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babushka_cat

Babushka Cat's Finished Kitchen!

babushka_cat
7 years ago

Better late than never? This forum was a tremendous help when remodeling my kitchen. I thoroughly enjoyed the kitchen for 4 years and just sold the house. Since I finally had pictures taken I felt I had to post the final reveal, see below. And the good news - I purchased a new (vintage) home and have another kitchen to remodel - Babushka Cat 2.0! Not ready for that now but maybe in a year or two. On a very sad note: My beloved Babushka Cat passed away last year due to sudden heart failure. Total heart breaker. He was the best feline GC ever. A few pics below.









Details:

1942 cottage,
original kitchen, 11’x13’, full gut, no change to footprint

All systems updated:
knob and tube wiring, plumbing, tankless water heater

Range: Wolf
30” AG R304

Hood:
Vent-a-hood 30” PRH9 series

Marble
Countertop: Honed Calacatta Cremo Delicato - unusual caramel color

Shaw farm
sink model 3018

Rohl Country
Faucet A1459 in polished nickel

Rohl Soap
dispenser LS850PN

Dishwasher
Miele with fully integrated door panel

Cabinets: Custom
cabinetry by local cabinet maker, BM Simply White, Advance paint in satin

Wall Paint
Color: Benjamin Moore Putnam Ivory

Cabinet
Hardware: RH 4” Gilmore Pulls and Rejuvenation small oval latches, polished nickel

Backsplash
tile: Melange by Grazia, Color: Butter Blend, 2.5x5 inches, grout color: Antique
White

Floors: Quarter-sawn
red oak random plank hardwood floors to match adjacent dining room

Breakfast
Nook Bistro Table: Purchased on Craigslist

Breakfast
Nook Chairs: TK Collections, French Bistro Chairs, Style: Matignon # 3125

Windows –
Marvin

Lessons Learned:

GW is a
fabulous resource – thanks for all of your assistance!

Take your
time. I felt pressured to sign contracts by vendors. Sign when you are ready - it took the pressure off once I figured that
out.

Before buying
anything, make a budget spreadsheet. List every item down. Unless you have
unlimited funds, it will total more than you can spend. Think about trade offs and find alternatives. Remember to add at least 10% overrun for unexpected issues.

The design
process is iterative and I found it could not be rushed. Build a good collection of inspiration
pictures and live with your decisions before committing.

Get organized: build a project notebook and use a digital
camera for documenting issues and to capture progress. Agree on communication
method with your GC up front.

Request
samples / mock up ideas and study carefully in your home before placing
order. Ex: paint color swatches, cabinet
door samples, countertop material samples, edge dimensions, layouts etc.

I learned it
is critical to be at the job site when any new activity is kicking off.
Inevitably there are questions that arise and catching them early before the
work progresses is key.

Be realistic
on what you can DIY. Do you have the skills, the necessary tools and the free
time to complete the work? Some things are better left to the pros.

Go with
custom cabinets if you can swing it. It was particularly helpful in my small
kitchen where I was trying to squeeze in a 30” sink, 30” fridge, trash drawer
and 24” dishwasher along a very short run. I was also able to get the feet
details and finished panel sides that I wanted. It cost more than semi-custom
but the additional functionality was worth it.

Don’t forget
about lighting. I did not pay enough attention to my lighting selections as I
should have.

Be prepared
for decision fatigue: try to make as many of your choices up front, before
construction begins. Once the fur starts flying, the decisions come fast and
furious.

Trust your
gut. If something does not feel right it probably isn’t. The cabinetmaker did
not work out and when I think back on it I couldn’t put my finger on it but
sensed there was something off about him.

Mentally
prepare for timeline delays just in case and it is a bonus if they do not
occur!

Keep the
amount of vendors involved to a minimum. Helps avoid finger pointing when
inevitable issues arise.

Just because
they tell you something is fixed, it does not always mean it is fixed. Test it out
before the vendor leaves the job; verify it is fixed to your satisfaction
before signing off and paying for it.

Things will
go wrong. Count on it and plan for it in your budget.

