tiffanytwisted
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Jul 31, 2014 18:01:40 GMT
Why does anyone ever do this? The guy only came to measure for the new cabinets and my head is spinning!
We can go as long as we wanted - something about blocking the doorway for firemen. We can't go as high as we wanted - something about crooked ceilings. We have to move plumbing. We have to rip up the floor (in all fairness, I kinda saw that one coming).
What am I getting myself into?
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Post by redshoes on Jul 31, 2014 18:04:35 GMT
Keep your eye on the prize!!!! It WILL be worth it, but yes, it is a painful process (it was for us anyway, both kitchen and master bath). Hopefully you know what you want and you are decisive. There a lots of decision to make. Overall, it always takes longer and costs more than you think, so prepare yourself now. Good luck!!
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Post by stephgg on Jul 31, 2014 18:05:26 GMT
We want to start the process of a remodel of our kitchen soon. I have been dragging my feet because of all of the problems we are going to discover.
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Post by alibama on Jul 31, 2014 18:09:25 GMT
Oh I wish you luck! My counters and cabinets have been ordered so now I have to wait until DH heals from his accident since he is doing the work. I hope it is done by Christmas.
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Post by brina on Jul 31, 2014 18:10:32 GMT
we are in kitchen remodel hell. Actually, it started as a kitchen remodel and then became a first floor remodel and we decided to flip our kitchen and our dining room. I feel like every week a new issue pops up. It is an older home, so all kids of things are going on int he walls. I just keep pouring the wine and telling myself it will all be worth it when it is done.
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tiffanytwisted
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Jul 31, 2014 18:21:47 GMT
Buy wine. Check. Thanx, brina! Actually thanx to you all. Misery loves company, right? alibama, hope your husband is feeling better soon. We want to start the process of a remodel of our kitchen soon. I have been dragging my feet because of all of the problems we are going to discover. This is my sister. She's been talking about it for years. My husband & I recently came into a little money, which is why we're moving ahead. My sister & I joke that I'll be done before she even gets started. I'm afraid to tell her the things I find out - she'll NEVER start hers! |
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Post by meowgal on Jul 31, 2014 19:15:00 GMT
I didn't do a complete remodel...didn't move anything, just added more cabinets, painted cabinets, changed fixtures, changed appliances, etc. Did get new granite, new deep sink, etc. Just extending my gas line so that I could have a gas range was a nightmare and so was reworking the plumbing for the deeper sink. I am now putting off my two upstairs bathrooms because it takes SO much longer than what you think it will. BTW, always...always..and always...get THREE estimates and check references. ALWAYS.
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Post by alibama on Jul 31, 2014 19:19:40 GMT
I might need some of that wine. I am afraid for it to begin. My husband is excited about it but he is not a "handy" man lol. I am hoping for the best. It looks like it will be at least October before they start. In the meantime my new appliances are sitting in my daughters basement. I have not even seen them yet.
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eastcoastpea
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Post by eastcoastpea on Jul 31, 2014 19:23:35 GMT
My sister is remodeling her kitchen right now. Lots of little unexpected things happening. I'm looking forward to seeing the end result. I think it's going to be very pretty.
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loco coco
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Post by loco coco on Jul 31, 2014 19:26:47 GMT
it will all be worth it! Ive been getting quotes for our kitchen remodel and just that part has been a pain in the ass. I want to see pictures when you are done!!
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BarbaraUK
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Jun 27, 2014 12:47:11 GMT
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Post by BarbaraUK on Jul 31, 2014 19:33:54 GMT
We did a complete make-over of our kitchen last October and it was three weeks of noise, dirt, no access to kitchen appliances, finding out what we could cook in the microwave or a mini oven placed in the dining room etc., etc........!!  However, it was worth it all in the end even though half way through I was ready to scream and I'm now really happy with my new kitchen. |
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peabrain
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Post by peabrain on Jul 31, 2014 19:34:55 GMT
We got some plans back for our remodel and I hate them.
So I'm kinda back at square one. I think I need to talk to an architect.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2014 19:39:46 GMT
Yes, it's absolutely horrible and absolutely awful, and it will take at least 2x as long as they say it will, and will cost at least 1.5x as much as they say it will, and there will be a never-ending stream of problems.
