Microwave Drawer Review

Several people have asked my thoughts about the microwave drawer, which I've now been using for six months. I am very pleased with this selection. Because I'm short, I've never been able to comfortably use (or clean) an over-the-range microwave. I also prefer to have this appliance tucked out of view. So, the Sharp microwave drawer has been a nice feature. I'm able to see what I'm cooking and stir it without ever removing it from the microwave. It also features a handy lock mode, which keeps little ones out and prevents the microwave from being used to melt toys.

Available here.

Neat Feature: Security Camera

One of the handy features added during our renovation is an advanced security system. Most of the parts and functions of this system probably aren't that exciting to discuss, however, one part is pretty cool. We have a camera that provides a live feed of our entrances, which we are able to access from our iPhones, iPads, or computers. This camera has the ability to record clips when it senses motion. We receive these video clips via email, and these are stored remotely. We have found this feature to be most useful when the doorbell rings. I no longer have to wonder who is on the other side of the door and whether I should answer it. I just glance at my iPhone or iPad.

We've also seen some entertaining clips. Recently a raccoon wandered down the entire front porch. There are several cats that cut through our yard, and there are several birds that seem to like the area of the porch where the camera is mounted. We've also noticed that the mail carrier likes to throw our packages towards the front door, however, the UPS man is careful with our deliveries.

The best thing about these security cameras is that these are no longer expensive and are practically standard with many security companies now. This is one of the inexpensive items from the renovation that really gets a lot of use and is quite handy.

Lessons Learned

I've been going over the entire renovation process in my head, and I've been discussing it with a few friends who are in the process of or are considering major renovations.  I've realized that I learned a great deal.  My next few posts will cover everything from the architectural planning process to landscaping to plumbing fixture value.  Get excited.

Renovation Complete

Our renovation was completed in about 3.5 months and came in at 3-4% over our total budget for the purchase and renovation. We expanded the home, and it is now a 5/5 with about 4500 square feet of finished space. We're pleased with the layout, finishes, larger yard, and neighborhood. However, I'm realizing that decorating is going to be an expensive and challenging task. We have some dark furniture and a lot of brown which doesn't work that well in the new, lighter, more gray house. We also own some sets which need to be broken up. I've learned a few things in the last several years, and I now know to look for unique pieces that I like and to avoid sets. The problem is that this type of shopping takes time. But, I'm in no rush. We've settled in quite nicely. Our bedrooms are comfortable, and we spend most of our indoor time in the kitchen and basement. My front porch has big ferns and rocking chairs, so we're moving in the right direction. We've also quite enjoyed this view of the golf course from the sunroom (complete with my bottle of sparkling water).

Photo Update: Exterior

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Photo Update: Kitchen and Mudroom

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Photo Update: Living and Casual Dining

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Photo Update: Basement

 

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Photo Update: Main Stairs

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Photo Update: Sunroom

I wanted to knock the sunroom off of the house, however, my husband and general contractor talked me out of it.  I'm very happy that we kept it.

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Photo Update: Master

 

It's difficult to determine what is actually the "before" master bedroom, because we took a four bedroom and two bathroom area and made it a three bedroom and three bathroom area with additional closets and a large laundry room. The master was relocated in the process.

 

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