Troubleshooting a Kitchen Remodel

In theory, you should be able to choose all the components of a kitchen remodel before the work starts, develop a detailed plan, and move confidently forward in the certainty that nothing unexpected will arise. In reality, it hardly ever works out that way.

A recent project — undertaken for a longtime customer — is a good case in point. It involved installing new appliances and cabinets in a remodeled kitchen and dining area, based on a plan from a local architect. Because the owner, the architect, and I had all worked together, we trusted we could do the job on a time-and-materials basis without...