WineLovers Discussion Group

We are now 3 days into our long anticipated kitchen remodel. Cabinets have been removed, an interior wall has been removed and a new wall built. The kitchen wiring and lighting is roughed in along with the 220V and gas lines being moved. The old ceramic tile is history. Tomorrow the dry wallers should be here. We have been fortunate that we have not experienced any major surprises ala Jenise.
So far, we could not be more pleased with the contractor. He shows up on time, his crew is happy to work with us as well as make us happy. They avoid shortcuts and actually do more than required. As an example, when then tore down a pantry wall, they uncovered a snake pit of harnessed wiring. They started to tuck in between a couple of 2x4s to be eventually covered by dry wall. The contractor was concerned that someone might light themselves up if they inadvertently drilled or nailed into these wires. He drove 12 miles into town to have a 9ft piece of very heavy gauge fabricated in order to cover the wires.
Here's just a few photos:

Exciting !!

I love it when Big Work gets done!

I say really exciting. Thanks RW for posting the pictures.

Drew

Looks like there's a lot happening there, 'Winger. Nice to hear that the contractor is working out well.

The latest we've heard is that we can expect to actually begin our work in August.

Keep the pics coming Winger. Love it when a plan comes together!

Can't wait to see the awesomeness of the final stage.
-Shaji

So you really loved that wallpaper, eh?

Jenise wrote:So you really loved that wallpaper, eh?

My very favorite stuff <smile>. It came with the house when we bought it almost 3 years ago. We knew we'd be re-doing the kitchen, so I never could get the gumption to get rid of it. Slowly but surely, I'm eliminating the "yellow fetish" of the previous owners....don't wanna rush into anything.

Redwinger wrote:

Jenise wrote:So you really loved that wallpaper, eh?

My very favorite stuff <smile>. It came with the house when we bought it almost 3 years ago. We knew we'd be re-doing the kitchen, so I never could get the gumption to get rid of it. Slowly but surely, I'm eliminating the "yellow fetish" of the previous owners....don't wanna rush into anything.

Ours had a "blue fetish". The upstairs bathroom had wallpaper that looked like someone'd stuffed a blue peacock with explosives and then threw it against the wall. That was the first thing we got rid of when we moved in. The kitchen has wallpaper with blue criss-cross stripes and the family room has a nasty blue carpet. More reasons to hope the remodel gets going soon!

I love yellow, but I'm not a fan of "country" decor involving chickens.

Mike Filigenzi wrote:The upstairs bathroom had wallpaper that looked like someone'd stuffed a blue peacock with explosives and then threw it against the wall. That was the first thing we got rid of when we moved in. T

When we bought this house (100 years old next year!) the kitchen flooring was some kind of Mexican-look tile that was colored so as to look dirty even when it was clean. We replaced it immediately with shiny white. HUGE difference. Later, Mary painted the cabinets bright, pretty colors, and we eventually replaced the cheap builder-model stove and fridge with better, but not "gourmet," models. That pretty much satisfied us, and I really didn't want to fool with the sunny yellow counter tops or the kitchen plan, an extremely practical U shape with the sink at the top, stove and fridge on the right and work area on the left. Sometimes I wish for a restaurant stove, but I think it might blow up this wacky old post-Victorian abode.

Mike Filigenzi wrote: More reasons to hope the remodel gets going soon!

Mike-
Anything planned for the immediate future?
BP

Redwinger wrote:

Mike Filigenzi wrote: More reasons to hope the remodel gets going soon!

Mike-
Anything planned for the immediate future?
BP

The August date is based on a discussion we had with a designer a couple of days ago. We have some issues to work through with her, though. She seems to see herself as riding herd over the contractor through the whole process. All we want from her is the design and the drawings - we don't really want to pay her for more than that. Assuming we can all get on the same page, she'll get measurements and drawings going shortly.

Mike Filigenzi wrote: We have some issues to work through with her, though. She seems to see herself as riding herd over the contractor through the whole process.

IOW, she expects to make a project management fee. Have you insisted that the subs bill you direct so that she can't add 10% (say) on top and rebill you?

Jenise wrote:

Mike Filigenzi wrote: We have some issues to work through with her, though. She seems to see herself as riding herd over the contractor through the whole process.

IOW, she expects to make a project management fee. Have you insisted that the subs bill you direct so that she can't add 10% (say) on top and rebill you?

We'll basically be insisting that her involvement end with getting the drawings done and picking out the cabinets, countertops, etc. We do need the design help but that's all. We picked our contractor because we feel comfortable working with him directly.

The project continues and amazingly right on plan. Absolutely no problems with the contractor and/or subs showing up and putting in a full day. I'm amazed at my good fortune. Today was largely about getting the floor tiled and thin set, along with activating the cam lights and outlets. Tomorrow the new/additional cabinets arrive. A few pics from today:

It already looks better than our kitchen!



(I'm only kidding a little.)

Man, this project is moving along and so far no significant problems. The contractor has done an excellent job with scheduling and stuff happens pretty much when it is supposed to happen:

The floor is down.
All cabinetry has been installed except for a few trim pieces and NJ is busily refilling the shelves.
Granite counter tops were templated on Friday and we will go to the fabricator one day this week to lay out the templates on the slabs.
Painters arrive on Tuesday....I ain't gonna miss that bright yellow great room!
Counters to be installed on the 23rd.
Although not scheduled yet, I expect the contractor will return on the 25th to hook up the sink, dishwasher and clear a few minor punch list items.
Back splash will be tiled right after Memorial day and we'll be done.

We could not be more pleased!

Bill, expect some huge bad luck somewhere else in your life as payback for this effortless remodel--or did you pay in advance? It's just not supposed to go this good!

Damn it, Bill, don't hog all of the good remodeling karma! There are others of us who need it!

Today NJ and I have a rare day off from the buzz of construction and painting. The granite fabricators called the other day and asked if we minded them installing the counters 4 days early Yes, EARLY) on Saturday. So, counters in tomorrow, the contractor back for some punch list items and hooking up plumbing on Monday. Then we're pretty much done** except for having the tile guy in to complete the back splash.
I hate to rub it in, but this is about as easy as a kitchen remodel can get. Today is only day 15 of what I had anticipated to be a 4 to 6 week ordeal. Plus, we only had to have a "serious discussion" once and that was with a dismissive employee from the custom cabinet place.

** Not counting the shutters on the front of the cottage, hardwood flooring on the steps to the basement, the new flooring in the small downstairs office area and a simple mantel for the fireplace in the lower level.

This is really starting to piss me off.

Jenise wrote:This is starting to really piss me off.

Ahh, just additional motivation to post these updates!