Some projects have the power to transform a boring, empty space into a joyous, creative haven for family connection.
That’s exactly what happened when Shana Brader, a proud member of our Handy Women community, and her daughter Mariah Clark decided to transform a dull guest room into a welcoming, multifunctional space, complete with a handcrafted Murphy bed and custom cabinetry, all built by hand for just $1,600.
What could have cost around $6,000 through a contractor turned into a three-day labor of love and a shining example of what happens when determination meets a little sawdust.
Why This Project?
Shana has a beautiful tradition: instead of giving her kids physical gifts for birthdays and holidays, she gives them a home upgrade.
This year, her daughter wished for a Murphy bed that could turn their underused guest room into a flexible, cozy retreat for visitors, so Shana set out to create a piece that saved floor space and looked beautiful.
The Challenge
When she set out, there were a few challenges already facing Shana. Firstly, Mariah is “extremely picky,” and she wanted to make sure every detail met her standards.
Secondly, Shana had never actually built cabinet doors before, so she was admittedly nervous about it. But rather than let all this stop her, she turned those nerves into motivation.
Tools & Materials
Shana used everything from 3/4” plywood and poplar boards to crown molding, caulk, paint, and puck lights, crafting a piece that looks straight out of a design magazine.
Some of the tools in play included:
- Table saws, miter saws, and drills for precision cuts and assembly
- Kreg cabinet and pocket hole jigs for flawless joints
- Paint sprayer and sander for a smooth, professional finish
Shana relied on Kreg tools to make the trickiest parts, like cabinet assembly and hinge placement, more manageable.
She also extended electrical wiring from an existing outlet to install built-in lighting, adding both functionality and flair.
Lessons Learned
Building cabinet doors was the thing she was most nervous about, but in the end, it became Shana’s proudest moment.
After putting off that step for fear she wouldn’t get it right, she finally went for it and discovered it was much easier and far more satisfying than she expected.
“I was shocked at how nice the doors turned out. That was extremely satisfying.”
That “YES!” moment is something everyone in our Handy Women community knows well and cherishes.
The Outcome
Here’s a summary of the project in numbers:
- Total Cost: $1,600
- Estimated Contractor Cost: $6,000
- Time Taken: 3 days for the build + 1 day for painting
- Savings: Over $4,000
But more importantly, the transformation was completed just in time for guests to arrive, and the result couldn’t have been better.
“It was such an upgrade to the spare bedroom. My daughter is absolutely thrilled with the outcome.”
Shana’s story is a reminder to all of us that even though trying something new is often the hardest part, the reward is discovering what you’re capable of.
If you’ve ever been afraid to start a project, here’s how Shana sums up her experience.
“I was also nervous about building cabinet doors, as I had never done that. As it turns out, that was simple and rewarding.”
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