The Big Redo

So, the day finally came when we decided to go for it and rip out the kitchen and family room and start all over again.
We have been planning this since we moved into the house 3 years ago. The plans have changed and morphed and at moments still continue to change in slight ways, but we are in the thick of it, the downhill slope.

So here is the rundown of events.

January 1 - I usually start re-assessing my life, my home, my weight (but we won't go there) so Andy and I began in earnest to research exactly what we want and exactly how much it will cost us.
Armed with a ridiculously low budget (according to the many quotes we received) we pushed forward to continue our remodel plans and damned if anyone was going to tell us that we had to pay 2-3 time more that that little number in our heads. We shopped and shopped locally for cabinets and were not satisfied with quality vs. cost ratio so we did what all 30 something year olds do, we hit the internet. RTA cabinets are the thing, where you can get pretty much what you want for the ridiculously low number that you may have in your head (read, flimsy cheap cab. prices in big box stores for quality plywood constructed cabs rta style) For a fraction more, they will assemble them for you. Mind you, you have to measure correctly, order correctly, have someone help you get them in the house and installed - it is way more work but for the savings worth the pain and at times aggravation. Delivery day came and went and I had a few minor heart attacks trying to get the movers and delivery (18 wheeler) truck to sync up at the right time and place. Oh and did I tell you that it RAINED the delivery day? Of course!

So what we decided to do is rip out a wall that divided the family room from the dining room. Extend a wall and build in a cove for the fridge and basically turn the kitchen from a U shape to a more circular work shape. We didn't want to move plumbing and water lines because we knew we needed more electrical work done tha anything else. Our contractor (vis a vis our neighbor) got his colleagues together and we worked out a plan and they helped us carry it out. Andy did the majority of the demo work down to the studs, taking out old paneling to be drywalled and moved the wall out and built in the fridge cove and a closet. WE all got schooled on the art of drywall mudding, not for sissies or the impatient! And I primed and painted the room pulled the design and colors schemes together. We ordered cream colored shaker style cabinetry, IKEA stainless handles, and the fabulous I can't wait till it in IKEA oak countertops! Our GE Cafe dual fuel stove was ordered online at a major discount from big box stores around us and we got a new dishwasher from LOWES. Our fridge was new when we moved in so thankfully we did not have to buy that too.

So this weekend, what is in store you ask? Well, we need to hang cabinetry, I need to sand and coat the new countertops, prepare to install them, buy some tiles for the backsplash, possibly wallpaper (still deciding) and once that is in place, we will finish the flooring. We ordered enough flooring to continue through the family room, kitchen and dining room and we should be finished with all that hardwood flooring (see previous posts). All in all, so far it has been a good experience, one that has taught us alot, we have learned new skills and I'm afraid we are still due more skills (aka... trimwork!).

Will keep you posted. Photos to come shortly