Kitchen Remodel: we did it ourselves!
diyteam
9 years ago
This was a complete kitchen remodel, and we did everything ourselves, except for the installation of the countertops and the flooring. It took us almost six months to complete, but we are thrilled with the result!
The old kitchen was dated, poorly lit, and highly inefficient.
Here's the new look. Putting the sink on a diagonal made a huge difference in the usability of the room. We also lengthened the peninsula by 12" and raised part of it up to put storage underneath (and hide dirty dishes!). Cabinets are KraftMaid; counter is Silestone. I would have liked a cabinet-depth fridge, but the one we had was relatively new and we couldn't justify the expense. When this one dies we will replace it with a shallower one.
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Things we LIKE about ourselves! :-)
Comments (48)1) My big black, super duper curly hair, glasses, face of freckles, big lips, flat wide-ish nose (w/ a giant freckle in the middle of course!), unfashionably archless and full brows (still neatly waxed though mind you!), green eyes and vanilla latte mocha complexion. A fitting tribute to my colorful heritage! 2) Falling into the stereotypical dramatic artist role. I see things in black and white, right or wrong and am very passionate about these things. Some might say I'm difficult (and I am to a certain point) but I've ALWAYS prided myself on thinking rationally while being in the throws of something. Totally throws the other person off. 3) I'm a closet softie. 4) Being able to communicate w/ scared or angry dogs. I loved my many yrs working at the SPCA. It thrilled me when the police or another animal rescue organization would send for me to assist in a 'dog-gone-bad' situation. I loved being able to waltz in and get a dog on a leash and walk out w/ an entirely different dog than the one I was sent for. I've seen a lot of things and lots of it was exciting. I've talked doggies off sides of bridges and have gone down stream holding onto dogs after a flood to rescue them. Hey - we all need a little understanding! 5) Math. I discovered it while taking college courses for something in my earlier 30's. Now I just like to take courses. It's such a challenge and what a wonderful feeling when you correctly figure out a problem! 6) There's something to be said for contentment. I love my lot in life, my husband, kids and house and that makes me happy....See MoreHave we priced ourselves out of creativity?
Comments (46)Satisfaction. Why is that such a hard thing to acheive? I have a giant debt of gratitude to my husband and my maker that I had the opportunity, even if just once, to do exactly as I pleased in a space, and if I think about it long enough, I'm humbled that I get to focus on something that can be argued to be so frivolous in the grand scheme of things. I can only say that because I'm probably the worst offender of the question you asked. I fretted so much during the process that I finally had a friend order me to "STOP LOOKING" at all design publications, online or otherwise. I'm a creative producer by trade, so it was hard for me to separate the need to be cutting edge vs. the need to make this something I could love for 20 years if need be. Did I make some choices I regret? Yep. I'm already wondering if my exterior countertops are too "of the moment grey" and the implication of what that will mean with the passing of the grey renaissance in approximately 5-7 years. I also am certain antique brass hardware is going to be the rage in 2-3 years. If I let myself go there, I'll be practically paralyzed. So, I'm just going to QUIT LOOKING and be satisfied. Yep, I went into safetymode on some things... but luckily for me, in the Deep South, some of my more cutting edge flirtations were so out of the norm, they were price prohibitive. And the more I think of it, I'm glad my current kitchen was price prohibitive for me 10 years ago... otherwise it would have been a giant concrete block with no grace but lots of street cred ;)...See MoreAdvice Needed - Do We Attempt General Contracting Ourselves?
Comments (2)There are several programs that can give you enough information to act as a GC yourself. Home Time had the best one I have ever seen. You can Google Home Time(Dean Johnson) and find how to order the program. There are pitfalls. Hiring the right subs, scheduling/rescheduling, finding subs who can correctly use the materials you select, inspecting/approving work, getting the necessary permits, dealing with inspectors, having work site insurance/making sure subs have it, finding the least expensive materials, and more. The basic plan would be: Design Permits Demolition Roughin plumbing Framing(if installing a new one piece tub, do that now) Inspection of above(if not done area by area) Flooring repair Drywall Painting Cabinet installation Countertop/backsplash All other finish carpentry(doors/windows/etc. Flooring Base trim There is a lot of variation that will need to be built in....See MoreKitchen remodel advice-we don't entertain--but love high-end kitchens
Comments (16)Look at the kitchens of a few of your neighbors houses. Take notes as to what types appliances they have in their kitchens. Take this information to the Kitchen Forum along with a floorplan of your home, including pantries, doorways and windows. Let them give you some general ideas of what may be accomplished. You may also want to consult with an independent kitchen planning consultant for help. We can give you lots of specific ideas about appliances, brands and features of appliances and the best use of appliances. But, we will need to first assess the space and basic requirements. While many on the forum have experienced children that go through strange food stages, we generally love to cook. We also tend to be kitchen and appliance obsessed. This means the convenience foods you are currently serving to your family are classified as emergency foods. They are not the primary types of foods we feed to our families. Even a substandard kitchen can produce good, healthy food. It can be done on a budget and it can be done quickly. A challenging kitchen just doesn't do it as nicely or efficiently as it could be done. Do not take this a criticism, but it seems foolish to make the effort and spend a lot of money on equipment that won't be used or appreciated. If you continue to feed your children a diet of frozen chicken nuggets and pizza, they will never learn to experience the full range of nature's bounty. Learning to eat well and appreciate food is a life-long process and the foundation is laid early in life. May I suggest you subscribe to one of the weekly meal delivery services and commit to cooking two or three meals a week from scratch. I use one and I have found it to be both educational, convenient and budget friendly. It would expose your family to foods that they otherwise might not experience. If you put it in front of them enough, they will eat eventually. Also, this might help you to determine what kind kitchen is needed. I use Green Chef, they are entirely organic. They have family meal options, too. There are any number of these services available to suit every need....See More
Nancy Schoenrock
9 years ago
stlouisgaltoo
9 years ago
diyteam
9 years agosuellenh
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