A quick update

As I type, the crew from Nationwide Flooring is here installing the floor (and the crowd cheers) in both the kitchen and laundry room. I've only really seen the laundry room's floor but it looks nice. All we need in there now is the mural and the toilet and that room is done.

I was out when they started the work, but Mark says it got real exciting. The dust that was stirred up caused the alarm to go off. Mark did let the alarm company know that it went off in error and they talked him through turning off the sensor until all the work is done. In the meantime, we found out the fire department can get here pretty quick. That's good to know for the future (I'm so going to need to bring them some sandwiches or something as an apology and thank you).

Shauna and Rachel from Kitchen and Bath Galleries were also over this morning to discuss what we can do about the light rail and I think we've come up with a good solution. We'll go with smaller lights under the cabinets and a smaller light rail. It'll still give us good lighting and a finished look. Now we need to get together with Chris and figure out which lights to choose.

Since they guys are still here installing the floor I'll try to post pictures later today. I don't want to get in anyone's way and delay getting this done.

A New Day

Well after the fiasco of the weekend, it's looking like maybe, possibly, this is all going to come together. Chris and his crew were here yesterday morning finishing up putting down additional sub flooring for the vinyl tile (if this doesn't get installed tomorrow that's it, I'll find another tile or flooring). Chris uninstalled all the light railing before the tile guys got here and loosened the under cabinet lighting so the tiling goes right up to the cabinets.

Wayne's crew was here installing the back splash and it's looking great (though now I'm wondering about the choice on the counter top). Mark pointed out that we're really consistent, the tile we choose for the kitchen is very similar to the tiling we chose for the main bath and the coloring for the floor for both rooms in very similar. I'll try to show you the comparison on one of the next postings (that's if we get flooring). The tiling crew will be here again today to do the grouting (I told you we chose gray right?). So I'll post some additional pictures tonight.

Mark & I did talk about the fact we were so worried about making the kitchen dark again that we went overboard in choosing light colors. The counter top works, but it's not perfect. Maybe in a year or two, we'll change it out to a darker color, maybe a slate color.

Mark is working from home this morning to meet with Shauna and Dale from Kitchen and Bath Galleries and possibly Chris or John from Blue Ribbon to see what solutions they can come up with for the light rail. Unfortunately, I can't stay home for the meeting, my office computer has decided it doesn't want to work from home anymore. I keep getting the blue screen of death (Man I so hate windows!!!) I trust Mark will get everything right (and it'll save me from the emotional whirlwind). All these emotional ups and downs are making me sick so I could use a break by going to the office.

So, that's it for the day.

John comes to the rescue

After venting earlier today, I have to give John from Blue Ribbon major credit. He called on Sunday afternoon to talk with Mark about what the problems are and the best way to resolve them.

Now if I've got it right, here's the solutions. The light rail will be removed and different under cabinet lighting will be installed (that give us the height we need). John will talk to the Wayne the tile man and he'll explain to him how to do the tiling (I'm not sure on this feature). The flooring issues, were explained and Mark now understands them. I understand but I'm not sure I could explain it, but I'll try (hey, Mark, John, chime in here). There's a filler that will be used in those gaps that worried us that will dry hard and will provide the support needed for the vinyl tiles. The concern about the laundry room was explained as well. The crew ran out of supplies but will be back on Monday to finish the job (note to self..get that last load of laundry dry before they get here).

I should have known that John would come up with the solutions and there was no real need for me to get upset. There's a very good reason why we always go with Blue Ribbon, it's because they know how to get problems resolved.

Oh, and we're not getting the bonus room counter top tomorrow. Mark just let Chris know that they could remove the old top to do the template. From what I understand they take out the old top one day and come back with the new one the next day. I'm cool with that.

So, tonight we used both the oven and the microwave just like real people to make some dinner, OK so we made poppers and french bread pizza, it was a start. All in all, what started out as a really bad weekend has turned out to be better.

Stay tuned for the next chapter in the on going drama of a kitchen remodel.

I'm depressed, frustrated and about ready to scream

This has been the weekend of frustration and anger. After not getting the flooring on Friday and not being able to move the new table in to the kitchen we decided to continue unpacking the kitchen and trying to decide where to put what.

