Hi Betsy, We have just finished a complete kitchen remodel project. There are several things I have read on all the messages on this subject that I will comment on. First, about the lazy susan. With the lazy susan you have the problem of things falling off behind the circular shelves as well as the wasted space in all the corners. We opted to go with the two piece corner doors that make a 90 degree fold in the corners. This way you don't have the corner post in the way and there is much better access to the bigger corner cabinets. Also if you go with the cabinets at the top that make a 45 degree turn in the corners you add a lot more storage space. About the flooring, it really depends on what kind of flooring you are installing. We put in bamboo flooring which is too expensive to hide under cabinets. Our contractor was going to put in the flooring first but I didn't want that because of the wasted flooring under the cabinets and then if you ever wanted to replace the flooring it would be a hell of a job to either cut it around the bottom of the cabinets or get it out from under them. He raised the cabinets by putting down boards where the cabinets would sit that were the same thickness as the flooring so all the measurements would come out right. We did install the flooring under the stove and dishwasher. If you are putting in vinyl florring I don't think it would make much difference which way it was done. If it is put down after the cabinets are installed and cut around the cabinets the toe kick will cover any cracks there. I also had our contractor cut plexiglass to fit in the bottom of the cabinet where the sink is and then cut some four inch wide pieces to go around the sides and silicone those down to the bottom piece just in case we ever had leak uhnder the sink. He told me later that he might just start offering all his customers this option. It will really save the wood in the bottom of the cabinet. I am really happy I did that because we did have a leak even with putting in al new plumbing. Good luck with your kitchen experience. I have heard some bad stories about kitchen remodels taking ridiculous amounts of time which is really inconvenient. Luckily, our guy did really good and we had everything back in in exactly two weeks. Good luck, Glenn ----- Original Message ----- From: Betsy Whitney To: blindhandyman-yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2009 5:25 PM Subject: [BlindHandyMan] The kitchen remodel drama is starting
Aloha everyone, It's time to replace the counters in our kitchen and we have been advised that since our cabinets are 30 years old and were not the best quality to begin with, that we really need to replace the cabinets also. We were planning to install vinyl in the kitchen to match the vinyl that we put in the entry way and in part of my office, but now they are suggesting that since we are going to replace the cabinets, that we should wait until the cabinets have been removed, then install the vinyl and then put the cabinets on top of the vinyl. Is that usual? I am wanting thoughts and ideas about this project. Do any of you have items in your kitchens that you really like or dislike? I was looking at some lazy-susan units that look like they would be very helpful, but I just don't know how well they hold up and if they are truly sturdy. Besides suggesting that I move out until the job is done, I welcome any and all suggestions. Perhaps I can get my husband to take a vacation while the work is being done. That would really be of great help,...grin. Thanks, Betsy [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
