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Hairs of the Dogs brewery build
- Thread starter Idaho Buzz
- Start date
Help Support Homebrew Talk:
OP
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It feels like it’s only about 20 hours of contractor work before I can start setting up my equipment…. Arrrgggggg it’s toooooo SLOW…. and I’m sure I’ve underestimated 
The plumber was out today, tankless water heater now moved from house to brewery. We’ve discussed how to manage supply lines for the built in coffee maker and dishwasher along with the drain for the dishwasher and kegerator drain tray. Unfortunately, we’ll be opening the wall to put another clothes washer drain box in but that looks like the best solution. He’ll be back on Monday, hoping to get the drains and water supply set up for the lounge side and would like to see the toilet installed as well. The brew room has a wall covered with Formica that needs to be installed (and that tile on the concrete foundation installed) before we can set up the sink, condensate hood drain, and water supply for the chiller.
Good lesson learned today…. The brew room floor drains are - floor sink, floor drain, floor sink. There is an extra water supply line at the furthest floor sink, this will be set up with some sort of drip regulator (in the utility cabinet mentioned below) so that all 3 P-traps remain full of water to prevent any sewer gas from escaping. Kudo’s to the original plumber for planning that supply line.
Tomorrow I will be discussing with the contractor the glycol lines for the kegerator tower and the C02 tank, lines, and regulators (these are located in the brew room and need to go through the wall to the kegerator in the lounge). I’m planning to cut out the bottom of a cabinet so it will accommodate the C02 tank height and mount the 4 regulators on the wall above the counter tops. The glycol chiller is next to this cabinet, so a simple hole through the side for those lines and the cabinet becomes a utility cabinet for pass through for water supplies, C02, and glycol lines. If we can get all this straight and complete, I can schedule the countertop templating.
The lift station grinder pump and controller is supposed to be installed tomorrow (along with regrading the yard) and the roll up window is now over due for installation, so fingers crossed it’s tomorrow or early next week as the rains have begun and the wind blows directly through it.
Have begun pushing to get the power and lights completed in the brew room along with completing the drywall patch under the controller. I’d like to mount the controller and do any testing I can now.
We have a special wallpaper planned for one wall of the water closet and sink niche. The designer recommended a specific commercial installer who I talked to today - and should have reached out to a month ago. Another lesson learned, they want to install prior to counter tops and flooring…. So I’m late on the flooring side, but as there are baseboards I don’t think it’s really an issue.
We’re closing in on the end of the budget, but have scheduled a paver patio (with walk way into the side yard), plumber for the gas to the fire pit, replacement fence between the house and brewery (has to come down to get the equipment in - and need to be replaced due to frost heaving) and a pad for a future hot tube for August. The ‘fun’ will never stop!
I’ve cleared some of my woodshop to try to reach my tools and begin ‘lending a helping hand’ over the weekends.
I appreciate you ladies and gents being an opportunity for me to vent frustration and reflect on the build, it’s been a very long haul.
The plumber was out today, tankless water heater now moved from house to brewery. We’ve discussed how to manage supply lines for the built in coffee maker and dishwasher along with the drain for the dishwasher and kegerator drain tray. Unfortunately, we’ll be opening the wall to put another clothes washer drain box in but that looks like the best solution. He’ll be back on Monday, hoping to get the drains and water supply set up for the lounge side and would like to see the toilet installed as well. The brew room has a wall covered with Formica that needs to be installed (and that tile on the concrete foundation installed) before we can set up the sink, condensate hood drain, and water supply for the chiller.
Good lesson learned today…. The brew room floor drains are - floor sink, floor drain, floor sink. There is an extra water supply line at the furthest floor sink, this will be set up with some sort of drip regulator (in the utility cabinet mentioned below) so that all 3 P-traps remain full of water to prevent any sewer gas from escaping. Kudo’s to the original plumber for planning that supply line.
Tomorrow I will be discussing with the contractor the glycol lines for the kegerator tower and the C02 tank, lines, and regulators (these are located in the brew room and need to go through the wall to the kegerator in the lounge). I’m planning to cut out the bottom of a cabinet so it will accommodate the C02 tank height and mount the 4 regulators on the wall above the counter tops. The glycol chiller is next to this cabinet, so a simple hole through the side for those lines and the cabinet becomes a utility cabinet for pass through for water supplies, C02, and glycol lines. If we can get all this straight and complete, I can schedule the countertop templating.
