Mownie made a good point. American lawn tractor manufacturers actually make very few of the parts. They don't make the engines, the transmissions, tires, batteries, switches, electric PTOs, electrical wiring, etc., etc. For the most part, they assemble the machines. I'm guessing that they manufacture their own frames, but I'm not certain. Some manufacturers tend to use a better grade of parts, particularly in their higher-end stuff, and some designs might be superior. Keep in mind that both Briggs & Stratton and Kohler (the most-used brands) make different grades of engines - you can research this on those company's web sites. Transmission manufacturers make different grades, too. A common transmission is the TuffTorq K-46 - go to their web site and you will find that this transmission is rated for a certain maximum tire/wheel size, and is intended for lawn (NOT garden) tractors. Some manufacturers provide more powerful batteries. Some use heavier steel, particularly in the mower decks. Just generally speaking, higher-end machines are likely to have better grade engines and transmissions, and heavier-gauge decks. The point is, you need to do your research. Under $1500, you're not gonna get top-notch quality. But, if you're careful and do your shopping, I think you can find a machine that will do the job for you.

Thanks for all your hard work Karen! Can't wait to read it in its entirety. Jodi-

Teppy, In my gut I know that I will not do as good a job as you did if I try to paint on my own. You have excellent taste and are very meticulous. Me....not so much. I do have a laundry room I can experiment with if I need to. I am definitely going to get a quote from a painting company, think I found one, that paints woodwork, cabinet and such. They do a lot of work for builders and had excellent pictures online. I have to get an exterior quote as well. When I get closer to actually beginning I'll post before pictures. I tried previously but couldn't figure it out. Maybe I'll take a look again this weekend. Yes, there is enough room for walking if the seating is added. It would be so nice for entertaining, cooking with the kids, kids doing homework etc. We have an eating nook that accomodates only a 48" round table comfortablly so the extra space would be nice plus it's just more social. I want to compare the painting cost vs. refacing. I'm actually hoping it's not that different because then the KD w/the refacing company could be the GC for the whole job whereas if we go the painting route I'll have find a GC on my own. Will defenitely try to figure out the picture deal so I can post. Thanks for the responses. Z.

Hello Peggy, I was a bit confused with the username different than the post name...yes at times I can't seem to navigate and find the things I'm looking for. Glad you found me - I welcome your comments. Would love to be finished with this project but it seems I take such a long time deciding, now the thing is that I really like it so far and don't want to "mess it up" with a wrong decision :) The cabinets are frost glaze. Lowes also has a bisque glaze - it had a bit more tinge of yellow to it and the glaze didn't seem as white. You can't tell it in the pictures but the glaze around the details of the cabinets are white white, the bisque didn't have that. There is a bit of distressing in the frost glaze which I'd rather not have but only my husband and I notice it through close examination - looks a little worn but I suppose that will be good in the future :) I fell in love with this granite when I saw it, nothing else quite "hit me" like this one did. (I orginally fell in love with the look of the white on white as the marble gives and couldn't quite find that in a granite) We had considered others that were a bit cheaper but they never gave me that "wow" factor, so after a month of looking we made the decision to go for the summer - it was exclusive to just one fabricator here in town - went there and to our dismay they were out of it which was hard to believe because their whole yard was filled with it - was so discouraged and then I found out that 2 slabs were released and we jumped on it. I was going all over trying to find it and other fabricators were telling me that others were doing the same thing?? It came in quick and left the same way. I know it's from Brazil but that's about it. My pros of going with it behind the stove were the two reasons you mentioned - love the rock and so easy to clean but I'm pretty decided from everyones comments that I will go with the tile - NOW which one - LOL I will check out the tumbled travertine - then there is the issue of color, size, shape and straight verses diagnol - LOL and crying again :) Don't have pictures right now of the open areas - will get but we are working on finishing touches in there too. I don't have the measurements but the rooms are quite small compared to alot I've seen here. One story ranch. There is an arch that cojoins the living room and the dining room (if you can call it that :) the only thing that seperates the dining table and the kitchen is the island. There is a sliding glass door with mullions (to give it that "french door" look-didn't have room for a swing) and then out to the deck which overlooks our yard. Thanks for the compliments. We are trying to make our small space beautiful, warm and open. We're happy of the progess so far and have to remind ourselves that it will eventually be finished and will be worth it! You will have to let me know of your progress - would love to see where you are with it.