What to expect when you're remodeling

On September 14, 2009, I ended my first blog entry with the words, "I just hope it doesn't take nine months."

On March 14, our kitchen remodel entered its third trimester.

To be fair, the project includes two additions and a complete roof replacement. Nevertheless, I can understand why friends, neighbors or observers might feel it's taking forever.

There is good news, though, and lots of it.

First, we're completely happy with the work so far, and have truly enjoyed Nelson and all his workers and subs. That's far more important to me than getting it done quickly.

Second, the basement kitchen is a godsend. Although we are not eating elaborate meals (it's hard to get too complicated when working with 18" of counter space on either side of the sink), I love being able to make a pork roast or bake cookies in the oven, or just steam vegetables in the microwave. Every time we sit down for dinner, I appreciate eating off real plates with real silverware, instead of endless paper and plastic.

Finally, we're at a point where I believe the progress will be more visible to all of us. The insulation went in today (I was impressed by the guy's stilt-walking ability), the vent pipe will be removed and the new one installed on Monday, and the drywallers will start Tuesday.

I've been warned that the space will temporarily look much smaller with drywall in place—has anyone else had that experience?

When the drywall is finished, Nelson will measure and begin building the cabinets—base cabinets first. The granite fabricators will need to measure them before turning the slab into counters, a process that takes about three weeks.

Our best estimate for completion (aka due date) is sometime late May to mid-June.

Maybe when we see the new kitchen, we'll even say some of the same things we said upon meeting Will and Anna as newborns: Look how big you are! You look just like I pictured you! Look at all that hair!

Well, maybe not that last one.