How did you survive your kitchen renovation?
moosemac
4 years ago
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how did your bees survive this winter.
Comments (12)I am going into my third year, and when I started I started with all new materials. Last year, my second, I switched out a few of the worst looking frames and replaced the foundation. Last summer's honey production was poor. I took no honey, although I could have gotten a few pounds, I didn't get around to it. So the bees went into winter with some stores, in addition to my keeping them in sugar water from early fall to as late as I could get out the hive. My beekeeper/supplier said that most of the honey producers here west of Boston had a terrible crop: way too much rain way too late into the season. We did insulate the hive: made a rigid insulation box to fit right over the hive. No insulation on top, and bottom space with mouse guard open. However, frigid weather came before christmas (very early) and the insulation was not put on by then. Their sugar water supply was in, though. In January and Feb. as I said extended periods of subzero weather. In January we have always had a "January thaw". This year, not. Inspecting the hive on a warm day two weeks ago, the brood chamber looked good: healthy dark, drawn foundation, no dead brood. The upper foundation showed a mistake I made early in the season. When I took out a couple of frames for the can of sugar water that comes with a new package, I never removed the can and replaced the frames. Those bees did what comes naturally and made a beautiful mess of burr comb. in that open space between the frames in upper box. But, the hive was happy and healthy. I fed the bees beginning in mid fall. The sugar water was not in a big can; I think it was a 16 oz. jar. They emptied one and a half between late fall and spring. Since I did not get out to hive for quite a while, I don't know when they stopped feeding, which would give a good indication of when they died. But they did not get to empty the second jar. I am pretty sure they did not have mites in the fall. I did not medicate for mites, however. The queen was in the upper chamber, surrounded by a good number of bees. All dead. Obviously. They really looked frozen- I mean embalmed. I At that point I took 6 pounds of honey and left, I guess, 3 on partially filled foundations. I did not have a single full foundation of honey. Markedly less than my first year. And yes, I have one hive, and my supplier recommends that I get another, too, and have two. I'm not too discouraged, but my husband feels really bad. Now that sentimentality surprises me! He really thinks we killed them somehow. I don't. Hope I haven't tried your patience with my missive. That's the story of Marie's bees 08. I'm very interested in your own thoughts and any suggestions about how to have a more successful season and overwintering in '10. Marie...See MoreHow did you prepare/empty your kitchen pre-reno? Any advice?
Comments (22)I couldn't believe how much stuff was in my cabinets. The frames are staying but my GC recommended everything come out because of the dust, etc. To say the least. Everything gets dusty and dirty. I can't imagine leaving things inside during reno. Everything I don't use on a daily basis went out into the garage in boxes. No need to pack like you're moving. Some of that stuff may end up being given away or stored in the garage permanently. There were many things I haven't used in the 12 years I've been in this house, and I question why I'm hanging on to them. Food, utensils, everyday dishes, pots and pans are in boxes in my dining room. I peer into them from time to time and snag a granola bar or tin of smoked trout. My stove and fridge are still in place and work, but my sink and DW aren't connected. I've heated some soup and used the oven once, but prep and cooking really need water close by. My coffee maker and cleanup area is my guest bath. I allowed myself one of everything (plate, bowl, mug, glass, spatula, etc.). I have to remember to wipe all my dishes before washing so no particles of food go down the bathroom drain. My microwave is in my office and I rely on it to heat food for dinner. My cats think it's a great perch. I'm into my third week like this with at least another week to go before my kitchen can start being put back together. I'm surviving. People live their lives in far worse conditions. I think I'm most anxious to be able to get boxes off the floor and clean the place. Everything's dirty and sticky. Good luck with your kitchen! Take a lot of pics....See MoreHow did you pay for your new kitchen?
Comments (73)We are paying cash for our new kitchen and we started by paying the deposits (half of estimate) to the countertop guy (had to pick my marble slab) and the cabinet guy. I have spent HOURS and DAYS figuring out how to do the kitchen reno in several stages, which I believe will help me know what (upper cabinets for instance) I really need. So, doing the demolition, base cabinets, new range, knock down wall, move other 5' wall by 6", sink, peninsula, tape and float, and hopefully backsplash first. Later I will do range hood (having hookup and flue for hood done in first stage though), open shelving, backsplash (if can't do it earlier), upper cabinets (if I need). Lastly I will do floor. If something has to change with my plans, I may have to use our line of credit, but it shouldn't be more than $5000 or so and we will pay it off asap. Hate borrowing money. Also it helps that I found some of our kitchen floor tiles in the creek 15 years ago and saved them! They will replace the flooring where the island is getting removed. P.S. My GC knows about this plan ahead of time and is being very understanding....See MoreHow much did your remodel or renovation cost?
Comments (16)We did a gut and remodel of our entire house for around $65,000. A LOT of DIY with some hiring out. Our house isn't very big, the dreaded 1970 era raised ranch with about 1100 square feet on the top and 1100 on the bottom. Our garage is attached but to the back of the house. The kitchen cost us about $11,000 in materials (not including appliances.) Our plumbing is all new, electrical mostly new, we kept some drywall, and the hardwood floors upstairs we saved but had them refinished. New roof, windows, doors, trim, etc. I didn't want to go over $75,000 for the whole job and we still have to do a driveway and landscaping which will definitely push us over a bit. I think the things that saved us the most money is DH is very handy and imaginative so we were able to use his skills in places that could have cost us a lot more and two was our ability to shop around for materials. For almost everything we bought from light fixtures, to cabinets, to appliances I shopped around until I found I was getting a good value. Whenever you are remodeling there are so many wants that can push the budget up. You have to step back and splurge on the ones that are really important to you and try and cut back on things that are less important.. Did anyone look at the chart from live wire? I am sorry but I can't believe some (not all) of the prices. I checked Chicago and it says a mid range master suite addition is $127,000. Upscale was $257,000. I would love to know what that includes....See Moremoosemac
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