Surprises, surprises
When you’re remodeling an old house, like we are, you have to expect some challenges and surprises. The challenges are just part of doing the work. The surprises are…well…surprises.
Some surprises are good and interesting, like the inscription we found on a floor joist during the renovation of our farm house in Indiana a few years ago. That one led me to reconnect with a man I’d worked with for a few years, but who had retired and moved to Michigan. He told me that our house had once belonged to his grandfather and he had spent summers as a boy there.
Other surprises are not so enjoyable. That’s the kind I’m writing about today. We’ll get to it in a minute, but first I’ll tell you about a couple challenges.
Getting ready for a new refrigerator
We wanted a new refrigerator. The one that came with the house worked ok, but it was undersized. One of the shelves inside had cracked and been repaired with duct tape. And it didn’t have an ice maker. It wasn’t a “must do now” situation, but there were several incentives (the Black Friday sales now and the tariffs coming later) to go ahead and buy it. So we started searching.
The first challenge we encountered was the size of the opening where the refrigerator sat. It was just barely wide enough, but was too short for most modern appliances. We read a lot of spec sheets, trying to locate a refrigerator that would fit into the space. We even asked ChatGPT for recommendations. It found a few, but none that suited us.
So I decided to modify the cabinet above the refrigerator. I figured I could take it down and rebuild it – making it shorter to provide more head room. That led to the second challenge. It wasn’t a separate box, like most kitchen cabinets I’d ever seen. These were “unitized” cabinets. They were popular in the 1950s and 60s. Instead of being an assemblage of modular boxes, the cabinet was custom built as one unit that spanned the entire wall.
I solved that problem with a “multi tool” – a small power tool with an oscillating saw blade. (Another Black Friday buy.)
It made quick work of removing about 4” from the bottom of the cabinet – enough to allow plenty of room for the new fridge. I figured I could get a piece of plywood for a new bottom shelf and a piece of maple trim to replace the facing. The cabinet doors would require more work – cutting them down to size and routing a curved edge at the bottom. But all that could take place later.
With the cabinet modified, we now had an opening big enough for most new refrigerators. We zeroed in on one at Costco and placed an order. It was supposed to be delivered four days later, but for some reason they couldn’t explain, it was delayed another week.
That gave us time to consider other changes. We decided to rearrange that side of the kitchen – removing the old oven, moving the refrigerator to the left and replacing the cook top with a new range. That would improve the work flow and also give us some additional counter space. So…no need to rebuild the cabinet.
But that would be a project for next year – maybe in the spring. Our current focus is sanding walls and painting the main living areas ahead of having the hardwood floors refinished in February.
Delivery day arrived
While the delivery guys unloaded and unboxed the new refrigerator, I rolled the old one out of the way. And that’s when I got the surprise.
As I pulled the old one out to move it aside, I noticed that the counter on the stove top cabinet stuck out about ¼”. I’d been so focused on the top of the opening, that I hadn’t considered the middle!
I measured the opening, then measured the new refrigerator as the guys were preparing to bring it in. It was about 3/16″ too wide!
That was the “Oh Sh*t!” moment.
It was especially embarrassing because Costco had sent me several emails with a “How to measure for your new appliance” video. I had watched it and was certain that I had done everything that was necessary. After all, this isn’t my first rodeo.
What’s that old proverb? “Pride goeth before a fall”…
With the two delivery guys looking on, I quickly removed the tile at the edge of the counter. But that wasn’t enough.
The delivery guys were watching and waiting to hear what to do next. One of them was kind enough to say, “You won’t believe how many times this happens every day.” (Left unsaid: “You should have watched the video!”)
I had them park the refrigerator across the room so they could move on to their next delivery and give me some alone time to figure out my next move. Mary helped by leaving to go to the grocery store.
I took off one row of tile on top of the counter. Underneath the tile looked like concrete backer board. So I got out my circular saw and cut about ¾” off the countertop. That was just enough to give me clearance for the refrigerator.
Shortly after that, my son Will came over. (Mary had alerted him to the problem as she was leaving.) Will finished removing all the protective plastic film that covered the the fridge. Then he helped me hook up the water line for the ice maker and move the whole thing into place.
That’s enough for now
So we’ll live with a ragged counter edge and a partially disassembled cabinet until the spring. Then we can focus on a kitchen remodel.
There’s an old adage that carpenters frequently repeat: “Measure twice, cut once.” I’m sure there’s a corollary that would fit this situation.