The lift station grinder pump and controller is supposed to be installed tomorrow (along with regrading the yard) and the roll up window is now over due for installation, so fingers crossed it’s tomorrow or early next week as the rains have begun and the wind blows directly through it.
Have begun pushing to get the power and lights completed in the brew room along with completing the drywall patch under the controller. I’d like to mount the controller and do any testing I can now.
We have a special wallpaper planned for one wall of the water closet and sink niche. The designer recommended a specific commercial installer who I talked to today - and should have reached out to a month ago. Another lesson learned, they want to install prior to counter tops and flooring…. So I’m late on the flooring side, but as there are baseboards I don’t think it’s really an issue.
We’re closing in on the end of the budget, but have scheduled a paver patio (with walk way into the side yard), plumber for the gas to the fire pit, replacement fence between the house and brewery (has to come down to get the equipment in - and need to be replaced due to frost heaving) and a pad for a future hot tube for August. The ‘fun’ will never stop!
I’ve cleared some of my woodshop to try to reach my tools and begin ‘lending a helping hand’ over the weekends.
I appreciate you ladies and gents being an opportunity for me to vent frustration and reflect on the build, it’s been a very long haul.
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OP
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A couple of key accomplishments...
First, if there was a toilet installed and water was on I could flush it! The lift station grinder pump and controller are installed which completes the sewer portion of the build.
Second, the roll up window is finally in place. Happy days - and completed just ahead of the storms that blow directly into that window.
There was a short in the wire for the door opener, so that will need to be sorted out. Eventually, we will use a decora momentary switch to open and close the window. Instead of the door opener release pull rope I've ordered an old cistern (high tank toilet) pull chain and handle to use instead.
The electricians are currently busy adding a ground to the 240v outlet for the controller (shouldn't have missed this in their initial rough in
) but getting it done without having to open the wall. They have also added a 2 gang outlet above the counters in the brew room as I missed this when we changed from a rolling table to cabinets for storage. We also now have the lights installed in the brew room; it will be interesting to see if the hanging pendants will be enough light for the brew pots. If not, we'll have to add some lights on the wall that point at the brew pots.
They've been slowly chipping away at tiling the foundation, they finished the water closet and it's looking pretty good. Picture of the fireplace shows how the foundation originally started out.
First, if there was a toilet installed and water was on I could flush it! The lift station grinder pump and controller are installed which completes the sewer portion of the build.
Second, the roll up window is finally in place. Happy days - and completed just ahead of the storms that blow directly into that window.
There was a short in the wire for the door opener, so that will need to be sorted out. Eventually, we will use a decora momentary switch to open and close the window. Instead of the door opener release pull rope I've ordered an old cistern (high tank toilet) pull chain and handle to use instead.The electricians are currently busy adding a ground to the 240v outlet for the controller (shouldn't have missed this in their initial rough in
) but getting it done without having to open the wall. They have also added a 2 gang outlet above the counters in the brew room as I missed this when we changed from a rolling table to cabinets for storage. We also now have the lights installed in the brew room; it will be interesting to see if the hanging pendants will be enough light for the brew pots. If not, we'll have to add some lights on the wall that point at the brew pots.They've been slowly chipping away at tiling the foundation, they finished the water closet and it's looking pretty good. Picture of the fireplace shows how the foundation originally started out.
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OP
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It's been quite a day for a number of reasons (most bad) - like boxes of tile being dropped in shipping so that we received nothing but broken tile. But the great news is that they've started to install the reclaimed wood panels! There is a live edge shelf for the receiver and amp that will go in above this course of wood, so we are on hold until that is installed. Can't wait to see the full wall in reclaimed wood.
We ran into issues with the paint. The trim which was supposed to match the wall colors and the exterior trim were mixed with the wrong base. Fortunately, I caught this after only a half day of painting by the crew and the store was very accommodating in correcting the paint. I feel bad for the guy painting, this is the second time the paint on this project has been mixed wrong. At least this time we discovered it before he spent 2 days painting - which the paint store paid to repaint.
The slow progress on tiling the foundation footing continues, but it's very close to being completely done. As soon as they can get the Formica that will be behind the brew table and sink up we can get the plumber in to finish the plumbing installs (less the laundry room sink as we haven't secured the base cabinets so that we can template the countertop yet). That will be a banner day as it means more than half the boxes in the living room can be relocated to the brewery and I can get measurements for temperature probe and heater cords to get those on order.
