That day your new granite or quartz countertops arrive can be almost like Christmas. You have been waiting for weeks, and now the day has come. Here’s the big question: are you prepared? Prepping for new countertops can be a significant undertaking in and of itself. But it needs to be done if you want the job to go smoothly.
What actually goes into prep depends on the scope and scale of your project. If you are just swapping out old countertops for new, that’s one thing. But maybe you’re replacing both countertops and cabinets. Or perhaps you are gutting the entire kitchen and starting over.
Though the steps involved in preparation may be different, there are some common mistakes homeowners tend to make. Do your best to avoid them.
1. Not Protecting the Rest of the Home
At the top of the list is not protecting the rest of the home from dust and debris. By not sealing off the kitchen with plastic sheeting and drop cloths, a homeowner is inviting dirt, dust, and debris to freely make its way from room to room. It may not seem like such a deal until it comes time to clean up.
2. Improper Appliance Removal
Next up is the mistake of disconnecting and removing appliances properly. The biggest concern here relates to gas appliances. Always be incredibly careful with gas. Shut it off before disconnecting any lines. And if you are not sure how to do it safely, have a professional do it for you.
If your installers will be working anywhere near electrical outlets or appliances, make sure to turn the power off first. Go to your fuse box and locate the circuit breaker that provides electricity to the kitchen. Shut it off.
3. Not Planning for the Waste
Installing new countertops means getting rid of the old ones. Here’s the thing: every kitchen remodeling project – even if you’re just replacing the countertops – generates waste. Don’t make the mistake of not planning for that waste ahead of time.
You might be looking at a complete or partial demolition involving the cabinets. This suggests you will need either a dumpster or a dumpster bag. If it is just the countertops, your trash hauler might be willing to take them away as is. But it’s probably a good idea to call and check with them anyway.
4. Failing to Obtain the Proper Permits
The last common mistake to avoid, and it’s a big one, is failing to obtain the proper permits. The good news is that hiring professionals to handle demolition and installation for you generally means that the contractor will obtain the permits on your behalf. But check anyway. Make sure you have the permits before work begins.
Are you doing the project yourself? If so, head down to the local code enforcement office to inquire about permit needs. You may not need a permit just to replace the countertops. On the other hand, you probably will need a permit for anything more than that. Projects that involve demolition along with plumbing and electricity always need to be permitted.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Here’s hoping you choose Bedrock Quartz for your new countertops. If you do, please don’t be afraid to ask any questions you might have about prep work. We install everything we sell, so that’s going to help a lot. But ask about anything you think needs to be done before the installation crew arrives. If you are not going with Bedrock Quartz, be sure to understand whatever prep work is necessary in advance of your installation day.
