PebHmong Discussion Forum
Life & Living => Home Improvement & Gardening => Topic started by: zena on July 26, 2016, 08:28:33 PM
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We're going to be updating our kitchen to granite tops and a backsplash. It's so exciting!
Here's some ideas we have in place:
Colors of granite for counter tops, island, and bill nook. We're not getting all three. These are just the three choices of granite we are looking at.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/granite_600.jpg)
Back splash. Husband likes the actual stones but I prefer the glass tiles.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/backsplash1_500.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/backsplash2_500.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/backsplash3_500.jpg)
We're also replacing the sink. I like stainless steel but husband likes the dark ceramic style (I think) sinks. No photos yet.
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I like with the middle granite. I'm not sure I like the stone just because cleaning it would be more difficult.
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I like with the middle granite. I'm not sure I like the stone just because cleaning it would be more difficult.
Haven't seen you here for awhile, peas. Hope all is well with you.
The middle one is my preferred too; although, I do also like the far right 'cause it carries out the natural color of the hickory floor. The downside it is that it's the most pricy-est of the 3. The middle one matches our cabinets and does have some warm browns in it too. As for the back splash stone, we'd put a sealant on it, but I'm sure it would still be difficult to clean. My youngest daughter said the stones would make the kitchen feel cold and she's right. I couldn't believe she noticed that.
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With the floor, I like the far right granite.
I'd like a little more pop and contrast with the backsplash if I were going with the light colored granite. Lowes and Homedeopot don't have much in the stylish dept. Take a look here: http://www.medicimosaics.com/Products.aspx (http://www.medicimosaics.com/Products.aspx) O0
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One more thing…
If you don't already have it, under cabinet (task) lighting would be great to add at this time. You go the simple LED strips that plug into a wall socket or have an electrician wire them to a switch. The new backsplash will cover all the holes cut by the electrician. O0
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With the floor, I like the far right granite.
I'd like a little more pop and contrast with the backsplash if I were going with the light colored granite. Lowes and Homedeopot don't have much in the stylish dept. Take a look here: http://www.medicimosaics.com/Products.aspx (http://www.medicimosaics.com/Products.aspx) O0
We kind of want a busier granite top and less busy back splash. I love Lowes and Home Depot!! They have just enough to not get me so dizzy. I checked out your link but it's under construction.
One more thing…
If you don't already have it, under cabinet (task) lighting would be great to add at this time. You go the simple LED strips that plug into a wall socket or have an electrician wire them to a switch. The new backsplash will cover all the holes cut by the electrician. O0
That would be a great idea. We thought about it years ago when we had planned for remodeling but decided not to go with it because for one, we have a lot of light in our kitchen, and two, we didn't budget for it. We are also on the fence about it as something that may or may not be in style in the long run.
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We went to an actual stone warehouse to look and I just found it extremely overwhelming. I took quite a few photos but only showing a few since quite a few of the ones we like look very similar. There were so many choices that I just got depressed. I don't like having too many choices because then I can't choose and then things will simply drag on and we'll never get it done.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/1gr_600.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/2gr_600.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/3gr_600.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/4gr_500.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/5gr_600.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/6gr_600.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/7gr_600.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/8gr_600.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/9gr_600.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/10gr_600.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/11gr_600.jpg)
We also dropped by Lowe's and Home Depot again to get better estimates. Lowe's people were not there so we didn't spend much time there. Below is a show piece at Home Depot. This is similar to our kitchen color except our cabinets are not black. It's just very dark brown, expresso, is what it's called. This is the look we are sort of going for.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/hdsample_500.jpg)
Another photo of the same show piece. The first one looked warm but for some reason this angel makes it look a bit colder. Still love it, just strange how lighting can change things.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/07/hdsample2_500.jpg)
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So we are going with Home Depot. They had a 10% discount this weekend and we're for all kinds of discounts we could get to save $$. We are going to do the back splash ourselves. Husband used to tile so he knows how to do it.
Just something I should mention, when we went looking at the actual granite, we had a fabricator in mind that we wanted to go with. They were the original people who put our current counter tops in. Anyway, they were a bit rude when we went to see if we can set an appointment or just get some info or maybe even look at their showroom for ideas but they didn't seem like they wanted to help us. There was two other granite places we were planning to visit too but like I mentioned, it's just too overwhelming so the one place was enough. We were given a list of fabricators from the granite place but the list was 2 pages long and we'd have to research and review them before we choose, which would be way too much work, and way too overwhelming. I don't know how others do it.
