The Man Cave

Large & In Charge

While we will be living in the new addition during the renovation phase of the original farmhouse, the full basement under the new addition will ultimately be Brian John’s man cave.

In other words, it is hands off for me.  BJR can have it.

Manland, mantuary, or man cave, it is all him.

Wikipedia says that a man cave is where guys can “do what they please without upsetting any female sensibility about home decor or design.” My female sensibility says, have at it, darlin’.

Get ‘er Done

Because my man is a can do kinda guy, he is doing the basement work himself — and he is like a kid in a candy store.  With the help of Uncle Joe — who we pay in beer and blueberry pie — Brian has done it all.

Here is the ‘before’ shot from the old cellar, looking west into the new basement.

And here are the fruits of BJR’s labors… First he had to apply caulk to the entire perimeter, between the poured floor and foundation walls, to keep out the radon gas (of which tests from the old cellar showed ZERO. But oh, I feel so much safer now that all these precautions have been taken…not. Thank you, code.).

I suggested BJR get a pad for those ol’ knees.  He listened (thank you, Lord!), as he has the knees of an old Army Ranger who jumped outta one too many planes and helicopters.

Then you (or he) start building the studs. This is where the stairs will be.  Adam, we need your help here, please.

You build some walls. And then you frame in the bathroom too.

Look at those handsome studs in the utility room.  Good job, baby. You da’ bomb.

And then there is this 25 x 35 square feet room, which is all Brian John’s domain.

That is all man cave, right there.  110 percent.  Looks good, huh?

Running wire is key.

This fella was pretty proud when he gave me the tour.

Lawd, I love this man.

It’s a good feeling to know you have given as much sweat equity as you can.  BJR has done that — and then some.

Here’s what it now looks like from the old cellar, looking toward the west.

And here it is, looking from the east. Look at those beautiful lights too.

I can’t wait to see what he does with his man cave.

With my blessing, of course.

xo