Middle-aged married mom looking ahead while enjoying today Progress this week:
++ The replacement cabinet for the broken one was received and installed. They sent doors with it so now we have 2 extra doors. Since we have three sets of identical cabinets on the peninsula, I’ll keep the extra doors in case we have a mishap.
++ The electrical wiring was completed. This now includes the pendant lights above the peninsula, the new 220V circuit for the stovetop, and another recessed light by the beverage station.
++ The hardware was installed on the cabinets that are finalized. This is usually a late task but the contractor was limited by not being able to close up walls since they aren’t yet inspected. He does not waste a minute! If he can’t do one thing, he does another.
++ The new window was installed. This was a biggee and I love it. It’s taller than the old window (and better quality) so it will set off the countertop just 1 backsplash tile height. For a person standing there, it brings the deck into the room visually.
++ Drywall was installed and repaired in several areas in preparation for painting which I don’t expect to occur for a while.
++ I signed the contract with the countertop company. I’m expecting them to reach out early in the week to schedule the measuring.
++ I have evaluated every cabinet & drawer and planned what will be stored there. I ordered a few cabinet organizer items and they are starting to arrive.
++ I chose the grout for the laundry backsplash. I did it online so I’m nervous about the color being accurate.
I have an action to schedule the inspector to come by this week. The dishwasher, washer, & dryer are expected to arrive on Wednesday, the ovens on Saturday, and the exterior door the following Friday. I think the only item I have left to choose and purchase is the faucet for the laundry sink.
new window
DS4 has learned to use the sauté setting on the instant pot. That’ll go down as one of the unintended benefits of the renovation.
As for renovation finances, I think I can accurately predict the 4 top costs though I will confirm this at the end:
1. Cabinets
2. Labor
3. Oven cabinet appliances
4. Countertop
July 14th, 2025 at 07:53 am 1752476028
July 14th, 2025 at 11:18 pm 1752531525
I highly recommend a cookbook called The Vegan Instant Pot. The recipes are delicious and original for anyone - vegan or not. The pictures, which nearly every recipe has, are beautiful and the instructions are clear. After making a couple of recipes, I had the main functions of the instant pot down. It's now my favorite cookbook.
July 15th, 2025 at 01:28 pm 1752582502
DS4 learning to saute in the Instant Pot...a great thing to learn!
July 27th, 2025 at 01:38 am 1753576698
For us, I would swap #3 and 4 on your cost list. That's mainly because we didn't replace our fridge. We bought a dishwasher, oven, and microwave which came to less than the countertop and sink, plus we'll be getting a few hundred back from a rebate on the appliances. But I definitely agree on #1 and 2.