Another House Update...

Friday, July 24, 2015

Anyone who has done any amount of remodeling will probably understand what I'm about to say... it seems you take a step forward, and two steps back when you begin to tackle remodeling a home!  That is what we have been experiencing as we attempt to ready the home to move into.

I busied myself painting the cabinets that were left in the home when we purchased it.  I had priced similar cabinets at Home Depot, for about $700.00.  I decided I would save the $$.  The Home Depot cabinets were base model cabinets, without finish or stain as well, so I decided to use the cabinets we had, which needed painting.



We began by removing doors and drawers...


Sanding them down, wiping off the dust...



And then began painting...


I was not pleased with the Clark & Kensington paint that we chose, because it required 3-4 coats of paint.  I wished I had taken the time to go back to Home Depot to buy the Behr Marquee paint, which goes on like a dream, and needs generally only one, maybe two coats.  But... since I had already bought the paint, we continued to use it...


... the process just took a lot longer though.


Here is the base of the cabinet, painted and ready to go.


... and with the doors and drawers in... there are two missing panels to this piece, but our dear friend, TS, created the two missing pieces for me, which haven't been installed yet.  He has been quite the genius at work, figuring out solutions for difficulties we encounter along the way!



So far, I am very pleased with the cabinets.  I have purchased the door knobs and drawer handles online, and when the time is right, those will get installed.... (I am learning patience is a virtue in this process!)  I would love to see the handles and knobs installed, but the holes have to be drilled out, and so this is a project that is on the back burner for now.



The cabinets were hung by our dear friend TS and our son.  We ran into a snag because the ceiling and walls are uneven.  We are currently trying to decide how to hide the gap between the ceiling and the cabinet!  I bought some 1/4" white plastic moulding to see if that would help hide it, and when we get a chance, we will see how that works.  Other ideas include fitting a piece of wood into that gap, or filling it with caulking.  Any other ideas out there for a solution?  :)



The cabinets are not fancy, for sure... but since we are trying to keep costs as low as possible, they will do!



Another snag that we have had to deal with is the placement of the dishwasher.  The previous owner must have been someone who never spent much time in the kitchen, or doing dishes!  For reasons quite unknown to us, the dishwasher was placed smack up against the wall, with a drawer bank in between the sink and the dishwasher.  This has created a lot of problems for us, in deciding whether or not to even have a dishwasher.  However, come to find out, the water to the sink is connected to the dishwasher, and a lot of plumbing would have to be changed out to disconnect the dishwasher.  Sigh.  So, even though I was willing to give up a dishwasher, it seems it HAS to be there, for now, because of the mess of the plumbing work.

This then poses another problem.  For the dishwasher to open, there has to be enough room for the door to open flat, and we are talking about inches here of room because on the wall underneath the hanging cabinets, our stove, refrigerator and small drawer bank need to go as well. We will have to get a small refrigerator, and stove in order to make it all workable.


Then, our latest project involved finishing the back of the bar area.  This area faces into the living room, and needed to be finished.


I found this bead board at Home Depot for $21.97 for a 4' x 8' sheet, and we are going to use this to finish out the side and back of the bar.  I was quite excited to see this come together!


It was nice to see how pretty the bead board is going to look, and gave me hope for the kitchen after all!


And so, that concludes  all of the progress that we have made so far!

There are several difficulties that we have encountered (electrical, plumbing and uneven walls/ceilings) that have still to be dealt with, along with the uncertainty of what appliances are going to work in that small space.  However... I've decided that this home is never going to be "perfect", and that there will be imperfections I will have to get used to, and the most important thing is that it will be our home, and a place where we can live simply, and where love abounds... isn't that the most important thing?!

It helps to remind myself of that when situations present themselves, and solutions must be found.  But... isn't that the way with all remodeling projects?  I've talked with different ones, and when the dust is flying, sometimes it is hard to believe it will ever be finished in such a way that will be pleasant and enjoyable.

