Day 27

We chose to go with most impractical backsplash on the market. It's a lovely stone weave design with a dark center cut.

As everyone woman on the face of the planet knows, this particular design will be absolutely impossible to clean. Despite sealing once a year, grime and grease will get into every nook and cranny that are sitting up exposed to the air. I am so thankful I won't be cleaning it. This tile is a beautiful nightmare.

And because it's a 3 dimensional stone weave, it will never sit flat, level or flush. There will be some countertop edges that will be slightly exposed. The good news is that I get to find new stone electric plate covers to go over the switches and outlets because the current contractor plastic covers will never sit flat.

The installer has decided it would be easier to lay the backsplash over the existing ceramic tile. I am naturally concerned about the new adhesive not holding it's integrity and our new stone weave sliding right off the wall. However, the installer assures me that this is better because there is less risk of tearing up the drywall behind if they removed the existing tile. They also did a half ass job of smoothing the floor tile transition piece. Not pleased.

The plumber did fumble his way to getting the faucet and dishwasher hooked up. At an extra charge of almost $300.00. Amazing how that works in his favor. He is still having trouble hooking up the extra hot water faucet. It leaks. I am sure this will cost us extra as well. This plumber is an incompetent boob and we are having to pay for it.

The good news is, we have an H.R. Geiger inspired faucet. It's a chrome alien of art rising up from the depths of hell. 

Stuck on food and small children with run screaming with fear as it's nozzle approaches.

Day 25

Has it been 5 weeks? Has it been 5 years? I've really started to lose count.

 Eddie and his assistant today were back to finish painting the dining room and kitchen.
They did a great job considering what they had to work with. Our walls and ceilings are all textured. Which is great for hiding imperfections in older homes, but almost impossible to match when filling holes. You can't get a straight line with the cut in. And, it uses more paint and takes more time. It's easy to miss a spot here or there with textured walls. But Eddie pulled through like a champ.

And he finished before the due date. We weren't expecting the painting to be complete until next week.

The granite guys came out today to finish up as well. They cut the hole for the cooktop and laid the last of the countertops by the sink. I have to say, I am a little disappointed.

Not in the countertop. It is the most amazing piece of stone I have ever seen.

One of the installers couldn't seem to tear himself away from the phone. He got everything installed fine. (other than forgetting his caulk). But, he couldn't seem to pull himself away from his phone for very long. They all sounded like business calls, not personal calls. But, it didn't look very professional.

I also think the cut on the sink countertop was poorly placed. They all say it was the best they could do. But, to be honest, I think it was the best they would do.








That said, I did enjoy working with Frick and Frack. They aren't brothers, even though they look and act like it. They tease each other, make "yo momma" jokes, sing "Akuna Matada" and over all are very speedy workers. And one of them is nice enough to come back tomorrow on a Saturday morning to grind down the seam we don't like. Yes, we are that couple. We absolutely will want to see contractors at 8:00 am on a Saturday morning to get the job done.

Speaking of getting the job done. It's been 5 weeks. The only thing that is complete is the painting. There are tons of little things to do on the cabinets, the backsplash needs to be installed, the faucets and appliances hooked up, shelves to go up in the bar, lights to be completed, quarter round to be repaired and filled, caulking, cleaning.......
There have been several off days where other work could have been scheduled. There could have been simultaneous work going on.
Someone needs a lesson in time management. Or maybe I am just grumpy from NOT HAVING A KITCHEN FOR FIVE WEEKS!!!!