Oct 28, 2013

Kitchen Remodel Update #5

The past week saw a lot of work done on the bones of our new kitchen and dining room. 


 All those holes in the plaster that traumatized me last week are nice and smooth again. The bar was built and the new sheet rock was installed. We decided to leave that bit of wall on the right side to save having to move a vent stack located there. We're so glad because we really like the more finished look it maintains in the dining room. 

Another decision we're happy about was wrapping the bar around the dining room wall because it makes room for three people to sit there. These decisions seem like no-brainers after they're made, but each one takes a lot of consideration and discussion with our contractor. He's been a huge help in the decision-making process as we go along and is very patient.
 


Layer after layer of old linoleum had to be removed from the floor to prepare for the new cement board subfloor. It took three days to remove one hundred years worth of accumulated flooring materials.
 


 All the cabinets were built-up higher to get the proper overhang on the counter tops, and new counters were installed. The old counter on this side of my kitchen was only 21 inches deep, so we rarely used it for food prep work. With the wall gone the new one is 25 inches, and the extra 4 inches makes a big difference. The new 18 inch-deep bar top was also installed, and the electrical outlets and switches were roughed-in. 
 


 This new custom 24 inch-wide base cabinet was installed. We actually ordered a three drawer unit to match our others, not this door unit. The supplier has said it will be re-fitted onsite today when the other two cabinets are delivered, so luckily their mistake didn't delay the other work. 



 The cabinet over the stove was raised for more clearance of our new microwave oven. Although it will make this cabinet harder to reach, we like the way it looks a lot. 

We can't say enough good things about our contractor and carpenter at this point. Other than our cramped living arrangements without a kitchen, our remodel has been a good experience so far. After a lifetime of doing it ourselves, we feel so pampered and lucky to have a wonderful professional contractor.
 


 My contributions to the remodel are done for now. I put the last coats of oil based paint on our treasured hutch cabinet doors that I previously stripped. The old wavy glass is still intact after all of my scraping, sanding, and hauling them around the house, shed, and yard. They'll be stored safely in my craft room now until installation at the very end. 


I also soaked the butterfly hinges and latches in boiling water, painstakingly scraped off the old paint, and then oiled them.



I spray painted all our Home Depot satin nickle hardware oil rubbed bronze because it was just too new to replace. If the painted finish doesn't hold up well, then we will replace it.




We also agonized over picked out and purchased a new sink, faucet, and light fixture for above the sink, all ready and waiting to be installed. 

This week the finish work starts with the new counter tops, 2 more cabinets, back splash, trim and painting, and finally, the floor is scheduled to go in early next week. I won't be updating anymore until the whole kitchen is finished because I think it's more fun to see everything all at once, don't you?

Thanks for stopping by today for my last kitchen remodel update! I hope you come back to see my new kitchen all finished soon. 


    

12 comments:

  1. Oh, how exciting!! You will love having that extra prep space and room for me, I mean someone to sit and visit while you work. It would be a treat for a professional to do the work (we always DIY too). It is nice to have someone who really knows what they're doing to do such an important room and a big job. Great job on your hinges and I know what a job it is making all of those decisions on things. I'm really looking forward to your reveal. Thanks for this last update!! :)

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  2. Everything is coming together beautifully.

    I know what you mean about agonizing about purchases. You can't take them back or change them quickly, but there are so many choices.

    Have fun with the rest of the redo.

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  3. Hi, Laurel! I can't wait to see the big reveal. It's gonna look amazing! I did a little blog post about my fall decor. There are newer pictures of Olivia on there. I know you're busy so no need to rush over or anything. :) Have a great week. ~ Jamie

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  4. Wow, the butterfly hinges look great Laurel, and I'm sure your so excited to get all those boxes opened and installed! yey! Glad you got a good contractor and carpenter, we were blessed with one too when we did ours. Excited for you!

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  5. ***sigh*** LOVE the oil-rubbed bronze look!! I can't wait to see how it all works out!

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  6. Wow! I can't believe how much you've gotten done! Everything is looking fantastic and I'm so happy that you're happy with your contractor!

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  7. Laurel,
    Seems as though things are really moving along-I am enjoying this journey that you are sharing with us. Big progress and beautiful changes:)
    Jemma

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  8. Laurel everything is coming along nicely and I am happy you are having a great experience. Loving the changes and can't wait to see all the details!

    Cynthia

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  9. I WILL be back to see the reveal... I can't wait! I too, have layers and layers of flooring, with new cabinets put in on the top layer. So, when/if I replace the floor, the cabinets will have to come out to get all the floors out. ugh! I don't even want to think about it.
    Your kitchen is going to be so beautiful Laurel! thanks for updating, hoping it all is over for you very soon.

    gail

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  10. Laurel,
    I cannot wait to see the reveal. It is looking so great with the little peeks at stuff. It will be gorgeous when it is done.
    Kris

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  11. Looking amazing!!
    Will you share the name of your wonderful contractor.
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful home, Linda

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  12. Oh Laurel, I can hardly wait! So glad things are moving along smoothly!

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