Surprises I encountered:

  1. Had to buy a new water heater due
    to flue removal in kitchen
  2. HVAC duct diameter required wider
    boot to meet floor, had to relocate the vent to fit
  3. Range and associated vent hood I
    chose required larger diameter duct through attic
  4. Code changes from initial quote
    to when work was completed. New lead abatement laws went into effect which
    increased demo costs
  5. Major error in finishing cabinet
    doors required a complete re-build of doors. Not sure what we could have
    done differently as GC and I reviewed sample and end result did not look
    anything like approved sample. Cabinetmaker was fired, got credit back and
    a new cab maker was hired. Major schedule delay and incurred extra costs
    even with credit back.
  6. The GC’s fabricator did not have
    enough experience with marble. While I asked and was assured he did, he
    blew the job which required a complete re-do and associated schedule
    delays.
  7. Because I did not pay enough
    attention to lighting I had to approve a CO to get the LED bulbs in a
    lower Kelvin. Had I done my research I might have specified this up front
    when ordering.
  8. Make sure to understand depth
    needed to fully conceal under cabinet lighting (standing and when seated
    if applicable). Mine were concealed when standing but were visible from
    dining room table and living room and it looked bad so had to devise a
    creative trim solution to mask the problem.



Comments (34)

  • PRO
    Karen Viscito Interiors
    7 years ago

    It's me, BeeKW,. Nice to see your post and I'm sorry about losing Babushka. I remember how well Babushka Cat matched your marble! Thanks for posting, one of my fav kitchens.

  • mama goose_gw zn6OH
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I thought you'd posted a reveal, because I remember your beautiful kitchen, and your beautiful cat, very well. Sorry about the loss of your beloved pet. I still love the kitchen, after all this time, and I'm sure the next one will be gorgeous, too.

    ETA, Hi, BeeKW! Good to see you, too.

  • nini804
    7 years ago

    Wow, such a gorgeous remodel with perfect details! But, goodness, I am so sad to hear about the loss of your sweet kitty. :( He looked like he was very loved & had a happy life.

  • User
    7 years ago

    It's never too late to share such a beautiful kitchen! I love every single thing in it - the cabinets, countertop and backsplash choices. I've always wanted a bistro set like that. Wondering if you left it with the kitchen when you sold. Hope not!

    Your Babushka sure was handsome. You can see what a love he must have been.

  • blfenton
    7 years ago

    Beautiful kitchen, beautiful Babushka Cat and so wonderful how they matched.

    (((Babushka cat))) on your loss of your gorgeous kitty. He looks like he was a great furry friend to have in your life.

  • Bunny
    7 years ago

    I'm sorry about the loss of your beautiful kitty boy. I loved that he boldly claimed your counter. I know it's hard to lose a furry family member. When it's time, I hope you can open your heart to another kitty.

  • tea4all
    7 years ago

    I love your beautiful kitchen. It is serene and inviting! Your information in Lessons Learned and Surprises encountered will be very helpful for people in the planning process. That was thoughtful of you to include that. I certainly remember decision fatigue. You are right on point about trusting your gut. Thanks for including pics of your Babushka Cat. I always enjoyed your posts and seeing your kitty. He was greatly loved by you and greatly admired by many here at GW.

  • beachem
    7 years ago

    Oh the kitchen is so lovely. I'm sorry to hear about your cat. He was gorgeous.

  • rebunky
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Oh your gorgeous Babushka and his matching marble counters will forever live on on GW! It was (is) glorious. Looking forward to 2.0...

    Also...excellent advice and tips!

  • cat_mom
    7 years ago

    Your kitchen was lovely! I remember with much fondness how well your counters matched your gorgeous Babushka Cat. I am so, so sorry he passed away. Sending my condolences, and many hugs...

  • desertsteph
    7 years ago

    so sorry about the loss of your incredibly beautiful cat! and he so matched your kitchen. He does look very content claiming his matching territory. You got some great pics of him in it too.

    beautiful kitchen too. look forward to your future redo down the road.

  • practigal
    7 years ago

    Beautiful kitchen. Wise words. Wondeful cat. Good luck on your next project.

  • mgmum
    7 years ago

    Beautiful! Both the kitchen and the cat. Sorry for your loss.

  • lam702
    7 years ago

    A lovely kitchen, and such a beautiful cat! Orange kitties with white bibs are my absolute favorites. I have one now myself (although, I must confess, she's not as beautiful as Babushka) Our pets truly are members of our families, it is heartbreaking to lose them. Sorry for your loss.

  • barncatz
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    This is my first chance to see your kitty, who obviously won the lottery of kitty lives while she was with you. The photo from cluelessincolorado is perfection. Best wishes on your move and thank you for letting me enjoy such lovely photos.

  • Wendy
    7 years ago

    Beautiful kitty. So sorry for your loss.

    Your kitchen is so pretty and so full of personality/character. Looking forward to your new endeavor.

  • knancy1947
    7 years ago

    I love your kitchen! I an moving towards a renovation or of kitchen and your list of surprises should be on the first page of anyone's plan. Lost our dog recently and can relate to your feelings. Thank you.