It will be good to get the water on, but they may have to wait until the plumbing is finished in the main house as the supply line runs through the new bathroom and I'm (and the new plumber) are unclear what the cut off valves impact but suspect the cut off valve for the brewery is downstream of the one for the new bathroom - may well need the bath plumbing finished before we can turn on the brewery.
Exterior siding is back up and trim painted - or re-painted as the case may be.
We ran into issues with the paint. The trim which was supposed to match the wall colors and the exterior trim were mixed with the wrong base. Fortunately, I caught this after only a half day of painting by the crew and the store was very accommodating in correcting the paint. I feel bad for the guy painting, this is the second time the paint on this project has been mixed wrong. At least this time we discovered it before he spent 2 days painting - which the paint store paid to repaint.
The slow progress on tiling the foundation footing continues, but it's very close to being completely done. As soon as they can get the Formica that will be behind the brew table and sink up we can get the plumber in to finish the plumbing installs (less the laundry room sink as we haven't secured the base cabinets so that we can template the countertop yet). That will be a banner day as it means more than half the boxes in the living room can be relocated to the brewery and I can get measurements for temperature probe and heater cords to get those on order.
It will be good to get the water on, but they may have to wait until the plumbing is finished in the main house as the supply line runs through the new bathroom and I'm (and the new plumber) are unclear what the cut off valves impact but suspect the cut off valve for the brewery is downstream of the one for the new bathroom - may well need the bath plumbing finished before we can turn on the brewery.
Exterior siding is back up and trim painted - or re-painted as the case may be.
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This week is promising, the live edge shelf for the amplifiers is installed, the wood wall is expected to be done tomorrow, electricians are due back tomorrow and will be installing the speakers in the eves along with finishing a handful of small items, and the wall paper hanger is coming out Thursday or Friday - I’m eager to see the drunk monkeys wall paper hung in the bathroom.
Really need the plumber to get back out to finish the supply for the coffee maker, dishwasher, and the drain drip (keep the floor drain trap full to prevent sewer gas emitting from them). Once that is done we can mount the cabinets and get them templated. If I’m lucky, they will get the Formica behind the brew kettles and sink up before the plumber comes so that he can manage the sink, condensate hood drain, and chiller water supplies.
Really need the plumber to get back out to finish the supply for the coffee maker, dishwasher, and the drain drip (keep the floor drain trap full to prevent sewer gas emitting from them). Once that is done we can mount the cabinets and get them templated. If I’m lucky, they will get the Formica behind the brew kettles and sink up before the plumber comes so that he can manage the sink, condensate hood drain, and chiller water supplies.
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![Craft A Brew - Safale BE-256 Yeast - Fermentis - Belgian Ale Dry Yeast - For Belgian & Strong Ales - Ingredients for Home Brewing - Beer Making Supplies - [3 Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bcKEwQmWL._SL500_.jpg)
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Full house today…. Carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and wall paper hangers.
Reclaimed wood wall finished, drunk monkeys adorn one wall of the bathroom, water supply being run to dishwasher and coffee maker (which is finally available), final lights being installed.
There is a fair chance the Formica in the brew room will go in next week - which then is followed by kettles and fermentors. Fingers crossed.
Reclaimed wood wall finished, drunk monkeys adorn one wall of the bathroom, water supply being run to dishwasher and coffee maker (which is finally available), final lights being installed.
There is a fair chance the Formica in the brew room will go in next week - which then is followed by kettles and fermentors. Fingers crossed.
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It feels like there has not been a lot of visible progress, but they are nearly done.
- hoping to see the plumber next week to install the toilet and hook up the stainless sink along with a water supply for the counter flow chiller
- doors are nearly all painted and trim is going in
- just worked out the dishwasher install. But will have to go back to the store as they didn’t pack all the installation parts.
- the first plumber put in cut off valves for the master bathroom and brew hall, but ran them in series so that I can’t turn on water in the brew hall without having the master bathroom’s on. I’m going to have to have that redone - especially as there seems to be a delay in finishing the master bathroom tiling that prohibits us from turning that water on.
I should be able to call for the countertop templating tomorrow.
A few lessons learned:
- light in the brew room is poor, currently have 5 200 watt bulbs in to ensure work light. Searching for the right LED replacements as I can’t run a smart dimmer with a 1,000 watt load.
