Be Careful What You Ask For!

 

 

 

 

 

 

October of last year, we received the go ahead to turn our 1970’s Home Ec kitchen into a modern Culinary Studio with technology to teach classes, record videos and all sorts of terrific educational events.  Big smiles for everyone!  How hard can remodeling a kitchen be I think to myself?  Over a year later I am thinking–are you kidding me!

In almost a year and a half we have learned so much!  Things do not happen quickly.  Most of the time nothing happens at all.  First you figure out what you want your kitchen to do, then you get a design.  Make sure when you get a design by a professional it has drawers!  We are learning that you need to think about the types of pots and pans you are going to store.  This drives the types of drawers/cabinets you install.  Silverware?  You need a drawer for that!  What about cookie sheets that are a certain size?  Better make sure the cabinet is big enough. Oh man!  I could go on!

We are lucky enough to be working with a wonderful person from Douglas County who is functioning as our contractor.  I feel so bad for him.  He has to deal with me, and about 40 other people.  The decisions are never easy.  When you finally make your decisions, then it has to be OK’d by many factions.  Time.  Patience.  Better have lots of it.  Laughter helps!  It’s just a kitchen-right!?

So we have been working on this for over a year.  Currently, we have most of a new ceiling installed, new BRIGHT lights (no bulbs!)–I know they will be bright when they work–I can just picture it in my mind.  We have electrical boxes and a new wall where a door used to be.  We have decided on cabinets, countertops, flooring and paint.  We have two really cool stainless steel tables that will tolerate years of classes with adults and kids.  Flooring and drywall are coming soon.  I need to place our order for our appliances soon so they will be in when the cabinets are installed.  Did you know that you have to leave a certain amount of space to have your cabinet doors open so they won’t hit anything, including your fridge and freezer.  Learned that too!  NEVER take your kitchen for granted again.  I know I won’t.

I have to share this, as it really exemplifies what goes into a kitchen remodel.  We decided we wanted to change out a small cabinet near one range for drawers instead (I tell you–you really NEED drawers!).  It’s not as easy as it sounds.  A cabinet has a door and a pull–oh yeah–and shelves.  Well-a set of drawers in the same size cabinet has 6 drawer slides, three doors and three handles.  More expense.  Makes you think!

This will be the first of a series of blogs about our journey into the realm of Cool Kitchens!  Maybe by the next installment we will have light!