Oh my gosh you guys…why didn’t you STOP me from this insane idea of tackling 600 square feet of garage in 6 weeks?!?! On the other hand, it doesn’t matter that I haven’t been to the gym, because I have been getting a serious workout.
If you are new here, start with week 1 where I show the before pictures of my garage and my plan to transform it as part of the One Room Challenge. Don’t forget to meet us back here at week 2 for a cocktail when you are done!
All whining aside, we are actually right on schedule! It couldn’t have worked out better that my hubby was off work on Good Friday. Well, it could have worked out a lot better for HIM. But I was happy to have major help.
Here’s what things looked like midway through Friday.
Why yes, we did have an antique rocking chair buried in all that stuff…and the third row seat of the Expedition.
Saturday, we spent the morning distributing all the junk we didn’t need. We repaired the drawers on the dresser we had been using for storage and donated it along with several other things. Plus we had a few gallons of car oil that needed to go to the recycling center.
With all that gone, we were able to finish moving things around so that both cars could fit back in the garage and the driveway would be open for our Easter guests. Of course we hosted Easter for 20 people in the middle of this! Don’t be too impressed though, everyone chips in with food so I wasn’t trying to shop for everything and cook all the food myself. I just had to make a few things and get the house ready.
My game plan was to get everything out of the future workshop side so we could start prepping the floor for the new copper finish. Since we have nowhere to store all the garage stuff in order to do the whole floor at once, I decided to get the workshop/3rd car stall done first so it could cure and I could start getting all the fun stuff into that space. Once it’s moved back, we’ll be able to start work on the rest of the floor.
So you’re probably thinking the hard part of the week was over once the space was cleared, but that part wasn’t the sweat-inducing, whiner-making part.
First the good – the fabulous ladies at Rust-Oleum moved mountains and got the RockSolid Copper Metallic flooring materials delivered in record time. Plus, they really spoiled me and included all the optional goodies like the Oil Destroyer to help prep the floor. Imagine my shock on Monday when a delivery driver rang the doorbell and asked where I wanted my delivery…umm…usually on the front porch like everyone else. Then I saw why he asked.
With the pallet of flooring goodness delivered, it was time for the serious work to begin. See all those oil, paint, and tire spots?
Well they all have to go! I need a super clean surface so the copper coating will adhere properly. That meant hours of scrubbing over a few days using RockSolid Oil Destroyer on the oil spots, scraping paint with a razor blade, and a few different sessions of power washing.
Let this be a lesson – it’s way easier to protect your floor from the beginning instead of trying to clean up three years of abuse.
Seriously exhausting. But now the floor finally feels nice and clean so I just have to fill in a couple spots with some RockSolid Fast Patch and we will be ready to do the fun copper part of the flooring on Saturday. I can’t wait!!! Obviously the upside of all this work was the rare chance for a pink ear protection selfie. Power washers are LOUD.
Really I just had to share this pic to give you a laugh because the writing isn’t so funny this week. Did I mention we also decided to become runners right along with the ORC? #whoarewe #whatwherewethinking
The last two weeks we’ve joined a social run group on Tuesday nights, which would be super fun if we had ever run more than a block before. Thankfully there is a run/walk interval group, but it was still brutal this week. I seriously wanted to be put in a wagon and pulled the 2nd uphill mile. But I made it to the end and I will go back week after week until I can run the whole stinkin’ time. Anyways, my goofy picture was taken after we got home from our run and headed to the garage. So, I think I’m too tired to be funny this week. But, as with the run, I’ll make it to the end of garage makeover and be so happy I did it!
As a reminder for you and for ME, here’s my schedule for the rest of the Bringin’ Sexy Back Garage Makeover.
4/2/15: Before Photos & Plans – DONE
4/9/15: Week 2 Progress – Space cleared – Totally Killed it
4/16/15: Floor Done & Mural Started
4/23/15: Painting Cabinets/Pegboard/Shelving (Plus out of town 4/22-4/26. Yikes!)
4/30/15: Placement of all cabinets/shelves, begin organizing
5/7/15 – Styling and Final Reveal
I have to take a second to recognize what a phenomenally supportive group of bloggers participate in the One Room Challenge. Seriously. With every blog or social media post, you get the most encouraging comments. This week the amazing Abby from Abby M. Interiors has been my cheerleader on Instagram. If you use Instagram, PLEASE go follow her @abbyminteriors – her feed is gorgeous, but her heart is even better. I kinda forget to tell you last week that you can follow all my behind the scenes progress on Instagram as well.
Don’t forget to visit Calling It Home to see how all the other linking participants are doing this week!
Amelia says
Looking forward to watching the other garage on ORC come together! Most of us are welcomed home by our garage first, so why not give it a little TLC!
