Beware of a Broken Refrigerator.........

It all started 5 years ago (or was it 6) with a broken refrigerator.  We had talked for years about renovating the kitchen in our 20+ year old house but never took action until the refrigerator had to be replaced.  While searching for one that would fit in the available space (most of the new fridges were much larger than what our space allowed), we decided we may as well replace the stove and microwave at the same time. 

This decision led to designing a new kitchen, purchasing wood flooring, cabinets and countertops and hiring a contractor to install everything.   Of course, because the kitchen floor leads into the hallway, foyer, 1/2 bath and utility room, that flooring also needed to be replaced.  And once the new floor and kitchen were completed, it was very apparent that the rest of the house needed a facelift as well. 

So on we went with the next project - replace all of the interior doors with six panel doors and all of the woodwork in the house with matching oak.  This then led to the renovation of all of the bathrooms, and a redesign and the replacement of the front entry door - we went from a double door to a single entry door with a sidelight....which turned out better than we ever imagined.  The stairway was next with the old treads being covered with oak and the landing replaced with large tiles.  Ah yes - I became quite an accomplished stainer and varnisher over the years and even found it to be quite therapeutic after an especially stressful day at work. 

So you ask what else could possibly be left to do since it sounds like the entire house was rebuilt?  Well, this week the front portion of the garage floor was jack-hammered out, hauled away in a dump truck and new concrete laid.  Hmmm....didn't think to take the riding lawn mower out before the project began so I guess our grass will be quite tall before the mower can be driven over the new concrete next week - hope the neighbors don't mind.  Then, the only thing left to do will be to replace the upstairs carpeting.  I dread the thought of having to move all of the furniture in order to take out the old carpet and install the new - but I don't want to wait too long or we'll think of something else we want to renovate even though I don't know what else there is to do.  

I guess my final word on this subject is: Beware Of A Broken Refrigerator.....it leads to more and more and more projects and less and less money in your bank account. 

But, I must admit that we have received numerous compliments on the renovations so I guess in the long run it's been worth the effort and expense even if it has taken 5 or 6 or will it be 7 years to complete.