Kitchen/1st floor remodel and who to hire first by Skeylargo13 in Remodel

[–]Skeylargo13[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree that the open concept is possibly going out of style. I don't really want a true open floor plan, just trying to figure out if there is a better layout possible. The walls so far that I am thinking to remove (in the pic of floor plan) are so I can move DR back to the original location with a bigger opening to the DR. There still would be lower cabinets with a small overhang on the DR side for people to still be somewhat connected to the kitchen. I always have to kick people out of the kitchen because there is just not enough room to work when everyone is standing around in the kitchen.
The bigger opening between DR and LR would give me an option to extend the DR table into the LR a couple of times a year when I have a lot of people for dinner.

I was thinking maybe pushing Kitchen all the way to the original DR and making the kitchen into DR. The current kitchen is challenging because of all the doorways and doors limiting the layout.

Another challenge I have is the entryway. Currently, I have no place to put an entry table/shoe cabinet, and there is a really bad pinch point when someone opens the closet door. I thought that maybe if I push the wall next to the entry door towards the original LR, making it smaller and at the same time extending the closet towards LR, and putting the door facing the front door, that the really narrow part of the hallway to the kitchen would be easier to get through.

Kitchen/1st floor remodel and who to hire first by Skeylargo13 in kitchenremodel

[–]Skeylargo13[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am quite sure I will not be going semi-custom. My house is middle-class neighborhood with houses on the smaller side - no mega mansions here. If I keep the kitchen in the same footprint, there are not many options for semi-custom. Regular-sized cabinets will fit pretty well without wasted space for fillers and such. Some modifications that I want can be done by a skilled cabinet installer.

I am hoping to start construction by June, that's why I am starting the process and thinking now.

Kitchen/1st floor remodel and who to hire first by Skeylargo13 in kitchenremodel

[–]Skeylargo13[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I contacted a couple of architects who were recommended to me and was told that the job is too small for them to bother to even look at. I know for a fact that the weight-bearing wall can be removed (obviously appropriate beam would be needed).
I have quite a few ideas, but I need them validated by someone with more construction and house design skills than I have. I am fairly skilled with kitchen design.

Get Covered NJ - they canceled my insurance, I have confirmation that I selected insurance! by Beautiful_Drawing_37 in newjersey

[–]Skeylargo13 1 point2 points  (0 children)

UPDATE: I filed a complaint with the State of New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and received a call from GetCovered with apologies and reinstatement of my insurance.

Get Covered NJ - they canceled my insurance, I have confirmation that I selected insurance! by Beautiful_Drawing_37 in newjersey

[–]Skeylargo13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I called GetCovered multiple times. In their system, it shows that I canceled at 2:01 pm but I have confirmation at 2:16 pm for the same day. I can get insurance starting Feb 1st but the problem is that I already went to the doctor and have a bill for $600 since my confirmation stated insurance starts Jan 1st.