The Keys to the Kingdom

Yesterday was the momentous occasion of our final meeting with the contractor. Even though we've been using the kitchen for a week already, they call it the Presentation Meeting and they officially turn it over to us. We would have had it a week ago but had to reschedule.

The company principal and our project lead were here, and it was an opportunity to ask any final questions, review the terms of the warranty, and answer a couple of their questions.

We had three questions:

1. Was there any way to stop the lightbulbs in the chandelier from humming when the dimmer was turned down? Probably not. It often depends on the individual bulb whether they hum or not.

2. Are the cheap mats I bought from Walmart going to damage the floor with their non-slip backing (we had read about not putting rubber mats on the floor, but these aren't really rubber)? Not sure, but they'll check with the manufacturer.

3. Can we get an itemized cost for the big-ticket items--the cabinets, granite counter-top, and floor? Just out of curiosity, a la HGTV's "Bang for your Buck." Sure, no problem.

They had two:

1. What is our favorite part of the kitchen? Very difficult to answer this! All of it. But if push comes to shove, we'd both have to say the granite. During construction, I was mostly able to stay out of the kitchen except the day they installed the granite. Then I just couldn't stay away, it was so awesome!

2. What is our least favorite aspect of the whole project? Certainly the inconvenience of not having a kitchen for 6 weeks. Whatever noise, dust, and assorted daily problems there were paled in comparison to the overall hassle factor.

All of the workmanship and the materials they provided are warrantied for one year. Even after that, they said, just call if something's not working and they'll come fix it or direct us to the vendor who can.

Then they took copious pictures, oohed and aahed, allowed us to congratulate them on a job well done a few times, and left. And believe it or not, it's sort of a letdown. Like when all the guests leave after Thanksgiving. Not that I want people in my house any more, banging and sawing, but still...it's all over! Nothing left to look forward to...

...except the pleasure of using our new, beautiful kitchen!