Everyone needs more space, but this super sized family really needs it. The challenge was where to get it without adding on, and how to make the most of it.
When Jud and Susanne Gardner built their house, it had plenty of space for their family of six. Then they decided to become a foster family, and the space got a lot tighter.
To free up some space, Jud moved his office to the master bedroom. A wall was then constructed the length of the room to partition part of it off for a pantry and closet. What remained of the room was turned into a bedroom for the three boys in the family.
Building an Interior Wall
Before we could build the interior wall, the baseboard, shoe molding, and crown molding where the wall would be had to be removed. A new wall was then framed up 4½ feet from an existing wall, with a door to the hall for the pantry and another door in the room for a closet.
Watch How to Build a Non-Load Bearing Interior Wall to find out more.
After the electrical outlets and lights had been roughed in, the drywall was hung and finished using fast setting joint compound. A pole sander was used to sand the finished drywall smooth.
Read How to Cut and Hang Drywall to find out more.
The door units for the closet and pantry were installed with hinges switches that turn the lights on and off automatically whenever the doors are opened and closed.
Once the trim molding had been installed on the new wall, any nail holes were filled with spackling and the joints caulked. After any drywall dust had been removed, the new wall and trim were painted.
Watch How to Install Crown Molding to find out more.
Closet and Pantry Storage
Laminate materials from ClosetMaid were used for the closet shelves, drawers, and other storage; while wire shelves were installed in the pantry.
The ClosetMaid website can provide design layout help as well as professional installation.
After the wire shelving had been installed, Suzanne stocked her new pantry with all the supplies needed to feed their extended family.
Finished Project
What was once Jud’s office is now a bedroom with bunk beds for the three boys, with plenty of space to sleep and play. And the new doors and trim we installed match the rest of the house.
Converting the office into a bedroom, complete with an ample closet space, increased the value of the Gardner’s home. And the pantry storage area would be welcome in any home.
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Uses for Coffee Filters
Coffee filters are great for a number of uses around the home. Since they’re lint-free, coffee filters are good for cleaning windows. They also can be used for lining pots, protecting dishes during packing, and covering food when microwaving. (Watch Video)
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat (model# T200577) remembers the temperature you set to build a personalized schedule and can be controlled remotely by smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The Nest thermostat is available at The Home Depot. (Watch Video)
Ask Danny Lipford:
Improving Closet Access
Replacing bypass doors with hinged or bifold doors is a great way to improve access to a closet. Bifold doors come with a track and hardware to install them easily. Hinges doors require mortising the hinges into the doors and casing. (Watch Video)
