I decided to give Rob some options before we broke ground. I wanted him to explore the groundbreaking design and function of backyard office and grandmother units. Companies like Modern-Cabana, Modern-Shed and KitHaus create ready-to-go, modular home offices that are eye turning and state-of-the-art. For around $22,000 with permits, Rob could have his home office up and wired within days, especially with me on hand oversee the construction and dealings with the city.
He could go the pre-fab route or hire and work with me. Since he was interested in learning a new skill, he decided to build it himself with me. Some contractors will actually allow their clients to work with them, provided that their insurance will cover it. It can be a real learning experience for the client and in Rob's case, he was eager to see what he could do.
We had a nice, flat patch that had been dedicated to an old gazebo when Rob had bought the place. It was rickety and he had it removed. But the flat space allowed us to pour out a 12x12 concrete pad.
Whether it's a house or an office space for the backyard, its all pretty much the same: foundation, re-bar, framed walls, sheet rock, some good old mud, plumbing, electrical, insulation and a roof.
By the time we got to our third wall, Rob was pretty handy with a radial saw. We skipped hammer lessons and brought out the nail gun. After a few misfires, you could say he…well, nailed it. After two, pretty solid weeks, we had our frame and roof up, insulated with eco friendly loose full cellulose and sheet rocked. We brought in pressed bamboo flooring and even double paned the one medium-sized-window we carved out. We decided against putting a bathroom in the small space, but we did install a small sink, mini-refrigerator and a small convection oven in one corner.
We also decided to install a raised platform for a bed, with four posts coming down from it. Underneath what was for all intents and purposes -- a bunk bed, was where we would put Rob's desk. Rob could put a single mattress up there and take an afternoon nap if he was working or use it for storage. Now Rob had a legit office and his roof had a sunlight. It wasn't the Hilton, but he could actually rent it out in a pinch if needed. He added value to his property and by helping out, he learned some handy skills.
We broke out some whiskey after we finished the project, a light rain began to fall and that little grandma's office was warm, snug and water tight.
