The Garage Bathroom: A Report

Grandpa and me in the roughed-out space for the shower.

A couple years ago, Grandpa told us he'd like to "pop" for a bathroom in the garage, so he can see us enjoying our inheritance. The PPP stage (putzing, planning, procrastinating) took a couple years, but in the picture above, you can see the process was well under way for Pa's May 2012 visit.

We are keeping the existing windows, paneling, and ceiling, which are in fine shape, and adding a toilet, sink, and shower. For now, we'll keep the floor simple concrete; after a shake down cruise for the room we might decide to stain, paint, or otherwise cover it.

Shower surround, installed.

In this photo, you see the nice shower surround we chose, outfitted with all the grab bars a 90-year-old would ever need to take a nice shower at the cottage. 

The sink cabinet and top, before the sink was installed.

Another view of the room with sink cabinet and top, before the sink was installed. We decided on a kitchen sink--rather than a dainty bathroom vanity or a full-on utility sink--as the most useful for washing hair, soaking wet bathing suits, or bathing babies and toddlers.

Tongue & groove over the shower.

Further progress was made when the carpenter installed the pine tongue and groove 1x6s around the shower. Ken picked up the lumber at Ellenberger Lumber, the "Do-it" center in Onaway. We chose a cherry-colored Minwax stain, which Ken applied by hand with an old t-shirt.

Kenny carefully and expertly wiping on the stain.

Note the ceiling vent and sink.

So, we are getting there. Our construction guy will be coming in next week to install the glass shower doors, and caulk the shower area. Ken will apply urethane sealer to the wood as soon as the humidity will allow (it's kind of high today).

My little "as seen on TV" magnetic screen door.

The cheesy "magnetic screen door" I got from the "As Seen on TV" section of the Walgreen's in Cheboygan works pretty well for keeping out big stupid bugs. Small smart bugs won't find it much of an impediment, but it keeps big buzzy flies at bay.