Oh, wow, 10 years ago! There is a special tool meant just for grout removal, your local hardware store should have it. It will be time consuming but aside from removing everything it's probably the way you'll need to go.

I think a comfortable distance between the island and the counter is around 42". It seems that you have only 30" between your cook top and the counter. I might be a little too tight. The wall between the entrance and the kitchen could be 4' long instead of 6', you would then be able to move the island a foot which would give you more room between the cook top and the island. Could you switch the location of the toilet and vanity in your dad's bathroom so your enter facing a vanity instead of a toilet which is a lot nicer.

Most my doors were already here, but I did have one moved over, about 6 inches. However, the entire space was demo'd, and rebuilt, so that's not the best example to draw from. If you want the door hidden, in a pocket, yes, you will need a skilled carpenter. Essentially, the opening header and frame, will become twice it's size, with the "pocket" part, hidden behind the wall. The studs/supports will need to be removed to make a space for the door to slide into. Do you have any switches or outlets on the fireplace wall?

Hi Manish, 1- Runners are a better value for money than telescopic channels. Channels have a better load bearing, and have a lock which does not let the unit fall even if pulled nearly out. If you don't see these two as you requirements you can go for runners. Check the load requirements and get a suitable load runner/channel. If you foresee some drawer to be quite heavy then telescopic/quadro/tandem boxes will be better. 2. PVC boards as such do not have any drawbacks for use in kitchen. Just make sure your guys have worked with them earlier. 3. Wire frame baskets are lighter, readymade, readily available and provide more space and also require lesser work. If you are more of a detail cleaner then it will definitely require more efforts for others it requires lesser efforts for cleaning them. It's a subjective opinion. Thanks, Nitin CORNERSTONE DESIGNS Bangalore