I just had a home automation system installed. I looked at Control4, but it is not an open source system. THis means that any time you weant to change the configuration or change the programming, you will have to go back to yur installed and pay him/her to do it. HAI has free downloads of their software so you can do it yourself. My lights are UPB. If you are doing the whole house, the wireless rheostats might be O.K. I think Control4 used Z-Wave. If you have several components spread out around the house, this should be O.K. I don't have direct experience with such a system, but my initial research said that if you have a lone component such as, perhaps, a driveway sensor, it may not work very well because the range of the network isn't very far. Good luck.

Davidtay, I also lack understanding. But, yesterday I saw the MaxLite Plug-and-Play Dimmable Under Cabinet Light Bar with Diffuser, 33 LEDs, 12 inch Warm White. I think this may work for me, but I am still unsure. It seems that you would purchase a 6" and a 12" bar to place under an 18" cabinet or 3- 12" bars to place under a 36" cabinet. I didn't see where they carried larger than 12" bars. They are also hooked up directly to the house current? They do not need a transformer- is it built in? Do they still draw a low current? I really would like to understand. I apologize if my questions are either not logical or seem very basic. Thanks, Joan

Hi Dasistgut, You will be pleasantly surprised to tear them out yourself. If you have a good power drill that will be handy to do the demo. A hammer and a tire iron might be helpful too. When they are all out you will be on your way. It is such a good feeling to do it yourself and save some money. I think you are wise to get other estimates. Sometimes the big anchor stores charge more. You could still buy the cabinets but hire a contractor or handyman to help you install. As for the plumber. I would hire one. You want it done right. Best of luck and don't give up. You can do this! ~boxerpups

I don't know how to edit the title- we've been here a week and this is the midway point. We will have spent about $350 when all is done. H is doing all the work himself. I tried to do a concrete treatment on the countertop, and messed up the sink section- clearance ikea counter and sink to the rescue! So we will paint (SW Sea salt), change hardware to antique bronze, update lighting, add molding to the vinyl bead board, and add art. I don't love the concrete counter treatment, and if I'd known I'd be adding the butcher block I'd have removed the strip of backsplash around the whole kitchen instead of having to concrete that part too.... But I can live with it for 5 ish years until we do a proper remodel. Yes there are dirty dishes in the sink, always, lol. Feedback welcome before it's too late to turn back! I wish I could have ikea counters for the whole kitchen but DH doesn't trust himself to get the cuts right