Assuming you mean a pro-style (safe for the home) range, Craigslist can have bargains. I got a year-old unused Gaggenau oven at half price from a guy, and it's working fine. OTOH if it breaks I'm probably on my own. There's a lot of used gear from people who are remodeling, and sometimes dealers use Craigslist to get rid of overstock. With a dealer, I would ask if you have any warranty protection. With used high-end gear from homes, there are bargains because a lot of it is bought for trophy kitchens that get little use. But you're buying as-is, and remember that sellers are not motivated to point out flaws (see below). If you are comfortable doing your own installations, or if you know a good handyman, it's a lot easier to assess the condition of stuff that's offered for sale. If you're not comfortable with the all electric and plumbing and gas details, and if you want a little bit of security and backup when something goes wrong, you want a good local dealer. Here is a link that might be useful: Akerlof on lemons

I am with you on all of the reuse and buying out of the box so to speak. I have gotten some amazing finds where other people would refuse to look. I have gone to auctions and builder's clearance centers and flea markets.... You name it. I love the idea of finding something for a lot less than you would have thought possible. I also like to find unusual uses for things that end up being cheap or free. Examples * a tub at auction $25 * a double basin ceramic vanity top (new) $5 * shipping crates from a local factory (free) - used the dividers for building cabinets in kitchen - used the dividers for underlayment for hardwood floor in the bathroom. (seems crazy, but it only cost me $50 at auction - used the 16 ft boards from bottoms on ceiling for rustic barn look - used 4 shipping crates to build garden shed * bought a refurbed ceiling fan with 3 yr warranty for $24 at builder's clearance center As you can see there are a million ways of doing things differently and saving money. By the way, your kitchen is gorgeous! I love it. And I agree on the whole white appliances being universal and timeless. I think they are easier to keep clean compared to stainless. It was nice to hear from someone who likes to think outside the "box" when remodeling, too.

Your current table and chairs are what I see in my dining room--and I'm tired of mine, too! I could never paint a piece of wood furniture, but if the wiping stain works on the kitchen cabinets, my table will be getting a new look. Unfortunately, CL does not seem to get as many good items at an inexpensive price here, or they disappear quickly. If your PB table just needs the top done, I would not think it would be too time consuming to tackle. When I have refinished furniture, it is the round legs and decorative elements that eat the time.

The chairs are a good price (If I can ever get the seller to reply). I'm looking at a total of about $200 for all 8 chairs. Valinsv, I've thought about the upholstered head chairs and 6 sidechairs. The problem is that if people offer 6 chairs, almost always, 2, or at least 1, of them are captains chairs. I wouldn't want 2 head chairs and 5 side chairs and a captains chair. We actually do eat at this table every day. I figure for the price, even if the chairs break, it wouldn't be a big deal. Yes, I would definitely want to see if the seats come off. Right now, though, the idea of leather seats is appealing bc with 4 messy boys, there isn't a meal where each of them doesn't drop something on their seats. Javachik, I'll let you know in a couple of years! Although I don't love the chairs and they are damaged, I'm going to keep them around for possible use in our basement when we finish it in the next 5-10 years!