We are getting a GE AG Cafe range ($2500) and I would have been perfectly happy with a GE or Frigidaire slide-in ($1600), but DH is "splurging" on the Cafe. We want a panel-ready DW, so that's going to be about ~$1000, but it will probably be a KitchenAid or something. We are looking at a few different standard depth SxS frigs in the $1500-$1800 range, all very ordinary. We are leaving shelf space for a GE convection MW ($500), but may make do with our $120 Sharp for awhile longer. Our Faber Cristal hood ($550) is Italian (ooh-la-la) so I'm not sure if that's regular or not, but fairly inexpensive. Altogether that's about 6K - less if we can make some smart buys - and I can't say I feel like I'm doing without. All you have to do is look at the Sears flyer every week to see what most people can afford. DH and I briefly toyed with the idea of a Lacanche range because they're so darn beautiful. The more we talked about what else we could do with that $$$ (mostly outfit the kids gameroom that is part of this addition), the less attractive the Lacanche looked to us. We also would have felt a little silly, because we're really just "regular" cooks. Our friends who are "good" cooks all manage on ranges less expensive than the Cafe. If we really step up the cooking when we retire 20 years from now, we may revisit that beautiful Lacanche though.

The JSI factory is in Fall River MA. The address is: 485 Commerce Drive, Fall River, MA 02720 All of the displays are there and the cabinets are really lovely. However, they don't have full-extension drawers and only self-close not soft close. The drawers close hard/load. I was working with Stacey at Woodlist.com. He got me an appointment to see them. Their site also has a good list of the cabinets and trims available with sketches. The price point is higher than Nieghbors, but Stacey said that was flexible. Their link is below. I also went and saw the Kabinart cabinets that are available from mfkusa.com. They are great! There are lots of choices in doors, colors, cabinets and trim. The construction is top notch. The price is comparable to the JSI line. Has any one used the Kraftmaid cabinet buyer that goes to the warehouse for you? Here is a link that might be useful: Woodlist cabinets

@btydrvn I confirmed that the cement overpour will involve leveling after. I like the lighter oak look. Some oak floors have too much wire brushing for me. Less color variation would be good since the flooring will be all over in our house. Reward seems to have a few different thicknesses 4mm, 3mm, 2mm. 4mm is more pricey than I am hoping for. We won’t refinish the floor since it’s seems like it would be a huge mess, plus if you refinish I think it could remove the distressed finish on the floor. What do you suggest for the wood thickness on engineered? Is 2mm too thin?

Jan Donovan Thanks for reaching out! I'm familiar with the brand and collection you're considering. It's a solid value collection from Reward, offering 12 trendy colors and a 4mm European White Oak wear layer. The cost typically falls between $9 to $11 per square foot, depending on your market. Keep in mind that this collection leans toward a high-character look, and some batches might not perfectly match the showroom samples. I highly recommend starting with a box before placing a full order. Working with a local, reputable wood floor dealer is also crucial. It wouldn't hurt to post a few pictures of your interiors so other experts can offer additional advice.