I think your builder's budget was probably low, as usual for a lot of builder estimates. For 13 foot x 10 foot of fine case goods, that is a bit low to average price. You have the added difficulty of the hidden door in that price, so I think the quote overall is a bit low. Wait! I read it again. It's unfinished? Then it's probably about right. But if this is going to be stained, it should be stained just after the fabrication phase off site in a clean room, not on site. It would be better painted off site too if that's the final finish, but it's doable onsite for paint more than staining would be. I'd expect finishing to add about 2-3K to the price.

I am definitely eclectic. I don't have a kitchen theme because I don't really have a kitchen yet. That said I have a very small house in the woods in Maine with a lot of windows currently looking out at snowy sugar maples, pines and rocks. Because my house has a such collection of mismatched windows I like to keep things simple and functional. I like green, greys and yellows - but I like most other colors too. My family has so many artists that I have quite the collection of art inhabiting my very limited wall space. This thread scared me a bit at first. I was thinking of it being a cooking swap and people were describing their cabinetry - after a moment I realized that the cooking related objects have to fit into someone's decor and it is helpful to know someone hates red frilly flower tablecloths. I am having fun coming up with a gift for a stranger.

The important this is to start easy, so you do not hurt yourself. Select a routine that you enjoy, so you'll stick to it. The main objectives are to built strength, stamina and flexibility. Strength comes from weight training, which will increase your muscular strength. Muscle is denser than fat tissue, so you'll slim down, and you'll get stronger. Stronger muscles will also improve your metabolic rate, so you'll be burning more calories. Stamina comes from aerobics training like running (or walking), swimming, bike riding -- anything that gets your heart rate up and keeps it there. This is good for cardiovascular fitness. It will keep your heart muscle in shape. Aerobic routines that involve some impact, like running or walking, also improve bone mass and prevent or reduce bone loss that occurs with aging. Both weight training and aerobics improve cardiovascular function and maintain optimal blood pressure. Flexibility is important for preventing injuries while exercising. For flexibility, you need to stretch certain muscle groups that are prone to injury during strenuous exercise or sports. But if stretching is not done properly, you can hurt yourself. It's important to "warm up" by doing just a little light exercise for a few minutes before stretching. That could be walking, light jogging, stationary bike riding. Do it at a moderate pace just to warm up your muscles. Then you stretch. You should also stretch again after you've finished your exercise session. Get a good book or some personal guidance on how best to stretch. That's important so you do it right and don't hurt yourself. As you get into a regular routine, you'll know you are getting where you want to go if you find that you look forward to a good workout and feel cheated if something happens and you can't go.

The software I use for heat loss/gain calculation is Wrightsoft Universal. It is the Canadian CSA version of Manual J. This software allows the user to adjust for the city, design temperature, orientation of the building, type of window, window frame material, outer pane, inner pane, thickness, gap, fill gas, value of low-e, reflective performance, etc., all for each window. You can also adjust for properties of roof overhang, appliances, hours of occupancy, number of people, dogs and on and on. While all this is nice, I think we sometimes put too much faith in these calculations. If it is new construction and I can import architectural drawings directly, then the calculations can be relatively accurate. Otherwise it is the best educated guess based largely on the hearsay information provided. In an existing home, the owner had better be prepared to modify their duct work to fit the calculations if they want optimal results - otherwise you have to work with the distribution system you got! To agonize over a 1/2-ton of capacity today when we have 2-speed condensers and variable speed fan coils etc. is sometimes over the top - especially when clients balk at even paying for detailed calculations that may take hours to prepare using software that cost THOUSANDS of dollars to purchase! I also know that there are people out there that are highly trained and experienced, that can accurately design a complex system after an on-site visit without the software, Manual J, CSA or whatever. I hope you don't have a heart attack or a stroke after reading this blasphemy! IMPO SR