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Everyone could use more storage space, so we’ve come up with three easy storage solution projects for your home.


Project #1: Closet Makeover

Older closets with a single shelf and rod make inefficient use of storage space. To makeover a closet to increase the useable storage space:

Retrofit Bypass Closet Doors

Convert inconvenient bypass closet doors into hinged doors:

  • Trim each door to size.
  • Mark and chisel out mortises for hinges in door edges and jambs.
  • Attach door stops to door jambs.
  • Hang doors on hinges.
  • Install catches and knobs or handles on doors.

Closet Shelves and Rods

To install new shelves and rods in closet:

  • Remove existing shelf and clothes rod.
  • Paint closet walls.
  • Locate studs and attach shelf cleats to walls.
  • Attach closet rod supports to studs.
  • Cut and install shelves.
  • Install hanging rods.
  • Add hooks to inside of door.
  • Install mirror on inside of door.
  • Putty, caulk, and paint shelving.

Project #2: Attic Storage

Attics can provide space for storage, but it’s important to elevate any floored areas to allow space for insulation so you don’t sacrifice energy efficiency. Here’s how:

  • Build a frame on top of the existing ceiling joists from 2×4 lumber.
  • Fill the spaces between the framing with insulation.
  • Attached plywood to the top of the framework.

Watch video on How to Build a Raised Storage Area in Your Attic


Project #3: Storage Shed Addition

Adding a storage shed to your yard is a great way to increase storage space. Storage buildings are available as:

  • Ready to assemble kits
  • Preassembled buildings
  • Prefabricated custom sheds
  • Sheds built on-site

To expand the size of an existing storage shed, build an addition on the side. Here’s how to go about it:

  • Construct framing for the floor from pressure treated 2×6 lumber.
  • Set the floor framing on a concrete block foundation.
  • Secure the flooring framing to the shed wall with lag bolts.
  • Attach a treated plywood floor to the floor framing.
  • Construct walls for the addition from 2×4 lumber.
  • Cut and attach 2×4 rafters to a ledger board.
  • Secure the ledger board and rafters to the shed wall.
  • Attach roof sheathing to the rafters.
  • Slide metal flashing under the shed roof and over the addition roof.
  • Install siding on the shed addition walls.
  • Add trim boards to the eaves of the shed addition.
  • Apply roofing to the shed addition roof.
  • Construct a door from plywood with 1×4 reinforcement.
  • Build a ramp to allow easy access to the shed.

Watch video on DIY Outdoor Shed Addition


Other Tips from This Episode

Simple Solutions with Joe Truini: Stepladder Drill Holder

To keep your cordless drill handy when working on a stepladder, cut a piece of vinyl downspout and attach it to the side of the stepladder with two screws. When working on the ladder, insert your drill in the holder, making sure the trigger is locked to prevent the drill from running. (Watch Video)

Best New Products with Jodi Marks: Rubbermaid Big Wheel Cart

The Rubbermaid Big Wheel plastic yard cart is easy to maneuver and holds up to 7.5 cubic feet of materials with a maximum load weight of 300 pounds. The yard cart is perfect for lawn, garden, and home improvement projects and is available at The Home Depot. (Watch Video)

Ask Danny Lipford: Painting a Garage Floor

Painting a garage floor improves the way it looks and makes it easier to keep clean. It’s important to prepare the concrete properly before painting by using a degreaser on oil spots, then clean the entire floor with masonry cleaner. After the floor as dried, apply a two-part epoxy coating made for garage floors, following the instructions carefully. (Watch Video)

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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