Today, I want to share the exciting progress I've made on framing up my storm shelter, which is going to double as my ultimate man cave. I've been working on this project to ensure safety for my family during storms and to create a unique, cool space below my porch.
So, here's the lowdown on what I've been up to. It all started with the decision to frame up this storm shelter quickly because, let's face it, working on the porch in nasty weather isn't the best idea. Safety first! My primary concern is making sure it's secure, especially since my kids love hanging out there. I envision a hunting room and office above, and below, a fully functional storm shelter that doesn't compromise on space.
The key was setting the joists just right across the concrete walls. This way, I'll have comfortable 8-foot ceilings in the storm shelter and a spacious 9-foot 3-inch room above. It's all about maximizing the potential of the space. I have big plans to turn this into the ultimate man cave.
Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty details. I decided not to use treated boards on the floor as it's not code in most places, but I have my reasons. With the top board laid out and the non-load-bearing walls framed up, it was time to tackle the basement. I knew I had to get creative with the stairs, but more on that later.
Fast forward, and all the walls are framed up in the storm shelter. I'm holding off on finishing above the windows until I decide on the window placement. With the walls up, it was time to put the joists in place and figure out the stairs' location.
Speaking of stairs, I'm going for a non-traditional, space-saving design. The confined area calls for angled stairs that curve down in the corner. It might not be up to code for such a small space, but hey, it's my man cave, right? The idea is to create a cool, unique entrance into the storm shelter.
Cutting stair stringers is a bit of a puzzle, especially when dealing with a curved design. I divided the rise and run into sections, ensuring a smooth transition from the top to the bottom. It's all about trial and error, but the end result will be worth it.
As I progressed, I faced some challenges, like measuring from the wrong point for the second stair. But hey, mistakes happen, and the key is to learn from them. A little adjustment and I was back on track.
I added some flair by rounding over the corners and prepped the stairs for future finishing touches. The space is starting to take shape, and I can't wait to see the finished product.
Stay tuned for more updates on my storm shelter transformation. Whether it's safety or a cool hangout spot, this project is a labor of love, and I'm enjoying every moment of it!
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