Kitchen is FINISHED

It's been 3 months to the day since we started the remodel.  Demolition started on Monday, 6/22/09.  Yesterday, 9/22/09, the last piece was put in place - the new light kit.

This light kit uses regular bulbs instead of the CFL.  The CFL were not compatible with the controls on the wall; these bulbs are.  They are not as bright - there are only 3 60-watt bulbs in there.  Sounds like a lot, but it's kind of dim.  When it's really dark outside, the light seems brighter - so maybe we just need to get used to it.

new light kit

  Old light kit

This is probably the last post to the Kitchen Blog.  It's been "fun".  The blog, not the project.  But all the hassle and stress was well worth it.  I love my new kitchen. 

I have said this before...

But we are SOOOOO close to being done.  The window treatment went up on Monday, 9/14/09.  Levelor wooden blinds with 1" slats.  Got them at Penney's.  We love the look.

This is how they normally look - partially open to provide privacy and block the western sun.  We can see out, but no one can see in.

 

Fully closed

 

Fully open.

The ONLY thing left now is the light kit over the kitchen table.  We had to order a new one, since the one we have is not compatible with the controls on the wall.  Ordered the new kit on Friday, 8/27/09.  Anticipated arrival - 1 week later, 9/04.  I finally called Littman Brothers on Monday (9/14) to see what had happened to our light kit.  Can you believe it - the light kit had Just Come In That Very Day.   Yeah, right.  Anyway, installation is now scheduled for next week, 9/22.  It is supposed to look the same as the current one.  Just work better with the controls.  I'll post the results.  I know you'll be sad - but that will most likely be the last post.  :-(

PS - Trim for cabinet over the fridge

The trim work was installed on the bottom of the cabinet over the fridge. Looks so much better. Matches the other cabinets now.

Inching onward

We just keep inching forward toward COMPLETION, but in teensy weensy steps. I keep saying we're almost there, but that's what I've been saying for several updates now...

Our new fan/light fixture was installed a week ago (8/27). We were delighted with it until we tried to turn off the light. It doesn't turn off - sometimes for hours. The bulbs flash on and off, like little flashbulbs (remember them?). Pretty darn annoying. I called Littman Brothers the next day. They said to call the Emerson Fan Company. I wondered why THEY didn't call, but OK - I called.

After spending a lot of time on hold, and speaking with several people - the problem was identified. The light fixture and the remote controls are not compatible. Solution: keep the light fixture and use a pull chain to turn the fan & lights on/off. OR, get another light fixture. I call Littman Brotheres back, and told them what Emerson had told me - and said I DO NOT WANT TO USE A PULL CHAIN. They said they would order a new light fixture, one that uses regular bulbs, and would absorb all costs related to the purchase, shipping and installation. Good. I was prepared to go picket them and raise a fuss in person if there had been a problem. New light fixture should be in sometime next week. In the meantime, we have a light show every time we turn off the light.

PIX 2 = shows both of the light fixtures in the kitchen.

Our window treatment (Levolor wooden blinds) was delivered on Tuesday. One of the boxes looked like it had been run over by a truck. See PIX 3. Thank goodness I was home when FedEx delivered it. I talked to the driver about possibly refusing delivery. He said he would make a note on the record that the box was heavily damaged, and suggested I open it and see what was inside. Miracles do happen. If it was damaged, to call Levelor.

So that's what I did. I found damage to the front trimwork of the blind, but not bad considering the way the box looked. I was prepared to accept it, rather than deal with a re-order and return of the damaged blind. I called Levelor to let them know that there was obvious damage, but we couldn't know the full extent of the damage until the blind was installed. Something in the workings could be bent or sprung or something. The lady I spoke with said 'We'll ship you a new one - and you can keep the damaged blind.' In that case, yes please, send a replacement. SOOO, we're waiting yet again.

PIX 1 = our window treatment is all over the dining room table right now. Should have been pix 3 but had trouble uploading and don't want to start all over. :-)