Hello Ms. Pete, Thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. I've been reading your responses here on GW for a while and I really do appreciate your input. You've provided some great ideas for our current plan. I'd like to address some of the specific points you touched on… First, the footprint is very complicated with lots of jigs and jobs -- this will be expensive to build, and it doesn't improve the function of the living area. I'd flatten out a bunch of this exterior. 1. As we work our way through the revisions with the architect, we do intend to address the issues that will lead to higher construction cost without a corresponding increase in living function. Most of the footprint issues will be dealt with then. I would not push the garage out front -- it's any house's worst feature. I agree. The lot dimensions are sufficient to allow that garage to move further left and back. We will require a 3 car garage and I am open to the idea of a separate 3rd car garage. Most of the layout looks good, but I think all the bathrooms could stand some improvement: In the master bath you'll walk through those double doors, and your sight line will be . . . the toilet door. I'd rearrange this so you'd see the tub /window first. As it is, you'll walk in and will be surrounded by doors -- it'll be odd. 3. Great point here. These ideas will be discussed with our architect at our next meeting. We are also going to recommend moving the separate sinks together in the master bathroom. I can't quite make out the shower details, but with so much space, I'd expect a bigger shower -- perhaps a no-barrier, walk-in. I'd consider extending the shower across the end of the bathroom -- or perhaps there at the upper right corner, which is currently closet. I like the connection of the closet and laundry room, but it would be better if you brought the other closet "down" to the front of the house -- then both closets would be connected to the laundry room. We will plan on a total redesign of the current master bath layout. I just couldn't wrap my head around his initial layout. Moving my husband's closet to the front of the house would solve the issue of a second window on the west facing wall of the master bedroom as well as eliminate that angled entry into the master bath. The secondary bathrooms are too small. We had those same bathrooms in our first "starter house", and they were not comfortable to use -- no storage, no space to set out anything by the sink, you have to walk in and scoootch over before you can close the door. This is a large house, and the bedrooms are all generous -- I'd steal space from them to make the bathrooms moderate sized and comfortable. I'd move the location of both secondary bathrooms: If the one in the corner were moved to "back up to" the kitchen, you'd save on plumbing expenses AND would gain windows on two walls in the bedroom -- windows on two walls always make a room nicer-- while still keeping a window in the bathroom. Similarly, I'd switch the other bedroom's closet and bathroom so you could have natural light in the bathroom. 5. This is why I value your input so much! These items are just what I needed to hear concerning those secondary bathrooms. When I looked at the plans, I couldn't quite put my finger on the issues I had with them. With the planned size of both of those rooms (13 x 16 and 12 x 14), there should be ample square footage available to enhance both of those bathrooms. I'd lose the single-car garage so I could have windows on two walls of the other bedroom too. That bedroom, with windows under the porch, may be dark. Sounds like a great plan but my husband would lose his 3 car garage/workshop. He's working through the decision process for either an extended 3rd stall to house a small workshop or he'll place that space in the basement.

I have finished subflooring for customers. It is definitely an option for you. Don't replace boards, as the new will not match the existing. Instead, repair and fill missing pieces with a wood epoxy fill material. Small knots can be filled with 3M D-100 floor epoxy repair material. Best to live with the gaps and vacuum anything that settles between the planks. Large gaps can be filled, but I would recommend polyurethane backer rod first and then top that with a flexible acrylic caulk of the right color to match. Colored caulks for such work do exist, but you won't find them in the typical hardware store or big box retailer. I notice several places where cuts were apparently made to lift a plank or two to place wiring or plumbing below. It looks like they did that carefully. Some right materials combined with some skill and patience, can get you a great final result.

