Kitchen Layout Nightmare

When it comes to a low budget restoration, remodel, or redo moving plumbing, gas lines, and electrical is not within reach. In planning the necessary adjustments for the kitchen to function properly it seems there are few options that don't involve the expense of ripping things out and starting anew. 

The purchase of a new range will happen in the next to near future, but as many people are aware, a less than full size range will hurt resale value. That being said, the purchase of a new refrigerator is hopefully not in the near future. Something that works won't be replaced until it breaks. 

Given those constraints, internet, what would you do with this kitchen?

A Quick Turn

Sometimes when dealing with a massive project you'll find yourself overwhelmed and not sure where to start. This is especially true if you're experiencing outside stressors like work, family life, or a furnace that doesn't function during a cold snap. When that happens, try to accomplish something small. 

This door had to remain open because the back knob (below) was broken. 

This morning, while trying to stay warm, I replaced the knob and now have not only a functioning door, but a sense of accomplishment. 

Sand The Floor

No, this doesn't concern karate lessons. As any new-homeowner may feel, my floors are awful looking. Aside from patching wood in to match the current wood in this home, all of the floors must be refinished. 

The floor in the living room. 

No water is on the floor, this is simply how damaged the floors are in here. They rent machines that sand floors very quickly, but it is possible to sand the floor yourself. As this process hasn't yet been completed (or started for that matter) there are no after pictures. Bit by bit the floors will come together... I think. 

How To Stay Warm

Some advice for homeowners: If you're going to move into your construction project, make sure you have the essentials...like heat, especially in the colder seasons. 

The best way to stay warm, it seems, is to keep working. This was the result of trying not to get too cold in a home that was averaging 48 degrees inside. Perhaps it's not the best way to keep warm, but progress is progress!

Now, when you've finished pulling up the old particleboard you'll be toasty warm. The only question becomes what to do with the particle board? 

Living In A Construction Zone

Day 1...

Now, some may call me crazy for moving into a home with no working shower, no working bath faucet, and ripped up flooring all over the place. I beg to differ. I'd call me crazy for moving into a place like that with a gas stove, furnace, and water heater with no gas turned on. 

All that aside... I survived night one!