Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
New Door
After going to Home Depot and Rona and getting quotes from the people at those stores for my new bedroom door, I decided to go a different route. The big stores quoted me $400 total, which includes measurement, installation, the door, hinges, door stopper, knob and creating the door jam. It's interesting to note that my door frame is an odd size, so I'm going with a 30" door and building the door jam. You save money by not getting a custom ordered door.
Anyways, my sister is having her floors installed in the same building and my parents suggested that I get a quote from the contractor (Ross) at the same time. It will be roughly $200, and he's going to select the door tomorrow and pick up the rest of the stuff.
Apparently, it will take about an hour to install, so I'll putter around my house and do chores chores in the meanwhile.
Anyways, my sister is having her floors installed in the same building and my parents suggested that I get a quote from the contractor (Ross) at the same time. It will be roughly $200, and he's going to select the door tomorrow and pick up the rest of the stuff.
Apparently, it will take about an hour to install, so I'll putter around my house and do chores chores in the meanwhile.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Ikea - Dream Kitchens
My boyfriend and I have been to Ikea Etobicoke a few times to get kitchen inspiration and I checked out Ikea North York myself. Interestingly, it's a different set-up. It's fun to walk through the different kitchens and see what you like & don't like and there's lots to choose from.
I did up my Ikea Kitchen Planner - my only complaint is that you can only select Ikea furniture (that is, you can't do a "mock-up" of your existing kitchen using your existing cabinets for a before/after diagram). I need to get Visio or CAD!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Using the appliances for the first time
I read through the manuals before trying to use each appliance for the first time and this is what I learned:
Stove
Stove
- There is a funny smell when it's turned on for the first time - inside should be turned on and preheated for a little while before you put food in
- There's a cream that comes for the top, this should be put on with a sponge to protect it. I wonder where I can buy more of this cream if I run out?
Dishwasher
- As I've never had a dishwasher before, this is all new to me.
- There are 2 things you need to put in - detergent (either liquid, powder, gel or the cubes) as well as a jet-dry liquid
- After my dinner party, I tried it out and it worked well. It only uses hot water, so different water temperature options are not an option.
Washer
- After reading all the reviews, I purchased HE (high efficiency) liquid which has less suds and will make the washer last longer
- I also bought a HE compatible fabric softener
- First you load in the clothes, and hit "power" and then add the detergent - it's like using a computer
- Very different from my top load, where I would first turn on the water, then add detergent then add the clothes
- It also takes longer - on "normal/casual" cycle it's about 56 minutes
- I agree with some criticisms on the Sears web-site - it does sound like a small jet engine taking off, but I don't mind it (as long as it doesn't leak!)
- I'm afraid I'm going to stuff it too full, but there are guidelines in the manual
- Capacity is 3.7 cubic feet, when it's done you need to leave the door open to air out
- Makes an annoying repeated beeping noise when done, I think there's a way to turn this off - I just need one beep.
Dryer
- Extremely quiet, both washer and dryer are "Quiet Pak 4", capacity 6.7 cubic feet (huge!)
- My last dryer made loud mechanical noises
- I like the "wet" sensor - if you put it in auto mode, it senses how dry the clothes are and stops when it's done. This takes the guesswork out of laundry.
- I'm still able to use a dryer sheet in this, just need to remember to turn the fan on so it vents outside. My last dryer wasn't connected to the vent so the lint and heat came back inside my apartment.
- Surprised it doesn't signal that it's done (by a beep) - would like to have one beep to signal it's done.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Cabinet Re-facing research
Today I took the day off (for the technicians) and they installed the washer and dryer before 12 noon. My dad came into town and was great! Thanks Dad for all your help!
The technicians were efficient and nice. But unfortunately, there was a mix-up with the delivery guys who were supposed to pick up my old units between 12-5. So I've arranged for them to come tomorrow from 9am to 5pm and will leave keys with my conceirge. Hopefully it will work! Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!
Since the delivery guys were no longer coming, my dad and I went to Home Depot and Rona to check out cabinet refacing. I have been to Ikea and LOVE their stuff, but after pricing it out, it will be around $4000 for labour and $2000 for cabinets, soft close hinges and handles. So I'm investigating other (less expensive) options.
