From Plan to Execution

Couple of weeks ago Robin and I spent some time planning the layout and dimensions of the kitchen and cabinetry. We drafted up the layout with measurements right on the wall and referenced it every step of the way.

We are very fortunate to pull of such a massive reno without much impact to the vision and the budget. In other words no surprises. Only issue is some bowing in the wall which will force us to consider a small, mesh backing tile for the kitchen back splash.

We have our eyes set on a 3/4" x 3" cipollino marble subway tile back splash.

Getting Closer

Here are some photos of where we are at to date....

Update!

So last Sunday Duane, Rico, George and I spent the morning emptying out the storage unit which contained some of our furniture from 205 Booth. Big thanks again boys!

Completion is in sight! We are almost there, but now comes the tedious parts....

The cleaning...house is full of dust and debris. Everything on every floor has a film of dust

Unpacking...it's easy....unpack...but where do you put it? Pantry has no shelves, neither does the walk-in closet, Sebastien's closet, 1st floor closet....where do you put it?

Time to install....the kitchen appliances are in....all toilets arrive on Saturday as does the vanity for the powder room and the master bathroom

Tiling....master bath still needs a couple of days to cut tile, set, bond to cure....grout....grout to cure....then paint and install shower glass (which is sitting on the third floor waiting to be installed)

The tiling will create another mess of the master bedroom. Robin will have to cut tiles...it will get dirty again in there.

Most of the first floor and second floor is painted. Lost of touch ups required.

So we are close, but definitely not livable just yet.

It's starting to take it's toll on myself, Trish, Sebastien and baby#2 (its a girl by the way!!). We are tired and desperately needing to be in our own home. At the end of our rope but we will persevere...with great sacrifice comes great reward!

Sister Lisa Gets in on the Action

Picked up my sister Saturday morning and made our way over to the "stone guy" to have a look at the counter top and sink. We went with a pure white Cesar stone for the kitchen. Looks pretty decent at the shop, can't wait to see what it looks like in the actual kitchen. I also picked up this great in-counter garbage bin that is under mounted right by the sink. Spent some time with the stone guys measuring the best location for the bin. Still debating on whether to install or not.

Pros: under mounted, flush with the counter top
saves space under the sink or in a cabinet
easy access

Cons: hole in the counter top smelly? ( the container and all parts are stainless steel with a rubber ring around lid)
may take away from the aesthetics of an open, wide counter space

Still haven't made the final call. Feel free to share your thoughts on this one.

Here's a pic of what it looks like....

Also managed to pick up the pocket door for the master bath, most of the light switches and outlets and ordered the master toilet (elongated bowl and dual flush of course!) and dual sink. Thanks Lisa for helping me pile everything in a hatchback.

Time to Blow Some Steam

The stain went down on the floors last Thursday so we had no choice but to let the stain dry and blow some steam.
I scored some tickets to the Bills vs. Colts game at the Roger's Centre. Adrianne, George, Trish and I enjoyed the game together.

Marble Slab 1, Geoff's Middle Finger 0

Our "Floor Guy" calls yesterday and says he will come in a day early to start sanding the floors on the second floor.
Well this means that we have to clear everything, I mean EVERYTHING off the floors. Furniture, mattresses, materials, etc. all had to be packed somewhere either on the 3rd floor or basement.
What about the first floor you ask? Well the "Floor Guy" will move to the first floor once he is done the second.
We are going to lose 2-3 days to the schedule as the stain and treatments need to applied and cured.
Geoff, Alice and Mike showed up last night to clear out the 2nd floor.
Geoff and I attempted to move a marble slab for the fireplace mantle off the floor. heavier than we expected....
marble floor 1
Geoff's middle finger 0
Geoff, thanks for the sacrifice.

Never Lose Sight of What Means the Most to You

This experience so far has taken up almost every minute of free time for Trish and I. But through it all there are certain things that should always remain priority.

Thanks Sebastien for being so patient with Daddy.

(Photo: August 15th, 2010)