resolved to do it on the very morning walk that I came across a used prehung exterior door as a freebie on the end of a driveway. It even swung the right way! Called Lisa. Bring the car!
Door installed and front/back wall started.
The structure was then clad in 1/4 inch plywood.
Trusses can be a little tricky so I went for this clever kit that was purchased at Lee Valley Tools. A quality product that takes the guesswork out of it. I wanted significant eaves on the sides and 12″ roof overhang front and back.
10′ 1×4 stringers screwed to trusses.
Roof clad with 3/8″ plywood
Shingle processing station
Higher, steeper and scarier than the previous shed roof
Approximately 100 square feet of roof required three bundles of Malarkey shingles plus ten feet of flexi-shingles for the ridge.
We were fortunate to have such a great run of weather for this project.
Next up was to paint (matched the cottage) install gutters and the faux window – an old window frame with glass removed and a mirror glue on.
Inside view with rear window installed and plywood panelling. Metal bench, gym lockers, wire shelving and LED overhead light all brought over from our old family home. The vinyl plank flooring was left over from past bathroom renovation. Past time to get organized!
View from the doorway with peekaboo glimpse of Shoal Channel and Keats Island.
All that’s left to do is some door trim, and then we will extend the first 4 deck planks in front of the workshop so it “nestles” into the rest of the landscape like it has been there always. A final picure still to come, when these last tasks are completed. But first, we want to take a break for a few days!
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