(Post 194 of 263)

Finally ready for cabinetry and the electrician!

This was the first day that I really inspected as I know they are finishing up the paint and concrete work so it was the now-or-never moment to get nitpicky. There’s a ton of paint touch-ups to do.

I was pretty devastated to find a huge structural crack in my sink counter, which probably happened when they were cutting the rebar. So I need to address that today. I suspect it can be filled and will virtually disappear under the polishing, but I’m bracing myself for a “it’s no big deal” conversation.

All of the concrete is cracking, but I did my research before going WTF and learned that’s normal as the concrete dries and settles, so I’m not worried about that. I actually like the effect and can’t wait to see everything polished. I suspect the cracks are just going to add colour and texture. I’ve seen polished concrete in other people’s homes and I find it amazing that the current matte dusty finish is going to get so soft and shiny — maybe today!

(Post 193 of 263)

Concrete nearly done, priming nearly done, cleanup started!

Prepping for the backsplash behind my new small appliances counter.

Backsplash behind my new small appliances counter.

(Post 192 of 263)

Me: My knees hurt and are very stiff.

Canadian doctors in Quebec and Alberta: Lose at least 75 pounds and then you can whine about your knees. Until then, stop wasting our time.,

(Never could manage it because, as it turns out, I’ve never had anywhere close to 75 pounds to lose — why did I only learn this at age 40 in another country?!)

My Pilates teacher here: Are they f’ing morons? You don’t have enough excess weight for that to be the issue, not with how your legs are pure muscle. You have some kind of osteoarthritis. Ask your doctor about this medication. It’s stupid expensive, but I’ve seen it do miracles. You’re too strong for these exercises to be difficult and painful.

Doctor here (free consult through Whatsapp): Oh, I didn’t realise your knees hurt. Why were you afraid to ask for help with them? What? Wow, they’re really idiots and uncaring up there. Yep, try this stuff for three to four months.

Walmart pharmacist: Here’s how you can save $300 total on the first three boxes and then get the fourth box free.

Mexican healthcare is amazing. 🤩

(Post 191 of 263)

🎵This is the reno that never ends. It just goes on and on, my friend.🎵

Day 11, but day 16 since we started!

The guys weren’t able to come yesterday and could only do a short day today, finishing up the backsplashes except where I’ll have the new cabinetry. They are now saying they will be done Tuesday, so I’ve moved my estimate from Tuesday to Thursday. 😆

(Post 195 of 263)

Nearly all the concrete finishing coats came on yesterday after they carved out the huge hole for the huge new sink!

Learned that the new stove counter is going to be higher than the other side for reasons that should make more sense when the stove is in place. Had some interesting chats with one of the contractors who was basically just there all day to fetch than to actually work and we shared some laughs.

Concrete left to finish:

-backsplashes around sink
-area immediately behind stove that isn’t visible (won’t be polished or finished/finished because of the heat and humidity)
-backsplash behind new counter once the cabinetry arrives

Today I was told they are doing the first two items on that list and then it’s going to be a cleanup day as the worst of the dirty work is done, then they will finish paint tomorrow. I think they will be done Tuesday. Main contractor still says Saturday noon, on-site contractor agrees with me.

The counters look so good! I wish they would stay as dark as they are when wet, but even at a lighter colour and even not polished, they have a lovely velvety texture. They can only improve with the polishing!

I asked about sealing the concrete and was told that’s not necessary once it’s been polished. I can lift stubborn stains (of which there should be few…) with muriatic acid and plan to rebuff every five to ten years. Another reason not to seal is that I could set hot pans on the raw countertops but not on sealed ones as that would melt the coating. All of this sounds good and not fussy to me!