Going to Lowe's and Home Depot is less crazy and it's nice to be able to just talk to someone to get general ideas and then be able to go home, think on it, and return for more info. The really nice thing about the Home Depot we went to is that the lady who helped us was also doing her kitchen (a second kitchen in her basement) and was very informative and helpful. It's nice to know that she also goes through the same process so we trust her. I also liked the Lowe's person and we would have gone with them but they didn't have any specials.
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The sink husband likes is called a granite composite which is very heavy and sturdy. We are looking at something like this but not this exact one 'cause I don't like the shape of it. The one we like is actually a bit more expensive. Honestly, I'm fine with a stainless steel but husband is the picky one.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/sinkgranitecomposite_600.jpg)
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Look into Blanco. They make composite sinks. I bought a black one from overstock, I believe. I gave it to give it to the granite fabricator so they could cut the correct hole and mount it I assume if you buy everything from Homedeopot, they will take care of that.
One thing to note, the new sink was quite deeper and we wanted to add a disposal, which we did not have previously. That meant I had to hire a plumber to lower the drain on the wall pipe and take care of all the under sink piping, in order to make everything work.
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Look into Blanco. They make composite sinks. I bought a black one from overstock, I believe. I gave it to give it to the granite fabricator so they could cut the correct hole and mount it I assume if you buy everything from Homedeopot, they will take care of that.
One thing to note, the new sink was quite deeper and we wanted to add a disposal, which we did not have previously. That meant I had to hire a plumber to lower the drain on the wall pipe and take care of all the under sink piping, in order to make everything work.
Blanco has a good selection and they carry a similar one to the one we like, which is at Lowe's. We looked and touched it and I'm the kind that I have to touch and knock on it and think it over before I buy so I can't buy online. The process of putting in the granite tops include removing and putting back the sink, cutting the holes for the sink, and plumbing; therefore, we don't have to have it done separately. The only thing we have to do is our gas stove because it is a drop-in range. The granite guys will have to cut around it so we can put the range back in (which costs extra for them to do, btw) and rehook the gas line. They charge extra to have the gas guy come out but husband can handle that.
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My black composite blanco sink was much deeper than the versions at the big box stores, and the granite company we used only did the removal of the existing counter and installation of new counter. No plumbing.
In our new house, the composite sinks are unfortunately standard depth. :'( They're already under mounted in the Cambria countertops so go changing out for a while… :-\
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Our small island has the same dark slate you have pictured above. O0
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My black composite blanco sink was much deeper than the versions at the big box stores, and the granite company we used only did the removal of the existing counter and installation of new counter. No plumbing.
In our new house, the composite sinks are unfortunately standard depth. :'( They're already under mounted in the Cambria countertops so go changing out for a while… :-\
Why is it unfortunate? I actually prefer the standard depth. I've used the deeper ones (not composite, just deep stainless steel) and I don't like them as much. Too deep for me and I'm pretty short. Ours will be an under mount so it will be a bit lower than it is now but that's just the way of under mounts, thus the plumber guy will need to hook up everything due to this change. Husband will be removing and disposing our old counters himself since they do charge extra to remove and dispose too.
Our small island has the same dark slate you have pictured above. O0
Glad you like the dark granite. Next week we're going to pick out our granite slabs so we'll see how it goes. I'm hoping they'll have the warmer color instead of the colder one. It seems to match more and will make the kitchen more cozy.
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Btw, we purchased our sink. It's just waiting to be put in now.
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Deeper sink helps when washing larger bowls and pots and keeps the splashing to a minimum. O0
My wife is average Hmong girl height so she recently said she prefers to wash dishes in the island veggie sink because that counter is lower than the double sink one. ;D
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Deeper sink helps when washing larger bowls and pots and keeps the splashing to a minimum. O0
My wife is average Hmong girl height so she recently said she prefers to wash dishes in the island veggie sink because that counter is lower than the double sink one. ;D
Interesting. I find it splashes more the deeper it is. I used to work at a donut shop when I was much younger and had to do some washing and always got splashed 'cause those sinks are very deep. I also did the dishes at a friends house who had a deep sink and it also got splashed quite a lot. I think the distance from the faucet to the bottom of the sink causes this weird splash that I don't do well with. I'm glad you and your wife like it and that it works for you. I know it's very popular in this day and age and everyone wants one but I'm just different I guess. I normally don't do what everyone else does.
