How to Install a MAAX Cyrene Corner Shower Kit Step 1 – Install the Frame

After weeks of research, Diane and I could not find a contractor willing to assemble and install the corner shower kit in our new garage bathroom. It was with boundless reluctance and great trepidation that I did it myself, with Diane’s assistance when two people were needed. This is the first of a series of videos that I will be posting of this rather complicated process, including several of my custom modifications including adding additional shower framing, using aluminum angle strips to augment the attachment of the two flimsy plastic walls and other adjustments.

Except for the installation of the shower kit, our garage conversion to living space is finished! I kept a spreadsheet of all expenses, and this was the total cost of this project: $50,913.86

This is the link to my playlist named “Converting our Garage into Living Space:

   • Converting our Garage into Living Space  

Background:
Diane and I love our small ranch-style home in Sequim, Washington where we retired in 2017 – especially the unobstructed southern view of the Olympic Mountains and our almost level half-acre lot, with beautiful gardens and a private, fenced-in backyard. Built in 1978 with 2x4 exterior walls, which was to code at the time, our two-bedroom house has only 1,260 square feet of living space. It was originally a three-bedroom home until we opened the hallway wall of the middle bedroom and installed a French door leading out to our backyard. This modification expanded our living space while giving us both a northern view of our backyard gardens through the glass French doors and a breathtaking view of the Olympic Mountains through our south-facing picture windows while sitting at our dining room table.

Still, we both wanted more living space.

We explored adding on to our existing house, but because of the low ceilings and gable roof that is sloped on both the front and back sides of the house, and its 2x4 exterior wall construction, the estimates by several contractors ranged from extremely costly to impossible. Our only option for expanding our living space is by converting the attached 24x24 foot garage. We accomplished this by installing a ductless heat pump, coating the concrete floor, insulating the attic, installing an insulated garage door with windows, building a small bathroom, etc. Essentially, we could make this into a studio apartment where a family member or live-in caregiver could stay and assist us when we are unable to care for ourselves. Envisioning the possibilities, we could even rent out this small apartment to a professional single adult or couple. There is a major shortage of affordable housing here in Sequim and Port Angeles. Many residents in our area have converted spaces in their garage or home or have built an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) that they rent out to earn additional income. Besides increasing our living space, this will increase the value of our home. There are many benefits to this home improvement. However, there is one major drawback – losing our garage with no alternative for parking our cars out of the elements, most importantly my 1931 Ford Model A pickup. As of today, my Byron Lee, my pet name for my Model A is safely stored in a rented, heated garage space at a private residence located nearby.