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Seriously? Kitchen Update and News Flash

seriously_what_else_can_go_wrong

That’s what I was thinking today. Ever have one of those days, where you feel like life sucker punched you in the gut. And then when you started to stand up it pulled the rug right out from underneath you? Well, sometimes that’s how my past few months have felt. But, in the grand scheme of things, it could be MUCH worse (as my plumber said after telling me a horrendous story about a couple that hired a house sitter who proceeded to burn the house to burn to the ground.)

But, let’s back up a bit to recap some happenings with our kitchen saga. And we’ll focus on some positive kitchen progress (so I can ignore the negative for a brief moment.)

First, can I get a little applause for my success in getting a building permit for our renovation? I was so nervous, but it was really no big deal and it only took about 20 minutes of palm wringing and nervous leg shaking (as I wondered if they’d kick me out of the office because I’m not a “professional” contractor.)  Plus, I was also able to interview the director of Building and Planning of Wake County and asked him a ton of questions about permits. I’ll be sharing his answers to my inquiries soon.

building_permit

With the permit in hand, work started on the kitchen again. I’ve been busy building some built-in furniture to prepare for the electrician. (Will there ever be a non-goofy picture of me?)

PHG_sanding

First I built a hutch from an old table top. And I gave this ReStore desk a Frankenstein style revamp with free table legs (thanks to my good friend Holly of Storywood Designs) and a free kitchen table! Check that little green sticker there…$35 bucks baby! The drawers are in excellent condition and have ball bearing slides. Good bones I tell you, good bones.

desk_supplies_from_restore

When I can catch my breath, I’ll show you the detailed tutorial. Until then, here’s the finished product:

kitchen_desk_hutch

Can you believe that’s the same desk? This is going to be our family command center where I can keep track of all the school papers and forms that need signing. I think a family calendar might look swell on the wall under the hutch — Don’t you think? The electrician will be wiring a sconce into the lower center cubby so I can flip it on for extra light.

window_seat_framed

I also framed out the window seat and moved a floor vent to the front of the seat. The electrician has to wire an outlet into the front of the seat to meet code requirements (that there be at least one wall outlet within 12′ of wall space.) No big deal, I just don’t want to fail our inspection. Before you ask, yes, a tutorial for building a window seat will be forthcoming.

Our good friend Bob came over with his BIG drill and a hole saw to show me how to move the plumbing vent stack back into the wall. You gotta love having good friends with good tools!

bob_rerouting_plumbing_vent_stack

Pretty Handy Boy #2 has been keeping busy working on his own projects. This is supposed to be a house for his stuffed animals, but right now I think it is just a condo. Hopefully he won’t need a building permit when it comes time to add on to that dwelling.

building_boy

And now the progress pictures in the kitchen:

refrigerator_wall

The wall where the fridge and new cabinets will go got a few new holes today.

gutted_walls_wires_run

Sheetrock and insulation also came down on the opposite walls so the electrician could work more efficiently. The sheetrock was damaged anyway and was slated to be replaced, so this wasn’t too big a deal.

Now this:

finger_through_termite_damage

That is a BIG deal. That would be a picture of me poking my finger completely through a 2×4 wall stud. That’s not Houdini magic…

termite_rotted_board

That would be two walls studs that doubled as an “All You Can Eat” buffet for a family of termites. Luckily the damage was limited to the two studs and base of the wall. We should be able to replace the toothpick lumber tomorrow.

I’m sorry, I can’t leave you on that absolutely sour note. Instead, here’s your eye candy:

blue_cabinets
On Facebook and Instagram I asked which cabinet color scheme you liked better. It was a 50/50 split, but you helped me decide that white upper cabinets would really make my heart thump louder.

white_cabinets

My photoshop skills aren’t the best on those renderings above, so here is a closer look at the tiles I currently have a teenage crush on:

marble_tiles

PHGFancySign

You can read more about our kitchen disaster and renovation in these updates:

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  1. […] Termite Damage and Kitchen Update […]

  2. […] a water pipe freeze and burst is not a disaster I wish to experience. Water leaks, mold, termite damage and asbestos are plenty of experiences for one handy girl. Given my experience with water leaks, I […]

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