If it works for your cooking and you like it, use it--but first see if new ones are sized the same so there aren't any unpleasant surprises when it passes on.

But then, if you really want that hood, kick out the TV and put your microwave on the counter! And if you're redoing everything, post your layout here and maybe you will find a better spot for the microwave than the counter.

That is an excellent suggestion to check the size. That also reminds me that I should have them tile first and all the way up to the cab in case I do go with a hood or if a micro is slightly different in size.

One bonus to all this is that the crappy job the tiler did on the backsplash will be replaced. I do love my tile, so hoping I can find a match.

We are meeting with the insurance people on Friday to find out exactly what in the kitchen will be replaced. The spec list was quite vague, but mentioned replacing some smaller cabs, the backsplash and flooring and having to pull and replace granite. I'm pretty sure the layout will have to remain the same, but I am all for getting new insights into layout.

I discovered garden web after my cabs were installed and even tho I couldn't have finished it without gardenwebbers help, I always wished I had stumbled in here at the beginning of the process rather than at the end.

I'm Not like most people I love the Otr mic. I've always had smaller kitchens and mic takes up way to much space especially if you have to place it on the counter. My last kitchen had an otr and I loved it. Currently we are sharing my mil kitchen until ours is complete and I'm annoyed by her mic on the counter. Good luck!