Post date: May 3, 2012 8:30:10 PM
Dolly's notes:
Dave expressed keeping the trash burner and if we decide to replace the stove it should be gas not electric. He has no opinion on other items. Additionally, he would like to see us proceed with listing the house for summer rental.
Theo says she will not weigh in on this project.
My (Dolly's) thoughts are to keep the stove where it is since we agree on no pass through on that wall. This opens up more counter space near the fridge where it's needed. Also, I'd like to see a trash bin slide out in the cabinet space on the west wall.
Steve's notes & comments:
Remodel Committee,
From Robert , with amendments via Steve: Here are my thoughts to Uncle Owens suggestions:
Removing the old Wood Stove, Water Tank and Chimney –Keep wood stove, fix chimnet, remove tank and tank closet
Pass-through to Dining room – disagree
Microwave location in corner of new counter layout – sure
Back Porch – agree, assuming it gives us some more counter space (need that!)
Dishwasher – I have no need or desire; others might...
Countertop. I’m not clear what Owen was suggesting, but I recommend a simple laminate over something elaborate due to costs. <Same here>
Floor - wood would be very nice and in keeping with the look of the house.. don't need vinyl for wear and tear as it is a lightly-used house. Maybe worth splurging a bit to get a nice floor. (On the other hand, it isn't a eat-in kitchen; so maybe two different floors wouldn't be so striking) - a toss-up! and more discussions!...
The expanded hot water tank- lets talk - do we add a second water heater under the house or just have an additional hot water storage tank on the existing water heater?... also the cold water storage tank up the hill is a great idea if larger groups are there.
Re-use of the stove - stove is fine but if replaced, agree gas is much nicer than electric.... (would we need propane tank or is gas available?)
Quality of components. Yes, quotes seem very low, especially if buying on-island. Don't want to go too 'discount' though - want to do things nice!
My (Clark's) notes:
After talking over the kitchen remodel idea with Jeff and Cheryl, the bottom line seems to be that the kitchen changes would be nice but they wouldn’t significantly alter the key limitations of spending more time at Westwoods. What is needed is an upgrade to the overall capacity (bedrooms, bathrooms and water) in addition to upgrading the kitchen.
That leads to the following question: if we are going to pursue a remodel-type project, should we explore the cost and effort of doing a full expansion – i.e., adding bedrooms, bathroom, etc., as well as updating the kitchen?
Jeff also suggested (and I agree with) the following:
If we're going to do this, spend a couple thousand extra and use nice materials that will look great/last longer and dress up the place. No reason to go cheap when it won't get updated for another 50 years. Seriously, I'd consider using either laminated wood floors, ceramic tile etc. Use nice fake stone for counter tops or something that is easy to maintain, but looks good. Let's not use cheap materials like are on the counter/floor now. I don't think I'd use real stone for maintenance reasons, but they make great fake stuff now that is almost better.
Other specific points:
1. Dishwater if practical with water usage.
2. Get rid of wood stove: expensive to repair (need to repair both outside chimney and pipe), not to code and takes up room. No need for it.
3. Lots of counter space: might consider a folding down counter somewhere.
4. Don't like passthrough: keep kitchen and living areas separate.
5. Here's a thought: replace the windows in living room on ocean side with either sliding glass doors or floor to ceiling windows. Impractical for winter, but since we're not there, doesn't matter. Always thought it was shame you sat inside and didn't get view. Okay, probably low on priority list.
Karen's comments:
Ideas for kitchen:
Most of these ideas can be done 1 at a time and most don’t need permits:
On the blank wall between the room’s doors:
3” deep storage along blank wall with sliding doors: would allow glasses and silverware to be in shallow shelves and drawers nearer to dining room.
Can be deeper between studs where bathroom sink not using
This photo shows open shelves, another idea for this wall.
Fold-down shelves, heavy duty, available for work space in 2 tiers:
One for cutting, etc
A higher one for temporary storage of food going out or
Dirty dishes coming in
Other storage above height of door opening for storage of stuff now in
outside pantry in anticipation of using that space for a bedroom.
Doors, if any, could be lift-up kind to stay out of way
To make stove more useable:
Suspend cabinet from ceiling over the stove to house spices and coffee materials.
Pans might hang along sides.
Maybe a small vent , or leave room for one when do get permits.
Keep water-preheater/room heater/trash burner so as to warm kitchen, provide for failed electric:
If get fancy, Maybe suspend tank from ceiling, put under eaves upstairs or put in basement.
Any pass-through could be between studs but with wide lip into both rooms: locating above trash burner would allow heat from morning burning to warm main rooms BUT may need narrower, boxed-in, more efficient smoke stack for burner, one with whirler at top of roof to pull draft?
Window to north.
Fridge:
Re-box fridge so that faces into kitchen but for only 2.5’ wide. Need new fridge, of course. And yes! They make them. Would allow heat from coils to be warming kitchen in the cooler weather.
Then don’t need to re-build porch floor or even the roof.
If don’t do this, then could extend a peninsula counter 18”into kitchen near door
With or without interior fridge, cabinets to ceiling, simple ones like we have, along this wall
Dishwasher, Sink:
No dishwasher: family time in our culture has always included kids fighting over dishwashing. Double sink might be nice, with more controllable water volume. Maybe one of those fake-old looking ones:
Cabinets generally:
Open ones not likely good idea between long-term vacant?
Keep reaching to ceiling, if only for little-used stuff at top.
Have official label thing like on file cabinets so can label closed doors for visitors’ ease?
Make space for spiffy ladder or sit-stool to access high cabinets.
Behind door to outside?
Cabinet knobs made from rocks, shellacked, from beach?