- condensate hood needs lights, I found a commercial hood light fixture to use
- longer term I’ll have to add a window on the end wall.
We’re also going to defer installing the slim brick on the wall and fireplace due to schedule and budget.
Patio, walkway, replacement fence, and hot tub pad remain on track for August. Really looking forward to that and getting the subwoofer buried.
If you didn’t see my post on “beerionette” check it out - I’m going to have to make one next year as the entertainment value is to high!
- hoping to see the plumber next week to install the toilet and hook up the stainless sink along with a water supply for the counter flow chiller
- doors are nearly all painted and trim is going in
- just worked out the dishwasher install. But will have to go back to the store as they didn’t pack all the installation parts.
- the first plumber put in cut off valves for the master bathroom and brew hall, but ran them in series so that I can’t turn on water in the brew hall without having the master bathroom’s on. I’m going to have to have that redone - especially as there seems to be a delay in finishing the master bathroom tiling that prohibits us from turning that water on.
I should be able to call for the countertop templating tomorrow.
A few lessons learned:
- light in the brew room is poor, currently have 5 200 watt bulbs in to ensure work light. Searching for the right LED replacements as I can’t run a smart dimmer with a 1,000 watt load.
- condensate hood needs lights, I found a commercial hood light fixture to use
- longer term I’ll have to add a window on the end wall.
We’re also going to defer installing the slim brick on the wall and fireplace due to schedule and budget.
Patio, walkway, replacement fence, and hot tub pad remain on track for August. Really looking forward to that and getting the subwoofer buried.
If you didn’t see my post on “beerionette” check it out - I’m going to have to make one next year as the entertainment value is to high!
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Hard to believe it’s been nearly a month since my last post…. Our contractor has been moving SLOW, so slow that I’ve taken over doing the finishing touches. I’ve been filling holes in trim, painting, caulking, installing the dishwasher, setting up the TV and stereo - only to have the receiver break when I used the acoustic analyzer feature.
Mostly though I’ve been scrubbing grout out of the tiles in the brew room…. Never, never, never let the tiler gout in patches over a period of months.
. The grout sets up really well in all the small crevasse in the tile and is a real booger to try to get out after that long - I’ve scrubbed the brew room now 3 times with a 2” brush that is wearing out fast…. I’m SO eager to start on the bathroom then lounge! 
Today I’ve finished caulking, now waiting to sign for the new receiver, then will do another round of touch up painting in the brew room. If the receiver comes early enough and all goes well, then I’ll be able to start pulling out the stainless this afternoon. I need to get the counterflow chiller mounted before Wednesday when the plumber returns to run the firepit NG gas line, water to the chiller, and finish the shower install in the main house.
Patio excavation starts on Monday, the countertops are scheduled for installation in 9 days. Hopefully we’ll be able to hold the schedule on the hot tub pad and replacement fence before September so that we can be done for this phase.
On the main house, after nearly a full year we finally have our living room back (we’re deferring a few small items as we can’t stand more construction mess) and are expecting the final tiling in the master suite to be completed within 2 weeks after which we will take on any finishing items - due to cost overruns and their pace. They will be within a week of their 1 year anniversary at that point! The difficult thing is that they are about 250% over their estimate, so we have deferred furniture purchases and other critical work (re-side the house) until next year.
Here’s some of the things the contractor wasn’t getting to. The doors to the refrigerator/grain grinding closet are up - once they removed and raised the header as the doors (steel - so couldn’t trim) didn’t fit. The gas tailpiece on the water heater is so low that the refrigerator door hits it and I can’t roll the refrigerator forward to finish the trim painting - we’ll shorten that next week.
Mostly though I’ve been scrubbing grout out of the tiles in the brew room…. Never, never, never let the tiler gout in patches over a period of months.
. The grout sets up really well in all the small crevasse in the tile and is a real booger to try to get out after that long - I’ve scrubbed the brew room now 3 times with a 2” brush that is wearing out fast…. I’m SO eager to start on the bathroom then lounge! Today I’ve finished caulking, now waiting to sign for the new receiver, then will do another round of touch up painting in the brew room. If the receiver comes early enough and all goes well, then I’ll be able to start pulling out the stainless this afternoon. I need to get the counterflow chiller mounted before Wednesday when the plumber returns to run the firepit NG gas line, water to the chiller, and finish the shower install in the main house.
