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!

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

• 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.

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?

Stacked Washer and Dryer: After Photos

Inside the new washer and dryer

Farewell old washer and dryer

Stacked Washer And Dryer: Before Photos

Dishwasher: After Photos

Dishwasher: Before Photos

Stove: After Photos

Stove: Before Photos

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!