In the beginning

... there was the idea.

The idea that our plain, ordinary bi-level could actually be a pretty cool house. After all, it actually had drywall and fibreglass insulation, unlike the century house (shack) we lived in before.

And so, after the necessary repairs, like a new roof, we decided to do the frivolous ones.

We wanted a new kitchen. But the existing one was too small a space, so we decided to expand it. Before we could expand it, we needed a new backyard access, so we moved the door. Then, since the new door opened onto nothing, we needed a deck before we could use it. So before the kitchen came the deck. Before the deck, came the door. Of course, when we pulled the ugly cabinets from the space where the new door was to go, we discovered that one whole corner of the dining room drywall was mouldy and needed to be cut out, for fear of infecting us all with some horrific disease.

So, our current state is this: We have a nice deck, almost done (there is always the except: it's done except the trim), but useful. We have a door (in fact we have two: one we use and one blocked by junk). We have a hole in the drywall in the dining room. We have a quote on the cabinets. And we have Potential.

Now we are waiting on quotes from builders for the ripping out of walls and cabinets and all that, from plumbers for moving the dishwasher and reconnecting our new sink, and electricians for wiring our new lighting. Of course, we also now will need new flooring, and if you are doing the kitchen, you might as well do the rest of the main level. Plus, I would really like to replace all the bedroom doors and trim, the ugly oak bookcase/dividing wall/junk collection spot and replace them with something funky and modern. And everything will need to be painted.

Ok, so the only thing we do have is the appliances. My ever-loving's pride and joy, his Wolf gas stove (on which he often cooks delicious morsels) will be the centrepiece of the room.

I plan to document the process here, in print and with photos. It is my prediction here and now, that it will cost us $30,000 and a full year (or two) before it is finished. Functional sooner, but finished down to the last wall switch and everything. That is my prediction. I hope to be pleasantly surprised, but am fully prepared to actually be committed to a room with padded walls before it is over. I hope my work benefits cover therapy.