Amp-ing it up.

As I'm sure you've read by now, we're getting ready to renovate our kitchen. I'm beyond thrilled/excited/ready! I've been waiting for this for 3 1/2 years. Because we're on a tight schedule (this needs to be done before we go on vacation at the end of July), I got organized. We prioritized our wants/needs for the kitchen and made a checklist.

• *Plan cabinets, sink, faucet, and counters with Ikea Kitchen Planner
• *Get quotes for electric: need grounded outlets and new ones installed
• *Get quotes for plumbing: dishwasher line and heat
• *Price out flooring options and make a selection
• *Get quotes for replacement window overlooking backyard (something like this would be lovely!)
• *Start ripping it all out!!!

Well, the quotes for the electrical work were headache inducing. One reigned supreme though: an upgrade from our shabby, overloaded 100amp system to a shiny new 200amp system! The price tag is still steep, but I'm thinking ka-ching for resale value.

While getting one of the quotes for the electrical work, the idea of radiant floor heat was brought up. Now, Mr. Nest and I have always loved this idea- especially for our kitchen and bathroom- but we could never get past the cost. Our house is old and made of plaster, and, as you've figured out by now, it's been poorly maintained and neglected . Most people who buy a house are customizing it and improving it. We're just trying to get our nest back to standard. If we can take it beyond that, it means miracles happened. So radiant floor heat never seemed like an option.

Until now.

We worked with Pex when we re-did our 3/4 bath, and loved it. It's cheap, easy to use, and really efficient. Oh, and did I mention cheap? So when this friendly electrician mentioned doing radiant floor heat with Pex, I perked right up! Then he said the words that make me drool: "You could even do it yourselves." DING DING DING! We have a winner!!!!

So that's the new plan. Once our shiny new 200 amp service is installed next week (can't.even.wait.), we'll start ripping out the cabinets and then the flooring and get down to work!

So long you nasty, neglected kitchen!