I definitely wanted a full-sized frig, not counter-depth, so I had my cabinets bumped out about 6 inches so the frig front would line up flushed with the cabinets. It looks as close to built-in as it can be without being counter-depth. Absolutely love it!! I have my broom/utility closet on the left split in half length wise. One side for for vacuum, step ladder and broom, etc. and the other half with small shelves for cleaning products, toolbox, etc. I also had my contractor install an electrical outlet in the closet for charging small appliances if needed. Here's a couple of shots...sorry, the second one barely shows the side of my frig but I wanted to show depth. href="http://s254.photobucket.com/albums/hh117/coolmom1/?action=view&current=sideIMG_1309_61.jpg" target="_blank">

Oh, contraire!! I used my kitchen for weeks before my hardware was installed. The drilling for holes and install didn't make that much mess. For the most part, I just moved a couple of things in the drawer and wiped. It only took a few minutes, but was worth being able to put all my junk away. Course, I had working plumbing, range hood, and MW though so the kitchen was completely usable otherwise. After plumbing, I think I'd do hardware next then range hood. Fridge water line, trim work, and open shelving can wait. I'm sorry the end is dragging on so slowly for you! How frustrating!

That's a standard-depth refrigerator. The plan shows a counter-depth. If you go with a standard depth, the doors & handles will stick out farther than a counter-depth but the pantry wall will no longer be an issue. If you go with counter-depth, on the other hand, it may still be an issue - they're around 24" deep without doors and handles. How wide was the refrigerator? It doesn't look like it's 36" wide if that alcove is 38" wide. Standard depth usually start at 36" wide, so you won't have the extra inches b/w the wall and refrigerator that I see in the latest picture. Plan for an alcove that will fit at least a 36"W x 72"H refrigerator - that's the "standard" most refrigerator manufacturers seem to be landing on. You want to be able to find a refrigerator to fit in the alcove in the future b/c, yes, any refrigerator you get will probably die within 10 years - that's how they're built these days *sigh* You don't want to pay high end prices to get one to fit. We periodically have someone coming here in a panic b/c they cannot find a refrigerator to fit their alcove - 30" is usually the issue, but as time goes on, even 33" will probably become an issue. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This is your Kitchen - it's ultimately up to you to decide what to do. We're giving you our advice so any decisions you make are made with knowledge - you now have enough information to make an informed decision. You decide now where you are willing to compromise. Good luck! I hope everything turns out the way you envision it.

Ok, I understand. I was trying to just get to the point and didn't realize how helpful you all would be. I'm thankful for your consideration. My dad is an engineer and did the inspection. That being said the areas that need fixing are very obvious and I aim to do that. I have a price to take down three trees in front of the house for 1,000. The others I can handle with a chainsaw. I'll do the painting myself and have a contractor fixing the porch and putting new gutters. The contractor will also install new top cabinets in the kitchen to match the already replaced cabinets on the bottom. That's 5k. Also all the floors will be sanded and poly for about 3k. Does everyone agree that the foundation that's exposed should be dark blue to match all the shutters? I'm planning on sanding and painting the front door the same color as the shutters. I was considering putting the key stone window trim above the front windows as well. I will do a lot of the lawn maintenance myself. I am planning on replacing some of the lighting. And do consider the fans to need replacing. Does everyone agree that the columns can stay as they are? I need to see what happened to make them lean toward the road. If they can be salvaged I can save a lot of money there however I thought 10 inch pillars and a colonial railing and fence would add class to this house. The railing that's there is very water logged and they used siding that doesn't match the house.