Outdoor Metal Shed Makeover Update
Today, we’re sharing our outdoor metal shed makeover update!
This week marks 6 weeks we’ve been working on the metal shed makeover plans.
I know! I can’t believe it either!
I figured now would be the perfect time to share our progress and let you know what we still have left to complete.
Spoiler alert, it’s going to take an absolute miracle to make the Labor Day deadline. But that’s ok because I believe miracles happen every day ?
Metal Shed Makeover Update: Setbacks and Delays
This metal shed project has been so much more involved than I could have ever imagined. And truthfully about 2 weeks ago, I was ready to give up on it completely.
There have been more delays than I thought I had the patience for. We found out early on the shed was not properly sealed which blew a huge chunk of our budget.
One issue we encountered was with the placement of the shed. It backs up to a 2-acre portion of our property which is undeveloped.
At the time the shed was delivered, it sounded all romantic country cottage to place the shed at the entrance of the bunny trail, beside our memory garden and on the edge of the undeveloped preserve.
Unfortunately, this resulted in a pest issue I had a complete meltdown over. I can do a lot of things, but bugs of any kind is not one of them.
Thankfully, the issue has been mostly resolved.
Then we had to deal with the threat of Tropical Storm Isaias.
We suffered 2 minor injuries – a pulled muscle and 2 huge goose eggs from where the drill fell on S’s hand and the drill bit pierced her skin.
Not to mention some really intense migraines triggered by the weather and allergies that put me in the bed for a few days.
There have been disagreements on how to insulate the metal ceiling that got so passionate one night around my parent’s kitchen island, my Mom nervously interrupted us to ask if we needed more cookies and coffee ?
And then there was the night I was almost brought to tears when we drove an hour (one way) to pick up an AC unit only to have the sales associate tell us the floor model didn’t have all the parts it needed for an actual purchase.
But this weekend definitely takes the cake because we actually got locked inside the shed and couldn’t get out.
I know. You can’t make this stuff up.
After 45 minutes, we had to completely disassemble all the work we’d done on the AC window unit and cut out the screen. Thankfully, I had left the keys in the door or we’d have really been in trouble.
Then last night, after a pretty rough rainstorm we noticed water pooling around the door and creeping into the drywall by the window.
If it were November, I wouldn’t worry too much. But we’re about to really get into hurricane season and a leak of any kind is the last thing we need holding us up or back.
Metal Shed Makeover Update: Highlights
Despite it all, we keep going and nearly every morning we’re up bright and early.
Even on the weekends.
Because as Bob Goff says, “I used to think God guided us by opening and closing doors, but now I know sometimes God wants us to kick some doors down.”
My Dad has offered at least 100 times to come and help. But we don’t even live in the same town and summertime in Florida is no joke.
We’ve had weeks of temperatures in the high 90s with a humidity of almost 100% which makes me super nervous for my Dad to be working in what is basically a metal can.
I know he feels 16 inside on a good day and 21 on a bad day but he’s too old to be working when it’s that hot.
And so, S and I have been plugging away an hour or two at a time every day for 6 weeks.
To date, the metal shed has been sealed both inside and out. Although, as I mentioned we’re still finding a few issues here and there.
We have electricity and multiple outlets too.
The ceiling has been temporarily insulated (I still need to make a decision on the final insulation) and the walls have been insulated as well.
We learned to hang drywall for the first time which felt like a major accomplishment.
Slow & Steady + Shiplap
And now, we’ve installed shiplap too.
Well, faux shiplap because we blew so much of our budget early on.
My parents were super sweet to pick up 4×8 sheets of plywood and cut the plywood sheets into 6-inch boards which made it a million times easier to install.
Plus, it saved us another delivery charge from Lowes which runs about $85 in our area.
We used nickel spacers between the boards just like we did for the kitchen makeover. I think it’s going to look really nice once everything is painted a crisp white.
All in all, we’re making lots of progress even though there have been times where it didn’t *feel* like it one bit.
It sort of feels like when you’ve been trying to lose weight and for weeks you feel nothing. Then one day, you put on your favorite jeans, and you don’t have to lay on the bed to button them up anymore.
That’s pretty much how we feel right now, and I have to say, it feels really good ?
So, here’s what we have left to finish on the metal shed makeover update list:
Interior To-Do List:
- Insulate Walls
- Insulate Ceiling (temporarily)
- Add Drywall Over Insulation
- Add Shiplap Over Drywall
- Run Electrical and Add Outlets
- Decide if Floors Should Be Planked or Painted Battleship Gray
- Trim Out Windows
- Paint Walls White
- Refinish and Paint Built-In Table
- Refinish and Paint Hutch
- Create Work Island
- Add Workstation Table
- Add Seating Area
- Make Coffee Table
- Add Buffet Cabinet for Photography
- Add Rugs
- Decorate
Exterior To-Do List:
- Power Wash Exterior
- Add Fencing Around Base
- Add Concrete Blocks Around Base
- Create Flower Boxes
- Add Flower Boxes to Windows
- Create Steps
- Decide on Backyard Pathway
- Add Urns and Plants to Either Side of Shed Door
As I’ve shared before, this project is the biggest project we’ve ever undertaken so I know it will have to be completed in phases.