I am continuing to be reminded that joy can - and must -  be found in the journey, and even if everything takes longer, costs more, and is different from what I thought it could be... in the end, all will be well!

Have any of you experienced this with remodeling?  Just curious, and want to hear your thoughts and ideas on this project... and many hugs to all of my dear readers today!!!

24 comments

  1. Any kind of decorating/ remodeling job is going to pose complications. Sometimes easy ones and other times....well, not so easy :0). But like you said, the joy is in the journey itself. The kitchen is looking good and once it is done, you will remember and smile :0)

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    1. Yes, remodeling always has its complications! Thank you for your sweet words, and I appreciate the encouragement in the midst of the dust of our work. Appreciate your visit today, and praying the Lord blesses you dear friend!

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  2. New to your blog, and SUPER impressed! We had to undergo an entire downstairs remodel/renovation to a busted pipe the first 4 months of this year, so I feel your pain. Good luck, and looking forward towards seeing the rest of the project as it unfolds!

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    1. Well thank you for your kind words! I'm so happy you stopped by today, what a blessing! Oh, burst pipes are such horrible things to deal with, and that is quite a chore to clean up! Oh my! Thank you for your visit, and praying the Lord blesses your day :)

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  3. Hello Dear Friend...
    All projects are time consuming and filled with problems that somehow always works out! It will be wonderful and cheery and it will belong to you!!
    Use a fake panel from the bead board sheet, caulk behind it first!
    Any really a dishwasher will be worth all the trouble to figure where it will have to be placed! Loved the cabinets... great job!
    Hugs, Roxy

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    1. Thank you dear Roxy for your suggestions! Indeed, a piece of beadboard is one of the things we are going to try. Right now, we have put that on a back burner, so to speak, while we get other things figured out, but do appreciate your great suggestion! Praying that the Lord is blessing your day today!

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  4. Your obviously working very hard and it shows. The cabinets look good in the pictures- did u put a coat of primer on first? That may help with less coats. Personally I would if it is an option, rehang the cabinets so they are lower. (Lol maybe you are a tall family so it won't work) It would however make it less likely for the eye to notice that corner and you could store stuff up there. ( hehe maybe dust if not anything else) It's all about perspective and that is often easier once the going gets easier.....I think it's all coming together and I love that beadboard that you added on.

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    1. Hi Ronda! Well, the paint I purchased had the primer already in it, as I paid more for it, but apparently, not enough primer. I really should have went with my gut feeling and put Kilz on them first. Ah well. And I discussed with my husband about lowering the cabinets, and you are right, that may be our best option yet. I am short... so yes, cabinets closer to the floor would be better for me. It is all coming together, and hopefully by this next weekend the flooring will be done, hoping so anyway! Always appreciate your visit, and insight into remodeling! I know you have lots of experience! Many hugs to you today :)

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  5. My sweet friend, you have been as busy as a bee! I wish I lived nearby because I would love to help you paint and get ready to move in :)

    Thinking of you, dear one, and keeping you in my prayers. Love and hugs!

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  6. Oh, dear friend! This is just beautiful! I am so thankful to see how things are coming together for you, in spite of the many obstacles and difficulties. Like you said, love will abound in this home, and that is all that matters, at the end of the day. But, it truly is all coming together so pretty. I LOVE the beadboard, too. It just really, really adds a beautiful finishing touch that pulls it all together. I trust God will lead you to the right appliances, and even though it will be a sacrifice to get smaller ones, I trust the adjustment won't be too hard. I love seeing all of the wonderful pictures and how it is all coming together!!! Thank you so much for sharing! Sending you much love and many hugs!!

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    1. It is coming together, slowly but surely, and it is exciting to see the small things that make such a difference like the beadboard! I can't wait to see it all done, with the drawer knobs and pulls installed, curtains blowing gently in the breeze, and homemade bread rising on the counter.. all in its time though! Appreciate your visit today dear Cheryl, your friendship is treasured greatly, and praying the Lord blesses you with His precious presence today!

