I decided during the month of December that our kitchen was simply too small and after some discussion with Matt, decide that we would begin to tackle this huge project.  I posted on Facebook that the anticipated time line for total completion of this project was 2 years. I have had several questions as to why it is going to take so long, I decided to lay out our anticipated time line for you today and to also discuss why this is such a complex project.

I honestly think it will be 2 years or longer before we sit in “our new dream kitchen.” There are few reason for this. First is money, we do not want to go into debit for this remodeling project and with the loss of several of Matt’s websites at the end of the year, we really don’t have any extra to spend on the project. Reason number 2- time. Matt and I along with some help from friends will be completing all the work. The problem is that we also have 3 small kids and 2 big kids that each have schedules and expectations of us.  The next reason sounds silly but it is the truth and ties in to both of the other reasons I have mention, I am having a hard time, trying to decide on themes and colors. Finally, I like a orderly house and can not stand to live in a construction zone for longer than a week or so at a time.

Now on to the fun stuff, stages of remodeling: 1.Wall Destruction. 2. New sink and Dishwasher   3. Painting/New cabinets.   4. New Floor.

We are about 90% finished with the first stage. The wall has been removed and the electric wires have been relocated. We added 12 recess lighting cans to add light in both the new kitchen and out in our living room.  The ceiling was scrapped and painted. We have decided to install a beam to make the transition between the two rooms, which needs to be completed. Finally we have to remove the old baseboard heater. My goal is have this step complete by February 21st.

The second step includes several major decisions about colors and style of sink, faucet and dishwasher. We have been given a counter top which reduces the overall expense so we will start making decisions and purchasing the new items . The walls will be painted in this step along with new window facings and new molding around the ceilings. The Goal for completion of this step is end of March.

Stage three is by one of the most labor intense steps. We will first repaint and repair all the upper cabinets in addition to adding a shelf around the top of the cabinets to provide additional store space and add function to a “dead space.”  We will have to replace all the lower cabinets and may add additional cabinets if we can afford and decide it would be beneifical. I have already pick out a new back splash to be add as well. My goal is to complete the cabinet repainting and have the back splash installed by the end of May. Based on our current financial situation this will most likely be the stopping point of the remodeling. The purchase of new cabinets will be placed on hold until we can decide on what we want and  can afford to make this large purchase. I have an estimated budget of $1000 for lower cabinets. I also have an additional $2000 budget for the new “bar area” which includes replacing our current countertops as well. My estimate for the completion of this items is next February.

Stage 4- New floor is approximately 18-24 months away due to the huge expense of both time and money that will be involved. In addition, this decision has already been the most discussed and hardest one to make so that may also add to the length of time it will take.