Beginning Step 1

Let the kitchen demo begin!

Yesterday was a big day to get the ball rolling.  After plenty of measuring, counting, checking, double-checking, and triple-checking, two hours and many questions answered from the helpful staff of a large corporate do-it-yourself store, (and a stop at Sonic for a sandwich & limeade) I came home with new cabinetry and countertop.

Safety first!  When moving appliances always consider the electrical & other hookups.   Once the gas was  turned off and yellow cord removed from the oven, it got moved across the kitchen.  Then it was demo time!

I was so anxious to start I didn't bother with gloves or ear protection.  At least I wore closed toe shoes!

Since the plumber won't be coming until next week, we removed the plaster & lath up to the sink cabinet.  The wall came down relatively easy and now the plumber has full access to all the water parts.  Making life easier for the plumber is always a good thing!

Next week, the kitchen sink, dishwasher, and new countertop will be mounted to this wall.  I'm thrilled at the thought of having a dishwasher!  Let's call this Step 1/2   :)

Summer is halfway over and I haven't gotten to all my projects!
I've been meeting with an architect for a few months now.  He is helping me with the main level kitchen and basement plans.  The plan includes cutting out the unfinished basement floor, replacing basement posts, reinforcing beams, moving pipes and water-related mechanics, installing in-floor heat in the basement, moving a doorway, relocating a kitchen sink, adding a second bathroom, second kitchen, and on and on.  Lots of planning, coordinating, and budgeting involved.
After a few design rounds with the architect, we're just about ready to finalize the drawings.  In a dream world, I'd go for the entire remodel at one time, but I'm on a budget and will be doing "steps" to complete the project.
Step 1: Move kitchen sink to adjacent wall.  Install garbage disposal & dishwasher (super excited about the new amenities!).  Move oven to opposite wall, add electrical outlets, patch and paint kitchen walls.  My plumber friend is going to have to get creative with the piping when the kitchen sink changes walls, but until the basement floor is cut up and plumbing is reconfigured, we'll make do!  The "steps" are about being cost-effective and being able to live with the "in between" stage.
We're starting demo in a few days... stay posted.  

Waterfall Adventure

Lightning, rain, and a faulty gutter make for fun