Countertop Games

One of the most profitable ways to renovate your house is "do-it-yourself." From sanding and painting to digging and planting, there are many projects that a homeowner can accomplish determined. There are jobs, however, it is best left to professionals. These jobs are too heavy, too much work or requires tools and expertise.

Case in point: installing new granite countertops. The weight of the granite alone is enough to send anyone running to a phone to call for professional help. If you have news about the plans fully to the workforce is not, you probably think you get the day off. But do not expect your tools yet. There is a way to cut costs on this project, otherwise costly by the demo you work. Some contractors charge as much as $ 550 to remove the old counter, a relatively easy job that even the most inexperienced handyman can handle.

First, remove all the drawers of the cabinets. This makes it much easier to access your workspace. You will also need to delete the contents of your cabinets so you can get underneath to work. Fortunately, these are things you must do before your new counters are installed anyway, you're already a step ahead.

It will also need to remove your old sink. To do this, simply disconnect the hoses and sewer tap (do not forget to turn the water off) and remove the fasteners from the underside of the sink. There will be some sealant around the perimeter of the sink, but it should easily lift the bar.

If you look at your existing laminate countertops, you will see they are in sections. Each section is attached to the cabinet base by screws drilled into the underside of the countertop. The next step in the removal of old countertops is removing all the screws. This requires to reach the floor and inside cabinets with all kinds of uncomfortable angles. Fortunately, an electric screwdriver can speed this process along (although a manual screwdriver may still be necessary for those hard to get angles).

Then, remove the sealant from the edge of the backsplash. You can use a putty knife or screwdriver to do this. Be sure to remove as much as you can from any surface you wish to save, so when you remove the counters, it does not damage the wall.

Before attempting to remove the counter, make sure you remove any plug covers can be attached to your backsplash. Also, keep in mind that there may be some glue adhering the backsplash to the wall, requiring a little more elbow grease to remove.

Finally, you are ready to take the old counters off. Ask someone to help you to lift and removal. If you have difficulty getting a section off, check that all your screws have been removed. If the adhesive backsplash gives you bad, try sliding a putty knife behind the backsplash to break the link.

Now your counters are gone, your kitchen is ready for the new, and you've saved a little money. Now all that remains to do is watch the professionals get to work.