Getting rid of old countertops and investing in new ones is not necessarily at the top of every homeowner’s to-do list. Sometimes, though, it should be.
If your kitchen’s countertops are looking torn and worn, or if you’re just tired of looking at something that doesn’t match the rest of the house, it’s time to take action. Replacing countertops doesn’t have to be the headache that some people make it out to be.
New countertops are something you will get excited to use and be proud to show off whenever guests come over.
First things first, though, you should educate yourself about countertop replacement. This ensures you go into such a process properly prepared and aware of what to look for.
Here are five things to keep in mind when getting new kitchen counters.
1. Think About Maintenance and Design
You know those scratches on the countertops you can’t wait to replace? Or the outdated kitchen design that is taking away from the rest of your home decor?
These issues can be fixed by replacing countertops now. But, if you cut corners on the quality of your new countertops, you’ll be right back where you started.
As you’re considering different options, make sure you’re aware of the maintenance that goes into each type of stone and finish. There’s a big difference between wooden or porcelain countertops as opposed to more durable materials like granite or marble.
Not to mention, natural rock countertops look absolutely beautiful.
There are many ways to make such countertops fit right into your home. Whether you have a shabby chic decor, modern decor, or some sort of art deco set up, there’s a way for you to get countertops that last with the design you want.
2. Consider Style and Function
Speaking of design, don’t forget to think about the way your new countertops will match the cabinets below above them. If you’re completely upgrading the countertops, the cabinet doors may need a replacement or at least a fresh layer of paint.
Such a task is pretty simple to do. You can hire contractors to completely remodel the kitchen – from the floor to the cabinets and countertops – or you can pick up a paintbrush and a DIY guide and upgrade the cabinets yourself.
Replacing countertops, though, is always something better to leave to the professionals. This ensures you don’t only get the aesthetics you’re looking for in your kitchen, but the proper safety and function, too.
Function means that your countertops are level and secure. Part of having secure countertops depends on the strength of the cabinets your new counters sit on.
The thing is, not all cabinets are made to support the weight of various kinds of countertops. Keep this in mind as you’re setting up your remodeling budget, because you may need to revamp the cabinets in order to get your desired countertops.
3. Get Accurate Measurements
The strength of cabinets and the weight of new countertops is something you’ll need some professional insight to measure accurately. It’s also best to have such personnel handle the length and width measurements of your countertops, too.
This ensures you have everything perfectly squared away, down to the last half inch. You’d be surprised just how much of a difference being off on your measurements can be.
One mistake can possibly result in you buying more countertops than you may have needed in the first place. Even worse, you may not have enough to replace all the countertops like you thought!
To keep from going back and forth with contractors, make them a part of the process from start to finish. They’ve done this a million times, and they’ll be with you every step of the way so that your first attempt at replacing countertops is a success.
4. Explore Different Options
While a contractor can talk to you all day long about the importance of measurements and how to support your new countertops, only you can decide which countertops are best for your home.
You may think you want the granite counters you’ve always dreamed of, until you look at something like marble or quartz. Don’t be afraid to explore such options as you browse for new countertops.
Even if the final price ends up a little bit higher than you originally estimated, creating the perfect kitchen environment is priceless. The kitchen is arguably the most valuable and communal part of the home.
Make it as beautiful and welcoming as it can be with the right countertops.
5. Gather Quotes and Confirm
Already feeling absolutely sure about the new countertops you’re getting? Great – then the process comes down to knowing which team to trust.
The last thing you want to do is spend so much time and money planning your remodeling project, only to have it end up in the wrong hands. Prevent this from happening by feeling out a few different contractors.
Set up an appointment with a handful of options that are close to you. Get an estimate from each contractor – in terms of finances as well as the time it will take to replace your countertops.
Make it a point not to confirm with any contractor until you’ve met with your top options. Then, browse through their previous projects and testimonials to make sure their work backs up their word.
This should be enough to guide you in the right direction. From there, call up your contractor of choice and get to work!
Replacing Countertops Made Simple
The only catch to finding the right contractor is that this adds to your to-do list when replacing countertops.
In such a situation, you’d have to work with one team to find the right countertops and cut all the measurements. These are the people who’d supply you with the counters, and then you’d need a separate team to actually do the installation.
With International Granite and Stone, though, your remodeling process is much easier. All you have to do is reach out to one of our In-Home Advisors. This is someone who will work with you to plan a beautiful design, then take care of the supply and installments process for you.
To discover just how stress-free and effective this can be, click here.