Do be sure to get exactly what you want, though. Crooked ceilings are no reason not to put your cupboards up high -- mine are very crooked, and I made them go to the ceiling. It takes more work for the guys, but they CAN do it. The ceiling is crooked anyway, so I'd rather have them deal with covering it up with trim, etc, than to have a crooked empty space up there!
I've never heard about not going long, to make room for firemen?? My counters go almost right up to the door trim.
I would also caution you to make sure that all holes, trim, etc are filled in with proper wood filler and NOT caulking. I know from reading home improvement blogs and having at least 4 different companies/sets of guys working on my house that caulking is the go-to standard now, but I really regret letting them do it. Not even 6 months after finishing and it already looks awful and has cracked. It's rubbery, gets really dingy and gross, and is impossible to clean. I'm guessing that because this product/technique was used by several different guys during different repairs/renos made to my house that it wasn't just ONE guy's problem with buying the wrong stuff or applying it incorrectly, but rather a problem with the technique in general. The guys we hired were all "code crazy", which I really respected and wanted, so I do feel like they knew what they were doing. I just will never let anyone fill in trim or holes with caulking ever again. I don't care what anyone says.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2014 19:41:30 GMT
We got some plans back for our remodel and I hate them. So I'm kinda back at square one. I think I need to talk to an architect. Have you tried doing it yourself? I planned my kitchen using the IKEA software on their website. It is very easy to use and quite intuitive and flexible. You don't need to use their cabinets or pay for it, though the software does use the dimensions/looks of IKEA cabinets. But it will give you an idea of what kinds of cabinets and cupboards you want where, and where the fixtures and big appliances should go. |
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Post by anonrefugee on Jul 31, 2014 20:41:43 GMT
I can't imagine holes and joints being filled with caulk- big NO.
But caulk between cabinet, or counter, and walls is preferred. If they use correct caulk will hold up better. The concept is the house (walls) will move separately from the cabinets, and caulk can flex (so to speak) instead of break.
In areas with a lot of ground movement caulk often replaces grout at corner joints in tubs and showers for the same reason.
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tiffanytwisted
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Jul 31, 2014 21:14:59 GMT
Thanx for the tips! Especially about the taller cabinets. To be honest, no matter how often they explain it to me I still don't get the their point - either the molding or the cabinet will be uneven compared to the ceiling, so what's the difference?
Meowgal, that's basically what we're doing, just adding a few inches/feet of cabinet & counter. My kitchen is too small to change the layout in any way. We're using Lowe's, so getting estimates is kind of moot. We already have an electrician & a plumber that we love, so that won't be an issue.
Ashley, my kitchen is weird (aren't they all) in that when you come up the steps from my basement family room, if you were to keep walking straight you would walk right into my counter/cabinet. We can only go so far w/out impeding entering & exiting the room. My original plans had enough space for a person to do it w/minimal issue, but anyone carrying something like a firefighter would might have a problem. Not sure how much I'll let this affect my decision, but it's just more crap flying around in my head.
Have to talk to my husband about all this on Saturday when he gets home. Head still spinning . . .
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2014 21:17:24 GMT
Hmm... I'm trying to picture a kitchen where you WOULDN'T walk into a cupboard/cabinet if you kept on walking once in the room, I must not be understanding what the issue is!!
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tiffanytwisted
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Jul 31, 2014 21:27:13 GMT
Yes, in every kitchen, if you kept walking you would eventually hit a wall, but mine is such a weird layout that it's hard to explain. The basement doorway is perpendicular to the wall where my cabinets are. And it is flush against that wall. If my cabinets ran the length of the wall, the side of them would literally block the doorway. Does that help at all?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 31, 2014 21:32:37 GMT
Yes, I totally get that now! I can see how that would be awkward. I have nearly the identical situation in my kitchen, but there's another door on the wall the basement door is up against so I couldn't bring the cabinets right up to the basement door anyway.
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Post by meowgal on Jul 31, 2014 21:35:10 GMT
I do have to say though that I'm very happy with the final. I didn't have one person do the whole thing...I contracted the different companies...cabinet maker, painter, bought the appliances myself, plumber, electrician, tile company, granite guys, etc. this saves money, but coordinating the work was a real learning experience . I also did a nearby powder room at the same time. I purchased all the things like lights, sinks, faucets, toilet, etc. myself, mostly online. Everybody thought I was nuts, but I've always been able to see the final project in my imagination, so it coordinated perfectly and turned out exactly as I dreamed it!