Sarah says
Melissa, you’ve rocked it this week! You’re garage is already looking better! Sarah, Sarah Sofia Productions
Melissa George says
Thank you Sarah!
Erin Meyer says
Wow! You got a lot done this week (and congrats on the running/walking). Can’t wait to see the floor in all its glory!
Melissa George says
Thank you Erin!
Kim Macumber says
So excited for this garage makeover … seriously, I need good garage ideas! You go girl!
tara // by design co. says
look at you go girl…and running? awesome. cannot wait to see this floor situation, i so badly want to do something with our floors in the garage to make them look a little more polished. can’t wait for next week!
Melissa George says
Thanks Tara, the running definitely needs the question mark after it.
Claire Brody says
What a fun yet practical project! You are a hoot!
Kristi says
Dying to see how these floors turn out!!! And good for you for joining a running group! I just discovered running a couple of years ago and now I’m absolutely hooked! It’s so nice to not only get some exercise, but to see how you progress!
Melissa George says
I’m glad you survived the transition to running! The progress piece is what will keep me going I think. I’m all about improving!
amy says
Eek! I sealed my third bay, but never my primary garage. Kind of thinking I should do that now before I end up needing a case of beer and a pallet of elbow grease! Looking forward to seeing how it comes out!
Melissa George says
I whole heartedly encourage you to seal it this weekend.
Always Rad says
Good luck with your project! Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Kasey says
Excited to see how the floor turns out!
Melissa George says
Thanks Kasey!
Wendy says
Our garage is in desperate need of organization! Can’t wait to see how yours turns out & be inspired to start cleaning up my own garage. (It will be anything but sexy though!)
Melissa George says
I’m in the organization is sexy mindset for this one!
Angela, blue i style says
Awesome work this week! Our garage has become a pit (especially after we cleared out our understair storage and moved it all to … the garage) so I am really counting on you to motivate me to tackle it in another month of two. No pressure or anything 😉
Melissa George says
Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure I’m maxed out on self-pressure and your pressure can’t impact me at all! Hopefully it turns out inspiring for everyone.
Jennifer says
You are going to feel so good when this is said and done…..AND then you can come work on my garage next 🙂
Melissa George says
Normally I’d say I’d be right over to help, but I think one garage a decade is my limit!
Michaela says
The anticipation of this floor is killing me! : ) So much hard work, and I’m sure it’ll be totally amazing! : )
Melissa George says
Yes! I think the anticipation is killing me too. The neighbor even came over to check on the floor today!
Laura Irion // Avery Street Design says
Girl!!! You are the bravest woman!!! This whole makeover makes my heart go pitter-patter. Our garage is an abyss…seriously, I have no idea what is in there. The neighbors probably think we’re hoarders. I am sooo excited to follow along and live vicariously as you tackle yours- copper floors!! I’m so geeked out right now! Jumping up and down for you!! Can’t wait to see next week. XO!! Laura
Melissa George says
And I’m geeked out jumping up and down that YOU are so excited about this! Plus, I’m just dying to know how you like your Tuft & Needle mattress after a few weeks. Our mattress is fine…when my husband is out of town on business and I have the bed to myself. The rest of the time I feel like I’m sleeping sideways on a ski-slope!
Krista @ the happy housie says
Wow- I can’t wait to see what happens with that big’ol flat o’goods you got. That has some serious promise!!
Karisa | Petite Modern Life says
Holy cow! I cannot wait to see this copper floor business!!
IrisNacole says
You are Superwoman! I couldn’t imagine taking on such a large space, and do all of those other things! I’m really excited to see this new floor and all of the other progress you make over the week!
Melissa George says
I think I’m more on the side of crazywoman on the Superwoman to crazywoman spectrum, but thank you so much!!!
Robin says
Melissa, What a happy benefit of being an ORC link participant … getting to meet witty, clever, hard working, resourceful and talented bloggers like you! Your previous ORC project – THE pantry {it deserves all caps}, was inspired and amazing so I can’t wait to see what you do with a previously humble soon to be glam’ed up garage. Hubby has talent too, downloaded his fun printable and it may show up in my kitchen refresh. Robin
Melissa George says
Ah, thanks so much Robin. I completely agree that finding new inspirations is one of, if not THE BEST part of the ORC. My instagram feed is full of talented and good hearted people I might never have come across. I can’t wait to see what hubby comes up with for the garage wall. Part of it is planned out, but we’re still tossing ideas around for the final game plan.
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com says
I cannot wait to see that floor, Melissa! Way to go so far! And good for you for joining the running group… I started a few years ago and then kinda stopped over the winter but am back into it and loving it! Good luck this week! Can’t wait to see more!