Until next time / Até a próxima vez
Mary and Mike
The Cook and The Writer
What surprises have you encountered in your home repair projects? Share your astonishment in the comments below or via the Contact Us form.
Hi Mike & Mary,
I can’t wait to share your blog with Bill, as he will so appreciate any “Oh Sh**” carpentry stories….he’s had a few!!! 🙂 Knowing your flair for decorating, I’m confident your remodel will ultimately be GORGEOUS!!
Happy Holidays to the Johnston family!
Hi Sheryl, and Happy Holidays to you and your family. I’m sure Bill has seen situations like the one I described, but he might be better prepared to avoid them!
Mike
I know Doug Doty. Our families went to the same church and he was my little league coach. Later, he married one of my mom’s friends.
Oh the joys of home remodeling. For the first time in my life, I’m living in an older (125 year old) house. Nothing is level or square, which is some ways is a good thing, as I’m not all that good of a carpenter. It also makes me ask many times: “Why did they do that?”, while I’m doing things that someone else will question in the future..
Hi Craig,
Thanks for your note. I didn’t know Doug well, but finding the beam gave us a chance to trade some emails. We’ve had our share of “why did they do that?” moments – like when Mary found the 4th layer of wallpaper in the dining room! And the next owner will have lots of chances to question our judgement, too.
Happy holidays,
Mike
We’ve had many house mishaps over the years. I understand completely. lol. Earl and I wish you a happy holiday and a healthy and peaceful 2025❤️
Hi Alice,
Thanks for your note and the holiday wishes. We wish the same for you and Earl.
Mike
I’ve never “remolded” any houses, but I have remodeled quite a few. (Sorry Mike – you know Carol is the spelling queen)
You wouldn’t believe how many customers of new houses, after being given the fridge opening size, still go out and pick something bigger!! I’ve had to go back in and pull off trim and cut down cabinets to just barely squeeze them in, so I feel your pain. Hope you don’t find any bad surprises in your future “remolding”!!
Richard, I’m truly surprised. I would have thought that in the course of your career you would have seen and done everything…including “remolding”. Tell Carol thanks. I went back and reread the post three times looking for the misspelling. Then saw the subject line of the email. Ah well…
Happy holidays!
Mike
That is a mighty fine new fridge! I found myself LOL reading your post. You have so many funny stories and this is another one to add to your book, should you decide to publish it. Hugs from Lisbon. We miss you!
Olá Melinda,
As my grandpa would say, “She’s a real beaut!”.
Our best to you and Livio.
Mike
Thanks for reminding me that my next house shouldn’t be a fixer upper.😆 Merry Christmas!!!
Hi Laurie,
That’s what we thought, too, and look what happened to us. Buyer beware!
Happy holidays!
Mike
Oh no, it’s always something!
Ain’t it just!
Happy holidays!
Mike
Great post! Thanks for reminding me if my many, many rehab misadventures! Feliz natal
Hi Nanc,
I thought it would resonate with you. We might have to rename the blog “The Misadventures of M & M”.
Boas festas to you and Denise!
Mike
Uau! Good work! Well, eventually, LOL! Can we store some of our food in there, too? Boas festas to you and your family over there!
David
Boas festas, David! Sure, we have room to store some things for you. We’d be happy to host some dorado and sashimi.
Mike
Hello, Friends!! Love this story. Just remember: in Portugal ALL the refrigerators, even the big ones, are small! Your brain was probably still here!!
Please let Mary know that DAvid and I are completely addicted to our morning English Muffin Bread toast. I make it to give away in small loaves and always make it for us each week. We enjoy it with a smear of low-sugar morango jam!
The weather here is chilly but sunny and gorgeous skies. The usual lights are twinkling and there is definitely excitement in the air.
I hope all is well for you and Mary. Sending big hugs from Avenida Duque de Avila. Have a great Christmas with you family!
Ohhhh yes: PS – L’Clair across the street from us has reopened Un P’tit Truc. Of course, The White Haired Man was the first customer and we are instantly addicted to their croissants. The best I’ve had here——compares very favorable to The French Bastards in Paris.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your note. It took us a few weeks to get reacclimated to large appliances (and stove tops with KNOBS! – a story for another day). Even our refrigerator that we thought was undersized was so much bigger than any we had in Portugal. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the English Muffin bread. We’ll have to do a post and publish the recipe. Enjoy the lights and the holiday atmosphere. Another friend sent us pictures of the Campo Pequeno center all lit up. Spectacular as usual.
Happy Holidays!
Mike