Progress Update: Week 4

Four weeks into the our major Kitchen Renovation, I think I've finally hit the point of frustration. I'm not at all phased by cooking outdoors, having to go to a laundromat for clean laundry, or washing dishes by hand in the walk-in shower; I'm frustrated that the renovation itself isn't further along.

Two weeks ago my husband and I were talking about how the drywall and floors would be going in at this date, maybe even finished if the general contractor were really on top of things.  However, at the end of the week we find ourselves in a holding pattern.  We're still waiting on several inspections before the drywall and floors can be installed.

What's worse, the July 4th Holiday weekend is coming up, so it's looking like we're going to be a whole week behind schedule now.  Our general contractor reassured us it'll get done on time, but I  think he's too lax and isn't taking into account the fact that the countertop company is scheduled to come and template the counters on July 15.

At this point we are seriously considering hanging the drywall and installing the cabinets ourselves.  On one hand, I love the idea of the renovation being more hands-on.  Part of me wants to "own" the project by doing the work myself.  I love the cost-saving aspect of doing more of the work ourselves, too.   But on the other hand, I'm not sure I want my dream kitchen to the the space where I learn to mud drywall, either.

Despite the fact that the project feels like its grinding to a halt, there are signs of progress.

The architect inspects the GC's installment of the ceiling lighting.

(1) The ceiling junction boxes for the new pot lights, surround-sound speakers, and pendant lighting have been drilled and wired.  There are two temporary light bulbs where the pendant lights eventually will go, giving us 100% more lighting than we had before.  I literally squealed with joy upon seeing this!  A substantial improvement in lighting is one of the aspects that excites me the most.

View from the kitchen into the laundry hall.  The lines in the ceiling and floor reveal the difference between where the old hall wall used to be and where the new wall with the laundry closet is going. I cannot express how excited I am to have the laundry out of the kitchen!

(2) The rest of the hall walls are framed, giving us a real feel for the new hall space.  We probably aren't bumping the wall out more than 12 inches, but what a difference 12 inches can make!  I'm throughly thrilled with this space already.  I think it's going to make a huge improvement on function!

Hello energy savings!  Our new state-of-the-art tankless water heater works so well!  Eventually I'll add some plantings to hide the gas and water lines.

(3)  Our new tankless water heater is installed.  Moving the water heater to the exterior of our home translates to more counter space in the kitchen.  As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, the plumber predicted I'd go nuts not having any hot water for weeks on end.  I was completely right about this being a non-issue.  I've never been one for hot showers and since the ground is warm in summer, the water is pretty warm, too, even without a water heater.  In fact, the water is still warmer than I'd prefer.  What I'd really love for someone to come up with is a "water cooler," as what I really want during the hot summer is a cool refreshing shower!  Even better:  There's a line here for a future out-door shower!  Yippee!