Over the past 30 years the maintenance shed devolved into a dark cave of disorganization. Until we created a separate maintenance office and breakroom, the maintenance shed served as all things and gradually filled up with junk, old furniture, tools, and supplies to a point where nothing could be efficiently accomplished.
The lack of space and organization meant time and money was being wasted everyday.
Here is how it used to be:
The shed had very poor lighting that made it difficult to see, let alone work in.When the shed was office, breakroom, and work area all rolled into one.The collection of junk and disorganization was terribleExpensive tools sat on the concrete floor for lack of storage. Buckets stored tools, since there was no tool chest.Rain and irrigation water constantly leaked in, despite attempts to seal the floor seams with foam.Everything just leaned up against the walls, falling over constantly. Notice the water leaking in from the rain.Old discarded furniture was used as tool storage.
It was not a good situation, so it was time to make a change. Lorenzo, John, and I cleared out all the junk and began organizing. Here is the result:
We added overhead lighting, and beefed up all the other lights. What a difference!Simple racks were constructed to hold and organize tools.Everything is up off the ground and easily accessible.The expensive landscaping tools now have designated homes off the wet concrete floor.Finally, a real tool box! No more buckets and boxes filled with rusting tools.
We still face some challenges, however. There are security issues and major electrical issues to overcome:
Unfortunately, the only security we have for the sliding metal door is by using a pair of pliers to close it. Eventually, we’ll have to replace this shed. But after 30 years, I think we got a useful life from this one.The shed and RV lot are filled with some serious electrical problems. Nothing is up to code. Here, someone opened up a box and ran Romex from the live wires to an adjoining shed. It was left this way until we sealed the box and cut the power to the adjoining shed.Not the best wiring I’ve seen. With water on the floor and a metal shed, it’s a bit un-nerving.Not my idea.I’m not quite sure what the idea was here.The wiring leading out to the RV lot is not GFCI protected.This can be risky in wet weather.Along with GFCI protection, these outlets should have over-sized “in-use” weatherproof covers.
Although we have made significant progress with cleaning out and organizing the shed, the subpar electrical wiring will also have to be redone. But there is no sense in re-wiring an old, leaky shed that is over 30 years old. Maybe this Spring and Summer we can get serious about a new shed and getting the electrical up to code.
Dave, Just a note to thank you for your efforts to reorganize the shed areas from which Lorenzo and John work.
It appears, looking at the pictures, that the inside of the sheds have been greatly cleaned up and look good.
You have helped establish a maintenance office as well as a “break & lunch” area for Lorenzo and John giving them
a sheltered and warm place to meet, have lunch and discuss their work. It seems you have elevated their status
from “hired help” to “VALUED EMPLOYEES”. A long time coming…..
Thank you.
March 24, 2023
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Thank you Dave. Long overdue.
Dave, Just a note to thank you for your efforts to reorganize the shed areas from which Lorenzo and John work.
It appears, looking at the pictures, that the inside of the sheds have been greatly cleaned up and look good.
You have helped establish a maintenance office as well as a “break & lunch” area for Lorenzo and John giving them
a sheltered and warm place to meet, have lunch and discuss their work. It seems you have elevated their status
from “hired help” to “VALUED EMPLOYEES”. A long time coming…..
Thank you.
March 24, 2023