The countertops have arrived!

I can not even begin to describe how happy this makes me. Of course my happiness is directly proportional to how aggravated the hubbs, my brother-in-law and stepdad were with this install. Umm..to say it was a bit trying, is an understatement.

So--that could be a problem

There were some issues with installing the countertops flush with the walls. While imperceptible to the naked eye, there is apparently quite a bit of wave in the walls. This resulted in..ahem... more than a few sessions of dry fit, scribing and sanding. 7...SEVEN...just for the the corner section.

There was a lot of this...

The hubbs (left) and my step-dad discussing the sanding strategy

There was even more of this...

The hubbs holding the countertop in place while my brother-in-law uses a belt sander to sand down to the scribe marks

Once all the sanding and dry fitting was checked, it was time to secure the countertops in place. One thing we discovered, is our off the shelf cabinets have a design flaw. There was NO blocking to attach the countertops and cabinets...NONE! Fortunately we had some scrap wood that was the right thickness (3/4 inch) that was cut to fit, mounted inside the cabinets and then the countertop secured by running a bead of clear 100% silicone caulk along the edge and drilled in 1 and 1/4 inch screws.

You can see the blocking in the back. The front left corner had a corner block installed. The front right didn't have space for blocking because of the sink placement. After the silicone bead it was clamped overnight.

My brother-in-law securing the countertop

Worth the hassle, dontcha' think?


Look at all the counterspace! I could stretch out and sleep there, haha

Eventually the toaster oven will go away--to never EVER be used by me again! haha

No plumbing connection yet, but the most importantantly there is caffeine!

This eventually will be my baking corner

We still have quite a bit to tackle on the list. Still making progress, it is all that matters!

Here's my list from my earlier kitchen remodel post with some additions/ modifications

• Finish tearing out the plaster and lathe on the North wall--DONE!!
• Tear out ceiling--DONE!!
• Cut out the wall boards in the sink area to remove mold. It appears to be contained in a few spots. Decided to do a complete tear out--DONE!!
• Patch/ repair the remaining 2 walls. Possibly skim coat. Decided to do a complete tear out
• Build temporary supports for new headers over door and window.--DONE!!
• Cut out a  2 foot by 8 foot floor section (sink area)--DONE!!
• Sister the joist beams and shim where the floor slopes--DONE!!
• Determine if sill plate needs repaired  Damage is minimal-yay!--DONE!!
• Install a floor jack on North-East corner--where the the sill plate is water damaged
• Move the stove outlet from floor to the wall and update to a new receptacle-DONE!!
• Build bump out wall (west wall/ kitchen sink side) to accommodate for out of plumb wall.DONE!!
• Lay a new subfloor--DONE!!
• Replace, update and attach the outlet to a stud on east wall--DONE!!
• Add 1-2 new receptacle(s) to the east wall (window wall)--DONE!!
• Add 1 new receptacle to west wall-DONE!!
• Purchase recessed light housing and trim kits
  

  DONE!!
• Order focal/ center light--DONE!!
• Move center junction box, DONE!!
• Install recessed lights perimeter of the kitchen (3 on each wall) and install dimmer switch. DONE!!
• Install/ wire in electric for stove exhaust hood--DONE!!
• Replace the window--DONE!!
• Insulate and seal. Minimize any possible cracks, leaks or vermin/bug/ draft entry points-IN PROGRESS
• Electrician inspection--DONE!!
• Drywall, mud, tape, prime and paint --DONE!!
• REPAIR THE EXTERIOR WALL FROM INSTALLING A SMALLER WINDOW--IN PROGRESS On hold due to budget and weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Install the linoleum -- DONE!!
• Install plugs and light switches--DONE!!
• Final electric connection to the breaker--DONE!!
• Purchase additional corner cabinet DONE!!
• Install cabinets-- DONE!!
• Figure a solution for the 6 inch gap in run of cabinets (stove side)--DONE!
• Order remaining counter top (stove side of the kitchen) 
• Order NEW counter tops due to laminate being discontinued-21 days lead time DONE!
• Install counter tops DONE!
• Install sink (part of the counter top fabrication) SORTA
• Plumbing!
• Install garbage disposal
• On demand hot water? Maybe??? NOPE
• Order and install stove exhaust hood--DONE!!
• Paint and install the new entry door On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Purchase door hardware--DONE!!
• Install door hardware, including kick plate On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Add a peephole to the door since it is windowless On hold due to weather. This is now moved to Spring.
• Trim work (doors, the window, baseboards, crown molding and cabinet toe molding)
• Purchase  additional tile for back splash--expanded project (aka scope creep), now need to tile sink aside and food prep/ cook side
• Purchase shelves for open shelving storage between wall cabinet and pantry, as well as, above the sink. DONE!
• Install tile back splash 
• Install shelves
• Install stove and refrigerator
• Purchase end panel for dishwasher installation--DONE!!
• Purchase and install a dishwasher--IN PROGRESS
• Purchase and install cabinet hardware--IN PROGRESS
• Purchase ceiling medallion--DONE!
• Install the ceiling medallion and chandelier
• Decide on window treatment--DONE!!
• Order and SEW fabric for window valance/ curtains/ shade--IN PROGRESS
• Paint  mobile island/ cart
• DIY some wall art
• Purchase/ DIY 1 or 2 kitchen stools
• Accessorize
• Cook, bake and ENJOY the finished kitchen!