She shed or addition?
10-21-2015, 12:04 PM
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,355
Because of prior illness, climbing stairs is difficult, yet I do it because my sewing area is on the second floor. We are, however, in the planning stages of moving my machine downstairs into our sun room. It's a small room and it will be tight. No storage so fabric will go in under-the-bed storage boxes. It will be nice to be able to throw in a load of wash or keep an eye on dinner while I sew. I think I'll get a lot more done. Now just to get the planning over and the move done!!
10-21-2015, 12:45 PM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,391
You've given me a lot to think about. Our garage is not attached to the house - it sits off to one side and behind the house, so its not possible to connect the two.
I've thought about a dumb waiter, stair chairs, etc., but the way the garage was constructed, there just isn't room to put anything like that in. BTW - the stairs are inside the garage.
We have a very small house and the only room I could consider taking over would be the dining room. But that would be a fraction of the size of the room I am currently using and it wouldn't fit my long arm (or much of my sewing stuff period).
I'm thinking the addition might be the way to go, because I plan on spending another 20 or more years in that house. The fact that it would add value to the home is something to consider as well.
I've thought about a dumb waiter, stair chairs, etc., but the way the garage was constructed, there just isn't room to put anything like that in. BTW - the stairs are inside the garage.
We have a very small house and the only room I could consider taking over would be the dining room. But that would be a fraction of the size of the room I am currently using and it wouldn't fit my long arm (or much of my sewing stuff period).
I'm thinking the addition might be the way to go, because I plan on spending another 20 or more years in that house. The fact that it would add value to the home is something to consider as well.
Have someone else look over the placement of the house and garage. New eyes may figure out a way to connect the house and garage, downstairs or upstairs.
10-21-2015, 01:10 PM
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Desert Southwest
Posts: 1,314
Hold on for a few months...or so. It could be you are just bored and looking for a project. Along the lines of "the grass is always greener". Let me remind you of your second sentence:
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my space. It is awesome and has almost everything a person could want. I do like how I am isolated and that the space is totally MINE.
You live in the Finger Lakes area. So what's the big deal about going outside to get to your space? You go outside for any other thing you might want or need...how come no complaining about going outside to the grocery store, eh??? You tell us the stairs are steep but immediately go on to tell us that's not a problem. Unless you arms are full. How about having hubby fix you up with a pulley system to raise and lower a basket with the stuff you want to get upstairs? I'll bet he would love to work on a challenge like that and it sure as heck is a lot less expensive than what you are contemplating. So...think about it a little more before you make a decision. Good luck and please do let us know what you decide.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my space. It is awesome and has almost everything a person could want. I do like how I am isolated and that the space is totally MINE.
You live in the Finger Lakes area. So what's the big deal about going outside to get to your space? You go outside for any other thing you might want or need...how come no complaining about going outside to the grocery store, eh??? You tell us the stairs are steep but immediately go on to tell us that's not a problem. Unless you arms are full. How about having hubby fix you up with a pulley system to raise and lower a basket with the stuff you want to get upstairs? I'll bet he would love to work on a challenge like that and it sure as heck is a lot less expensive than what you are contemplating. So...think about it a little more before you make a decision. Good luck and please do let us know what you decide.
10-21-2015, 08:58 PM
#46
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,511
Could you figure out a way to put another set of covered stairs on the outside that would be less steep?
You might need to do something to the roof to be able to install a door.
If push comes to shove, you could have a camper type port-a-pot up there for emergencies.
You might need to do something to the roof to be able to install a door.
If push comes to shove, you could have a camper type port-a-pot up there for emergencies.
10-22-2015, 04:56 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Missouri
Posts: 796
Congrats on having a sewing room all to yourself! Well..as for changes, I would personally go for an additional building because it will increase the value of your home, someday! Maybe he can cut a door from the garage, directly into your new sewing house - so you don't have that horrible walking out in the weather kind of thing?!
10-22-2015, 05:41 AM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
Your next fall could keep you from sewing (and a whole lot more) if it were bad enough. Do you want to risk that? I agree with those who say build an addition. For added value, safety, shelter, and being close to the main living area. It might cost more in the short run, but in the long run I believe all the benefits would outweigh the risks, chiefly of slipping and/ or falling .
10-22-2015, 05:53 AM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
If this were me...addition, all the way. Maybe a shed for some extra storage to de-clutter the main room would be nice, but I want my main sewing space as part of the house.
I LIVE in my sewing room, and I think I would feel too isolated if it were completely separate from the house. DH's "man cave" is adjacent to my sewing room so we can still see & hear each other when we're in our own happy places. Plus the dogs...I don't let them IN my sewing room but they have beds right outside of it; in those beds they can usually see both me and DH. I think they'd be wanting to be let in and out constantly if it were a separate structure, going back and forth between me and DH.
I think my ideal sewing space would be a large loft space over the main part of the house. Very open so I can still be part of the household goings-on, but up high and with half walls so visitors can't see all my clutter.
I LIVE in my sewing room, and I think I would feel too isolated if it were completely separate from the house. DH's "man cave" is adjacent to my sewing room so we can still see & hear each other when we're in our own happy places. Plus the dogs...I don't let them IN my sewing room but they have beds right outside of it; in those beds they can usually see both me and DH. I think they'd be wanting to be let in and out constantly if it were a separate structure, going back and forth between me and DH.
I think my ideal sewing space would be a large loft space over the main part of the house. Very open so I can still be part of the household goings-on, but up high and with half walls so visitors can't see all my clutter.
10-22-2015, 06:44 AM
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,043
We added on a "Sun Room" that I have claimed as a sewing room. I love it because I can come inside when I need to, but I can stop in the middle of something when I need to leave for a while. I vote for an addition.
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