Patio excavation starts on Monday, the countertops are scheduled for installation in 9 days. Hopefully we’ll be able to hold the schedule on the hot tub pad and replacement fence before September so that we can be done for this phase.
On the main house, after nearly a full year we finally have our living room back (we’re deferring a few small items as we can’t stand more construction mess) and are expecting the final tiling in the master suite to be completed within 2 weeks after which we will take on any finishing items - due to cost overruns and their pace. They will be within a week of their 1 year anniversary at that point! The difficult thing is that they are about 250% over their estimate, so we have deferred furniture purchases and other critical work (re-side the house) until next year.
Here’s some of the things the contractor wasn’t getting to. The doors to the refrigerator/grain grinding closet are up - once they removed and raised the header as the doors (steel - so couldn’t trim) didn’t fit. The gas tailpiece on the water heater is so low that the refrigerator door hits it and I can’t roll the refrigerator forward to finish the trim painting - we’ll shorten that next week.
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Forgot how nice stainless steel looks…. 
. I have enough of the system together to figure out most of the missing clamps, valves, etc. As soon as I have the cabinets ready for the countertops I’ll go figure out the wiring for the controller and get those ordered.
They are making great progress on the patio, I’m surprised (and grateful given our frost heave) with how deep they are preparing the foundation.
Assembled the subwoofer to be ready for installation tomorrow and started to set up the amp for the outdoor system. Stereo is loosely assembled so I’d have something to listen to while working. Sure hope the neighbors appreciate the outdoor system!
. I have enough of the system together to figure out most of the missing clamps, valves, etc. As soon as I have the cabinets ready for the countertops I’ll go figure out the wiring for the controller and get those ordered.They are making great progress on the patio, I’m surprised (and grateful given our frost heave) with how deep they are preparing the foundation.
Assembled the subwoofer to be ready for installation tomorrow and started to set up the amp for the outdoor system. Stereo is loosely assembled so I’d have something to listen to while working. Sure hope the neighbors appreciate the outdoor system!
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Busy day, but a major issue…
On the plus side, brew utility cabinet is set up and subwoofer is placed. Installed cabinet pulls (less 3 that are on order) and ensured ready for the plumber tomorrow.
Currently resetting the lounge cabinets and test running the dishwasher to confirm no leaks - it’ll be a real challenge to manage any leak once the countertops are in on Monday. Plan to run CO2 and glycol tubes (for kegerator tower since I have everything right there to do so) from the utility cabinet to the kegerator. Then set up the beverage refrigerator.
On the sad side…. The paver guys hit the gas line into the brewery last night. There’s lots of debating going on but looking at how they hit the line (top 1/8 of the diameter) and that they were only down 6” I suspect the issue was that when the ditch was backfilled they didn’t notice the gas line floated up. Further down the line it’s no more than 4” deep and there is no indication that the line was pulled free by the paver guys. Frustrating, but not real that big a deal to splice and ensure the line is correctly buried. More worried bout any delays in getting this fixed
As the pavers run over the line.
Looking forward to a gaggle of contractors tomorrow: plumber, tilers, pavers, fence guy (install posted where pavers will be), and maybe even someone to fix the gas line.
On the plus side, brew utility cabinet is set up and subwoofer is placed. Installed cabinet pulls (less 3 that are on order) and ensured ready for the plumber tomorrow.
Currently resetting the lounge cabinets and test running the dishwasher to confirm no leaks - it’ll be a real challenge to manage any leak once the countertops are in on Monday. Plan to run CO2 and glycol tubes (for kegerator tower since I have everything right there to do so) from the utility cabinet to the kegerator. Then set up the beverage refrigerator.
On the sad side…. The paver guys hit the gas line into the brewery last night. There’s lots of debating going on but looking at how they hit the line (top 1/8 of the diameter) and that they were only down 6” I suspect the issue was that when the ditch was backfilled they didn’t notice the gas line floated up. Further down the line it’s no more than 4” deep and there is no indication that the line was pulled free by the paver guys. Frustrating, but not real that big a deal to splice and ensure the line is correctly buried. More worried bout any delays in getting this fixed
As the pavers run over the line.
Looking forward to a gaggle of contractors tomorrow: plumber, tilers, pavers, fence guy (install posted where pavers will be), and maybe even someone to fix the gas line.
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It’s been a busy week, gas lines repaired, pavers nearly complete, hot tub pad poured yesterday, fence posts (those in the paver path) in and…. The GC is done in the main house and gone. 1 week shy of a full year, 3 months over schedule and more than double their estimate. Going forward we’ll likely act as our own GC and just move a lot slower.
