As always here in Italy. Things didn’t work out exactly as planned. The work did not begin on Wednesday. They decided to wait until Friday and all the different experts were here today.
It was noisy but not as noisy as I thought it would be. I was worried about the cats but they slept through most of it and when awake they just seemed curious. So that was a relief.
They arrived at eight. Then they put plastic up all over. They covered my piles of furniture which I had moved together for easy covering. There are multiple plastic pieces across parts of the room and the stairway is no longer usable for access. I can get there by going outside and upstairs and then in again. Only issue is my washer and drier which are behind a plastic sheet. I will have to make a way through somehow. Here are pictures. This first one is the footprint of the new kitchen from the stairway. The new floor will go in there and there will be an island and counters along the whole wall.
From the terrace window.
This is how they got all the debris out.
On the terrace is miscellaneous stuff, most of which I have no idea it’s use! And the old caldaia.
Irma just called and said the plumber will be back on Monday at eight. He will run the pipes across the floor in a trench. I’m not sure what else he will do. The next day the electrician is coming to do whatever electricians do! One thing he will need to do is move that box on the wall which is the security system. It can’t stay where it is because the cabinets will go there. I’ll be posting updates and pictures as we go along.
Buon fine weekend a tutti!
Hi Beth. Don’t remind me what I lost! It still hurts to have had to move from there. I miss the piazza life and the beauty of the view of the green country and mountains. The apartment was also a gem. What can you do? Life is what life does. 🤷♀️ I have to make the most of it.
Exciting… but I still miss your old apartment in Umbertide. you are a great interior designer. 🙂
Wow Roxanne, so nice of you to say and I am SO glad I could help. I will post whenever something of import occurs. I hope your renovation goes well. Better to have a realistic estimate of the end date than what normally happens here where they give you realistic dates. Just to please you. My email address is on the contact link on the site feel free to reach out.
Hi Lindsay, I am for sure happy it has started. Done in time for summer on the terrace!
Nancy, We live in Panicale and purchased the “Castello” and an abandoned hotel. We’ve been living in the “Castello” with blinders on (many cracks in walls and mismatched paint are just a few problems) as we get the work started on the hotel which is to become our home. Like you, our work began this week. I’ve only been waiting a year for this day. I love the way the Italians do the jobs. The best ingenuity I’ve ever seen. I’ve been told my home will be livable by Christmas 2024. I pray your work is done faster. I’m using you as an example for our engineer. Thank you for the updates. I will keep showing our men and hope they can keep up with you. I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog. As a new arrival, I’ve learned so much from reading what you write. From the bottom of my heart I thank you.
Well, that’s great progress, it looks better already. It’s nice to see your vision unfold…You must be relieved that it’s finally happening.
Hi Matt, it is always amazing how the Italians solve these problems. They grew up with this stuff so it makes sense. The crane will come back when they bring the ginormous floor tiles up. They will be very heavy. We will have just six to cover that whole footprint. Each tile is almost 3 meters by 2. 🙂
Wow, that crane was a shocker!! I never considered how you were going to get all the debris downstairs. Your new kitchen will be such an improvement. Can’t imagine why the Italians jam their kitchens into such cramped spaces. It looks better already!!
Hi Christie, yep, finally started and it should be ready for the summertime. So much nicer to enjoy the outdoors and have a kitchen ear at hand!
Hi David, I like an island. This one will be narrow in that you won’t be able to eat there, but the cooktop will be on it and it will give me more counter space.
Wowee!! It’s happening! Can’t wait to see it in the spring.
Hi Nancy, looks like it’s going to be a great kitchen. Wish wed had room for an island. Regardless of maybe some minor delays or setbacks, it will all work out well. We’ve been there, done that.