How can you help us to finish our kitchen ?

Hi Mary, so sorry to hear that no one is able to continue with the work for you. I like the open shelves on the top. Are you able to divide them with one or two shelves? On the bottom, if you don't have the option of doors, you would use a curtain rod or tension rod and buy or make some curtains to cover the bottom portion. This would hide the things in the bottom cupboards.

Stores such as Lowes and Home Depot sell ready-made cupboard doors and drawers with attached drawer fronts. If the openings on your cabinets are standard, then there should not be much trouble in finding some that fit. If the store where you go does not have all the sizes that you require in stock, you most likely will be able to order them.

Ask staff in the diy cabinet department to assist you. They should be able to refer you to someone who is able to complete the installation of the hinges and doors. Stores generally have a list of reliable persons who do this type of work installing various items that they sell.

Did both you and the contractor sign a contract before any work began on your kitchen as to exactly what work will be completed, and at what cost?

If not, then unfortunately you are on your own as far as arranging how to get your kitchen completed.

Did you already pay the contractor in full for finished cabinet doors, drawers and inside shelves?

I agree with Flipturn. You can try Home Depot or Menards and they can refer someone to give you options and finish the work. You can even hire a local handyman thru Thumbtack, or Homeadvisor. You would need drawers and doors for the lower cabinets. Extra shelves and doors for the upper cabinets. A backsplash would be nice. Cabinetry can be painted if you choose to do so.

I hope you didn't pay the contractor full price. 35% is customary at the beginning of a project and the balance when the job is finished to your liking. There is always a punch list before final payment too. A punch list are minor problems or corrections that need to be done to complete the job.

Hi Mary, kitchens are always a lot of work. How about tile backsplash , cabinet doors and microwave above stove. Good luck with your project.

I am officially the only person in the world you doesn't like open shelving. Unless you keep those open shelves organized all the time they look bad.

The beauty of cabinets is that I can close the doors and hide the mess cause it seems like company never comes over right after I have cleaned.

I am not an animal.

Yikes. First question for me is where is the frig in relation to the stove and sink? is this a galley kitchen? You might have your Lowes or Home Depot kitchen designer look at your floor plan first.

Second question is that cabinet over the stove way too high and short. I would put a full cabinet in with a microwave/ventilation fan underneath over the stove.

Third, are you going to do the cabinet work? if not I would take down those uppers and send them out to a cabinet maker to add the shelves, shelf supports, hinges, cabinet door design of choice and hardware. Take super good measurements, or have them come in to take the measurements to make your drawers and doors on the lowers.

Fourth, what kind of counters will you be having? stone, corian, or laminate?

Are you going to put in a backsplash? Is the whole kitchen to be white or will you paint?

Will you add under-cabinet lighting, pendants or ceiling fixtures?

I would add a shelf under the window for plants or whatever..... or even put in a garden window.

I had lots of work done during the pandemic, have plenty of masks on hand, and ask them to wear booties also. I spray lysol after they leave, and sanitize the surfaces.

If those contractors got paid in full, have your lawyer send them a letter for a partial refund for the work not completed. If they don't pay up take them to small claims court. Take lots of pictures. and keep with the original contract/agreement.

I am thinking the key to the completion lies in your contract. The contractor is bound legally, just as you are to what is in the 4 corners of your contract.Re-read your contract and be sure what it says, proceed from there. If he took your money and ran with it, then you can take him to small claims court. Have ready all documentation, such as receipts, times, dates of work, materials purchased and never installed and where are the purchases that are supposed to be in your kitchen? There is a big push into helping seniors not getting ripped off. Oh, yes, take lots of clear pictures.

Did they leave you with the cabinet doors and drawer faces? Do you know if they are made and sitting somewhere?

I would decide what look I am trying to achieve first of all - if you can't find cabinet doors to fit your cabinets now (and trim work) I would replace the cabinets. Sometimes you can find really good deals at the rehab stores or Habitat stores who have left over items they sell for cheap.

Draw out what you would like to see the layout to be and go from there- you basically need someone to help you design your kitchen to your specifications and budget.

Hi! I am so sorry you were left with incomplete work. I agree with the others about pursuing completion of your contract. If the company that did the work is no longer in operation, find out if they declared bankruptcy and get listed as a creditor if they owe you materials and/or money. Legal action is often your only option. If you are looking for another contractor, get references you can check and word of mouth referral if possible. Speak to your building inspector about dependable local contractors. Good luck and stay safe!

Thank you! Feels better... I need to organize my ideas :)

Some tile back splash would add to it. Perhaps some color, either pain or tile.

I would start with cabinets below to add storage along with a spice holder to the right of the stove. Here is an inexpensive spice holder: https://amzn.to/2J71U2D

I have a skirt under my sink. I would also add some tiles behind the sink and stove. https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2018/06/easy-to-open-kitchen-sink-skirt.html

He only build the boxes for you ... Is he going to deliver door fronts? Are you on your own now and trying to finish now ? There are so many things you can do but i need more details

I noticed your spices are right next to your stove. Is that temporary?

Do be mindful of where you store your spices. Because heat and light both affect the flavor of spices and makes them lose potency fast, windowsill spice racks, or displays close to your stove and oven are not good ideas. Ideally, a cool, dark cabinet that won’t be subject to frequent temperature fluctuations is the way to go.

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Did you pay for materials? Many contractors want a deposit. If yes get them to deliver the doors! If not there are companies that just do the doors to existing cabinets. For the fuse box, hang a picture over it with a command hook. Never put nails around the fuse box when you can hit a live wire. If you are handy add your own shelves with L brackets. If you get a company that puts the doors on you can pick your own color. If you are finishing the cabinets yourself in white. Now it the perfect time to paint them before the doors go on.

Long story... 🥺