At Home Depot, you should make an appointment with the kitchen department before you go so that you don't wait around unnecessarily (like we did). They have brochures to assist, and info on their web-site but I think it's better to see it in person as some colours don't match up. The cabinets that are available for refacing are limited to say the least. To re-face 19 cabinets and 3 drawers, and 1 faux drawer (below sink) it will be around $1100. This does not include measurement, installation, soft close hinges, handles, etc. This is just for the doors.
I'm trying to do an "apples to apples" comparison, so we also went to Rona. They also have a line that can be customized. My cabinets are odd sizes (not standard) such as 11 5/8 x 22 1/8, etc. We were told it was around $20 per linear foot for the doors. The people there were nicer.
Oh, and did I mention that we also investigated getting a door for my bedroom. A simple, plain (inexpensive door). My door is also an odd size. It's 32 1/2" x 79 3/4". It has crown moulding (frame) but nothing else. I would have to order a custom door, request a hole drilled for the door handle, hinges, knobs on both sides, stopper in the door, shims and a door stopper at the bottom (so it doesn't hit the wall). Guess how much a simple door is? I'm surprised to say about $400 on average (from Home Depot or Rona). Wow! Who knew doors can be so much? The cheapest part of this is the actual door (around $40), but when you factor in measurement, installation, etc. that's where it adds up. Yikes! Do I really need a door to my bedroom?
The technicians were efficient and nice. But unfortunately, there was a mix-up with the delivery guys who were supposed to pick up my old units between 12-5. So I've arranged for them to come tomorrow from 9am to 5pm and will leave keys with my conceirge. Hopefully it will work! Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!
Since the delivery guys were no longer coming, my dad and I went to Home Depot and Rona to check out cabinet refacing. I have been to Ikea and LOVE their stuff, but after pricing it out, it will be around $4000 for labour and $2000 for cabinets, soft close hinges and handles. So I'm investigating other (less expensive) options.
At Home Depot, you should make an appointment with the kitchen department before you go so that you don't wait around unnecessarily (like we did). They have brochures to assist, and info on their web-site but I think it's better to see it in person as some colours don't match up. The cabinets that are available for refacing are limited to say the least. To re-face 19 cabinets and 3 drawers, and 1 faux drawer (below sink) it will be around $1100. This does not include measurement, installation, soft close hinges, handles, etc. This is just for the doors.
I'm trying to do an "apples to apples" comparison, so we also went to Rona. They also have a line that can be customized. My cabinets are odd sizes (not standard) such as 11 5/8 x 22 1/8, etc. We were told it was around $20 per linear foot for the doors. The people there were nicer.
Oh, and did I mention that we also investigated getting a door for my bedroom. A simple, plain (inexpensive door). My door is also an odd size. It's 32 1/2" x 79 3/4". It has crown moulding (frame) but nothing else. I would have to order a custom door, request a hole drilled for the door handle, hinges, knobs on both sides, stopper in the door, shims and a door stopper at the bottom (so it doesn't hit the wall). Guess how much a simple door is? I'm surprised to say about $400 on average (from Home Depot or Rona). Wow! Who knew doors can be so much? The cheapest part of this is the actual door (around $40), but when you factor in measurement, installation, etc. that's where it adds up. Yikes! Do I really need a door to my bedroom?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Delivery and Installation
I purchased the 4 units from Sears on March 28th, 2009 and arranged for delivery the following week (Sat April 4, 2009). Unfortunately, since I live in a condo the window of delivery is 9am to 5pm Mon to Saturday and you need to notify the management office to book the elevator.
My boyfriend and I were ready for their arrival by prepping my place (putting down carpets so that my floors wouldn't get scratched, clearing the way, etc). They arrived at 9:15am so it was good that we were ready. The delivery guys were complete jerks. Not only did they dump the 4 appliances in my living room, they didn't even unpackage them (still wrapped in plastic and cardboard). They did haul away the stove and insert the new one.
However, they refused to touch the washer/dryer, saying that we did not turn off the water, and that they don't detach anything. I was on the phone trying to call my super Warren as well as Sears head office, the sales guy, etc. We didn't know how to shut off the water as we had never done this before. I asked the delivery guy to tell me how to do it (and I would do it) but he said it could cause a flood (created panic). Also, he said there was no stacking kit so he couldn't do the install anyways and that I didn't have metal braided hoses (only the rubber ones).
About 2 min after they left, we figured out how to shut the water off. Follow your washer (which should have 2 hoses) to the water supply, turn the knob and you'll shut off the water. It wasn't rocket science. I just think that they were lazy $#%^& and didn't want to do any work. I complained to Sears head office about this.
