Dealing with insurance companies can be tricky because they always try to give you the smallest amount possible. Do you know who built the original cabinetry?

At the cabinet shop that I work for, we open the cabinet drawings from the original job reprice it using current cost and send that info the the insurer. They than have to provide you with that amount.

Also, many shops will not install just doors or just bases because the color can be off. You should be able to have the cabinet shop mention that on their quote and then the insurer has to cover full replacement.

It is also very unlikely that you can reuse granite,unless the sink and cooktop for the new kitchen are larger and can therefore cut out additional material. There is few shops that will make cabinets to fit an existing granite top, cabinets are built to be square and if the granite isn't than it won't look right. Again, if enough shops tell you this, the insurer has to include cost of replacement,

Thanks for your response, Sativa! So much helpful advice, I really appreciate it. It's a great idea to go back to the original cabinet maker and get a quote. They were built locally IIRC; hopefully the place is still in business. The structural adjuster said he chooses among "grades" of cabinets in the depreciation schedule - he knew MIL's cabinets were custom so I expect the settlement will reflect that. We haven't seen it yet and probably won't for a few months, given how many claims were made for Harvey and then Irma and then Maria and then the fires in CA. We're probably going to make our decision on this before we get the settlement.

I'm not sure I understand your concerns about the granite. If we are going back with the same layout, same sink etc. why shouldn't the original granite work?

It may work, but it is very likely that granite will break when removed. It can break when being reinstalled, granite isn't meant to be moved around often.

If you reuse the exact same sink it should be fine, but if you buy a new one and the cutout doesn't match perfectly then you may not be able to use the granite.

What does your MIL really, really want?

The granite and glass countertops have already been removed, seemed to come out just fine. I think the original sink was saved also - not sure about the faucet but I hope so. Thanks for your words of caution about reinstallation!

apple_pie_order, my MIL really really wants to not have to deal with this as far as I can tell. She's also the kind of grandma who says "don't mind me, I'll just sit in the dark." But I've been doing her property loss statement, and left to her own devices she had accumulated Knoll chairs, a midcentury modern sofa, a beautiful oriental carpet, a Steinway baby grand piano, a modern glass DR table with custom upholstered chairs, a Bertoia ottoman etc. etc. 15 years ago she spent $$$ on a custom kitchen.

She recently said something like "I know I'm never going to have nice things again." This breaks my heart.

:/

If it came off in one piece you should be safe for reuse- as long as the guys are careful putting it back on.

pat1250, the water got as high as the uppermost drawer, but did not go over the countertops. We think her cooktop will be ok, too, but we won't know until we plug it in.

I'm so sorry your MIL flooded and you and your family have to deal with this. Your MIL is fortunate to salvage her countertop. Flood insurance doesn't cover countertops. Although we have always had flood insurance, and thankfully never needed it, I didn't realize how many things flood insurance doesn't cover. I have several friends who flooded and are dealing with it right now. One tried to salvage her granite, but it broke being removed.

I would try to match the current upper cabinets if possible, whether it's just the doors or the entire cabinets. I would go the most economical route.

Thanks for info on what she wants. Making as few decisions as possible is a good way for you to make the whole rebuilding easier for her.

I agree that matching the old custom cabinets would be best. If the old granite and sink fit, great. If not, something just like them would be fine. If you stick to the same brands of kitchenware, just new, that'd be easy, too. Some older items can be found on ebay if there is something in particular that she wants that isn't at local stores or on Amazon.

So sorry to hear about your MIL's trouble. We went through Irma but were fortunate enough to escape any major damage. I would consider leaving the oven in the wall-it's so much easier than bending over to access it under the cooktop. In place of the oven under the cooktop, drawers would be wonderful for storing pots and pans and would be easier for her to access as well. Good luck with your insurance claim and on rebuilding the damage. She is fortunate to have you on her side!

My heart goes out to your MIL and all of you helping her through this. It's devastating to face the losses and oh-so-wearing trying to get that life back. You've had some great advice. I wish I could offer something but I'm not in-the-know.

The decision to keep a wall oven and delete the one under the cooktop is what I'd do. I really hope that the original cabinet design can be recreated for her and she feels like it's home, when done.