The day appeared to start off okay but the only real disappointment of the project took place first thing. It’s all in communication, or lack thereof. The contractor believed the kitchen ceiling was to be given a texture, not finished flat. So the crew obliged by spreading a thick coating of compound on the ceiling, then using a high-quality stamping tool to create a dimensional pattern. Unknown to those present, She Who Must Be Obeyed had a flat ceiling in mind and was quite upset when she learned, too late, that the ceiling had been stamped! We discussed the matter, then I spoke with the contractor and we decided the pattern could be softened a bit by lopping off the points that result as the stamping tool is pulled away — points being features drip-like in shape. Painting should also help soften the look. The focus, I pointed out, will never be on the ceiling so we need to keep it in perspective. Personally, I’d previously thought about what a flat ceiling would look like and I’m not sure that was the right answer though I think the existing texture is a bit too prominent. It will be fine. Better things happened later. The last of the cabinetry was all set, the new over-the-range microwave installed, under-cabinet task lighting went up, electrical was finished, and they were preparing the subfloor to receive its new laminate flooring system. Tomorrow should be really interesting with the first of the flooring due to be installed and the ordering of a beautiful new Cambria quartz countertop!

She wanted a flat finish. The contractor likes a deep texture. I’m stuck in the middle.

The last of the cabinets is installed.

New over-the-range microwave goes in. Will need to be leveled.

Installing the corner task light. Ouch!

At the end of Day 4.

Today was the big day: the cabinets arrived! The already-chaotic living room area of our little place was filled with big boxes — a few really big boxes — containing brand-new cabinets and components from Kraftmaid, an Ohio company. Not long after the delivery truck departed the boxes were opened and their contents placed in their approximate locations within the kitchen space. Already, things were looking better. Many things would have been better than the way the kitchen looked last night but the beautiful new woodwork did spur the imagination. Eventually the first upper piece was hung in the far corner, then another, and another; then some base units were set. Every time a new unit was placed, the crew carefully measured, leveled, adjusted, fitting each precisely in its final spot. The only hitch that developed during the day was that the hot water line should have been designated for movement as was the drain pipe. Not a big deal, but it will slow progress just a bit. Stacked in a corner of the living room is the new laminate flooring and, as I’ve already said, I’m really looking forward to the new floor!

Early morning arrival — the big truck with our new kitchen cabinetry!

The cardboard cavern of kitchen cabinets. I like alliteration … makes me feel like I’m writing for “Batman.”

First cabinet goes up! The guys are making sure it’s just right.

The Pantry — biggest single piece of cabinetry in the place and a bear to handle!

How things look at the end of Day 3 … Promising.

Today was the second day of the Great Kitchen Project. It started off right away with drywall for the ceiling going up, followed by a whole lot of other things — much of it drywall work in the space. New wiring was connected to the electrical panel, removed was nearly all carpeting in the living room, up the stairs, and in the second floor hallway! Oh, didn’t I tell you? We’re having the awful, old carpeting replaced with modern laminate “hardwood” and I think I’m looking forward to that about as much as the new kitchen! The stairway treads were trimmed to accommodate the new laminate kits that will fit over them. Of course, all this meant complete disruption of the main floor — I space I found reasonably comfortable from which to monitor activity, answer questions, and serve as doorman. Cabinets are set to arrive tomorrow morning.

First thing this day: Up goes the ceiling!

Patching the workspace or sealing the sink hole!

Applying joint compound to the ceiling and all around.

Our little home has become a difficult place in which to live in the manner to which we are accustomed. Putting it politely.

Um, yeah… we decided to have the floors redone. This kind of makes an even bigger disruption for our little family.

Two days of demolition and this is what we get: a big trailer full of rubble.