Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back

I was gently reminded last week that the purpose of a blog is to provide timely and frequent updates on the selected topic and that I was failing miserably at being a blogger. So here goes ... if I start boring you please let me know.

I was so excited a couple weeks ago ... we were finally moving forward with the kitchen and then I got the one, two punch. First the cabinet company called to say that the cabinets were here and asked when they could deliver. Here already? How could that be? It was supposed to take at least one week to get to Charlotte and then the delivery company could hold them at their location for two weeks. They are still sitting in storage somewhere and I've been avoiding the delivery company calls like they were the IRS. I'm going to have to take delivery by this Friday and probably store them in my garage.

The second hit was from the building permit department. The fire department wants me to install a self extinguishing hood in case of fire. If I was putting in a commerical kitchen or a restaurant this would make sense but not for a demonstration kitchen. The options are very expensive and nothing so far is feasible with the space we have. At this point, I'm not sure how we're going to solve this. My contractor is diligently looking into alternatives ... I may have to scale back on my initial plans if we can't find a way to make this work.

On a positive note, the appliances have been ordered. There was a scare with that too (all of this happened on the same day!) but it worked out in the end. I need to take delivery of the appliances before end of September or else cancel the order with Kitchen Aid.

Needless to say, I am stressed out. I've been dreaming about this for so long it's gotta happen. Keep your fingers crossed and send good thoughts my way.

Will keep you posted,

Linda

We have a plan!

Finally. The architect's office wrapped up the plan last Friday (August 3rd). It is now being reviewed by the county so that we can get a permit for the renovations. The estimated time for the permit is about 3 weeks ... which takes us to the end of August.

The cabinets are in transit and should arrive in about 1 week. Yes, that poses a slight problem but the delivery company should be able to hold them for about 2 weeks. My next task is to order the appliances which takes about 3 weeks for delivery. If all goes well, the electrician, plumber, drywaller and carpenter should be wrapping up their handiwork before the applicances arrive. If not, it'll be like fittin' 10 lbs of sugar in a 5 lb sack!

My best guess for the kitchen to be ready is mid September ... perfect time to take advantage of the cooler weather, the fall harvest and red wine!

Many thanks to Mike, my contractor, for his patience as I try to apply my technology project management skills to this effort.