When I called the sales guy (Jason), he said to look in the dryer - and there was the stacking kit. Regarding the metal braided hoses, the rubber ones are to code, otherwise why would they sell them? After speaking to several people, I realized that the delivery guys were just lying to get out of doing work. Very frustrating!
Luckily, we had a better experience with the dishwasher installer/technician (Rob). He was pleasant, and explained everything. It took him about 30 min to uninstall, and install and remove the old unit. He was thrilled that when he was leaving my suite to load the old dishwasher in his truck, 2 random strangers approached him about doing work in my building. Obviously there's a need for contractors. He even showed me a few cycles and gave me tips. He was very professional and ensured it was working before he left.
I was excited! No more doing dishes by hand. I just had to sort out my washer/dryer fiasco. That Sat evening, I had guests coming over for a dinner party, so it was a bit embarrasing with the new washer/dryer sitting there in the living room!
My boyfriend and I were ready for their arrival by prepping my place (putting down carpets so that my floors wouldn't get scratched, clearing the way, etc). They arrived at 9:15am so it was good that we were ready. The delivery guys were complete jerks. Not only did they dump the 4 appliances in my living room, they didn't even unpackage them (still wrapped in plastic and cardboard). They did haul away the stove and insert the new one.
However, they refused to touch the washer/dryer, saying that we did not turn off the water, and that they don't detach anything. I was on the phone trying to call my super Warren as well as Sears head office, the sales guy, etc. We didn't know how to shut off the water as we had never done this before. I asked the delivery guy to tell me how to do it (and I would do it) but he said it could cause a flood (created panic). Also, he said there was no stacking kit so he couldn't do the install anyways and that I didn't have metal braided hoses (only the rubber ones).
About 2 min after they left, we figured out how to shut the water off. Follow your washer (which should have 2 hoses) to the water supply, turn the knob and you'll shut off the water. It wasn't rocket science. I just think that they were lazy $#%^& and didn't want to do any work. I complained to Sears head office about this.
When I called the sales guy (Jason), he said to look in the dryer - and there was the stacking kit. Regarding the metal braided hoses, the rubber ones are to code, otherwise why would they sell them? After speaking to several people, I realized that the delivery guys were just lying to get out of doing work. Very frustrating!
Luckily, we had a better experience with the dishwasher installer/technician (Rob). He was pleasant, and explained everything. It took him about 30 min to uninstall, and install and remove the old unit. He was thrilled that when he was leaving my suite to load the old dishwasher in his truck, 2 random strangers approached him about doing work in my building. Obviously there's a need for contractors. He even showed me a few cycles and gave me tips. He was very professional and ensured it was working before he left.
I was excited! No more doing dishes by hand. I just had to sort out my washer/dryer fiasco. That Sat evening, I had guests coming over for a dinner party, so it was a bit embarrasing with the new washer/dryer sitting there in the living room!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Sears - Appliances purchased
After much research both online and at other places (such as Appliance Canada) and taking extensive measurements, my boyfriend and I went to Sears on Sat April 4, 2009 where I purchased all 4 units. I had narrowed it down to 1 dishwasher, 3 stoves, and 2 washer/dryer pairs. I ended up going with my particular stove because it had everything I was looking for. The alternates either did not have outlets (very important as I use my toaster there all the time) or did not have a self-cleaning option.
For the washer/dryer, I was looking at Quiet Pak 2, but for an extra $50.00, it had chrome windows (instead of white), had a jeans cycle and were both Quiet Pak 4, so I thought it was worthwhile.
I was worried about if it would fit in the space and not stick out, but it all worked out fine in the end.
For the washer/dryer, I was looking at Quiet Pak 2, but for an extra $50.00, it had chrome windows (instead of white), had a jeans cycle and were both Quiet Pak 4, so I thought it was worthwhile.
I was worried about if it would fit in the space and not stick out, but it all worked out fine in the end.
Background
I bought a condo in downtown Toronto that's about 700 square feet. I moved here about 6 years ago (April 2003) and have not done any renovations. A few months back I decided to undergo a bathroom renovation but then realized that my kitchen needed a "facelift" even more. So I decided to start my kitchen planning process.
