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A Kitchen Renovation with No Reservations

kitchen renovation no reservation needed with sous vide short ribs, carrots and grits made at home
sous vide short ribs

It’s taken me 9 years to decide I need a kitchen renovation. Reservations included the cost, the mess and my inability to see something different. My modest kitchen actually isn’t bad. Renovated by the previous owner in the early 90’s she did a great job including high end appliances like a Subzero fridge, wood cabinets and white corian countertops. I have beaten the daylights out of this kitchen and well it still looks good. However, I absolutely hate the double sink. That divide limits the sink function and I’ve tolerated it way too long. Due to its under mount attachment, it can’t simply be replaced without replacing the countertops, too. Who thought of this design? So, it is my hatred for the sink that led to the renovation. It all just snowballed. Kitchen renovation no reservations now.

How to begin a kitchen renovation

  • Approximate your budget 
  • Ask for referrals of kitchen designers
  • Interview three highly recommended contractors
  • Choose your contractor/designer
  • Create your vision on paper or in your mind

The first four points of beginning a kitchen renovation were rather easy for me. As far as the budget goes…trust me you will spend more than you think. After a search and review of kitchen renovators on a neighborhood FB page I chose to interview three highly recommended designer/contractors based on their availability and my time-line. However, choosing my designer was a clear choice. While the estimates were all rather similar, you just get a feeling about a person in that first impression. Brad showed positive energy, an impeccable work ethic and the ability to tolerate a lady like me who has no design sense. Clearly, I thought it would be simple to design a kitchen. In discussions with Brad, I told him I really only needed 3 things. 

  • Highly functional
  • Easy to clean
  • Light and bright

So, here are some before photos. We are heavy into demolition now reconfiguring plumbing, electric and HVAC. More to come next week. 

bye bye bye

One last thing to consider is how you are going to eat while renovating a kitchen. We made a makeshift kitchen in the basement. Where there is an outlet there is a way to cook. I am most thankful for my sous vide immersion circulator as not only can you make great food unlike other electrical appliances there is very little to clean up afterwards. If I thought my kitchen sink was bad try washing dishes in a bathroom sink.

kitchen renovation no reservation sous vide carrot cake
steamed carrot cake

This cake recipe will be featured on the International Sous Vide Association showcase coming up in March. Don’t forget to tune in.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rebecka Evans

    February 28, 2021 at 8:02 am

    What a chore but it’s going to be MARVELOUS when it’s complete. I can’t wait to visit and see it in person.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      February 28, 2021 at 11:16 am

      I’m looking forward to having you visit.

      Reply
  2. Maureen Keys

    February 28, 2021 at 8:43 am

    Lived through 3 kitchen Renovations. It is hard, but so worth it.

    Reply
    • Lisa

      February 28, 2021 at 11:15 am

      I should have consulted with you!!!

      Reply
  3. Laurie

    February 28, 2021 at 10:03 am

    That’s so exciting! I ♡ the warmth of your previous kitchen but can’t wait to see the new!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      February 28, 2021 at 11:15 am

      We look forward to having you visit the new and improved

      Reply
  4. Kerry crandall

    March 1, 2021 at 8:51 pm

    Oh my Lisa you’re exactly like me when it comes to design . I knew about 3 musts, the rest was up to my higher power. Definitely budget us vital and doing self demo ( I felt just like a episode of Love it or List it. After 31 years I just love my new kitchen . Enjoy the ride . Bathroom sinks were special 😂

    Reply
    • Lisa

      March 2, 2021 at 3:38 pm

      After 31 years and still loving it is what I can only hope for.

      Reply
  5. Lori McLain

    March 2, 2021 at 10:17 am

    It’s going to be so awesome!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      March 2, 2021 at 3:21 pm

      It’s already looking light and bright with a new window in place.

      Reply
  6. ally

    March 3, 2021 at 9:26 am

    Know what you’ve been going through. And, it’s WORTH every ounce of inconvenience! You’ll wanna sleep in your new kitchen! Soo excited for you!! xoxo

    Reply
    • Lisa

      March 3, 2021 at 9:54 am

      and thanks for your suggestions

      Reply

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