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Yesterday, went to look at the granite we picked out. It's the one on the right in the photo. But once we saw the full size, we didn't like how tight the design was or the grayish color so we decided to go with the one on the left which is the one we saw at Home Depot (photo in previous page) in the setup with the black cabinets. Again, I got overwhelmed but I'm glad we stuck to our guns and stayed within the designs we originally liked. The guy who helped us said people have gone back and forth after they've decided on a design, even for weeks! I'm not like those people and I can't stand going back and forth. I just want this done! ;D
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/grselection_600.jpg)
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Last week the guy came and measured our counter tops and kitchen island. Next step: putting in the granite. Set to happen within a couple of weeks. I'm excited but I'm nervous at the same time. My fear is if they drop the granite on our hickory floors. This happened to one of our neighbors. Of course they paid for the damages but that just means more time.
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They all look durable and beautiful. With so many choices to choose from it can be hard to decide on what you want. Just curious, for those of you whom are remodeling - are you all looking to sell or just looking to add more taxes to your property? Sometimes I don't get people and their logics especially when there's no immediate or short term benefits but just the feel good feelings of a nice make over and more taxes.
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They all look durable and beautiful. With so many choices to choose from it can be hard to decide on what you want. Just curious, for those of you whom are remodeling - are you all looking to sell or just looking to add more taxes to your property? Sometimes I don't get people and their logics especially when there's no immediate or short term benefits but just the feel good feelings of a nice make over and more taxes.
We are remodeling for many reasons but I'm not sure about the taxes you are referring to. I'm not sure anyone will know we upgraded our kitchen enough to want to tax us on it or receive tax? I'm not familiar with this. We had always wanted granite but we didn't want to lump it with our mortgage when it was built and we couldn't afford to do granite when we purchased. Buying the house was already costly so we thought we'd wait and it just took longer than we had expected because other things happened, like the kids school (and every cost associated including daughter's trip to DC/NY) and activities (both the kids dance so that's costly). We had to save up. But, this makes it all the more exciting to be able to finally afford it and to really enjoy it.
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Update: This remodel was supposed to take only 3 to 4 weeks. We are coming upon 2 months now and just finally getting it rolling.
Husband removed the side counter and the bill nook counter. It was a bit heavy so I helped with the side counter. He did the bill nook by himself. The island slab is just sitting there with nothing holding it on. Husband will remove it (with my help again) when he gets home tonight. The granite guys will come tomorrow to put in the new counter tops. For now, this is what it looks like. We worked on it late at night so the lighting wasn't the best with the phone camera.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/kitchenremodel20160911_800.jpg)
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We are remodeling for many reasons but I'm not sure about the taxes you are referring to. I'm not sure anyone will know we upgraded our kitchen enough to want to tax us on it or receive tax? I'm not familiar with this. We had always wanted granite but we didn't want to lump it with our mortgage when it was built and we couldn't afford to do granite when we purchased. Buying the house was already costly so we thought we'd wait and it just took longer than we had expected because other things happened, like the kids school (and every cost associated including daughter's trip to DC/NY) and activities (both the kids dance so that's costly). We had to save up. But, this makes it all the more exciting to be able to finally afford it and to really enjoy it.
No. Things you do yourself in the house that isn't done by a contractor or you did not get a permit from the city won't affect your tax. But then again when you do sale the property, you do pay capital gains tax(maybe what they miss is factor into this tax). My coworker just finished up remodeling his house, he didn't see any new tax assessments, but his wife putting out some plants to decorate the house sure get the cities attention.lol Tax goes up for them. Pretty much everything you do to bring the value to your property, you do need to pay tax for it.
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So I don't know why you mentioned taxes on our updating our kitchen. We didn't have to get a permit for it. When we put in our fence and backyard landscaping we had to get permits for those but not the kitchen. I thought maybe you were referring to some new tax program or something. My husband is pretty good at being up-to-date with taxes and stuff.
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Taxes vary from city to city, same goes for ordinance and building codes... Don't know about Denver/Co in general but in MN, any mods done inside your home whether it's a bathroom or kitchen especially if you're going to add or remove something from it's original floor plan. It's recommended that you get a permit from the city. Otherwise, future selling of your property might cause snag.
If you and your husband understands the concept of cutting your grass and maintaining your upkeep no more/no less from your neighbors. You would know that there's a reason behind it, and home improvements are no different; all are subjected to assessments. With the exception, that people don't have to know what your house actually worth with the various upgrades. Just failing to cut your grass or allow weed or undesirables on your property. You can be kicked out of your home if you can not conform to your neighborhoods "standards". When your lot/property is deemed undesirable, it affects other properties around the neighborhood. Some people take offense to that even though they are not in the sell market. Every city/state are in favor of high property values of its residents because they can get more taxes out them. If you're not, the city has no problem with how your neighbors vote you out.
