Before we arrived, Rus had consulted with his HOA architect and learned he needed to obtain a permit for the project, have an inspection, and get approval of the completed work from the HOA . Once on site and able to verify measurements and scope, MFI prepared a drawing and submitted the permit online. We started the project immediately, but she had to make some additions to the permit and resubmit it before they would complete their review. Surprisingly, at the time we left a month later, Rus had still not received the permit. The wheels of city and county bureaucracy grind slowly.

To complete this project, Rus’ carport needed a new garage door and three new wall enclosures, two along the west side of the carport and one at the rear. Rus agreed to having a window in each of the west walls and a door with half light for entering from the rear. The garage door opener needed a ceiling outlet, and Rus wanted a ceiling fan installed and a light over a future workbench. Like most projects, this didn’t sound as if it would take too long. But like most projects, it took much more time than expected. Fortunately, Rus helped by working hard throughout.

Our first step was to pour a 5-1/2″ tall by 4″ wide concrete curb to prevent termite infestation. The curb had to be tied to the existing concrete slab, so we embedded 3/8″ vertical rebar and applied a concrete bonding agent before the pour. Rus was a monster! He drilled the holes for the rebar and hand-mixed eight bags of Sakrete. MFI and I built forms for the curbs. I applied the bonding solution, tamped the concrete into the forms, and screeded the curb surface.

Next, we framed out the walls, installed the windows and rear door, and prepared the walls for stucco. For stucco prep, we affixed 3/8″ OSB sheathing, covered it with Type D building paper, and stapled chicken wire over the paper.

MFI and I had never done stucco before, so we watched several YouTube videos before deciding we didn’t want our first trial under fire to be on Rus’ project. He contracted for this work, and it was completed about a week after we left. The contractor did an excellent job and perfectly matched the existing exterior texture. Rus subsequently picked a color and painted the new walls. He’s also contracting for the garage door, but this wasn’t done before we left.

The existing garage power fed front and rear light switches, an overhead light, and wall outlet. Rus wanted the overhead light replaced with a ceiling fan (w/light), and another new light for a future work bench. MFI installed the fan, work bench light, and ceiling outlet for the new garage door. Power to the existing switches was removed, and MFI replaced the switches with cover plates. She also installed a new double-switch box just inside the rear door for the new fan and bench light.

Rus decided he wanted the new walls finished on the inside, so we installed insulation and closed the walls with 3/8″ sheetrock. Unfortunately, there wasn’t time for completing all the taping and floating. But since we’re coming back to Phoenix in August, we agreed to return to Green Valley and finish the interior work.

We visited during what locals call “monsoon season;” however, we never had a drop of rain or daytime highs below 100 degrees F. And while we mostly worked in the shade, our bodies were spent by 3 pm. MFI does poorly in the heat (she’s a head-sweater you know), so she worked on a list of projects Rus had compiled. These included, repairing a dripping faucet in the guest shower, replacing the lamp post light out front (she did go outside when necessary), reducing the waistline on several pairs of his hiking shorts (her sewing machine has repeatedly come in handy on the road), and hauling a cabinet and ceiling fan to the community White Elephant Store.

Friends had commented about his ceiling fans being out of date, and while this didn’t particularly bother him, we convinced him to let us replace the one in his living room. We were familiar with an inexpensive fan (w/light) from Home Depot. MFI installed it while providing instruction to Rus. He was very pleased with the result. So pleased, he agreed to replace the remaining three fans in his two bedrooms and sunroom. In addition, because power to the bedroom fans was provided by ugly chains and cords strung along the ceiling, Rus wanted these replaced with something less obtrusive. We bought surface-mounted cable channels and routed them to be the most efficient and least conspicuous. We spent our last two days rerouting the power cords and installing the new fans. Unfortunately, Rus’ bedroom fan hummed, and while we surmised the existing power cord was bad and needed to be replaced, we didn’t have time to buy a new cord and fix the problem.

Rus was a great host. As mentioned, he helped considerably and volunteered for the most physical jobs. Knowing we work for food, he prepared or provided the fixings for a number of lunches, cooked a few delicious dinners, and kept us supplied with drinks to stay hydrated. The garage project was great, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to work on it. Looking forward to our repeat visit in August. Hopefully, we’ll remember to get a photo of the three of us this time.