This is the sample of the formica and the color of the painted pieces that Ed will build -- wine rack, dish shelves, and microwave shelf. 
Today, the sink and faucet arrived. And I like them!
The hood is ordered. Brillia is a brand created by Kobe for Costco. So, some of the benefits of the higher priced Kobe for at least $200 cheaper. And I needed that for my budget.
I just ordered two of these. One in front of each window. I added the vaulted option so that the light can swing away in front of the window if necessary.My rather desperate plea on Gardenweb.com. Too many numbers and calculations. And i am having an impossible time figuring this one out. And it should have been ordered yesterday. The one bright spot is that I think this is the last technical decision I have to make regarding kitchen renovations.
The post:
I posted a more general question about range hoods and got a short, terse reply. Now I understanding why!!! It is a crazy jungle out there!! Choosing a range hood has been really challenging for me. (I admit to wishing I just went along with my GC’s recommendation and did not look further) I need help.
Background: I am looking for a 30" stainless steel wall mounted chimney range hood. I am not changing out appliances with the renovation. My present gas stove has a cfm rating of 585. If I change out the stove in a few years, the gas stove I have my eye on has a rating of 920. The duct size is 6”. I cook a good deal but just for two and I do not cook much meat. Although we do eat fish which I usually do in the oven.
Challenge: Unfortunately, this is a budget renovation. I am looking to spend no more than $800 for a range hood and if I could get away with less than that, I would be very happy.
I don’t have a good read on any of these brands except for Broan and Kobe, but the Kobe doesn’t seem to be a “real” Kobe. I can’t afford a real Kobe.
Anyway, does anyone know if any of these brands or models are pure junk or are the real winner? Anecdotal evidence would be great. I know these are not the glamour work horses that are so often talked about on this board. If there are any other brands I should consider, please let me know.
Zephyr ZAN-E30A
Zephyr ZSA-E30B (I like this one)
Zephyr BVE-E30AS
Windster RA-14L30
Windster RA-7730
Windster RA-77B30
Broan EW5830
XO Ventilation XOS30S
XO Ventilation XOB30S
Cavaliere-Euro AP238-PSF-30
Cavaliere-Euro SV218B2-30
Cavaliere-Euro AP238-PS29-30
Brillia by Kobe RAX9430SF-1
Air King GRAN30SS
Do I strike the tone of holding on to sanity by my fingernails?
Thanks for the help.
The insulation was blown in and almost immediately the room felt warmer and quieter. I wish I could do this to the bedrooms. I can't but good to remember for future projects. The blowing in was very quick although Ed prepared for it for hours. It did smell, not awful but a definite chemical smell. The windows stayed open for the rest of the day until we went to sleep, and the next day, and by the third day, the smell was gone. 
So, now this ceiling corner where the wasps' nest was gets a special picture. This is the last picture with the exposed beams. Yahoo!
Kohler Verse Self-Rimming Stainless Steel 22": 33" Kitchen Sink K-3373-4-NA
Door leading to the dining room.
Door leading to the back hall.
Cam lights and a new fan mounting.
The corner where the wasps' nest was.
About of third of this insulation was a mouse nesting grounds. More evidence of mice was found in the insulation in the basement. Uck! And I am happy to be rid of it. It was old and no longer smelled. 
Here is the old wasp's nest that was in one corner of the room. Empty now, but impressive.
The kitchen without cabinets and appliances. I didn't take pictures of the painting that was done during the summer renovation. The lighter green is going back on the new walls.
