Disappointment in the Kitchen
I was really hoping that today would be the day that I would be sharing our newly tiled backsplash. I was absolutely certain that would be the case, but alas, it is not to be. I am sure you already figured that out from the title. This little outlet is all that is standing in our way.
On Friday Douglas tried to move the outlet so that we could tile on Saturday. This is what he found behind the the pretty cover.
The wiring is old, but the worst part is that there are two sets of wires back there. One set of wires powers this outlet on the northern wall of the kitchen. The other wires are connected to the circuit that powers the refrigerator on the western wall as well as the outlets on the eastern wall. The wiring does not look good on the other outlets either.
It is possible that we need to rewire the entire house. We are going to have an electrician come to check things out, but that will not be for a couple of weeks. I have considered leaving the outlet where it is and tiling the backsplash around it, but it really bothers me.
I am afraid that I will resent that outlet forever if I leave it where it is. It looks bad now, but it will look even worse with white tiles.
The good news is that Douglas replaced the sink. The bad news is that it will have to be removed again when we tile… and replaced after the tiling occurs. Again.
He did not want to caulk since we will move the sink again soon, so he put this rubber piece around the edge to keep the water out.
It is not a permanent solution, but it works for now.
I am happy to have the sink back.
Crème is happy that it is warm enough for the windows to be open. She has been running from window to window checking out the sites and sounds of the great outdoors.
I am sorry to disappoint my readers today with the lack of progress, but if you head over to the Ugly Duckling House you can check out her newly tiled backsplash. It is gorgeous!
Happy Homemaking!
I am a teacher, traveler, artist, writer, homemaker and a whole lot more. In January 2009, I bought the Cape of Dreams. It was the second house that I had ever owned, but it was the first that I bought by myself. I now live in the house with my husband Douglas, our dog Kahlua, and Crème de Menthe, the cat. Because, what life is complete without a little Kahlua and Cream? I love arts and crafts of all kinds, and I refinish furniture as well. We are slowly redoing our entire house. You can read about my projects on my blog www.CapeofDreams.com
Can’t you just move the outlet down so it’s below the back of the range?
Well, that was the plan, but the wires are old and not long enough. Douglas thinks that they may be aluminium wires, so we would not be able to connect copper wires to them. That is why we need the electrician to look at it.
I’m sure we’re not as disappointed as you are. While you’re waiting for the electrician, make a tour of the house and note any electrical problems, abnormalities, or wish-list items. He can price these up for you without making another service call. Jo @ Let’s Face the Music
That is a good idea. I will have to think about it. I don’t really have any other items on my wish list since we added many outlets in our basement two years ago.
Been there! We had to have our kitchen rewired for our remodel, and I feel MUCH safer now. We will eventually get the whole house done, but rewiring is something you can have done in stages. You NEED to move that outlet. And you should have it done by a pro! You’ll feel better when it’s done, trust me!
And yeah, it’s about time I tile MY backsplashes!!
It is nice to know that I am not the only one facing these problems and delays. I’m sure we will both get it done someday!
I understand you are disappointed, but you’ll be happy the electrics is sorted. I did that last summer before the kitchen redo. I had many sockets added. Some on blogs think they are ugly and try to hide them in their own kitchen, but I’m so happy I’m finally able to plug the coffee machine without havong to unplug the oven!
It is nice to have enough outlets in the kitchen. I am blessed in that manner because there are four. Two will remain visible after we tile, but I really want to hide this one. It just bothers me how the cord from the stove coming up. I could live with it, but I feel that it should not be that difficult to move, and I will feel better about it.
Yes, move the outlet, but be glad the house didn’t already have tiled walls! I bet rewiring would be a hell of a lot tougher (and more expensive) if your electrician had to deal with that. Or worse, cover up a big patch job as a result of having to rip tile out. Sorry about the setbacks! It’s going to look great 🙂
You are so right about the tiled walls. Things could always be worse! I was really disappointed that we were not able to tile last weekend, but I am certain that I prefer to wait and do it the way I really want it. Yours looks great! I just hope that mine turns out that well.
My brother-in-law recommends plumbers putty for the sink. Easy on, easy off and easy to clean up. Haven’t tried it yet, but I so hate silicone caulk, so I will.
Ooooohhh! Thanks for the recommendation. We will look into it. Anything that makes things easier and works well is good for us!