Has your contractor given you any references to call? When we were "interviewing" GC's, I asked for a list from each -- the one that got the list to me in a timely fashion, i.e. within a few days, ended up being the one who got the job - after calling references on their list and getting glowing reports. This was actually a good indication of how they have handled our entire project -- in a timely and professional manner throughout. Ask for references -- a good, confident GC should be happy to provide those. Finding a cabinet maker -- I looked at cabinets "out of the box" for weeks and could not find a style or finish that worked for me. I started calling folks who I knew had done reno's w/in the last five years to ask "would you mind telling me where you got your cabinets?" Sometimes they would say "do you know so and so, they did kitchen, addition, etc". I just called people and introduced myself - most were happy to share this info. and through this "referral" system I found a local cabinet maker (who I didn't know and never would have found on my own - GC was so impressed with his work that has since used him on other jobs) who gave me what I dreamed about (not without compromise along the way) within my budget constraints. Soapstone -- have it, love it, priced it on my own and saved significantly. Our variety is "softer" and although we have only been using our kitchen for about a month, I have chips in several edges, especially around the sink. At first I was heartbroken and then reminded myself that we chose this and marble for the "patinas" they would develop over time -- now I use a sharpie to hide them and move on. We are having so much fun cooking in this kitchen together that a nick or two is worth it!

Thanks so much for the feedback everyone!!! I don't have time right now to address everyone's posts individually (I have to get my butt off this couch and into the shower because we're heading to a party soon), but I will try to answer some questions quickly: The paint color on the walls is BM Clinton Brown. I got it mixed in Aura and it went on beautifully. Never ending- Yes, the walls are textured! We had some imperfections in the old plaster that would have caused just regular paint to look horrible. So, I bought some "linen" textured wallpaper and put it up first and then painted over it. I also used a semi-gloss paint to purposely highlight the texture a little bit. I love it, as it adds a certain amount of warmth to the room. As for the light over the sink, that was there when we moved in, but I saw the exact same fixture at HD. Pretty sure it's under $10 :) It's just a globe, but I will try to get a pic for you later. I know I should move the coffee maker. I used to have it by the micro in the beginning, but that's because before the reno, that was the only outlet I had to use. The one by the fridge had the fridge plugged into it!! I guess I just moved it because I didn't like having so many things plugged into that one outlet... the micro, the toaster and the coffee maker. However, it does make logical sense and it is kind of a pain to make coffee in the corner I have it in now. The towels I found at B,B&B and the potholders I found at Target :) And I found some Robins egg blue fiestaware containers that I am dying to get into my kitchen. I can't justify them now... but they are already on my christmas list, haha. :)

Long story: Our back door does not latch well. We thought it was the door so we replaced the door (ancient door with no window-needed to upgrade anyways) New door doesn't latch well either and we can't even get the deadbolt to function-installed by professionals. Happen to find during a kitchen remodel that the entire back wall leans outward to the difference of 1.5" from the bottom to the top. This is why we can't get doors to hang correctly/latch. This is a headache: Rain, snakes and probably the occasional mouse make their way in. Speaking from experience, I would insist that your issue be addressed. It will be worth it in the long run.

Dawn wrote-: he came to me first and asked permission. It's the right thing to do; his work but my home.. That's where it gets lost here. The "professional" in this case is anything but and is not doing anything really to correct what has been "effed" up. No courtesy no doing the right thing. Desperate times and desperate measures. ( I am referring to the "professional"- not Kristi).