All -- thank you so much! If I could send you virtual Gift Cards to the restaurant of your choice, I'd send at least a $100 for a decent meal and couple of drinks :) (Sigh, I know I'm too cheap, been in New England for too long.... ok fine, make that $200 for a really nice meal). Your feedback was hugely appreciated and ever so timely. I took today off work and worked on the plan (said differently, wasted the WHOLE day), and have submitted it to the cabinet shop/company I am working with. Once I have their plans, I will post. Changes today -- aisle widths have been a concern to me. I reworked my island layout (see below), which includes current widths. I also trotted up to the attic and measured my faithful old round table and chairs (to be used in b'fast area, and before you ask -- I like the table, it has a lot of family history, and hopefully will refinish it :) ). Based on how we would sit in the old kitchen, and how we will sit in the new, we sit facing out the window. We have a nice, long sloping lawn (before, used to look at birds a few feet away at bird feeders, we will miss that). I have always love the idea of a command center--i.e., you're prepping away in front of your guests, so this does appeal very much to me. From Drop Box While not optimal between desk and island, I believe it's something we can live with. Marcolo -- Thanks so much for chiming in, I hoped you would! Long hike to pantry -- good point. Will consider other locations for this. Fridge clearance - point take. (Half day spent on reviewing panel fridges) Fridge swapped. Drawers - I take your point re 1 shallow, 2 deep. However, one of my goals for the new kitchen is organization - I love idea of home for creme caramel cups, for example -- why I liked the idea of more, shallow. Remembering that you can compartmentalize a larger space... will take longer to sink in. Cabinet over fridge to be pulled forward, definitely. Angled corner cabinet -- another point taken. Wait for drawings from cabinet co. In the meantime, please ignore ugly jog in countertop (s/w not cooperating). Enough storage for flatware/dish/glass -- definitely unsure about this. I think I measured loosely and thought I'd be fine - but right now, in temporary kitchen, I'm storing things on top of chairrails, so... have lost track. I've added a cabinet to the left, and both are configured for a 4" drawer, and then two ~8 " drawers. Yes to the MW drawer. Brianadarnell - good questions/comments, all. THANKS! Straight upper cabinet wall, check:) Swapped fridge and went the (virtual) pricey route of the built in Liebherr. Regarding beverage fridge -- DH has asked for only 1 thing in the remodel; a beverage fridge in the island for his -um- malt beverages. Unfortunately, hampered by the requirement to provide seating on the island for our two kids and three neighbor friends, I lose out on being able to place essential items such as warming drawers, and unfortunately, even more important items such as - um - redundant malt cooling storage facilities. To accommodate DH, I am placing the overflow malt beverage storage unit as close as possible to his work zone (read GARAGE/OUTSIDE). As this unit may need to contain beverages of a non-malt nature (read - wine), rest assured that this unit is capable of cooling appropriately. Also, there is also primary location of fridge, for 'overflow' storage. The pantry/laundry room will be open to the kitchen (no doors); there will be sorting drawers for the laundry (scroll up to see picture); when laundry is brought in and dumped on floor / countertops, it should be sorted right away. (Currently, we open the door to the basement, and toss down.... rather nice!). The range wall is an outer wall, the garage (to the right of the kitchen). This is the room through which we will normally enter and exit. There will be a mudroom, with coat storage and storage space for the hockey bags :) -- beyond that is the 'fire room'; we're in New England and keep a fire going here in the wood burning stove for most of the winter (Oct - April; it's a long period). Large storage for big pots and pans - hopefully, most of these will go below 48" cooktop; current plan is 4 drawers; 2 on top, 2 below. Hi Houseful -- as always, thanks for your input. You're right about the M/W, have moved to the right of the ovens. The plan is for pull-out laundry bins (to the left of the washing machine); laundry is dumped on the floor or C/T and then sorted into 1 of 4 bins (whites, colors, darks, delicates). So, hopefully, laundry won't ever sit out. Rachel -- Wall is gone, LOVE the idea of symmetry/tiling right side. Thanks! bmorepanic -- you get the Platinum Gift Card; please select the meal/venue/virtual Gift Card of your choice! I spent the day reviewing your aisle notes/recommendations; they were so very helpful. While not perfect, my plans have been improved due to your input. Good catch on the angled wall in the pantry; another casualty of the original plan vs. reality.... I've adjusted the island towards the stove per your 36" suggestion. Your advice re. larger cabinet size is appreciated and will be reviewed carefully. My only comment is that if you have tons of space in a new kitchen (egad, you should see my former (combined) baking station/coffee station/dish cleaning/prep area/library,etc. -- all crammed above a 24" cabinet) - then there might truly be a place for everything.... On my plan, when 'pullouts' are designated, I plan a handle which can be tugged to pull out the cabinet (vs. open cabinet, then pull out). I'm obviously not calling this the right thing. Thanks, I do very much agree that the double motion should be avoided. Good points on the opening issues. Double ovens will receive 1" filler to the left. Would appreciate any feedback on items in final drawings which don't seem to be paying attention to this. You have a knack for really understanding a picture. Thank you for the comment regarding pulling out the hood as well. This, I hadn't yet considered. Designov - would like to see your layout; hope you are able to post. Fridge wall removed (I'm pretty sure it is not load bearing; DH dbl checking). I don't think I have room to put DW to the left of clean-up sink; will keep in mind. We are getting cabinets from Conestoga. They offer an RTA cabinet and GORGEOUS doors. Onus definitely on you to make sure quote is accurate. I have received quotes from Lowes/Kraftmaid cabinets (6 visits over past 2 years), as well as Omega/Dynasty and alternate Kraftmaid dealer. I really love the door styles available and feel if you put in the work, you can get a terrific product at a lower price than the big box stores. Computerklutz - would love to see your kitchen/progress as well, please do post pictures once your counter tops are in. (Fingers crossed between now and then that all goes well!). After reading your post and others, I spent a good deal of time reviewing fridge's. Thank you for the heads up. Also -- regarding the microwave -- did you put in a MW drawer at a lower level or a regular MW? From what I've read, people seem to like the MW drawer... but since I have an unopened MW drawer in the basement, I would very much appreciate your feedback! Best regards to DH.

Sorry I hadn't responded in a day or so. My wife and I have been busy discussing changes to this kitchen! My wife is reluctant to give up that 6th bar stool, but we're both willing to make changes to our kitchen to make it right. buehl, Thank you very much for taking time to sketch out some options for us. Very helpful. I would love to get your thoughts on the picture below. It's basically a flipped version of your layout while maintaining the same size of the shell of the kitchen. I flipped your layout because we are trying to have an open feel for the kitchen and want to minimize the U shape. I think this new design maintains many of the advantages of the layouts you proposed, but now that we still need help arranging the different types/sizes of cabinets within our space. laughable and others, We will rethink the trough sink. I like the sink that laughable mentioned and will be looking for something like that. We would love to get some opinions on this design. Sorry for some of the chicken scratchings on the paper. My son got ahold of it and I wasn't able to erase everything. We appreciate all of your help thus far.