She Said
Didi didn’t manage to get back to me yesterday. It’s entirely possible she didn’t get the message…. At 8:02 a.m., I call Home Depot to speak to Joanne.
I explain the situation and that I was told I’d have ½ inch of “play”, but I don’t.
Fortunately, they’ve recently developed and filled the role of Manager of Kitchen Installations. She doesn’t have to fend for herself. She’ll run it by him, since he used to be an installer. Surely, he’ll know whether or not this is a problem. She’ll get back to me.
Luckily, I have a plan to take my mind off this potential fiasco. My girlfriend and I had already made plans to go and visit some kitchen supply stores in the downtown this afternoon. I get ready to leave and pick her up.
As it turns out, we’re going to be in the vicinity of Universal Appliances, where we’ve purchased our beloved range and hood (and all of our other appliances). Dawn doesn’t mind the detour, so we head there first. I’ll just ask Neil, who’s been our contact there all along.
As we walk in, I realize it’s Neil’s regular day off. I approach the office. To the first young man who addresses me, I say, “I know Neil’s probably not here…”. No indeed. “I have what I hope will be a quick question…”. I explain the three-sixteenths of an inch dilemma. He asks for a moment and goes away.
I totally have to say that, while I’d rather deal with Neil, who seems like the most knowledgeable guy in the world (appliance-wise, at least!) everyone else I’ve ever dealt with at Universal has been very resourceful. If they don’t have the answer at hand, they’ll get it. Dawn and I meander around and drool over ranges.
Our guy returns and informs me that zero clearance is required. Which is sometimes desirable, since you don’t want food, oil, sauces, etc., dropping or dripping down the sides and getting lodged there with no hope of cleaning…. It’s just that installers hate it. Especially in the case of a four hundred and fifty pound behemoth. Chris, our installer, is going to despise me.
Nevertheless, I’m relieved. And, for Chris’ benefit, I understand that the range itself is actually 35 and 7/8 inches. Woohoo! An extra eighth of an inch!!
Dawn and I can get on with our shopping trip and I can rest easy.
Oh, but I’d better let Joanne know that it’s all good. I’ll call her when I get home. She’s probably afraid to answer the phone, these days….
So, at least we can move on! What’s next? The electrician.
Stay tuned!
~ One of Seven
More pints of Stella Bismol…ugh.