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tiffanytwisted
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Jul 31, 2014 23:55:49 GMT
Yes, I totally get that now! I can see how that would be awkward. I have nearly the identical situation in my kitchen, but there's another door on the wall the basement door is up against so I couldn't bring the cabinets right up to the basement door anyway. Phew! I am so glad - I am so terrible at describing things! I do have to say though that I'm very happy with the final. I didn't have one person do the whole thing...I contracted the different companies...cabinet maker, painter, bought the appliances myself, plumber, electrician, tile company, granite guys, etc. this saves money, but coordinating the work was a real learning experience . I also did a nearby powder room at the same time. I purchased all the things like lights, sinks, faucets, toilet, etc. myself, mostly online. Everybody thought I was nuts, but I've always been able to see the final project in my imagination, so it coordinated perfectly and turned out exactly as I dreamed it! What a brave gal! I will have ulcers by the time this is over and I'm going the easy route! I bow down to your chutzpah, girl! |
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Post by meowgal on Aug 1, 2014 12:23:44 GMT
I do have to say though that I'm very happy with the final. I didn't have one person do the whole thing...I contracted the different companies...cabinet maker, painter, bought the appliances myself, plumber, electrician, tile company, granite guys, etc. this saves money, but coordinating the work was a real learning experience . I also did a nearby powder room at the same time. I purchased all the things like lights, sinks, faucets, toilet, etc. myself, mostly online. Everybody thought I was nuts, but I've always been able to see the final project in my imagination, so it coordinated perfectly and turned out exactly as I dreamed it! What a brave gal! I will have ulcers by the time this is over and I'm going the easy route! I bow down to your chutzpah, girl! I'm a control freak, so this worked best for me. Like I said, the hardest part was actually coordinating all the workers in the right order and with their schedules, mine, etc. THAT was a lesson and a half. ALWAYS line up the people like the plumber ahead of time, not when it looks like you'll need them the next day! LOL |
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tiffanytwisted
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Aug 1, 2014 12:43:48 GMT
Buy wine. Check. Call ahead. Check. It will all be worth it in the end. Check.  |
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Post by jmurray on Aug 1, 2014 12:56:57 GMT
Having just completed a major bathroom remodel only this week, I can say I do not envy you at all. We were told 3 weeks by the project manager - it's been 7. Budget was approx 50% over original plan, but we've learned from prior renovations to expect that so we'd set the extra aside in advance. If there was a problem to be had, we sure managed to find it with this remodel. We don't have a spare bathroom either so we had turned our laundry into a makeshift shower room using a large tub and rubber hose onto the faucets. Ick. Was it all worth it? I suppose if you ask me in 6 months I'll say yes, but the stress of it all is only now just starting to ebb. I do love the new bathroom so much though. I've been designing it and buying all the bits for it since January so it's awesome to see my plans all materialise... eventually Good luck with your kitchen. Ours is next on the list, but we've decided to take a break. One upheaval every 6 months is about all we can handle! |
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tiffanytwisted
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Aug 1, 2014 13:17:37 GMT
Yikes! I definitely won't be telling my sister about your bathroom nightmare! She's thinking about remodeling hers and there is NO way the poor OCD thing could go 7 weeks. My hat is off to you, too!
I'm trying not to think about everything that can go wrong and just remind myself that we will get thru it. I've already warned my husband that our take out/restaurant bill will be going waaay up. There's only so much we can eat cold or make w/a microwave.
I'm like you - one project at a time. We just had a new living room door & window installed. This required removal of the old wall so we could reinsulate and add a new outlet. This, of course, required us to paint the living room. Since there's no separation, we also had to paint the hallway and all 6 door frames & 4 of the doors (the other 2 will be done later). Of course I needed new sheers for the new window. And we needed a working doorbell. If you give a mouse a cookie . . .
Anyway, had to wait til all that was done before I could even begin moving on the kitchen, so I hear ya. I'd be taking a break, too!
