One of the first things I wanted to do when I bought a condo 3 years ago was to change the kitchen. I had several different designs worked out and did a few layouts for other units in my community. Everything was based on budget and future resale... that is before COVID and housing values to double in 3 years.
At the time I was working for a kitchen provider who purchased in volume from a Canadian source. I could have done something really nice for a good price.
I procrastinated and no longer have access to that supplier. The company I'm working for now does custom cabinetry and I cannot justify the expense... not for my condo.
Options are 2 companies who import from China and they assemble locally. I've seen their quality and it wasn't to my liking.
Last year, I found a new source. Around the industrial park is a supplier who imports from Central America. It's a plywood box with white laminate interior, white shaker style doors and soft close hardware on the doors and drawers. Nice for the price so I cannot complain.
Timing is everything and I was taking a few days off so I was possible to get the 4 base cabinets needed to start the project. Like IKEA, these come in boxes and need to be assembled. I've got one done and the others will happen after lunch... oh, it's 3pm. Make that a late lunch.
The existing kitchen was also assembly, probably from Home Depot where it was installed on a bare floor and the tiles were cut to fit after. That won't do as my partner and I are removing section by section and 'back filling' the voids with tiles and some cement so the whole thing is level. That way the stove doesn't drop 3/8" and require spacers to raise it level.
The appliances are old, but working. So it's not in my immediate goal to replace them... maybe the microwave hood as the handle cracked a few times and the repairs aren't holding up.
One cabinet is assembled and all the parts fit. This is promising.
I cut the plumbing so I can remove the sink cabinet, the plumber is coming tomorrow morning to replace the corroded shutoff valves. It's a 2-part job for him as I'll need him back when the new sink gets installed.
I'm trying to decide what body part hurts the most... shoulder, lower back, feet. I'm out of Tylenol and have reached the limit of Aspirin for the day. Maybe tomorrow, I'll take some blue pills... not THOSE blue pills... the Aleve blue pills.
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