During this we discovered a major problem with these cabinets. They're to low, we can't get the coffee machine, the bread maker or any of the small appliances to fit under the cabinets and still be useable. And to think I was frustrated on Friday, that was small in comparison. Mark's already make it crystal clear that he'll complain about this each and every time he tries to make coffee. I'm not at all sure what can be done, but I'm telling you, I won't be able to listen to Mark complain for the next twenty years about this. We have e-mailed the general contractor about this, but since it's the weekend I'm sure he's not going to see the note until Monday.

According to the paperwork there was an 18" clearing before the light rail and there is 18". That 18" would allow all the appliances (including the Kitchenaid which by the way is 17") to fit smoothly under the cabinet. The problem is the light rail and the trim at the top. They bring the cabinets down so you can't use the appliances without having to move them each and every time (and forget the Kitchenaid completely, you have to move it out to the counter's edge to use that). It seems to me, though I'm not a carpenter, the solution is to remove the top trim piece and maybe downsize the light rail. Though as Mark pointed out that the cabinetry around the microwave and oven are not going to match no matter what they do since it's one solid piece. I can only guess how much this is going to cost us to fix and how long will it impact getting or using the kitchen. What I'm worried about is whatever the fix there is, how will it effect the back splash? Will I have to have the tile removed, the wall repaired, and new tile installed? How is this all going to work out? Can it work out?

They tell you to expect some problems and unforeseen difficulties when you do a remodel, how can they prepare you for something like this. I so want to rant and rave (I guess I'm kinda doing that here) and ask why it wasn't made clear that the light rail would seriously impact using the kitchen.

For any future remodelers out there reading this, measure your appliances and how you use them. Do you need to open your bread machine under the cabinet? Do you need to open the water reservoir on your coffee machine while it's under the cabinet (or if you're like me and use the Keurig machine can you lift the arm?) Is your kitchen aid a fixed base or does the top tilt back, how much space do you need for that? Before signing off on the design make sure that those measurements will be accommodated, it'll save you some heartburn.

I guess I should have been prepared for these problems, we've had a relatively smooth remodel so maybe this is where my glitches will happen.

On the only positive note I can muster for this posting, they're going to install the new counter top and sink in the bonus room on Monday, so rather than deal with the kitchen any more and just add to my feelings of hopelessness, we've cleared the cupboards and top in the bonus room in anticipation of the new top.

But into every life a little rain must fall.

And we're having a major downpour here. Once again, another day has ended and we have no kitchen floor. This is becoming an increasingly tiresome issue. The tile guys showed up (again) and once again began kicking the subflooring saying the adhesive that was chosen wouldn't work, the tiling couldn't go down, yada, yada, yada. I gotta admit, I left a voice mail for the Rodney who we ordered the flooring through but I'm glad he didn't return my call because I'm so frustrated and angry I don't think I could have been polite let alone reasonable. I'm really glad that Mark was here to deal with this whole fiasco because I was useless. Chris our friendly foreman came over and he and Rodney figured out a solution. And as Chris said, it's his job to resolve these issues.

Solution for today, they laid down plywood over the kitchen so that the vinyl tile can be installed. Though this evening as I walked around feeling sorry for myself I discovered a number of concerns that will need to be resolved before they try again. To give Rodney credit, he did try to get a crew to do the installation tomorrow, but that's not happening (why would I even think it would I don't know).

So, the deal is they'll come on Wednesday and try for the third time (is the third time the charm or will it be a strike out) to get my flooring done. I'm of the opinion tonight that if this doesn't happen on Friday, that's it. They can take this flooring back and I'll find another dealer and get something else. I don't know, what...ceramic tile, bamboo, something.

Chris, did give us good news, the backsplash installation will start on Monday (though tonight I discovered a hole in the wall by one of the undercabinet lights so I don't know how that'll effect the tiling.) So hopefully, we'll may actually be able to start "cooking" in the kitchen next week.

Good News and Bad News

We heard from Chris today. Our backsplash tile is in. And the bad news, according to Chris....Wayne, the tile guy can't get to us until the 28th. April 28th.