Waiting on shipments (valves, clamps, sink strainer, etc.) to finish - well, then the limited furniture that still needs to be selected. Unclear when I will get the brick up on the wall, waiting to get the final bills first.
I will have to prioritize completing and cleaning the bedroom for the next week.
I’ll add pictures of the patio once the fire pit is placed.
Waiting on shipments (valves, clamps, sink strainer, etc.) to finish - well, then the limited furniture that still needs to be selected. Unclear when I will get the brick up on the wall, waiting to get the final bills first.
I will have to prioritize completing and cleaning the bedroom for the next week.
I’ll add pictures of the patio once the fire pit is placed.
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Lots of priority juggling going on…. We’re back into our bedroom - at least partially - smart switches to install (only way for me to turn off the lights after my wonderful spouse 
), some grout to scrub off the floors, EVERYTHING to pull out of storage, etc…. Weather just changed, so I have to stop and get grass seed onto the Area we tore up or filled in - it’s going to be a muddy dog year no matter what I do.
Got the recent Spike order installed, only a few more things to order. Need to build the controller wiring next, the deal with the glycol and CO2 systems. Over the winter I’ll build a table for the grain mill (still can’t navigate my shop to get to my tools - not looking forward to cleaning that up).
It’s all turning out well, hope to shop for some chairs and bar stools this weekend. I can report that the outdoor music system exceeds expectations - LOTS of bass, really clear, and I can’t hear the neighbor yelling at me over the fence - BEHIND the brew hall….
), some grout to scrub off the floors, EVERYTHING to pull out of storage, etc…. Weather just changed, so I have to stop and get grass seed onto the Area we tore up or filled in - it’s going to be a muddy dog year no matter what I do.Got the recent Spike order installed, only a few more things to order. Need to build the controller wiring next, the deal with the glycol and CO2 systems. Over the winter I’ll build a table for the grain mill (still can’t navigate my shop to get to my tools - not looking forward to cleaning that up).
It’s all turning out well, hope to shop for some chairs and bar stools this weekend. I can report that the outdoor music system exceeds expectations - LOTS of bass, really clear, and I can’t hear the neighbor yelling at me over the fence - BEHIND the brew hall….
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Looks great.
Brew on
Brew on
BeerHolic
Well-Known Member
Magnificent
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Hard to believe it took from August till this last weekend to get a batch going ….
But lots to do to finish the house remodel, drywall the woodshop - then paint and set it up again. Add to that that the insulation contractor came back with a great price so we are able to insulate the attics for the house and the woodshop/brewery. Happy days, but that also meant pulling 4+ years of storage out of the shop attic and then selling or disposing of it.
Found a tiler who will be in next month to install the brick on the lounge wall - that will complete the original plan (less a roof over the patio which is on hold for a while due to other priorities).
But - let’s mention brewery lessons learned…
- annoying - the contractor didn’t pay enough attention to the floor slope to the drain. Not terrible, but I need a squeegee to move standing water along the wall to the drain.
- anticipated, but kept my eyes closed - LOTS of humidity when brewing. Even with the vent hood on high the roll up window in the lounge accumulates puddles. It’s dry and cold up here now, so will crack the window next batch and see how that goes (currently no fresh air vent into the brew room). I can close the door between the brew room and lounge as well, but not yet.
- darn it - the stereo isn’t loud enough in the brew room.. At least Sonos stays in sync, so all good with the Move now finding a permanent home in the brew room.
- missed and should have known better - I needed to run water (for both filling and cleaning) all the way to the brew kettle. Fortunately, we stubbed out the hot water line under the sink so just need to run it to a valve then a diverter to feed a spay nozzle and fill hose.
- modifications I want to make to make life simpler - lower the brew table 6” and run a drain hose from the floor sink to a quick disconnect in the center of the table to use for kettle draining.
In all, thrilled with the first brew (this was my first all gain attempt). Hit my O.G. on an Amber Ale and it was fermenting well the next morning. Looking forward to getting it out of the fermentor and into both the house and lounge kegerators in a few weeks.
Unfortunately, it’ll be a while before I can brew again as I’ll be having spine surgery in a few weeks. So 3 to 6 months before I get another shot. Guess I don’t share my one batch with visitors!
