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

Here is our first snow of the year.. probably the last too:)

MORE PICS!! I am so proud!

Hallway!!

Finished Updates

So I noticed that I didn't post too many finished pics.. This post is all about them.

Onto the next!!

Master Bedroom

Okay so people have been saying. "Are you done with the floors yet?"

Duh! no, not yet:) We intentionally did not set any deadlines about this MAJOR project because we don't need any more stress in our lives... right?
Well, we moved out of the master bedroom about 6 weeks ago and we are almost. .. I say almost ready to move back in. Bathroom done, just minor cute details and now the MB done... we will now be embarking on redoing the MB closet. We ripped out the old bars and make shift shelves and purchased some laminated boards (on sale!! H.D.. we cleaned them out!) and Hubs and I have designed a closet system that we will create and install for a fraction of the price of the premade. Cross your fingers our woodworking fairies will be with us!

Master Bathroom

Whiew! We are almost there... Thankfully we decided not to rip out the shower/tub because good grief... bathrooms are not easy! I am doing some last minute grouting, filling and painting. Then a thorough cleaning and PUT the door back on.. and we are back in business to do our business... sorry, too much information.
Check out the pics of the grand process. Will post the grand transformation hopefully soon. Fingers crossed in a week! Unlike HGTV, this is taking us about 1 month of weekends and some lazy
weekends in there too... We still have the old sink and toilet to have removed from our backyard. I know our neighbors will be happy to see it gone. I can't tell you how many times we have been in the back and I have been tempted just to sit on it. Ha!

Enjoy, we will soon:)