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, Wed, 7 Apr 2004 18:37:55
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We did ours 3 years ago. Best thing we ever did to the place. We moved the fridge to the living room and camped in there, which got old fast. Used a microwave and two burner hot plate. Used the gas grille on the porch (off living room) a few times, got fresh perpared foods from supermarket, ate out some too. It was tedious, but OK. Used a lot of paper plates.
We used a contrator and some subs (electrical, plumbing, flooring), which went surprisingly well.
We priced cabinets at HD and others, but went with semi-custom from a kitchen place for same money with better quality.
Put down wood floors and polyurethaned them, as they are warmer in winter than tile and the kitchen is over the unheated garage. Did floors in front hall and family room at same time.
Took 6 weeks, including moving a short wall and doorways on adjoining dining room, putting in a new box bay window and a few minor things.
Thots:
Add electrical circuits while you have the walls open. Phone/computer network lines, too if necessary. Really think about where you want light switches and outlets to be. I didn't think this through enough and now changes are a nuisance.
If you are getting new appliances, be sure you have all the measurements BEFORE you order cabinets. The kitchen-design people will help with this.
As someone else noted, close off the area as much as possible to keep dust to a minimum. Also get the contractor to clean up at the end of each day. Not all of them do this. It's a custom the older contractors have but has not always been passed along to the younger guys. It makes a HUGE difference.
We went with Formica. Partly for cost, as we decided on a bigger fridge and a big double wall oven. Also, when Formica dies it's fairly cheap to replace. Would do the same again, but would have a section of granite or other stone near the stove for putting down hot pans.
If you don't like your present ceiling or lighting, do it all now while you have stuff opened up. We ripped out old ceiling, added 8 recessed floods and put up new ceiling.
When you do the sink, get good fixtures. Kohler or Moen seem to be what plumbers recommend for durability.
After 3 years it is still great. Cherry cabinets have seasoned nicely, look great. Floor is in fine shape, even with 2 kids and 2 dogs. Countertops have held up very well. Our kitchen sort of runs into the family room and when people are over the whole area is where everyone hangs out and whoever is cooking is never out of the conversation.
Good luck, have fun, be patient and think it all through. Don't be afraid to make changes as you go. And when it's all done you will be so pleased.
Noel
posted by 69.163.4...
, Wed, 7 Apr 2004 18:37:55, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 16:10:10, Fri, 9 Apr 2004 07:59:52, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 11:27:08, Fri, 9 Apr 2004 10:49:06
, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 10:19:23, Fri, 9 Apr 2004 08:00:36, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 18:54:54, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 16:11:00, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 16:15:16, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 16:20:16
, Wed, 7 Apr 2004 22:10:06, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 16:13:00, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 19:00:15, Wed, 7 Apr 2004 19:48:19, Wed, 7 Apr 2004 22:17:43, Wed, 7 Apr 2004 20:21:52
, Wed, 7 Apr 2004 19:26:05, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 19:02:10, Thu, 8 Apr 2004 12:35:59
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