Kitchen steps to remodel

The window begins.  The blue tape marks where we want it to be, so it will be opened up a bit on the bottom.  The lower blue line is the level of the top of the cabinets/the counter.  We were just trying to get an idea what it would be like. 
The surprise is that Z, our carpenter, told us that the pair of 2x4's beside the entry way(formerly the doorway) has to stay.  We've been under the impression that it would be open - in the drawings mainly. 
...and the beat goes on.  Yesterday, we got inspected and approved by the city electric inspector.  Tomorrow, the HVAC guy comes to move the furnace vent and break through the attic floor to put in the vent for the exhaust over the stove.