Here are the Before, During, and After shots of each project:
1) Kitchen drawer extensions:
There is quite a bit of dead space behind the bank of kitchen drawers. Bobby did his magic and created new longer drawers with better glides.
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| original drawer with space for a small flatware organizer and a small Rubbermaid organizer |
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| there is quite a bit of space beyond the end of the old drawer |
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| ta-daa... the new extended drawer |
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| the old drawer on top of the new one - look at all that extra space for kitchen gadgets |
2) The new floor:
It never made a lot of sense to us to have carpet in an RV, particularly in the front entry section. I am happy to have the wood vinyl instead, which will be so much easier to take care of.
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| old carpet, in the front living room area |
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| new flooring being laid |
3) Bedroom drawers:
The new stronger guides will make it easier to open and close the large drawers, and also to pull them out all the way.
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| new stronger drawer guides replacing the old ones (on the right) |
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| now the large drawers extend all the way, making it easier to reach inside |
4) New gas cooktop:
Alpine came with the same oven and gas range as we had in our Rialta. I never used the oven then, other than to store things in it, and do not plan to use one now. In the Alpine, there is a microwave convection oven which can be used for baking, so we don't need two ovens. I would far prefer to have drawers for my pots and dishes, and now I do.
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| the old oven and cooktop (hidden by the counter cover) |
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| goodbye old cooktop |
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| installing the new cooktop |
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| new cooktop sans oven below...looking good |
5) New drawers under the cooktop:
This is a dream come true, something I have longed for ever since Rialta days. Now all my pots, pyrex casserole and baking dishes, and our set of dishes fit perfectly into the three new drawers. I am over the moon with glee.
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| creating the spaces for the drawers |
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| Bobby checking that the new drawers fit |
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| all three new drawers with cooktop - amazing! |
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| all my pots fit perfectly in this drawer |
I first saw this clever addition in Willy and Vic's Alpine. And now we have the same.
7) Entry steps (and step cover):
The steps are now covered with the same flooring
8) The desk/sewing table:
This is definitely the cherry on top. I suspect that the desk will be a very well used and loved work area. It will also be our entertainment area, because eventually we will have a TV/monitor on the desk. Michael will use the monitor to do his movie digitizing, and when we choose to watch TV it will make viewing more pleasant sitting directly across from the TV on the sofa instead of craning your neck to look at the TV which is currently at ceiling level at the front of the coach.
The new desk replaces the second couch, and also takes up less room than the couch.
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| bringing the desk inside |
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| Scott re-installing the laptop trays (removed to carry the unit inside) |
The previous owner of our Alpine was a woodwork hobbyist who made two more dining chairs for the dining table. The two extra chairs will come in very handy now that we have the new desk. And they match perfectly too.
And here is the grand finale, with the desk installed.
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| desk with extension down, and the roll-out sewing machine storage/coffee table stowed |
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| desk with extension extended |
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| the complete make-over with the doors added to the cabinet at the front, hiding the TV |
Bobby worked really hard from the time we pulled in on Monday afternoon, and then Scott, who was away, joined him. Together they completed the renovations, ahead of schedule. It has been a pleasure dealing with these two creative, knowledgeable, fine artisans, and hard-working fellows. And they are also just great guys. We first heard about Scott and Bobby from our SoCal Alpine group and saw their fine work. And now we too are happy recipients of their workmanship.
Thanks guys!
We have said our goodbyes, and are off to enjoy our rejuvenated home on wheels. I will need to be patient just a little longer before I get to set up my machine and organize myself with this new setup.
We found a spot for a few nights in Netarts, on the Oregon coast, and will head to Cape Kiwanda on Sunday for a few more nights, before meeting up with the Good Sam Balloon Festival rally next week.