Kitchen Odyssey: Weekly Update

We are now on Day 31 of our kitchen demolition and rebuild. I had a mental target completion date of February 28, which everyone told me was unrealistic. When you move a whole wall, relocate a door, rip out everything (and I do mean everything), and install everything new (except fridge, dishwasher and disposal), it is typical to expect 8 or more weeks, but I had faith in my team and they have not disappointed. All the main elements will be installed by the 28th. All that will be left are small details to finish up next week (two cabinet doors that need glass, paint touch-up, etc.) I should be able to cook my first meal this weekend, assuming I have the time to drag the boxes out of our storage shed and get all my dishes/cooking utensils/food put back in place.

Here is where we are today:

Kitchen

· First coat of paint done (Ralph Lauren Roadster White).

· All cabinets have been installed (KraftMaid Huntington Maple Praline). Toe kick trim and scribe installed, although we are waiting on additional scribe (we were short 16’) and all the top molding (we chose 1½” solid stock to keep with other design elements of the rooms. Waiting to hear from the KraftMaid rep to come and correct deficiencies.

· Hardwood floor installed (Aztec Cherry from Lumber Liquidators).

· Sink install today (Ticor SS3510 Undermount 16-Gauge Stainless Steel Kitchen Sin.).

· Granite installation underway today (Giallo Fiorito granite from Brazil).

· Faucet (Moen 90 Degree Pull Out Faucet), air gap and disposal air button to be installed.

· Disposal and dishwasher to be reinstalled.

· Water line to be run from sink to refrigerator (under house).

· Electrical outlets, switches to be installed.

· Undercabinet flourescents to be installed.

· Vent hood purchased yesterday and to be installed.

· Stove to be delivered Friday between 10 and 12 (BlueStar stainless steel 36-inch all-gas range).

· Backsplash to be installed (comprised of 12x12 tiles, 2x2 tiles, and random glass/rock tiles).

· Baseboards (5½ inch), window and door trim to be painted, cut and installed - using a Craftsman style trim. ¾” x 3½” side trim with a 1” x 5½” top trim. Still debating sill vs. bottom trim.

· Install stair nose floor trim to garage

· Final coat of paint.

· Install ceiling light trims.

Dining Room

· First coat of paint done.

· Hardwood floor installed.

· Need to paint and install baseboards and window trim (same as kitchen).

· Final coat of paint.

· Install 2 outlets and all outlet covers.

· Reinstall light fixture.

Foyer

· First coat of paint done

· Going to be starting on the new flooring (Jerusalem Gold Honed Stone with Red Onyx accent). See sample layout at right.

· Paint and install trim.

· Final coat of paint.

· Install new light fixture.

· Keep my eye out for a door that will work with a barn slider.

Hallway

· Hardwood floor installed.

· Walls painted.

· Need to paint trim and finish trim install.

· New lighting was done several years ago by Electrician Son. Center lights the whole run of the hallway, which not only has a dimmer switch but also can be focused on our Rogues Gallery (family portraits).

· Install threshold trim to each bedroom.

· Install doorbell chimes in cold air return vent (brilliant idea by Electrician Son – hides the hideous nature of doorbell chimes).