Carrie Renshaw's kitchen (Photo by Bob Schneider)

By Hayley Ferguson

Renovation Nightmares

Local businesses stepping up to help woman get her kitchen back

Sep 23, 2019 | 5:44 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – Uneven counter seams, a kitchen that wasn’t installed properly, and crooked cupboards were just some of the issues Carrie Renshaw was left with when her contractor quit.

The 70-year-old woman said that he quit after she began questioning some of the work he was doing.

“It was mainly the countertop. There was a big bump in the joint and it wasn’t joint properly. That’s what started it all and I think that’s what ended it all.” She explained. “I had said no twice and he had redone it twice.”

While the countertop ended her relationship with the contractor, it started a new one with Jamie and Jackie Taylor who own Design Kitchen.

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Renshaw decided to call them, since they had been hired to cut the counters, for a second opinion on the installation.

“I thought, well maybe I could call this Jaime and he could tell me if maybe it was just in my mind. So I called him and I asked if he would come over please and let me know what he thought.” She said.

Right away when he arrived, Jamie couldn’t help but notice issues with not only how the counters were installed, but with the whole kitchen.

“I was out working on another job and Jaime texted me and said ‘you’re not going to believe what went on here. I’m just sick about it’ And I said ‘what’s happening?’ So he sent me photos and I just immediately said to him we need to make this right.” Said Jackie.

The Taylors knew right away they needed to help Renshaw who was stuck in her torn apart home most of the summer, dealing with osteoarthritis and waiting for a hip replacement.

They decided that they would donate their time and resources to make sure she got the kitchen she deserved.

They knew they couldn’t tackle the project alone though.

That’s why the Taylors contacted Brost Developments, Concept Plumbing, The Electric Company and Creative Floor Coverings who they knew and trusted.

“We felt strongly that they would get on board with us.” Said Jamie.

Although Jackie knew people would step up, she was proud that all five were willing to donate their time.

“All of them within a day or two got back to me and said I’m in. There were no questions asked. They all just said ‘I hate it when things like this happen. Let’s make it right.” She continued. “There are too many times that people say somebody should do something. And saying that doesn’t mean anything unless somebody steps up. So this time it was our time to kind of rally the troops and step up.”

Renshaw said she was speechless when she heard about the Taylors and other companies’ plans to redo her kitchen.

“I keep saying ‘why me?’ I’m sure there are many other people who are in much worse situations then I am. So it’s humbling.” She smiled. “What they’ve done for me it’s hard to put into words. But I’ve always thought people are good, but this is just… this is awesome.”

Construction to get the kitchen right is set to begin on Wednesday and Renshaw says she can’t stop smiling when she thinks about being able to use her kitchen again.