…. But lots to do to finish the house remodel, drywall the woodshop - then paint and set it up again. Add to that that the insulation contractor came back with a great price so we are able to insulate the attics for the house and the woodshop/brewery. Happy days, but that also meant pulling 4+ years of storage out of the shop attic and then selling or disposing of it.
Found a tiler who will be in next month to install the brick on the lounge wall - that will complete the original plan (less a roof over the patio which is on hold for a while due to other priorities).
But - let’s mention brewery lessons learned…
- annoying - the contractor didn’t pay enough attention to the floor slope to the drain. Not terrible, but I need a squeegee to move standing water along the wall to the drain.
- anticipated, but kept my eyes closed - LOTS of humidity when brewing. Even with the vent hood on high the roll up window in the lounge accumulates puddles. It’s dry and cold up here now, so will crack the window next batch and see how that goes (currently no fresh air vent into the brew room). I can close the door between the brew room and lounge as well, but not yet.
- darn it - the stereo isn’t loud enough in the brew room.
. At least Sonos stays in sync, so all good with the Move now finding a permanent home in the brew room.- missed and should have known better - I needed to run water (for both filling and cleaning) all the way to the brew kettle. Fortunately, we stubbed out the hot water line under the sink so just need to run it to a valve then a diverter to feed a spay nozzle and fill hose.
- modifications I want to make to make life simpler - lower the brew table 6” and run a drain hose from the floor sink to a quick disconnect in the center of the table to use for kettle draining.
In all, thrilled with the first brew (this was my first all gain attempt). Hit my O.G. on an Amber Ale and it was fermenting well the next morning. Looking forward to getting it out of the fermentor and into both the house and lounge kegerators in a few weeks.
Unfortunately, it’ll be a while before I can brew again as I’ll be having spine surgery in a few weeks. So 3 to 6 months before I get another shot. Guess I don’t share my one batch with visitors!
Looks fantastic! Hope your surgery and recovery go great. Visitors can byob!
It all looks amazing! And I appreciate the small details, like the beer shelf atop the TP roll holder. Very nice!
Amazing build. I understand your back, I have back problems too. I am praying for your surgery.
sampling6391
Active Member
Just wanted to chime in and say as a newer member first discovering this thread, you have made such great progress! My “brewery” is my driveway and some of the garage but I am proud of it still. I bet you’re going to be beaming with pride every time you serve some delicious brews up to your friends and family remembering all the hard work making an incredible spot to brew and enjoy!
You're not the only one!
OP
OP
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Pretty close to calling it done. 
A few things on tap to finish:
- rugs for the lounge and mats for muddy paws
- I decided to add a toaster oven that will go on the wall in the grain mill closet. As the space on that wall will be tight, instead of a cabinet for the mill I’m just going to build 2 shelves (mill and bucket).
- insulate the attic - they were here yesterday, but without enough hose to reach.
I was going to hold off until next year, but my wife insisted on finishing the brick work (wall over the kegerator, fireplace, and since we had leftover brick, the wall under the roll up window to eliminate shoe marks). Boy was she right, heck of a difference! (That comment should earn me enough brownie points to ensure she brings my beer while I’m immobile after the surgery).
Added the water fill and rinse down supply lines. While I was there I stuck a quick disconnect on the brew table (now 5” lower) with a line directly into the floor sink, so simpler/cleaner now to drain the kettles. Also mounted a CO2 tank for transfers from the fermentors to kegs.
Thanks for all the positive comments, have a great winter!
A few things on tap to finish:
- rugs for the lounge and mats for muddy paws
- I decided to add a toaster oven that will go on the wall in the grain mill closet. As the space on that wall will be tight, instead of a cabinet for the mill I’m just going to build 2 shelves (mill and bucket).
- insulate the attic - they were here yesterday, but without enough hose to reach.
I was going to hold off until next year, but my wife insisted on finishing the brick work (wall over the kegerator, fireplace, and since we had leftover brick, the wall under the roll up window to eliminate shoe marks). Boy was she right, heck of a difference! (That comment should earn me enough brownie points to ensure she brings my beer while I’m immobile after the surgery
).Added the water fill and rinse down supply lines. While I was there I stuck a quick disconnect on the brew table (now 5” lower) with a line directly into the floor sink, so simpler/cleaner now to drain the kettles. Also mounted a CO2 tank for transfers from the fermentors to kegs.
Thanks for all the positive comments, have a great winter!