There’s just so much to do!
It totally gives me the giggles I thought I would be able to move in by Labor Day. I mean, look at this list. You’d think Shorty, Chip and Joanna were on the way to rescue this metal shed makeover.
You know what keeps me going though?
Your sweet comments, and the fact that every time I miss the stud, S yells out “Missed the Mark!” in this funny voice, and remembering how bad Paw Paw’s House started out.
Because this is basically nothing compared to that ?
So since Shorty, Chip and Joanna aren’t headed over here any time soon, we’re just going to keep plugging away an hour or two here and there until we finish this project.
More importantly, we’re going to keep appreciating the “meantime mess” we’re currently living in and celebrating every step along the way.
Like the double rainbow I captured last week hanging directly over the shed.
Thank you again to everyone that sent us their favorite quote or scripture so the walls could be covered with positivity and encouragement. It really meant so much!
Let us know how your projects are coming along! Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
A Few Other Makeovers We’ve Completed You Might Enjoy:
- One Room Challenge Bedroom Makeover Reveal
- One Room Challenge Office Makeover Reveal
- Dining Room Makeover Reveal
- Laundry Room Makeover Reveal at Loblolly Manor
Many blessings,
CoCo
This is coming along beautifully! Disagreements are part of the process, leading to compromise, and often better solutions! When you are done you’ll love it and have lots of great stories to tell…
Oh my gosh, Linda, this shed is about to put me under ha ha! I don’t know what I was thinking taking this on in the middle of Summer. But we’re plugging away and like you say I’m going to be so thankful when it’s all done. I wish you lived closer because I would have you over in a heartbeat 🙂 Hope you’re having a great time at the lake, CoCo
Girl you can do it! It will be so cute and awesome when you are finished! I wish I could do this but our housing development does not let us have sheds in the yard, so I made one of my bedrooms my she shed / craft room. The hard work is almost done and now comes the fun stuff!
I appreciate your sweet and kind words, Mary, thank you so much. That is such a great idea to create a she shed/craft room out of one of your bedrooms. It’s always fun to have a space to be completely creative in and let your imagination run wild. It’s been a rough few weeks but I can finally see things coming together and I’ll definitely be ready for the fun stuff 🙂 Hope your week has been fabulous, CoCo
Fantastic ideas for a shed upcycle! i’d love for you to share over at our creative crafts linky party https://creativelybeth.com/creative-crafts-linky-party-3-join-in-the-fun/
have a great week!
creatively, beth
Thanks so much for the sweet invite, Beth! I can’t wait to check your party out. Hope you’re having a great week, CoCo
You got trapped?!!! Oh gah. I’m sweating just thinking about it
It wasn’t as dark as the trunk but the anxiety was just as high 🙂 Sending you hugs bigger than Pat McGrath, CoCo
Oh, CoCo, reading this made my heart hurt for you two!! I’m just so sorry – but so impressed that you are keeping the faith and trudging through all the trials! I have absolutely no doubt it will be beautiful when completed. There isn’t one single thing that you’ve done that I haven’t been totally in love with!! Take care of yourselves – I want to see your shining faces looking happy and healthy when you show us the final, beautiful space!! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers 🙂
You’re so good to me, Patty, thank you so much! I’ve second-guessed this project a million times but I’ve also learned a lot too. I think now that the shiplap is almost finished (we just have to finish the wall with the windows and trim out the windows this weekend) it’s actually starting to feel like things are coming together. There were definitely some days I was totally ready to throw in the towel though for sure 🙂 Sometimes, you just have to walk away and get a fresh perspective and some sweet encouragement from friends like you. Sending you hugs and thank yous for cheering us on, CoCo
Holy Florida summer! you must REALLY want a shed! I live in the Tampa Bay area and we no longer do any construction projects in the summer. Of course we’re considerably older than you but still…. renovating a metal box without a/c in the summer, during hurricane season? You go girl!!
Oh my word, Crystal, I’ve said to myself a hundred times “What were you thinking starting this shed project in the middle of summer!” 🙂 The pandemic definitely changed our current work from home situation. And while we’re struggling a bit with it all right now, I know I’ll be glad we pushed through it all come Fall. Thanks so much for your support! Hope you and your family are all safe and well in Tampa Bay. Hugs, CoCo
Oh my goodness~that is amazing! What a transformation! Cannot wait to see more. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Mary. It’s been a long haul transforming this shed into a studio and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel 🙂 Thank you for cheering me on, CoCo
Oh my goodness, CoCo! I totally understand the ‘bad’ luck that can occur during a reno. It’s kind of like the domino effect! And girl, you’ve had a LOT! But I promise, it will get better and you and S are going to look back on this and have a good chuckle! Especially when your enjoying the fruits of your HARD labor sipping tea and soaking in the fact that YOU created this Fabulous new space!
