Our DIY Kitchen in Progress.....Need Encouragement!!!

16 years ago

Hi Everyone!

I have to say that I have been so inspired by all the gorgeous kitchens and wonderful, helpful people here. We decided to DIY our own kitchen remodel and I am beginning to regret it! I am so stressed out it isn't even remotely funny. We had to pay to have a load bearing wall removed and major plumbing/venting/electrical moved. We decided that we could do the rest of it ourselves...the rest being insulating, framing, drywalling, recessing fridge, ripping out old cabinets and installing all the new ones, repairing some plumbing and repairing the laminate floor where the old wall was. We are a young family with 4 kids ages 11, 8, 3 & 1 and I am 6 months pregnant. The 8 year old plays rep hockey and we are in the middle of playoffs. Sound fun yet? DH is also a painter and works 9 hour days and then comes home to work for at least another 6 hours on the "pit of hell" as I like to call it right now. I have posted tons of pics below and need encouragement that it will all end and that it will be worth it. I know it *will* be worth it but right now i'm kind of missing the old kitchen with 1 set of drawers 2 blind corner cabinets and only 1 really usable upper. LOL!!!!

Kitchen Before:

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Comments (10)

canuckgal
Original Author
16 years ago
Pics of construction of new beam and framing mid-way:

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canuckgal
Original Author
16 years ago
Here is what it looked like as of last night, hopefully we can get drywalling finished tonight.....

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plllog
16 years ago
It's going to be fabulous! Can you share your floorplan with us?

What's worse than DH pushing himself to spend every waking hour working? DH not working on the remodel! With the kind of schedule he's putting in, the kitchen will get done. Meanwhile, you get to pretty much be a single parent while your house is torn up, and you have a second or third job as a construction worker. My nagging mommy advice: You and DH both need to get plenty of sleep to stay healthy and keep your enthusiasm up and tempers down.

In your pics I can see that there's still some patching to do, but it looks like most of the heavy work is done. It's surprising how quickly things start coming together at this stage. It will get done. It really, really will! And it's going to be beautiful. And it'll function SO much better! And you'll have a clean, quiet, easier home to bring the new baby into. Congratulations!
muscat
16 years ago
You are making great progress! Hang in there! I'm doing DIY too, and there have definitely been a few days that I just thought to myself "I'd pay ANYone ANY amount right now to take this off my hands!!!!!!!" The thought usually only lasts about 30 seconds, and then I take a deep breath and move on. And I dont have 4 kids! Holy cow! I also had a few moments of "the old kitchen wasn't THAT bad!!!!! Why did I do this to myself!?!" And then I remember how much I hated cooking there. It is similar to missing a boyfriend/girlfriend after a break up- you only remember the good parts, and not why you broke up! :) Good luck, and keep posting pics!
fnzzy
16 years ago
I'd love to see the floorplan too! It really opens it up to your room with the fireplace! its going to be great.
polly929
16 years ago
Words of encouragement:
It is hell, pure hell living through it, especially with small children- just keep repeating to yourself :
When it is done, it will be worth it.... When it is done, it will be worth it.... and the dust, drywall, hanging wire construction zone will be just a memory ;)

(I know, I just went through a total DIY- still not completely finished, but 100% functional- and soooo worth it)
luvnola
16 years ago
Just close your eyes for a quick moment to imagine in your minds eye the finished product. Then find a safe visible place to hang your plans so that it will remind you of why you're going through this and how much you will love and appreciate your space once it's complete. Finally, try to focus in on your remaining months of preganancy knowing that once you deliver at least you'll have a little R & R in the hospital! Shall we send wine and champagne in lieu of flowers?! Try to hang in there. I don't envy your situation, but as they say..."This too shall pass". Anytime you need a boost just call on your GW pals. Best of luck and we are thinking about you!
raehelen
16 years ago
Canuckgal,

Two questions?

Where in Canada are you? (I'm in Fort Langley, BC)
Can you take a pic of your proposed layout and post it?

Aren't you guys smart/fortunate to keep a 'working kitchen' going through renos!!!

Installing the cabinets is going to be a breeze. Easiest money to save in a DIY IMHO!

I'm sitting and waiting for my pony wall granite to be installed, (ordered May 8, 2007)- Am I surprised that he's already 2 hours late this morning? I guess after close to 9 months what's a few hours? Uh, sorta what you'll be wondering in a few months! Congrats and really really important to take care of yourself- Your 3 yr old looks adorable!!!

Rae
canuckgal
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks soooo much everyone for all of your kind replies, DH is now home and finishing (is it ever finished??) the drywall. We just realized an electrical outlet has been placed about 6 inches off form where it should so that now needs to get fixed. Here is a picture of our old layout. Now the half wall is gone and our cabinets and stove will be against that wall with a huge harvest table running the middle length of the kitchen and a buffet hutch on the wall opposite the cabinets. No more separate kitchen family room...it is now just one huge kitchen. If someone wants to draw over it to show the new layout then be my guest.....I don't have time right now though. I will update with pics as the weekend progresses!
Cheryl

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emilynewhome
16 years ago
Wow, four little ones is quite a job in itself, and DH working an active 9 hour day plus remodeling a kitchen! You guys are certainly putting in a lot of overtime!
I'm guessing another stress factor is getting the kitchen done by the time the new baby arrives.
Is taking a day off from the remodeling an option? Can you drop the kids off at relatives/friends and spend some down time with hubby and de-stress?
Your new kitchen is looking great? I love how open the area looks with the wall knocked down. Good luck!

Our DIY Kitchen in Progress.....Need Encouragement!!!

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canuckgal
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Our DIY Kitchen in Progress.....Need Encouragement!!!

Comments (10)

canuckgalOriginal Author

canuckgalOriginal Author

Related Discussions

plllog

muscat

fnzzy

polly929

luvnola

raehelen

canuckgalOriginal Author

emilynewhome

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canuckgal
Original Author

canuckgal
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canuckgal
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