Eat. Sip. Chew. » Kos Kitchen Remodel: Pt 5 Never Ending Story

Kos Kitchen Remodel: Pt 5 Never Ending Story

Last time I wrote about the kitchen, I was feeling pretty confident about things. For one, I was certain that the job was at 70% completion – with about two weeks left to go before I regained my old, Kitchen-focused life.

For another, the Kitchen and I were in deep flirtation. The more I was getting to know it…the more I wanted to be its “first.” The first chef in its midst…of course. And I was practicing patience. Through the hurdles: A little flooring job, a little Counter Tops, some finishing work, some painting – my vision of a Pre-Fall Functional Kitchen remained unwavering.

But, sadly, the Kitchen and I have hit a rough patch.

Perhaps it is my fault. How could I fail to realize that the “little flooring” job, with its larger-than-kitchen scope, was actually a major job?! I had this great idea of removing all the Franciscan Cream Tile (Please don’t be fooled by the classy brand name…they’re sadly heinous) in the house and replacing it with Concrete, but the job became overwhelming once I realized that the Kitchen; Upstairs Walkway; Upstairs Bathroom; Stairs; Foyer; Downstairs Bathroom were all floored with these Oatmeal-Colored rectangles.

Love Those Socks, Boo.

First, my contractor and his gorgeous Playboy socks, spent a 93degree Friday afternoon, ripping up all the tile from the home. Since I did not want to pay an extra $500 to take it to the dump, the tiles found themselves, Mountain-form, in my garage. Since then, I’ve been covertly doling out the weights into my trashcans. And unloading box-fulls to various artists via Craigslist who thankfully replied to the, “PLEASE…PLEEEASEEE TAKE THIS AWAY FROM ME,” posting.

Termite Alert.

Then, additional work time was and still is needed. Why? Because I trusted the previous owners. About what? About a Termite Report. When the Contractor released his marital aggression (aka ripping up my floors), it became apparent that there was a definite Termite infestation. What ensued was an inspection with the following conclusion: A) The Termite Report done a year ago was shoddy and B) The home now needs a full-fumigation, unlike the light interior-spraying that the preceding report called for. Yes, the State Board has received a mouthful. And, yes, legal action is being considered.

Oh, and some of the extra work days meant no Toilets in the house over the weekend. And it’s only when you have no toilets do you realize how important at least 1 of them is to your life! Especially when the ones at the Silverlake Community Center are closed for the night…(I had some dark moments).

Then, there was the final Tipping Point. The point where I had to ask the question, “Am I the one hindering this process?!” It started with a phone call. Ring, Ring. It was a Friday. The person on the other end: April from Safari; The Marble Counter Top fabricators.

Securing the Island Counter Top – based on Template Specs

“We’ve got a problem.” My heart sunk. They’d already moved the installation date a week forward. What could it be now?

“The marble…Well, it’s defective. Since Marble is so delicate, sometimes we see pieces that are flecked and chipped…like cuttings in a windshield from a pebble in motion. We need you to go to the Marble Yard…and pick two new slabs. Then, we’ll have to move the install date to one week later. I’m sorry.”

Do you likie?

That one week later was yesterday. Two weeks after my last Kitchen update, the Marble Counter Tops have finally found their way into my home. The floors, currently 4 days behind schedule, still require a final coat; sealer; waxing; and laborious hours. The Kitchen cabinets have received ‘finishing,’ but plumbing, electrical, and painting are still in repose.

So. Kos’ Kitchen is still a mess. And, “Am I hindering the process?” No…I don’t think so. I’m just eager. But to just make sure, there will be no more, “It’s #% Done!” or “It’s Almost There.”

Instead, I’m going to be excited by the littlest of progress; enjoy the simple results of a days hard work; and be aware that finality is imminent (Someday). But can that finality be tomorrow…please?!