I appreciate you so much, Christine, thank you! I’ll freely admit I was TOTALLY naive to all that could happen when I first approached S and my Dad with this idea back in late January. And while I would never have started this project in the middle of the summer, the pandemic and way we work from home definitely changed everything. Now that the shiplap is almost completed, it actually feels like a room so I know we’re making progress. Even if the list is is still quite long 🙂 Sending you hugs and thank yous for being such a great cheerleader, CoCo
Well, I think you are doing a great job. I applaud you for pushing through and the hwat and humidity.
You will have great stories when this is finished and I believe it will be beautiful.
Can’t imagine the feeling of being locked in tge shed but you figured it out.
I can envision this all pretty already.
Cindy
Thank you so much for all your sweet encouragement, Cindy! Turning the shed into a studio cottage has been an experience we’ll never forget 🙂 While we’ve definitely hit several low points, I hope we’re weeks away from things being on the upswing 🙂 Sending you hugs, CoCo PS: Getting locked inside was bananas. It’s one of 3 experiences I hope we NEVER have to repeat again 🙂
WOW, just WOW! I’m absolutely impressed and blown away at the progress you and S have made on the shed. As the original owner, for 5 months, that shed never looked so good. I love the fun stuff you guys are doing with it and couldn’t be more proud. Simply can not wait to see the finished product….even if you don’t make it happen by Labor Day. Much love and encouragement!
Aww thank you, Patty! This project has definitely been filled with so many ups and downs. We’ve learned a ton and I’m excited to see the final result of how it all comes together. Sometimes the things in my head look way different than they do in real life and I’m just thankful we’ve had the opportunity to stretch ourselves and our skills. We’ll definitely have you over the minute the paint dries and we appreciate your encouragement so much! Love and hugs, CoCo
It’s looking amazing!!! I can’t believe how much you’ve gone through! You truly can’t make those stories up! I’m so sorry you suffer with migraines… I totally get it. And, I totally get working one hour here and there. Work has all but ceased on the bathroom makeover as I almost passed out painting the tile (thought that IS done!). So, until our heatwave is over, the major work is stopping. I’m excited to see your finished shed (and a bit jealous! 😉 ) I hope it’s my week to choose first at TTA when you have the reveal! LOL!
And I thought I was the only one who had crazy things happen! Hang in there, you’ll get it done and it will be SO worth it! Thank you for sharing at Party In Your PJ’s.
I really appreciate your sweet support, Ann, thank you so much! Hugs, CoCo
I love this! It’s totally how we work too, here a little there a little. Eventually it will be done and you will barely remember all of the effort, you will just be enjoying it! Thank you so much for linking up at Embracing Home and Family! I always enjoy your posts!
Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement, Jennifer. I was totally ready to throw in the towel after we had so much trouble getting air out there and I still can’t talk about the bug incident ha ha. I’ve learned a lot though and I can’t wait to kick back and relax once it’s all finished. If you lived closer I would host you in a heartbeat 🙂 Hope your week has been a happy one, CoCo
Whoa, what a fabulous story! You have persevered and you done good ,girls! Can’t wait to see the final result:) Hang in there. And thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
Thank you, Kathleen! It was rough going there for a hot minute but I finally feel like we are making progress. It seemed like every week there was some sort of drama and you know I don’t do drama at all 🙂 I spent all day painting today so I think we’re almost to the fun part 🙂 Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
Thank you for participating in our linky party!
Thank you so much for having me!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you so much for inviting me to your fabulous party, Beth! Hope your day has been a happy one, CoCo
CoCo your shed makeover is coming along beautifully! Thanks so much for sharing it with us at Farmhouse Friday!
Oh man, Michelle, it has been quite a journey that’s for sure. I’ll be so glad when everything is finished and in place. Thanks so much for your encouragement 🙂 Sending you hugs, CoCo
I am so sorry to hear about your migraines, I really hope you are feeling better. And your story about getting locked in the shed was hilarious, although I am betting it wasn’t too funny at the time. I am so thankful you have the a/c hooked up now, I can’t even imaging working in the summer with 100 percent humidity and no a/c!!
Oh my word, Heidi! The minute we got locked in the shed I thought I was going to lose it ha ha. It gives me the giggles to think about getting locked in there now but at the time we were like, “YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME” 🙂 I’m so thankful that part of the work is over. It was probably all that stress that led to the migraines 🙂 Sending you hugs for a happy week, CoCo