Day 104--All inspections are done

The inspections went well. Actually, it was scary to see how fast the inspectors were in and out. So I guess it's not truly a safty check, but just another form of taxation.

We had some fun finishing up with our contractor. We added on some things, like the bookcase at the end of the island, so we knew there were some overages. However, it was far more than we expected.

Some of it was just silly of him to add on to a project of this size. I mean, the contract says setting matterials for the backsplash are included, but he charged us for the grout! When I sold tile many years ago, grout was considered setting materials. But since it was less than $15 we didn't make a big stink.

What did get us was a charge for the cabinet drawers. Couple months ago we (the contractor and us) discovered that the drawers were stapled instead of dove-tailed. We had said we wanted dove-tailed and he thought he ordered dove-tailed, but he actually ordered stapled drawers. Now he wanted us to pay for half since he figured we should have caught the error before they were ordered. That's the one item on the additional list that we fought. Luckily in the end he agreed to drop it.

Now the house is ours again.
...No more having someone walk in while I'm blasting music on my work at home days.
......No more having someone in the kitchen when Ken and the kids come downstairs in the mornings.
.........No more having someone in my kitchen when I need to make dinner.

WAIT! I got a lot of nights off with that one! Maybe it wasn't all bad.

Day 97--The contractor is all done

This has turned out SO beautiful. It feels more like a showroom in some ways than our house. I'm even able to put the things in my display cabinets that I've been picking out.

The counter won't stay this clean forever so I'm definitely enjoying it now!

Day 96--The backsplash and hood are in!

WOW!!! This is my kitchen??? Really?

Day 95--Our back splash goes in

After several different thoughts and budgets for the back splash, we finally found one we both agreed on AND didn't break the bank. I actually ordered too many of the silver accent tile, so on Friday Ken came up with this design. Luckily our contractor is loving the kitchen as much as we are and was happy to put in something...original...just like us!

Day 94--Ken's favorite appliance goes in

After 2 months without a TV to watch at the table, Ken was going through withdrawals. We finally figured out how to hang it nearly centered while still securing it to the studs.

The electrical contractor is going to move the plugs up so that they are hidden behind the TV.

Of course the kids also loved being able to eat tonight AND watch SpongeBob. (Ug...SpongeBob!)

You have to see this to beleive it

Only 2 days before this is fixed.

Now you see them...

Now you don't!!!

Day 91--Here's the foundation

Here's the start of the backsplash. The contractor wanted to let it dry so that it was easier to lay the other tile next week.

I pick up the metal tile Friday night, so I'm excited to see how it all looks.

Day 90--The day we've been waiting for

We've been wanting to see these lights installed. Our contractor finally worked out some glitches and now they're in! They cast a warm, red glow in the room and add light to the island. Plus, with the hand painted glass they are as pretty off as on.

DAy 89--Display cabinet lights

The display cabinet lights are in. I'm not going to put my special things in there though until we're completely safe. My fingers are itching to move things into them, but I would just hate seeing something broke.

Day 89--Well, at least they LOOK good...

Our contractor finished the microwave trim for us today. Ken searched hard to find this of Bosch microwave / oven set and it was worth it. They don't look like the combo units, but they blend so nicely together.

Now if only we could actually USE the oven. The replacement glass won't be in until the 10th.

Day 88--Light them up!

The above and below lighting is done! This photo is a little blurry, but I wanted to leave the flash off so you can see how nice the lighting is.

Day 86--The microwave goes in

After the horrible disappointment of the oven, we decided to put the microwave in ourselves. It still needs the face of the trim kit, but we're going to let the contractor do that since there's clips to attach to the oven cabinet.

But I'm beginning to feel like I'm living in a real kitchen. I have a cooktop, dishwasher, garbage disposal and a microwave all in the same room.

Well, there's an oven in there too, but it's to too sad to think about.

Day 86--The oven goes in...kind of

We were very excited on Friday to come home to an installed oven. Finally! Charlie has been asking for homemade cookies and I could finally do it!

So to celebrate (and since the contractor left so late), we picked up a couple of take-n-back pizzas. Only one problem...

While the oven was heating, there was a LOUD POP!

All of the interior glass in the oven door had shattered!

Fortunately we bought the extended warranty--a rare thing--and Sears will be here Wednesday AM to check it out.