  • caligirl5
    7 years ago

    Beautiful kitchen! Were you required to remove the flue? I have one going through my kitchen, and I'm hoping to be able to leave it in place.

  • amykath
    7 years ago

    Wonderful choices!!! I love it. Your cat is adorable!!!! She matches it all so well.

  • ediblekitchen
    7 years ago

    I've bookmarked this: fantastic kitchen, super informative list of suggestions and such a beautiful cat. Thank you so much for posting!

  • PRO
    R G MILLER (YBC)
    7 years ago

    Kitchen looks beautiful

  • User
    7 years ago

    Thanks for your post and so sad to learn about your beautiful, kitchen-matching kitty. I can't imagine leaving that wonderful workspace and having to start again. Good luck.

  • cpartist
    7 years ago

    So sorry for the loss of Babushka. Your kitchen is stunning and I'm sure it's what sold your house.

    While I wouldn't want that old stove I know lots of folks who would. Were you able to sell it or give it to something like HfH?

  • PRO
    Joseph Corlett, LLC
    7 years ago

    According to his custom made PVC headstone near the pond in our local park, "Pinky" was "the best cat":

  • mabeldingeldine
    7 years ago

    I am sorry to hear of Babushka Cat's passing. I absolutely loved every post that featured a photo of him, and really appreciated the way he matched the marble and backsplash in your gorgeous kitchen!

    Is his sister still keeping you company? I do hope so. Best of luck in your new house and I for one would love more photos of them both.

  • enduring
    7 years ago

    Beautiful Kitchen, so nice to see it again. And your Babushka cat was a beauty too, so sorry for you loss. Looking forward to your new project in the future. Best of luck to you.

  • romy718
    7 years ago

    I also saved a couple of photos of Babushka Cat. I'm so sorry for your loss.

    I remember the paint finish troubles but WOW, the end result is gorgeous. So serene with the prettiest cabinet feet I've ever seen.


  • babushka_cat
    Original Author
    7 years ago

    Thanks everyone! Although I am still recovering from selling the old house, buying new (vintage) house and moving, it is good to be back and I look forward to the future Babushka Cat 2.0 and all of your helpful insights! It was hard to leave my beautiful kitchen but the new location and house is much better - will be worth the hassle of the 2.0.

    Thanks for the kind words about Babushka Cat. He was a love.....His sister (from the same litter but so far her heart checks out OK) is doing great, in fact she does not appear to miss her brother at all! Pic below of her demonstrating she matches an off the shelf pillow exactly. I did donate the stove - it needed a major renovation but hopefully it went to a good home. I took the bistro set with me, hope to find a place for it in my new home. I did not have to remove the flue in kitchen but decided to, to improve the layout of cabinetry. Thanks again!





  • babushka_cat
    Original Author
    7 years ago

    I forgot to add the most important part - the kitchen absolutely sold the house. Hands down, no doubt whatsoever - my agent heard it repeatedly from the buyers agents. My lesson learned - err on the side of slightly overspending than under spending to ensure a quality kitchen that will add value to the house.

  • User
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I remember admiring Babushka on those counters too! I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad to hear his sister is thriving.

  • cpartist
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    I forgot to add the most important part - the kitchen absolutely sold the house. Hands down, no doubt whatsoever - my agent heard it repeatedly from the buyers agents. My lesson learned - err on the side of slightly overspending than under spending to ensure a quality kitchen that will add value to the house.

    First my condolences on the loss of your family member.

    I have to agree with you that it's better to err on the side of overspending a bit. I did the same thing with my kitchen six years ago and the new owner of our condo remarked, "I love the kitchen. I've never had such an elegant and well thought out space to cook in."

    I think she was sold from the moment she saw the kitchen.

  • powermuffin
    7 years ago

    Interesting that you should say that about the kitchen selling the house. A house in our town, in a terrible location just sold for a ridiculously high amount. The house was completely redone on the inside, a beautiful job. That is obviously what sold the house because the location certainly didn't! It is 1 block from a noisy, active train, 1 house from a electrical supply store, a car repair place and a small manufacturer. The yard is tiny and not laid out well. So much for location, location, location!

  • beachem
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Location is important because it sells terrible houses in all market. The houses down at our beach area are tiny 50s tract homes of 850 ft and tiny lots with no ocean view.

    They sell for $4m to developers who then demolish it and build tiny condos on top of one another and resell them for $4m each.
    These guys clear about $10m profit per lot.

    Two blocks away on a hillside, beautiful 3000sf homes with ocean view only sell for $2-3m.

    The things that sell houses in bad locations are looks especially the kitchen, bathroom and manscape yards (my husband was blinded by yards with bars, tv etc).