[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Maritimer

We've just bought a Stetson III model with a "Galley Kitchen". That label seems to be code for, "Food should just magically appear at the table and the person preparing it need not be part of any pre-meal conversations unless he or she is shouting".

Ok, that's a bit harsh, but I do the cooking!

We have seen the very similar Amarillo model and the open kitchen with an island is quite appealing. Has anyone done the Stetson (or other) kitchen reno where you take down the kitchen walls that adjoin the living and dining room areas? There are a couple of light switches that would need to be relocated and of course, there will be an impact on the flooring.

If you had a good (or perhaps more important) bad experience with the reno, please share .

Call Sumter County Building department for a set of house plans, they should be able to email these to you. With these you can determine if any of the walls you want to remove are load bearing. Also these will give you good talking points for the several contractors you will be talking to. As you noted there will be floor concerns, IMHO I would check for matching tile NOW, or make alternative plans for the floor. I agree moving electrical should be easy. Take a look around to see if any water (or gas?) lines may be in the walls. If a sink is in the area, there may be a vent line in the wall, these may be difficult to eliminate, plumbing codes. If your ultimate rearrangement includes moving sink or other devices using water remember these water lines are in the foundation.
Good luck with your project.