Asplenium antiquum Rgds

Really, you have quite a few issues that make tearing out what's there and replacing it a better option than attempting to rework what you have. 11K is a bit steep for refacing, but realize that you also asked for quite a bit of labor in moving around stuff. Moving old stuff is more costly than ripping it out and replacing it with new stuff. Issue #1 is the fridge location. There are several possible solutions to this, but all would require remaking a large part of your layout. Issue #2 is your DW is right in the middle of your prep zone. That complicates being able te separate the prep and cleanup functions and keeps that area muddled. Issue #3 is the paucity of actual prep space. You're mostly standing in the corner facing away from anyone who might visit you. I had a similar layout, and it always felt like "time out" punishment to me. Issue #4 is the bookcase/MW area that serves as a dumping ground rather than an area for decorative items or even a functional snack area. (Move the fridge here with the MW and you now have a great snack area.) Issue #5 is the soffits taking up valuable "overstock" space for seldom used items. That's not space you'll drag out the stepstool and use everyday, but it WILL be useful for turkey platters and the seldom used espresso machine. Issue #6 is the need for better lighting in the kitchen. You need to address this no matter what you choose. Under cabinet lighting becomes more of a must as we age because our eyes need more light to be able to see as well as we did when we were young. Under cabinet lighting puts the light directly onto your work surface where you need it. You also could probably use tweaking of the existing central light fixture into a couple of semi flush lights and possibly some recessed lighting. Issue #7 is the lack of proper landing space around your range, which is one of the things you hope your tweak will help with. Yes, it can, but your proposal doesn't go far enough in addressing all of the issues as a whole. My advice would be to take this layout to several local kitchen shops and see what type of suggestions you get offered as to how to make the space more functional. (This is after getting lots of suggestions here that can open your eyes to the possibilities.) Talk the the KDs about the various "average" costs for the different lines that they carry and the number of options offered by the manufacturer both in door style and stain as well as the thickness of the spec book (indicates the number of variations offered, i.e. the line's flexibility) For the same 12K you were quoted, I could get you all new taller cabinets in Shenendoah along with granite countertops and the installation of all of that. I'm not counting the electrical for the lighting or the demolition of the soffits in there, as costs for that will vary depending on if systems are located in them as well as drywall repair varying depending on location. In the end, for just slightly higher than you were quoted, you could have a MUCH better functioning kitchen with all new cabinets and countertops.

My Electrician was asking me where I planned to install my microwave -- he assumed I was going to do a built-in. Nope, just plugging in my $60-65 guy on the countertop, close to where I keep the dishes I'd microwave on. Yes, the fridge is further into the kitchen, but on the way out I'll microwave, and then walk out to the dining region (or outdoors) to eat. I guess most food I nuke is either for hot tea, takeout leftovers, and occasionally parmesan'd asparagus. Serve on whatever I nuke the food item on/in! Having it on the counter on the way out to the dining table is also useful if I host pot lucks. If I get tired of having appliances on the counter top, I can always put them in the pantry -- but I don't want to be moving it in and out especially if guests are going to be using it. (I will store *ugly* appliances in the pantry, or under the counters.... my crock pot is hopelessly stained, for instance.) I don't use it all that often, but often enough.

are they in nothing but cocofiber? that stuff gets REALLY compacted and the roots have a really hard time growing threw it... what did the roots look like? how easy was it to check the roots?