New kitchen progress update

The kitchen is progressing nicely. We’re reasonably on schedule. But there are always a few unforeseen things that pop up. We had to remove all the original plaster from the walls, whereas we were only going to remove it from the exterior walls so we could install more efficient insulation and a vapour barrier. Also, the original shiplap floor boards were deemed to be insufficiently stable, due to shrinkage and cracks. They wouldn’t have been strong enough and stable enough to support our new tile floor. We replaced them with new, thicker plywood.


Currently all the gypsum board has been installed, and has had a couple of coats of drywall mud applied and sanded. We (my contractor and me) decided that all the seams and corners didn’t need to be filled and sanded because, realistically, many of them are going to completely covered by either tile, cabinetry or wood trim. That’ll save us a bit of time.

Once the ceiling drywall is filled and sanded sufficiently I can paint it, and then the tile floor can be installed. Cabinetry is due to be delivered on Dec. 4. Appliances arrive Nov. 28. The cabinetry installer wants the appliances on site so he can be 100% sure of their dimensions. Nobody wants him to have to remove and re-install a cabinet due to tight clearances.

Having a usable kitchen by Christmas is still a possibility at his point. Cabinetry installation is scheduled to be completed by Dec. 7. Then our solid surface countertops get templated and will take about 10 business days (2 weeks) to fabricate. That takes us to Dec. 21. Then the only major item left will be the installation of the backsplash tile.

I’m not sure what my contractor’s schedule will be that close to Christmas, but at least we’ll be able to use the room for the holidays.

I love it when a plan comes together.