No, Watchdog Milwaukee isn’t going soft on you, but I thought it would be interesting to take you into my life for the next several months to explore what all is involved in a kitchen remodel.

Over the past 6 weeks I’ve been talking with contractors and a kitchen planner. Yesterday I went out and bought a laser guided drop saw and today I’m going back to pick up 200 square feet of bamboo flooring. We went with bamboo because it’s a warm surface (no cold feet in the morning), it looks beautiful and is a renewable resource. It turns out if you cut down a thick of bamboo, it springs up by the next year. It also grows incredibly fast.

After I pick up the floor today I’m headed to Village Hall to talk to the Building Inspector and (if I can find the check book) buy the permits to do all of this legal.

I didn’t sleep well last night because by tonight, when my wife pays for the cabinets and counter tops, I’ll be $20,000 poorer. But I figure since she’s put up with me for 16 good years, and I’m looking forward to the next 40 or so, she’s more than earned her kitchen.

On the plus side, Lowe’s a no payments, no interest card we’re dropping it on so we will have some time to pay for the materials. Fortunately we’ve already saved enough for the labor which I’m going to sub out myself. Licensed plumbers and electricians aren’t cheap but I’m not cutting corners when it comes to the safety of my family and making sure the job is done right.