Something inedible.
Replacing a baker’s rack is expensive.
Abstract:
One of the big reasons we bought our house was the kitchen. It was a nice size and had plenty of cabinets. It was also the only place we could find where we weren't gonna have to sink a new car's worth of cash into the most-used room in the house to make it usable. Although it seems to fly in the face of logic that we should want to remodel our kitchen three years later, we ended up doing it anyway. It was so worth it.
Purpose:
It started out with our wanting to replace an off-size baker's rack. Then my wife got fed up with the partition in the middle of the cabinet chipping large plates as she maneuvered them into their assigned space. Oh, then there was the stained and scratched Formica counter-tops that were easily as old as the house. Plus, the porcelain in the sink was getting chipped and harder to clean. Did I mention that our faucet was on its last leg? Or that the wife and I were both sick and tired of seeing each other's respective crap splayed out across squandered workspace?
Everywhere we looked, there was something in the kitchen that one or both of us wanted to change. The kitchen can easily be the most expensive room in a house to re-do, so this was a carefully-measured decision. Ultimately, we decided that we were committed to this house for at least ten years. With interest rates in the toilet, it seemed like a smart time to make the investment in a house our kids will most likely grow up in.
Observation:
I could blab for quite a while on our 60+ day journey, but I know y'all really just wanna see pictures. To keep it brief, I'll just hit the high spots with regards to what did and didn't work for us:
- It goes without saying a kitchen remodel is an investment in your house. Do your research. Keep a notebook. Take pictures. Be nosy. Ask questions.
- Big-box doesn't mean bargain prices. We were surprised to find that custom cabinets were nearly the same price as modular. And the bonuses keep coming: by going with custom cabinetry, we were able to support local business and we got the best fit for our kitchen with minimal compromise.
- When it was time to pick a contractor, low bid was a big deal, but it's wasn't everything. We ultimately went with a competitive price, provided by a contractor that wasn't afraid to tell us what we needed, as well as taking the time to listen to what we wanted. Our contractor's suggestions ultimately saved us enough money to justify the cost of a new oven. These guys are artists, and they do this every day. What the hell do you know? :-p
- If you have a competent contractor, you need to be patient; especially when it comes to finish work. The guy putting in our counter-tops told me that he sees too many folks rush the finish. If you think about it, that's really damn silly; as the detail is what you'll stare at every day. Although it's a pain, those two or three weeks without a place to cook will be a forgotten memory in a few years.
- Play to your strengths. If you can save money with some DIY, and your contractor is amenable, go for it. At the same time, you might be in a position where it makes more sense not to do-it-yourself if time and/or experience is an issue. For us, I could handle some basic electrics, as well as some drywall work, which saved us both time and money.
- Stock your bar. I'm not kidding. Stress mitigation is in full-effect. We planned some of the big pauses in our remodel around times where I had work to do out-of-town, so my Mrs. didn't have to be subject to my moping and moaning.
Results:
The pictures speak for themselves. We're ecstatic that our home kitchen is now practical, functional, and gorgeous. Extra points for getting through the whole ordeal with sanity and marriage in-tact.
Notes:
Gotta give a shout-out to our contractors:
These guys are so good and so busy, that they don't have to mess with silly things like web sites. So, if you want more than a Google listing, I'll be happy to put you in touch with them.
Gallery:
Our Kitchen: pre-remodel. The baker's rack included with the house is on the right.
Our Kitchen: pre-remodel. The baker's rack included with the house is on the right.
Another shot from the old kitchen. Taking full advantage of that pot rack (sheesh).
Another shot from the old kitchen. Taking full advantage of that pot rack (sheesh).
Worst. Lazy. Susan. Design. Ever. Ten seconds later, it popped open for no reason.
Worst. Lazy. Susan. Design. Ever. Ten seconds later, it popped open for no reason.
A lot of counter-top space was lost by the stove as we had no better place to put stuff.
A lot of counter-top space was lost by the stove as we had no better place to put stuff.
With cabinets to the ceiling, the soffit had to go. I let the professionals handle it.
With cabinets to the ceiling, the soffit had to go. I let the professionals handle it.
Old cabinets and stove sold, new wiring run, holes patched. Bring on the new stuff!
Old cabinets and stove sold, new wiring run, holes patched. Bring on the new stuff!
To the kids, every day was a picnic. We still kept the bar behind them well-stocked for dad.
To the kids, every day was a picnic. We still kept the bar behind them well-stocked for dad.
The picture my significant other would not have you see - Next time, on "Hoarders: HaysUSA".
The picture my significant other would not have you see - Next time, on "Hoarders: HaysUSA".
This is not the droid you're looking for. You can go about your business. Move along.
This is not the droid you're looking for. You can go about your business. Move along.
Fridge. In my living room. Jealous? Only if the rest of your kitchen isn't in the basement.
Fridge. In my living room. Jealous? Only if the rest of your kitchen isn't in the basement.
This picture doesn't even begin to convey how exciting this whole mess really is.
This picture doesn't even begin to convey how exciting this whole mess really is.
If the pantry looks huge when laid on the floor, wait 'till you see it in-place.
If the pantry looks huge when laid on the floor, wait 'till you see it in-place.
Now we're getting somewhere. Already gorgeous and bright. Time to hang lights.
Now we're getting somewhere. Already gorgeous and bright. Time to hang lights.
It's all wired-up, working, and to code. Sometimes, I even amaze myself.
It's all wired-up, working, and to code. Sometimes, I even amaze myself.
This gizmo with the plates and hoses uses suction to level and align two granite slabs. Keen!
This gizmo with the plates and hoses uses suction to level and align two granite slabs. Keen!
This attention to detail is a sign you've hired a kick-ass tile-setter.
This attention to detail is a sign you've hired a kick-ass tile-setter.
All done! I've been told that this is as clean is it'll ever be.
All done! I've been told that this is as clean is it'll ever be.
There's enough light here keep hordes of vampires at bay.
There's enough light here keep hordes of vampires at bay.
The counter-top space is now useful and not squandered with all that not-so-oft-used stuff.
The counter-top space is now useful and not squandered with all that not-so-oft-used stuff.
There are two counter-top seams on either side of this sink. Yeah I can't see 'em either.
There are two counter-top seams on either side of this sink. Yeah I can't see 'em either.
I often find myself gazing at the backsplash as I do dishes. Ohmmm...
I often find myself gazing at the backsplash as I do dishes. Ohmmm...
Even with the retina-burners off, there's still plenty of light to work.
Even with the retina-burners off, there's still plenty of light to work.
That finger-pinching "scary Susan" is a thing of the past.
That finger-pinching "scary Susan" is a thing of the past.
Tall cabinets, I'm short. I'll get over it.
Tall cabinets, I'm short. I'll get over it.
The mixer pop-up: Counter-top space lost, now reclaimed.
The mixer pop-up: Counter-top space lost, now reclaimed.
What good is a mixer without toys for the PTO?
What good is a mixer without toys for the PTO?
Soft-close doors. Awesome. Get them now.
Soft-close doors. Awesome. Get them now.
All my crap is stowed not-so-neatly behind this roll-top door.
All my crap is stowed not-so-neatly behind this roll-top door.
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