According to the previous posts, it appears we have been some place other than home.
During that time away, we did however, receive word from our dog/house sitter, Stephen, there had been a 'water leak.'
One of our neighbors, Trent, is a plumber, and he came over immediately to do what he could to help out.
There's no need for detail here, other than when speaking with the insurance gal, she said that on a scale of 1 t0 10, our damage was a 1.
OK. That doesn't sound too bad.
We did message back-and-forth with Stephen who mentioned that the water had made it's way to the downstairs and several of the ceiling tiles were now floor tiles. And . . . that a suspended speaker was no longer in suspension.
He did mention there was water on the kitchen floor, so I asked him to take the rug outside so the wooden floor could dry out. He did.
Once we landed in Grand Junction yesterday, I let him know we were home.
He texted back to say, "OK ! Glad you're back ! Hope you had a great time. Hope the kitchen isn't too much of a shock."
It was at this point, I began trying to visualize our kitchen. Not much had been said about the kitchen other than a pipe started leaking under the sink and water ran down into the basement and the rug in the kitchen was wet.
My visualization was something like this: Everything under the sink had been pulled out. The rug was in the garage drying or possibly freezing. And maybe, the table that sits in the middle of the kitchen had been moved.
That's about what I imagined.
Not in my wildest dreams did I visualize this !
Please notice that the flooring is missing.
The cabinets are missing.
The granite counter tops are missing.
The bar is missing.
The boxes to the left contain what was in those missing cabinets.
From another perspective !
Please, also notice the sink is sitting on the floor.
(They took everything BUT the kitchen sink.)
The faucet is the larger upside-down-U-looking-thing.
The smaller upside-down-U-looking-thing was the culprit.
It wasn't a frozen pipe that thawed. We're still waiting for that to happen as soon as our temps rise above 32 degrees.
This thing.
The most favorite thing in my kitchen other than my microwave and refrigerator.
(Notice I did not mention my stove.)
THE HOT SPOT.
Instant hot water.
For tea. For dog food. For anything that you need to use with boiling water.
It was great until it flooded our house.
So, if you have one of these miniature hot water heaters under YOUR sink, BEWARE !
Here's where we are in the process of putting our kitchen back together.I never did like those cabinets too much at all, so my conversation with theHansMan last night did cover maybe getting new ones. He wasn't in favor of that until today when he learned the clean up crew threw them away. (TeeHeeHee) There are other cabinets that did survive. The ones above the counter top. The pantry doors. And the cabinets around and above the wet bar. Which brings up this question ? Do they ALL go and we get ALL new ones ? OR, do we replace with the exact-same-thing and then maybe paint them for a new look ?
Remember I mentioned the clean up crew tossed the cabinets ? They did the same with the wooden floor. (That could be a problem if one is concerned about matching the rest of the wooden floor that's still in tact.) (I'm not.)
YUP. That's what our floor looks like now.
And yes, those are more boxes. At some point, it will be like Christmas when we open them.
And no, that's not a yellow rubber chicken in that box.
All that to ask this:
If you were redesigning your kitchen, what would you include ?
Please give me your suggestions and any sites with ideas.
P.S. One thing I don't like is a cluttered countertop with toasters, coffee makers, juicers, mixers, etc. Any ideas how to design a counter top with a cabinet that allows these to sit hidden when not being used ? In other words, instead of having a 'back-splash,' is to have a built-in for small appliances.
Hi Kathy, first of all, I would have a big glass of something alcoholic, then I would hire a kitchen designer.
I would insist on a Magnetic Induction Cooktop with the exhaust fan mounted level with stove, I love mine. I've cooked on electric, propane, gas and now my induction cooktop. I hope to never have to cook on anything other that what I have. No flame but perfect control of heat, no residual heat, GJ summers can be very hot, smooth top, no visible buttons, I absolutely love my Magnetic Induction Cooktop. I would also insist on double ovens, trash compactor, extra deep sinks and electric outlets on every wall, lights mounted under all cabinets and a very quiet dishwasher. Remember, I went through some of this a few years ago, I love my kitchen. Good luck Swampy, make this as fun a project as you can, but stay on top of the whole job. Wish I had been onsite when my house was put together. Try not to travel during the installation phase, oh yes, extra powerful, quiet garbage disposal and of course overhead lighting and fans that operate independently of each other, and make sure the banks of lights can be operated row by row. Phew, I'm hoping to be in GJ in May, and looking forward to seeing your new kitchen.
Posted by: Running with the Pack | January 22, 2013 at 05:31 PM
WOW!! That is insane!! I can't wait to see the new kitchen!! I think this is a sign that you need to stay home for a while!
Posted by: Swampspawn | January 22, 2013 at 06:58 PM
am so jealous. That was #1 on my list of things to do when we bought our new house - and now it is on the back burner behind other "important" projects, like New roof.
Posted by: Karmyn R | January 22, 2013 at 07:11 PM
RwtP:Unfortunately, the stove didn't flood. I am tempted to hook up a hose and fill it with water. Same with dishwasher. Wish I could talk Hans into those, but at this point I'll be lucky if he doesn't go to the dump to find the old cabinets and re-install them.
SS: I agree. Have loved the last month and a half of travels, but ready to be home.
KR: You crack me up.
Posted by: ~kAtHy~in~CoLoRaDo~ | January 22, 2013 at 07:29 PM
Oh my goodness! Are you sure the insurance gal didn't say ELEVEN on a scale of 1-10?!!
Posted by: Puppysitter | January 23, 2013 at 05:22 PM
Nice interesting post for all readers.
Posted by: Metowest | January 28, 2013 at 08:01 AM
Wow it that is a 1 wonder what 10 would look like?
They make cool lil' appliance garages, my folks had one that was just below the microwave which was just below the higher cabinets, it all flowed with the cabinets had a roll up door, it sure made everything look clean and clutter free....
My preference for a sink is one with no divider so it's all one big sink and only one drain.
Ditto on the new appliances, quiet disposal and dishwasher.
Good luck with your stay at home adventure!!!
Posted by: Lis | January 30, 2013 at 01:55 PM