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  7. Oh boy! All I can say is yes, been there, done that and glad it's over....but there is a light at the end of the tunnel! You are making great progress and even in a home that is being newly built to the owner's specs, there are always unexpected difficulties and things that need to be reworked. We added our kitchen from scratch. We had everything worked out in plans, and yet, when the building came around, there were still times that my husband or the contractor said, nope, that doesn't work after all. I think the place looks fabulous. I can see a wonderful room taking shape. Your hard work is paying off! :)

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    1. You know, I've heard that from many people, that in every kitchen, there are always compromises, because just 1/4" can through everything off... oh my! I am quite excited though about how it is all coming together, despite the various setbacks, and it seems that we are getting closer to a move-in date, which is exciting! I appreciate your visit, and encouraging words, as always! Many hugs to you today!

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  8. So much hard work! I wish I could take a day and come and help you! I love the bead board, it looks very nice.

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    1. I wish you could come too! Wouldn't that be fun! Just hop on a plane, and voila, lol! It is coming together nicely, and I am quite excited and hoping we will be able to start moving in soon. Have a blessed and beautiful day my friend!

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  9. Everything is looking good. Some things are frustrating when they come up....but they always have a way of working out. You are doing a wonderful job!
    Debbie
    xo

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    1. Thanks for your encouraging words Debbie, they mean so much! I can't wait to finally be done, and we are getting closer to that! Yeah! Praying your day is blessed and beautiful dear friend! :)

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  10. It is a lot of work, but there is a special kind of satisfaction that comes with things that you've made yourself.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Indeed, there is a satisfaction to knowing that you've worked and created something yourself... and I look forward to the day when it will be "home" finally for us... thanks so much for your visit and sweet words - always so appreciated dear friend!

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  11. Oh my...you sure have been very busy lately...I am so impressed with what you've done so far in the remodeling process! How I wish I could pop over to lend a hand and paint or do whatever is necessary to finish! It is always so sweet when friends come by to help and I am so glad to hear that has been the case for you! :). We have never lived in a fancy home...and we've always had very simple fittings and such, but you are so right - as long as there is love and joy in the home, that is all that matters!! I am sure it must be so delightful watching everything slowly come together and while it is hard work, I am certain it is going to be worth it!
    May you have a truly wonderful and blessed week ahead...I must tell you how much I enjoy ''visiting'' with you!
    Lots of love and hugs!
    Kelly-Anne

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    1. Oh dear Kelly, how sweet of you to offer your hand, even though I know so many miles separate us, it means so much to have your kind words of love! It is always a blessing to have such sweet friends! This home will not be fancy, Martha Stewart styled, but indeed, love will be there, and that is what is most important! It is a lot of work, but it is coming together quite quickly now, and for that I am so grateful! Praying that the Lord blesses your day with all you have to do... your visits and sweet words are so precious to me! Much love sent to you across the miles dear friend :)

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  12. It's all coming together, I know it seems like it's taking forever, but like you said try to take Joy in the process. We are remodeling on the outside of our home and it seems as though it's taking forever just to get ready to paint. I will be glad when this part is done. Then we can start on building our covered porch and the landscaping. I'll be praying for you and asking for great wisdom on how to handle each step of the process. Hang in there, it's looking great!!
    Have a wonderful week! Hugs, Amy

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    1. Dear Amy - sorry to take so long to get back with a response to your comment... but I know you understand... certainly with remodeling comes a lot of excitement, and work, and I hope to get by your site within the next day or so to see how things have gone for you! Appreciate your very sweet and encouraging words, dear friend! :)

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  13. It's all coming together, I know it seems like it's taking forever, but like you said try to take Joy in the process. We are remodeling on the outside of our home and it seems as though it's taking forever just to get ready to paint. I will be glad when this part is done. Then we can start on building our covered porch and the landscaping. I'll be praying for you and asking for great wisdom on how to handle each step of the process. Hang in there, it's looking great!!
    Have a wonderful week! Hugs, Amy

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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