April Fools!!!

Hey wait!!! it's not April. I think Chris was just getting back for that crack yesterday about subtitles. It's actually looking like Wayne will be able to get to us on February 28th, Chris did say he would check and see if there was anyway he could get here sooner, but I'm guessing if Wayne's on another job that's not going to happen. At least the tile is here (so much for changing my mind on colors).

Looks like we'll be able to move our new table and chairs in to the kitchen this weekend. That's going to be so great. Every little step brings us closer to the end.

Oooh, Ahhh, and the crowd cheers

It's been a couple of days since the last update and the painters have been and gone. The measles have been cured. It's amazing what a good painter can do. The kitchen is totally gorgeous (if I do say so myself).

Michael and his crew did a spectacular job and was worth every penny. It was really fun to hear them working, they were laughing and joking, it was really cool to listen. The crew found places to paint that I never thought of and they did an awesome job doing it. The crew cleaned up thoroughly after the painting and almost made all the dust go away (I'll be dealing with dust flying around this house for the next two years or so).

The banquette looks really good with the wood in the front panels and the white trim hides all my errors. The inside of the banquette is painted white as well so it'll be bright and cheery. We're going to look for wire racks that we can put in the banquette for all the infrequently used appliances we'll be storing in there. We heard from the guy making the banquette cushions and they should be ready in about two weeks so we'll soon have pictures of that as well.

The other bit of good news is the flooring was delivered today. Rodney did open the boxes to be sure it was the right flooring. According to Chris it will be installed on Friday. So this time next week, we're going to have flooring and hopefully Kitchen and Bath Galleries will be able to get us on their schedule for the final touches and adjustments. Unfortunately, Vince tried to come the other day, when the painters were here and without the flooring and the painters he wasn't able to do much of anything.

While speaking to Chris this afternoon I questioned him about the tile for the backsplash. We had a bit of a communication problem when he thought I meant the flooring. While I just adore his scottish accent, I have a hard time understanding him. Mark thought John should get Chris a video conference and provide subtitles. According to the email we got from Chris the tile is in with the exception glass bars but they're expected tomorrow. If all goes well, and the planets are in alignment (maybe I should light some insense to get my karma moving in the right direction) we might get our backsplash installed before the flooring.

Don't tell anyone, but I've been having doubts about the backsplash and wondering if I should have gone with something more flashy, you know iridescent blue or green......hmmm I wonder if it's to late to change my mind.

I did tell you were were having the laundry room painted as well right? We wanted a "tropical" feel to the room (humidity, heat, waterkinda goes). We found a terrific wall mural to go on the one wall near the commode. The paint colors are great!!! I'm so happy with the choices (though if Mark hadn't just picked a couple we'd still have splashes of color in that room.). This picture really doesn't do the room justice. I was joking with Mark and telling him now we're going to have to replace the washer and dryer to match the room. When this remodel is all done, we're going to install shelving in the laundry room to hold all the laundry stuff, extra tp, and stuff along those lines (and of course the infamous kitty litter). Mark's mom had a great suggestion to go with the shelving, a lip, just a little something to keep items from falling off easily (thanks Ma for that suggestion)

The walls have measles

Today was a busy day, I'm glad I had to go in to the office. Poor Mark worked from home while we had carpenters, painters and who knows who else here working. The painters got all the prep work done, patching the walls and ceilings. They all look like they have measles.

I was surprised the painter wanted to start before the flooring or the tiling was done, but when we talked he mentioned that if he didn't start now it would be a month before he could get here. I wasn't willing to wait a month. The theory is if there's any touchup that needs to be done after the flooring and tiling is done he can quickly take care of that.

The painter, Michale Parker, is a true salesman. We weren't going to remove the popcorn from the laundry room, but man, a short talk with him and whamo, popcorn ceiling is history. I'm really glad I didn't let him see any other room. I think the color choices are going to rock, you'll have to let me know what you think when this is all over.

Vince, the carpenter from Kitchen and Bath Galleries will be here tomorrow to work on the "punch list". Since both Mark & I have to go to the office tomorrow I'm hoping he's got a list of every concern. If not, he'll be back....