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Taxes vary from city to city, same goes for ordinance and building codes... Don't know about Denver/Co in general but in MN, any mods done inside your home whether it's a bathroom or kitchen especially if you're going to add or remove something from it's original floor plan. It's recommended that you get a permit from the city. Otherwise, future selling of your property might cause snag.
If you and your husband understands the concept of cutting your grass and maintaining your upkeep no more/no less from your neighbors. You would know that there's a reason behind it, and home improvements are no different; all are subjected to assessments. With the exception, that people don't have to know what your house actually worth with the various upgrades. Just failing to cut your grass or allow weed or undesirables on your property. You can be kicked out of your home if you can not conform to your neighborhoods "standards". When your lot/property is deemed undesirable, it affects other properties around the neighborhood. Some people take offense to that even though they are not in the sell market. Every city/state are in favor of high property values of its residents because they can get more taxes out them. If you're not, the city has no problem with how your neighbors vote you out.
Okay. :)
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Some before photos:
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/kitchenbf0010_850.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/kitchenbf0035_850.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/kitchenbf0039_850.jpg)
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/kitchenbf0041_850.jpg)
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When we removed the island top we found junk inside from when they built the house. You'd think the builders would be proud of their work and not treat it as junk. When I make art, I'm always very proud of it. My husband used to to tile and he was always proud of his work. He would tell me that some of the other guys who did the other stuff (like putting in the tubs and sink, etc.) would piss in them and stuff. It's sad.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/kitchenislandjunk_850.jpg)
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Btw, we purchased our sink. It's just waiting to be put in now.
Share once it is put in.
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When we removed the island top we found junk inside from when they built the house. You'd think the builders would be proud of their work and not treat it as junk. When I make art, I'm always very proud of it. My husband used to to tile and he was always proud of his work. He would tell me that some of the other guys who did the other stuff (like putting in the tubs and sink, etc.) would piss in them and stuff. It's sad.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/kitchenislandjunk_850.jpg)
OMG all that junks inside of the island. My island has cabinets and its where I stored my pans and pots.
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OMG all that junks inside of the island. My island has cabinets and its where I stored my pans and pots.
No house is safe from junk like that unless you build it yourself. As mentioned, we found a soda can behind the drywall. I know our house is not the only one with construction worker's junk. I think I mentioned this already that my husband used to tile and the guys he worked around with (not tilers, but guys who did other stuff who were not from his company) would do disgusting things like pee in the tubs and stuff.
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No house is safe from junk like that unless you build it yourself. As mentioned, we found a soda can behind the drywall. I know our house is not the only one with construction worker's junk. I think I mentioned this already that my husband used to tile and the guys he worked around with (not tilers, but guys who did other stuff who were not from his company) would do disgusting things like pee in the tubs and stuff.
:knuppel2:
You know, all waste may go thru different drainage but will all eventually end up at the same place.
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Husband put the backsplash in. I have more photos on my blog (https://prettypeonyblog.wordpress.com/2016/10/04/kitchen-remodeling-backsplash/) if you'd like to see.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/backsplash091620160011_850.jpg)
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No house is safe from junk like that unless you build it yourself. As mentioned, we found a soda can behind the drywall. I know our house is not the only one with construction worker's junk. I think I mentioned this already that my husband used to tile and the guys he worked around with (not tilers, but guys who did other stuff who were not from his company) would do disgusting things like pee in the tubs and stuff.
The people they hired to lay down counter, tile, etc. you already know it is mostly those laborer guy who are......... I'm sure we all will find disgusting thing unless we are there to witness each works being done.
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The more I look at your counter top and backsplash look like my childhood bf. She sold her home in 1 week and moved into a older home that she will upgrade when she has $$ because she want to be in a safer neighborhood. Let me see if I can find it and load here because some listing hasn't taken down photos.
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The more I look at your counter top and backsplash look like my childhood bf. She sold her home in 1 week and moved into a older home that she will upgrade when she has $$ because she want to be in a safer neighborhood. Let me see if I can find it and load here because some listing hasn't taken down photos.
I'd like to see. There is a commercial that shows a background kitchen with the same backsplash as ours. It was really cool to see.
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Forgot to post a photo of our updated sink and faucet.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/faucet091420160003_850.jpg)
It's amazing how an under mount gives us a little more space yet feels like it's a ton of space.
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It's done. This is the finished product and it's beautiful! I enjoy cooking and cleaning more now in it.
(https://prettypeonyblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/kitchenaf091920160023_850.jpg)