If we move in next Friday as planned, we'll be about four weeks from the painter finishing to move in. The order of things as they happened after painting for us: - Install electrical fixtures; - Install countertops; - Install plumbing fixtures; - Minor adjustments to trim/cabinets; - Install door and cabinet hardware; - Install carpet; - Sand & Finish hardwoods (happening today); - Install appliances (sitting on hardwoods so had to do those first); - Touch-up paint (countertop install wrecked havoc on some paint) The inspections have been happening all week as different trades get finished, but I have only been privvy to the electrical inspection when more outlets were needed in the kitchen (glad I was there b/c my electrician was about to cut into my outlet-free backsplash to place one outlet where I couldn't fit a plugmold. Oh, I would have been mad if he did that. Best of luck. This is the fun part to finally see the house all come together. It moves very quickly.

Unfortunately we have already closed on the house. We closed on the 30th of September. The seller's had already given the restoration the insurance check. I think that because they had already moved they didn't really care too much about what was going on with the house. They didn't ever really get involved. Before, we closed the restoration company wasn't quite finished with everything but claimed that they would finish and it would be perfect and up to our standards. At that time we had them sign paperwork stating that they would finish up/ fix the work on the wood floors and cabinets. A new crew of wood floor guys came in today and were astonished at the condition of the wood floors. They are supposed to be coming back on Monday to repair the floors. They said the only thing that they could really do was replace the trim pieces and cut out the pieces that were buckling and inject them with glue. As for the spaces and scratches they said that they can repair that with wood putty and stain. Thoughts? The contractor right below the general contractor is supposed to come by today to re-assess the damage and see what can be done. Although they already did this last week before the touch up crew came in this week and it is basically in the same condition. The only thing they did was lightly sand and re-paint the cabinets. Based on your responses the whole cabinets need to be replaced. What should I tell the GC? He hasn't even came to walk the place himself, I guess I should send him a link to the photos as well? They claim I am being too picky and that I am wrong in expecting perfection from a raw product (wood). Maybe I should contact the insurance company as well?

I am sorry you are having these problems. While sanding is important, I used a "no sanding necessary" primer (Zinsser) about 20 years ago on old kitchen cabinets that I put in my laundry room and one bathroom vanity. Over all, it has held up very well - though I admit neither room gets the wear and tear of a kitchen. Also, the original cabinet surface, while finished, was not glossy. The primer did take several days to cure and was initially easy to chip, but eventually hardened up. This does not help your issues with brush marks etc, but lack of sanding does not necessarily mean the paint will chip off totally. Even well done painted over finished wood cabinets experience the need for touch ups which is why I consider painting over previously finished wood cabinets to be a stop gap measure while saving for new cabinets to replace worn cabinets. With touch ups the cabinets can be presentable for many years as it can take some time for many to save up for new cabinets. I do have two friends with new white custom kitchen cabinets - both have chips on the pull out trash - so even expensive painted kitchens can need occasional touch ups. Even when the paint job comes out wonderfully, I usually caution against expensive counters / backsplash on painted over previously finished wood cabinets. Often, the paint job does not hold up over the long haul (> 5 years) and new cabinets become necessary - then the new counters and backsplash are wasted. If you plan on continuing improvements - keep them sensible and low cost - laminate counters rather than stone. You can have a sweet and functional kitchen without spending a fortune. If your layout is good, and your cabinet boxes in excellent condition, you could consider refacing in several years. it is great your cabinets are so tall. I hope you are able to get a discount and or repairs to your present paint job - but the kitchen is looking pretty:)

The grids are only one side. The back of them cannot be painted with them pressing up against the glass in place. They naturally and normally collect gunk. Because the glass isn’t individual panes. The glass must be removed. Which means breaking it and replacing it if it’s been glued in with silicone. It won’t come out easy. Where the silicone was, the paint won’t stick long term, if he can even get it to stick short term. This is mass market after the fact field installed. The wrong way. You should never use silicone to glue in glass. The same old fashioned window glass method of points, glazing, and window sticking is what should be done, The doors look the same on both sides, and are real divided lights. That is what your high end makers use. You get gaskets or clips in the mid market. Silicone is for love em and leave em contractors.