(2) of us (1) big adventure

Well.  

Actually – Not so Well.  

We decided to sand down our oak-colored wood cabinets and the handrail to the stairs and stain them mahogany.Originally, the plan was to do it ourselves and share the evenings and weekends sanding down and staining. We were confident that it would be similar to our experience with the dresser and nightstand – time-consuming, but rewarding.  

Then I had an idea.  

I knew of an acquaintance who does this kind of stuff for a living and is always trying to find jobs to stay busy. Also, we were leaving for 10 days to visit the family in Oregon. Let’s put 2 and 2 together:  

Our time is valuable and we were going to be gone, but the kitchen still needs to be done before we can install the granite countertops. His time is valuable and needed to be occupied. Maybe he would benefit from the work, and if he charged a fair price, we could benefit from his help.  

Against my wife’s better judgment, I invited him over and explained in detail the project. He was confident that he would make us happy and quoted a price for sanding, staining and sealing. I’ll be honest, it was a very good price. His stipulation was that I pay for the materials. My idea was blossoming.  

I asked that he finish one small door before we committed. He took it with him and finished it the next day. It was perfect. After we saw it, we were excited to have him complete our whole kitchen. My idea was in full bloom.  

With that, we left to Oregon – stoked to come home and have the kitchen ready for the granite install.  

Devastated.  

That’s what we felt when we returned home and inspected the kitchen. Shoddy work. Half-way done. Sloppy. Cabinets NOT sanded, just painted over. Stain sprayed on kitchen walls.  

AWFUL.  

You think that I’m an exaggerating complainer, right? Here’s the evidence: