It's not quite dark yet..

[blaze-on]

I've been putting off my DR construct due to possibility of a move...but, I decided it's time to be doing what I want to do, instead of waiting.
This went from being planned as a separate facility (where it is now under construct) to inside house back room (started wall construct..tore down) to inside the garage (started demo of old warped cabinets) to back behind garage on existing slab. Note: go with first inclination.

I thought it might be of interest. I attached a photo of current phase, and the plan I layed out. The dimensions were somewhat built around the 8'9" ss sink I found for $50.00. I want bigger, but building codes here give you up to 120 sq. ft. (roof) without permits...(uhh, excluding electric and plumbing stuff).

There'll be five feet thereabout between dry and wet side. A window a/c, exterior housed and contained shop vac with hose in wall for interior access, a solar water heater, and a simple pos. pressure vent system.

I used the cement blocks (anchored to slab with 6" lag bolts-filled with concrete, mortared) to give a more stable base and add some height to walls. Ten feet clearance to ceiling. I estimate about $1000 to $1200 for complete build. I will insulate and finish interior with drywall and paint slab floor with texture floor paint, then cover with black rubber mats.

This should suffice until I move-whenever that may be.

I'll update if there's an interest. Thanks, and cheer me on...it's another month (or more) before I finish. My bones ache, my back is sunburned, and my spare cash is gone...

 

[philldresser]

I'll update if there's an interest. Thanks, and cheer me on...it's another month (or more) before I finish. My bones ache, my back is sunburned, and my spare cash is gone...

Yes but you are smiling
Good luck

Phill

 

[Monophoto]

Blaze -

Two points (neither very serious) -

1. I built a darkroom in the basement of our new home two years ago. Three sides were framed - I had to build the framing on the fourth side, do the sheet rock and ceiling, wiring, plumbing, cabinets, etc. I spent over $1000 on the project. Considering that you will have to build an entire weatherproof structure, I am concerned that your budget may be a bit anemic.

2. Here in New York you have to get a building permit for any addition, regardless of size. The concept at work is that any structure increases the value of the property, therefore you need a permit as a means of formally notifying the taxing authorities so that they can reassess the property and increase your taxes.

 

[MenacingTourist]

Matt,

I think your wheel barrow is as old as your camera! Excellent
Keep us posted, I can't wait to see it finished. It's also good motivation for me to spend my extra money on my dark room project and not on lenses.

Alan.

 

[John Bartley]

It looks like it's going great - keep it up !! If you can build that whole thing for $1200.00US, then I'm gonna' hire you to build my house when we move back to Northern Ontario - here's hoping you can keep to your budget !!

ps : I LOVE THE WHEELBARROW !!

 

[blaze-on]

Phil, your post made me smile-thanks.

Mono, that is a guestimate but as we all know, things tend to add up. But I'm doing it all myself and have some good sources for certain materials.
It's a "tool shed" for all intents and purposes, and freestanding so no permit required if sq. footage of roof is 120 or less. Now, the wiring is another matter...but I'll have a service riser extend from roof to string a line from garage where there's an open 20 amp. Wire provided by my friendly utility...UG #10 street light wire - free.

Exterior grade shiplap plywood for sides and ext. for roof - $150 out the door. About half what Home depot charges.

I of course already have the darkroom gear as far as enlarger, lenses, trays, thomas safelight, gizmos and stuff, so did not include those.
I will keep a tab on materials for construction and post with the final picture. Per Volquartz is going to help christen this with a vintage '56 bottle of pyro...

The wheelbarrow I inherited when I got the house 17 years ago...it is the timex of 'barrows...just keeps on truckin'...the steel wheel kinda sucks...it must be the analog version of wheelbarrows...

John, after this I have to rebuild a bathroom and finish off two bedrooms to get this old house ready to sell next summer. So as much as i would truly love to help build your home...NOT! But good luck...

Alan, just do it! I waited far too long in my indecision...And my camera is old? Huh, I think of it as "Born Again"...

 

[roteague]

Matt, please post your progress. I find it quite interesting - something I probably will never be able to do. BTW, say hello to Per for me; he keeps telling me that he is going to visit Hawaii. Perhaps we could do one of his workshops over here.

 

[rogueish]

Good luck and keep us posted!
I plan on adding a small darkroom to the cottage (under construction in Bancroft) when it's finished. Of course the Mrs' doesn't know this yet, so Mom's the word!
I have a choice of the 8'x10' shed (ideal! but unlikely to win the inevidable "discussion") or sanctioning a piece of the basement
.
As to the wheelborrow, I agree with your assement, but sucks isn't the word I used. I worked a summer mixing cement for a brick layer. Try pushing that contraption through mud, then up the scaffolding to the secound floor or down a ramp into a basement.

 

[John Bartley]

....
I plan on adding a small darkroom to the cottage (under construction in Bancroft) ....

Bancroft, for those of you who don't know, is a beautifull little town in the centre of Eastern Ontario (in the Haliburton Highlands maybe?) and is also the "Gem Capital" of Ontario with many deposits of stones which can be polished and set.
In addition to the mineral lure (and lore) of the area, the scenery is second to none !!, with hills, streams, huge old white pines, massive oaks and maples and some rock faces that just beg to be photographed!!

Way to go!! You're building in one of the very few areas that I've seen that rivals my place in the North.

cheers

 

[blaze-on]

Hey Robert...we need to convert you to black and white...then you can come and play...

I forgot to mention that cabinets, shelves, etc. can be found at your local Habitat for Humanity, or, as I have here, a Sears 'seconds" outlet...where you find new stuff with a ding or two at highly discounted prices.

When complete, I will auction of the wheelbarrow (on Ebay under antiquities>RARE>hard to find)...or send it to rogueish as he has such fond memories

 

[BradS]

Blaze - this is inspiring. I keep bitching about wanting a darkroom and my accountant keeps telling me to convert the shed I built in the back yard a couple of years ago. Now, I think I may do just that. Thanks...and please do keep us up-to-date with your progress.

 

[blaze-on]

Slowly but surely...gettin' darker...

Well, thought it time to update this. Four plus months and I'm just now getting the outside ready to paint. Then I'll start the inside...

Only $400 over budget so far
but have bought most the interior stuff except insulation and some cabinet wood...oh well, "the best laid plans"...

 

[Mick Fagan]

Lookin pretty good, is that chair as old as the wheelbarrow?

Mick.

 

[blaze-on]

Lookin pretty good, is that chair as old as the wheelbarrow?

Mick.

Nah Mick, it's only five yrs. old..

I wanted to say a "Thank You" to APUG's "Hortense" (Robert) for coming over to check it out and offer some good interior layout advice. Bob also let me go over and print in his DR to get a feel for where things should be.

 

[rbarker]

Congratulations, Matt. Looks like you're getting close.

 

[BrianShaw]

I'm just tuning into your darkroom construction... so pardon me for butting into the conversation.

I was intriqued by the framing of the rear wall. I noticed some double studs in the middle of the wall, a sill of some kind, and a stud that (ahem) seems deficient. What was that all about. Are you installing a window behind your enlarger?

 

[blaze-on]

I'm just tuning into your darkroom construction... so pardon me for butting into the conversation.

I was intriqued by the framing of the rear wall. I noticed some double studs in the middle of the wall, a sill of some kind, and a stud that (ahem) seems deficient. What was that all about. Are you installing a window behind your enlarger?

That "deficient " stud was cut so I could frame in an opening for a small window a/c unit. I just hadn't added the rest of the support studs at the time of pic.