Quickie

Just heard from John at Blue Ribbon, they'll be scheduling the painter soon to take care of that. It's just one small step toward the completion. But it's gonna look really nice to have the kitchen painted and get rid of that huge blue blob from my painting samples.

As soon as the painting is started I'll post another update.

I'm sooooo excited...

We heard back from Shauna, the kitchen designer at Kitchen and Bath Galleries, we can start loading up the cabinets. So wanna take a few guess as to what we're gonna do this weekend. So much of what we've got will have to be washed and dried before it can go back in the cabinets and the cabinets themselves will need to be cleaned so I'm figuring we might just get the dishes and glasses done but at least it'll be a a start. We've discussed that we'll put the glasses behind the glass doors (seems appropriate don'cha think?).

We ordered some pretty bottles from Amazon.com to store olive oil in and I'm looking for a small lazy susan to keep them on. We had a large lazy susan before but it's way to big for what I want now and I don't want to store the oil in the cabinets since it's not unusal to have a little oil on the outside of the bottle. My goal is to keep the counters as clear as possible so we have plenty of work space.

We're also thinking about having a small fish tank in the corner (that should make the kitties crazy). We're looking at getting the Eclipse Corner 5 unit. It's only a 5 gallon tank so only a couple of fish and it shouldn't take up much space at all. We both enjoyed having fish, but there's really no good place in the house to have a tank. So this should work out well (and 5 gallons is to heavy for the leader of the water liberation front).

More information to follow shortly.

Meeting the painter

Today we met with the painter and discussed what needed painting and decided to go ahead and have the popcorn ceiling removed in the laundry room. Michael Parker, (http://www.maparker.com/) is the painter and he's actually done work here before.

I enjoyed listening to both Chris and Mike as they bantered back and forth on what needed to be done. It was a good comedy routine. Mike wanted to remove some of the crown molding to do some patch work on the ceiling where the can lights are but Chris was not going for it. However, when they left I discovered what looks like a crack in the same molding so who knows maybe Mike will get his wish.

Mike was explaining how he'll seal off the cabinets in the kitchen while they do the prep work for the painting and the painting itself. We went through what needs to be done to the breezeway and the stairs so the paint blends in since we're going with the exisitng color (I'm so not up to even consider having the bonus room painted at this time and that's where these stairs lead)

This weekend we're going to try to finish up the banquette. Need to fill in the nail holes, sand and seal.

Babbling

Another short update. We're now at the point in the remodel where only small changes are occurring. Mark, the carpenter (and that's a name I won't forget) came by on Tuesday and reframed the windows in the kitchen and I've got to tell you they look great. Because of the faucet we choose, the window over the sink had to be modifed and the windows over the sink had to be changed because the sill would hit you in the back and was really uncomfortable.

Yesterday Mark was back and finished the crown molding and replaced the chair railing that was damaged in the demolition. It looks awesome, almost can't tell that it's different.

Looks like there won't be much happening in the kitchen for the next couple of weeks while we wait for tiling and flooring to arrive so I'm thinking there may be a hiatus on the blog. Then again....Maybe I'll find something else to talk about about. Ya never know.

A short update

It's been a couple of days since I've updated everyone on the status of the kitchen and there's a good reason for that, not much is happening right now. With the mess up of the flooring, everything is been delayed. We did meet with Chris and the tile man (his name escapes me and I don't have a business card for him). We went over the tile choices, how we want it laid out, the pattern we chose over the cooktop and the grout color. The tile man really seemed to know his stuff and gave Chris all the information on how much to order. Today we heard from Chris that'll be about 2 weeks for the tile to get in so the tile and the flooring should arrive just about the same time.

Mark & I spent the weekend staining the banquette. I think I discussed that we were originally going to paint the banquette, but after a lot of thought I just couldn't do that. We found a pretty honey maple that we used and after three coats it's looking great. Here's the before and after. Now it's on to the sealer. I've got a goal of having this all done before the fl0oring goes in. I don't mind a few drops of the sealer on the subflooring, but I'd be really unhappy if I got it on the new floor.

Well that's it for now, I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow and I'll post a few pictures so you can see the new window trim.