Plowing forward from mistake delays

Exactly six weeks after we learned that our designer mis-measured for our cabinets, our replacements have finally arrived and are being installed tomorrow! We are thrilled despite the many delays. I will say that despite the big delays, our contractor tried very hard to keep things moving, if only incrementally.

In addition, because J1 (one of the senior carpenters) has been here last week and this, the kitchen tile is complete (and gorgeous), the range hood installed, a pendant light outlet—in the wrong place because of the changes the contractor made to fix the faulty measurements—is now in the right place, and the drywall/paint subcontractors have finished the wall and ceiling (re) prep. The painters also finished the bathroom ceiling and wall paint. Tomorrow, they should be finishing the kitchen ceiling and wall paint, as well as painting the mudroom and hallways—at least we hope. In prep for that, J1 replaced the coverings for the countertops so sanding and painting cause no damage to them. Our contractor is incredible at preventing potential problems, including an extremely thorough vacuuming of the entire kitchen.

We are not sure when plumbing and electrical subcontractors will be here to do their work, but it is clear that our severe slowdown is now making serious progress. This is clearly strong project management. We still don’t know when the tile subcontractor will be back to finish the new shower stall, but we are looking forward to never using the (current) master bathroom shower again!

But we would rather shower there than continue in the makeshift kitchen in the basement. As I mentioned in my post yesterday, we understand that the project manager does not want to give us a schedule so we don’t get our hopes up only to be dashed again. We don’t even ask because, as people who manage projects ourselves, we wouldn’t do that either. However, nearly 16 weeks is a very long time for two cooks to muddle through. I should note, however, that it is well within the time estimate from the contractor because it is wise enough to anticipate delays. In other words, we were appropriately warned.

That’s little consolation for Dan, who has borne the vast majority of the proxy kitchen pain, particularly after injuries from my major fall drastically limited my ability to do stairs. Dan is done with the makeshift space in the dark, tiny space. (I won’t mention the salsa mishap, which would make my blood boil.)

My recent hope is that the new kitchen will be at least operational, if not totally complete, by our anniversary in a week and a half. That is looking certainly possible, barring other normal SNAFUs. We are not hoping for that, instead hoping to see the craftsmanship of our contractor and subcontractors.

But by our 12th anniversary, our new furniture for the “morning room” is scheduled to be shipped and could, conceivably, have arrived. Our spiffy kitchen pendant lights are on the same timetable.

Watching professionals rock on despite setbacks is both amazing to watch and thrilling for homeowners. I can’t wait to show you progress tomorrow!