A Room You’d Never Expect: The 6-Month Transformation of the Secret Room

Some of the most meaningful spaces in a home aren’t visible at first glance.

This one is hidden—accessed through a concealed door in the master walk-in closet, leading to a private room tucked above the garage. What began as an unfinished, poorly executed DIY space slowly became one of the most intentional and thoughtfully crafted rooms we’ve ever worked on.

This transformation took six months, deep problem-solving, and over 100 hours of custom woodworking alone—and the result speaks for itself.

The Beginning: A Hidden Room That Never Reached Its Potential

Behind the closet door was a room that felt forgotten.

The drywall had been installed by a previous owner, but nothing about it was right—uneven seams, incorrect fastening, inconsistent framing, and surfaces that would never finish cleanly without intervention. The flooring was temporary. The window was outdated. Electrical was minimal. The space had no real identity or function.

Before this room could become something special, it had to be corrected, stabilized, and reimagined from the inside out.

Fixing What Was Done Wrong

This project wasn’t about covering flaws—it was about addressing them properly.

Work included:

  • Correcting improperly installed drywall and uneven surfaces

  • Adjusting framing where needed

  • Installing proper outlets and a new light fixture

  • Adding a new window, which required new exterior siding and repainting the outside of the garage

Every step was handled carefully to ensure the finished space wouldn’t just look good—but would last.

The Showpiece: A Fully Custom Desk Built Into the Room Itself

The heart of this hidden room is the 100% custom desk and built-in shelving, designed specifically for this space and nowhere else.

There are no filler panels, no standard sizing, and no prefab shortcuts. The desk was built to exactly match the walls, becoming part of the architecture rather than something placed inside it.

This portion of the project alone represents over 100 hours of craftsmanship, and it truly highlights Dave’s custom woodworking abilities—from layout and proportion to flawless execution.

This isn’t furniture.
It’s functional architecture.

Stone by Stone: A Fireplace Built to Belong

Adding warmth and character, the custom stone fireplace was built one stone at a time.

Each piece was carefully selected and placed to create a natural, grounded focal point—something that makes the room feel finished, inviting, and intentional. It transformed the space from “hidden” to special.

Details That Quietly Matter

As the room came together, the finishing touches elevated everything:

  • Hardwood flooring to bring warmth and continuity

  • Clean, intentional trim throughout

  • A custom wood casing built to conceal the gas pipe running the length of the room

  • A custom-built step, designed specifically for this space

  • Thoughtful electrical placement and lighting

Nothing was rushed. Every detail had a reason.

The Result: A Secret Worth Keeping

Six months later, the transformation is complete—and the homeowners love it.

What was once an awkward, unfinished room above the garage is now a refined, functional retreat—quietly hidden behind a closet door, yet fully finished in every sense of the word.

This project is a reminder that some spaces don’t need to be obvious to be valuable.

Why This Project Matters to Us

This build perfectly represents what happens when:

  • Time is respected

  • Craftsmanship leads the process

  • Custom work is done without compromise

It also stands as a clear example of Dave’s woodworking talent, patience, and attention to detail.

Some rooms are built fast.
Some rooms are built right.

This one was worth the wait.

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Fueled by Progress: Building Dreams One Room at a Time

At Mr. Clean Fix, we don’t just build homes—we build spaces that matter. Each project is a new opportunity to create something meaningful for our clients, and we’re incredibly proud of the transformations currently unfolding.

Since our last update, the garage build took a big step forward with electrical installation now complete. Powering up that space was a major milestone and paves the way for what comes next.

Meanwhile, the bonus room project is in full swing—and it’s shaping up to be one of our favorite custom builds yet! We’ve:

  • Completed all electrical work

  • Laid the subfloor

  • Are actively drywalling, texturing, and prepping to paint

But the real excitement? The custom desk build begins today. Paired with soon-to-be-installed custom fireplace and hardwood floors, this bonus room is going to be a showcase of detail and design.

We love what we do. Yes, the days are long. Yes, remodeling can be tough. But the satisfaction of seeing a project come to life keeps us energized.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

And that’s exactly why we do it—because we love it.

Here’s to more progress, more creativity, and more happy clients ahead.

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Progress Takes Time: Why the Small Steps in Remodeling Matter

When you scroll through Pinterest-perfect kitchens or magazine-worthy remodels, it’s easy to forget the process behind the polish. The truth is, home remodeling is rarely instant — but it’s always worth it.

Take this kitchen we're currently transforming for a client. At first glance, it might just look like a space in mid-chaos: tools on the counter, paint lines in progress, cabinet doors off their hinges. But every little detail in this photo tells a story of momentum — the kind that builds quietly with each task completed.

Remodeling Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Behind every “after” shot is a series of carefully planned and executed steps:

  • Measuring and leveling.

  • Priming and painting.

  • Installing hardware, replacing trim, testing lighting layouts.
    These steps aren’t glamorous — but they’re essential. Each one lays the foundation for the next, and skipping them would compromise the final result.

Why the Middle Matters

In this project, the flooring has been replaced, repainted cabinetry in a bold and beautiful green, and prepped for custom touches throughout. It’s not finished yet — but it’s on its way. And that’s the magic of remodeling: you get to witness the evolution of a space becoming something truly special.

Trust the Process

Whether you're painting a single room or gutting an entire kitchen, trust the small wins. The progress you can’t always see — like better durability, tighter corners, or straighter seams — makes all the difference in the finished product.

So if you’re in the middle of a remodel and starting to feel impatient, remember this: progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like painter’s tape, cabinet screws, and sawdust. But in the end, it turns into something beautiful.

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