This was a fun and unusual project. “Fun” because the homeowner was a delight to work with. Carol is a snowbird. So, without going into detail, Carol felt more comfortable if I could be available whenever any of the skill trades were inside her home. I used the word “unusual” because this was the first time I’ve measured, designed a project, presented my designs, closed the sale, ordered the cabinets and remnant countertop, and then was present when all of the skill trades were inside our client’s beautiful condo. Carol is currently residing in her northern home. So, she has yet to see how her brand new dry bar looks in person!
I met Carol in February of this year. She purchased this beautiful 2,041 sq. ft. condo home in August 2020. All the living quarters are on located on the second floor, up two flights of stairs. Uh-huh. The principal residence (kitchen, dining room, living room, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms) are all located above a two-car garage. There isn’t an elevator. Anyone who comes over has to climb two sets of stairs to reach her home.
It was an educational experience for me to watch all the skill trades in action. First up was Just Counters & other stuff’s talented installer, Sam Zwack. I watched the young man make numerous trips up those flights of stairs. He carried a ladder, 3 cabinets, a shop vac, tools, bamboo glass, and the list goes on. Sam never once complained. Getting the chunky cabinets up the stairs may seem very difficult, but Sam delivered them like a straightforward task. He simply lifted each cabinet piece and carried them one by one up the stairs. He was careful not to drop or bump anything into the walls. Oh, to be young and strong. I was amazed at how Sam elaborately installed the cabinets in the small area of Carol’s dining room all by himself. I witnessed Sam do an amazing job. He was so precise and accurate with the cabinetry, crown, and furniture base mouldings.
Next up was the template. Ironically I recognized the template technician as soon as I opened the front door. A couple of years ago I designed a kitchen for him and his wife! The tech was here to make a template. Generally, the more expensive countertops you purchase, like granite and quartz countertops, will require a template for a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Countertop fabricators want to accurately cut the countertop material using a template as a guideline. This particular template was created using corrugated template strips and hot glue made by the technician. Last but not least, the remnant piece of granite called “Crema Bordeaux” was installed by a team of two installers. The template tech and countertop installers are from Stone Art Creations. All three were professional and did an outstanding job. I highly recommend them.
Carol wanted a built-in dry bar that was designed to house alcohol and other barware accessories. Unlike a bar cart this is not mobile. It’s a stationary showpiece designed to reside permanently in one room. Unlike a wet bar, which is outfitted with a sink to aid in drink preparation, a dry bar is constructed without any plumbing.
This timeless bar will never go out of style. I can’t wait for our delightful customer to see the showpiece when she returns! See you week after next.
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