That crazy estimate knocked me for a loop. Wow. Obviously I have no idea what time and labor and materials all cost. Crazy. I was super bummed but quickly realized that I need the space to work or I will lose my mind. So I determined to get working on it and see what can be done. The handy-person has agreed to work with my very low budget and focus on what is essential to me and we will deal with making it pretty later, insulating it later… I’m going to have to save up the money for each phase of this.

So I braved a trip into a nearby-ish city to visit a reclaimed building supplies store. I hate driving in practically any traffic, I hate too many lanes, I die a little trying to navigate in unfamiliar places. It spikes my anxiety. I managed to get the 2 essential windows for a total of $75, I also grabbed a small cabinet for $15. I emailed the handy-person and now I wait to hear back. She’ll be installing the windows, using plywood to create the 2 loft spaces, putting in a ladder or something, and moving the support for the lighting over for me. Those are the essentials I need handled. I will board over the interior window opening and paint the counter and shelves or wrap them in oilcloth or something and there’s my studio in it’s stripped down form. I’m not saying it will be comfy this winter but I’m hoping to get some use out of it.