Facts About My Kitchen:
- Building is 20 years old
- Original appliances (20 years old) include: stove, dishwasher and washer
- Upgraded appliances (at least 6 years old) include: fridge, dryer
Stove:
Old - GE, about 20 years old (2 fires), coils, exposed coil in oven, not self-cleaning, basic
New - Kenmore Ceramic flat cooktop, hidden coil in oven, large storage in bottom, warmer and 4 elements (total of 5), delayed timer features
Cost: $799 (original price $999)
Dishwasher:
Old - GE, about 20 years old (never worked in the 6 years I've lived here, wasn't hooked up).
New - Kenmore Energy star tall tub, white dishwasher with 5 cycles
Cost: $349 (original price $549)
Notes: $50 rebate back since Energy Star, No PST on dishwasher
Washer/Dryer Pair
Old Washer: GE, about 20 years old, top load with no insert in middle
New: Kenmore HE (high efficiency) washer front load, Energy star
Old dryer: Maytag, loud mechanical noises, did not function properly
New dryer: Kenmore HE, not energy star (in fact it uses the most energy on the chart!) - didn't realize this until after I purchased it
Cost: $1650 for both (on sale, original was a few hundred more)
Notes: Rebate of $60 from City of Toronto for washer
Total cost including taxes, rebates back, delivery, installation, etc. was $3237.00
Facts About My Kitchen:
- Building is 20 years old
- Original appliances (20 years old) include: stove, dishwasher and washer
- Upgraded appliances (at least 6 years old) include: fridge, dryer
Stove:
Old - GE, about 20 years old (2 fires), coils, exposed coil in oven, not self-cleaning, basic
New - Kenmore Ceramic flat cooktop, hidden coil in oven, large storage in bottom, warmer and 4 elements (total of 5), delayed timer features
Cost: $799 (original price $999)
Dishwasher:
Old - GE, about 20 years old (never worked in the 6 years I've lived here, wasn't hooked up).
New - Kenmore Energy star tall tub, white dishwasher with 5 cycles
Cost: $349 (original price $549)
Notes: $50 rebate back since Energy Star, No PST on dishwasher
Washer/Dryer Pair
Old Washer: GE, about 20 years old, top load with no insert in middle
New: Kenmore HE (high efficiency) washer front load, Energy star
Old dryer: Maytag, loud mechanical noises, did not function properly
New dryer: Kenmore HE, not energy star (in fact it uses the most energy on the chart!) - didn't realize this until after I purchased it
Cost: $1650 for both (on sale, original was a few hundred more)
Notes: Rebate of $60 from City of Toronto for washer
Total cost including taxes, rebates back, delivery, installation, etc. was $3237.00
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Vertical blinds
Before my kitchen reno I was very much in need of new vertical blinds. After asking around, one of my colleagues mentioned Blinds To Go. I went to their store at Bloor and Davenport and selected the stirling grey vertical blinds. The steps to order blinds are:
1. Visit the Blinds to go web-site and do rough measurements - they have a step-by-step process for taking height, width and depth
2. Select the blinds you're interested in (virtually) and using the cost calculator you'll get a rough estimate
3. Visit the store and see them in person (colour/style is quite different on the web)
4. Request an in-person visit for measurement. This costs $35.00
5. Order the blinds based on the measurements (the installer will transfer them to the store).
6. The order takes 2-4 days as it comes from Montreal. When they're in the store, they call you and you call the installer.
7. He comes (with blinds and a helper) and installs them. The installation charge is $95.00.
8. The total amount for blinds cost $430 ($35 estimate + $300 blinds + $95 installation)
Note: In a condo, the back of the vertical blinds will always be white. This is a rule so that when looking at a building - it's seamless (you don't see a variety of different colours in the window).
1. Visit the Blinds to go web-site and do rough measurements - they have a step-by-step process for taking height, width and depth
2. Select the blinds you're interested in (virtually) and using the cost calculator you'll get a rough estimate
3. Visit the store and see them in person (colour/style is quite different on the web)
4. Request an in-person visit for measurement. This costs $35.00
5. Order the blinds based on the measurements (the installer will transfer them to the store).
6. The order takes 2-4 days as it comes from Montreal. When they're in the store, they call you and you call the installer.
7. He comes (with blinds and a helper) and installs them. The installation charge is $95.00.
8. The total amount for blinds cost $430 ($35 estimate + $300 blinds + $95 installation)
Note: In a condo, the back of the vertical blinds will always be white. This is a rule so that when looking at a building - it's seamless (you don't see a variety of different colours in the window).
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