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peabrain
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Post by peabrain on Aug 1, 2014 13:23:36 GMT
We got some plans back for our remodel and I hate them. So I'm kinda back at square one. I think I need to talk to an architect. Have you tried doing it yourself? I planned my kitchen using the IKEA software on their website. It is very easy to use and quite intuitive and flexible. You don't need to use their cabinets or pay for it, though the software does use the dimensions/looks of IKEA cabinets. But it will give you an idea of what kinds of cabinets and cupboards you want where, and where the fixtures and big appliances should go. I will go check it out. I'm not really sure it will do what I need though. We bought an older house last year. It has a small kitchen, but there's room to push it out. But I'd need to knock down some walls. The first guy said I'd have to keep certain beams, which is fine by me, but trying to get the flow of the kitchen into the dining into the living room is killing me. The plan he submitted had this huge cabinet that I'd have to walk around --to give me more cabinet space, but I thought things would be more open. We haven't figured out where to more the fridge and how to incorporate the entry way. But I LOVE ikea. I will check it out. Hey, maybe its what we're missing. I don't know! Thanks! |
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Post by chedanemi on Aug 1, 2014 13:37:15 GMT
We lived through a complete first floor reno, including the kitchen, a few years ago. Everyone is right... takes longer and costs more than you originally plan for. We are currently nearing the end of a renovation in a foreclosure home we bought. We gutted it and started practically from scratch. I found one way to save money was to find what you want, e.g., faucet, sink, lights, etc., then google the hell out of it. There is ALWAYS a website selling it cheaper or with free shipping or a discount using a code. I found a kitchen chandelier on one website for $1300.00. I would never have paid that. I googled around and found the EXACT same chandelier on close-out at another website for $137.00. A terrific resource is the kitchen forum at That Home Site. That Home Site Kitchen Forum |
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scrappinghappy
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Post by scrappinghappy on Aug 1, 2014 14:33:03 GMT
We remodelled our kitchen and master bath. I have to say the folks over on the Gardenweb Kitchen forum were fantastic. They helped sort out a ton of quirky problems, gave some great suggestions I would NEVER have though of on my own and probably also caused our budget to go a weeee bit over  I ended up doing the design myself with their help, hired an independant cabinet maker that ended up costing less than mid range big box store but much better quality, and used a contractor who handled all the installation, plumbing, electric for me. I did tons and tons of research and still ran into a few problems but in the end I absolutely love my kitchen. There are a couple things I would change in retrospect from working in it but nothing earth shattering. One thing I will never do again is have dark countertops with wood cabinets. They just suck the light right out the room - even with huge windows and white walls and good lighting. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2014 14:50:57 GMT
I will go check it out. I'm not really sure it will do what I need though. We bought an older house last year. It has a small kitchen, but there's room to push it out. But I'd need to knock down some walls. The first guy said I'd have to keep certain beams, which is fine by me, but trying to get the flow of the kitchen into the dining into the living room is killing me. The plan he submitted had this huge cabinet that I'd have to walk around --to give me more cabinet space, but I thought things would be more open. We haven't figured out where to more the fridge and how to incorporate the entry way. But I LOVE ikea. I will check it out. Hey, maybe its what we're missing. I don't know! Thanks! Definitely check it out! There are options when you set up the room you're planning to put in obstructions like supporting beams, etc. And there are different views like bird's eye or 3D as if you are standing in the room. It gives a pretty good sense of what the finished room will look like. I was impressed. And the guys who installed our kitchen were majorly impressed by my planning skills. Couldn't believe that everything fit in perfectly. |
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Post by disneyjunkie on Aug 1, 2014 14:54:37 GMT
We are in the middle of a kitchen remodel that has practically morphed into a complete first floor renovation. Most rooms outside the kitchen will just be cosmetic though. My dad is building my cabinets and they are about half way completed. They are gorgeous and I am so excited about them! I have my floor choices narrowed down to two - one is bamboo and the other hardwood acacia. I can't decide between them! I won't rip out my old cabinets until the new ones are ready to be installed. I have NOT picked out my granite. My cabinets are dark -n the stain is called Java. Reading scrappinghappy's post above makes me think we need light granite. It's stressful picking everything out! I ordered all of my appliances over 4th of July weekend (big sale). I'm not changing my current layout by much. I'm switching from doors/shelves to drawers in several places and making my island bigger. I'm also building the microwave into the cabinet above the oven instead of built in shelf thing like we have now. Currently we have a soffit(SP?) which we are removing and the new cabinets will go to the ceiling. In the end, I'll have more cabinet space.
Let me share one idea someone gave me regarding your space/doorway issue. Get a big box (like from an appliance store) and tape it to the ground where you want the cabinet to go. Leave it there for a week and see if you think it impedes the traffic flow in your house.
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However, it was worth it all in the end even though half way through I was ready to scream and I'm now really happy with my new kitchen. 
