I am NO expert - but we have started the process of spec'ing out potential options - I found AJMadison site valuable for a guy just trying to leave from a start of zero. Based on some config constraints - I ended up looking at things like a FiveStar Duel Fuel (we needed the 24in depth but wanted a 36 inch 6 burner, a Leibheer 36 inch fridge french door bottom freezer, Dacor MW drawer, Meile dishwasher (mid line in their line), a Futro hood and ended up pricing out some basic stuff for a snack station on the lower level for the kids off the rec room/ media room - and included there a basic beverage center by Frigidare, a GE Profile MW, and a Bosch dishwasher - this all approached a bit over $17K at the internet site prices - I then called them directly with the same choices and they offered a package price that was over $2000 less right out of the gate - and free shipping/no tx - they said they could have done more but apparently the fridge we inquired about is a tank and has high shipping costs. I know it is a hodgepodge and most likely now what we will end up with, but I was trying to get a rough order of magnitude and see what they would do with a single phone call to press on price.

If you are replacing everything, yes, you are gutting it. I truly don't think anyone here means to rain on your parade, but gutting and renovating the 3 most expensive rooms in the house for a temporary solution is a financial disaster. You aren't even reselling so there's no chance you'll get any of it back, except for a few fixtures you can salvage for the new house, like faucets. I remember what it's like to have a house for the first time. Oh, the plans! But the reality is going to be rough. And expensive. And a remodel is a multi-month disaster zone. In addition to your chosen materials, you will also have to be prepared to spend quite a bit of money to maybe deal with bringing those rooms electrical and plumbing up to code, as the local inspector will likely require. You may have to upgrade the floor system for the tile. So... are you ready to spend $50k or more in just materials for a temporary upgrade? For $10k a year (assuming you have the cash and aren't going to be paying interest, too), you can get a whole mortgage payment in a lot of places. $50k could go a LONG way to toward new custom home. I suggest living in the house for a while before proceding. It will help you identify the things the NEED to be upgraded versus your wish list. If the rooms are basically fine but you just don't like them, paint is cheap. Pulling down floral wallpaper is painful but practically free. Replacing an existing floor with a floating floor is pretty cheap too if you rein in your material choices. You can refresh a room pretty cheaply without gutting it. Now, if the rooms are in some ways non-functional, consider more frugal solutions. For example, if the cabinet bodies are in good shape, they are probably better constructed than all except the most high end cabinets sold today, and they're free. Cabinets are *expensive!* One option is to paint the cabs and change the hardware; another is to paint the bodies and replace the doors. Hopefully this starts giving you some ideas for ways you can make the home more attractive and comfortable without pushing construction of your new home with the things you really want too far down the road.

Just looked at all your tile photos. I am so sorry this is such a disappointment. When you have work done at your home you either need, A. Someone who really knows their stuff. OR... B. Someone who may not be as expert, but will keep working till they get it right. My DH does most of our work on the house and he fits into both categories, depending on the specific job. Your guy is not A apparently, but he could be B.....maybe. I want to ask one question, since I don't know how much you have posted on this before. I realize that the tile installer knows he messed up--that's why he has to keep coming back....Duh. But have you sat down and had a specific conversation with him about your tile? So, Joe....I guess this tile installation is just as frustrating to you as it has been to me. And while I feel bad having to keep calling you to fix spots, I am seriously wanting to have my floor DONE. I have other things to finish in my home and this tile situation is preventing that. You are the Expert. What do you think we need to do to get this job finished so we can shake hands and be done? You want to give 100% to other clients right now, and I want to not have any more thinset anywhere in my home. What are your suggestions? This is more or less how I would talk to Joe the Tile guy. Sometimes just having a real definitive conversation will provide insight on finishing up a problem. Now, you Know he's not much of an Expert and you are obviously More frustrated than he is, but it is still kind to word it like this. Maybe he feels that for some more $$$ he could go back in and do the definitive tile job for you? If that's what he says, then you can decide if you want to throw more money his way. Maybe he is over his head and doesn't know how to do a repair. In that case, you may need to hire someone else to finish. Either way, you may get some clarity. Red

I have antique ironstone, antique hutches and English/Irish pine tables found at fleamarkets and antique stores, as well as many CL finds that I've refinished/reupholstered. They're all mixed in with newer PB and RH pieces and Hubbardton Forge lighting that may be considered trendy but aren't to me because they suit my style. DD's changing table was an early American drysink that I loved but unfortunately no longer have a home for, so it was given to a family member to use in her new baby's nursery. An antique dresser that DH modified with a copper vessel sink is now a vanity in my powder room. My favorite piece of furniture is DD's antique iron bed from the 1800's, which is exactly what I would have loved to have had as a child. My second fav piece is my RH reclaimed pine dining table. I'll probably keep most of the items in my home as long as they last. Not making any effort to be unique - I try to buy only what I love. Rarely does anything leave my house after it comes in! My sister is the opposite - she gets bored with her furniture after a few years so she isn't as inclined to spend the effort refinishing furniture or spending extra on quality hardware. She has a beautiful home!