New countertops are an integral part of any new kitchen. They are essential to the functionality of the space and serve as a beautiful statement piece besides. Countertop installation with Out of the Woods makes things simple for homeowners and the results always speak for themselves. In order to facilitate the process, there are some things to take care of before, after, and during countertop installation.
All According to Plan: Designing Your Countertop Installation
At Out of the Woods, we install approximately 1200 kitchens a year, and we have a system. The process begins with consulting with homeowners to determine the best countertop materials and designs for their space. We have a wide variety of materials to choose from so you are sure to find the colors and designs you are looking for.
The design of the countertops must take into account your kitchen layout. If you are doing a kitchen remodel, we will consider all specifications as they will be in the finished product. Measurements and positioning have to be considered very carefully because inaccuracies that seem insignificant can result in complete refabrication. We want to do the job right the first time.
The design of your countertop installation should include any features like backsplashes, edge profiles, faucet specifications, hole placement for electrical or plumbing fixtures, and your choice of sink. If you are supplying the sink, it must be brought on site so installation around it can be clean.
Before Installation: Prep the Space
There are a few things to take care of before your countertop installation can take place. If you attend to these before the contractors arrive, the process is far more likely to run smoothly and efficiently. We require homeowners to oversee all plumbing and electrical work. This includes unhooking and removing appliances and sinks. We do not manage this element of installation for liability reasons.
All required repairs on the job site (including painting; repairing drywall, tile, or cabinets; and electrical or plumbing repairs) should be completed before countertop installation begins. This clears the job site and makes accessing repairs easier without risking damaging your new countertops. If you are having a backsplash installed, all electrical receptacles and switches in the affected area should be removed.
We are happy to cut the holes for sink or faucet installation if the units are onsite at time of installation. If the unit is not present, we will require a return trip. We work only when the unit is present to make sure that the holes cut are clean and snug against your sink or faucet.
Generally speaking, our contractors do not dispose of the old countertops. However, if such a service is prearranged and included in our quote, we can remove your old countertops so you do not have to worry about disposing of them yourself.
During Installation: Clear a Path
Clearing a path for countertop installation is a two-fold process. The first step is really more pre-installation preparation. It involves making sure that your kitchen is ready for your new countertops and includes tasks such as these:
- Store anything that is not secured in another location. These articles may include things like tables, moveable islands, other furniture, and rugs.
- Shift large appliances like ranges and refrigerators out of the way.
- Remove appliances such as stovetops, sinks, and other countertop installations.
- Remove all previous countertops from the house.
- Secure the countertops and islands to the floor.
- Remove exposed nails and screws from previous installations that may be present in cabinets or the wall.
- Ensure that the top of your cabinets are raw (without coverings or exposed hardware) and level. This process is best handled by the professionals. If you entrust your cabinet installation to our Out of the Woods team, we will perform this service for you.
- Clean away debris and dust, especially that created by removing the original countertops.
Clearing a path also means creating a work area that will streamline countertop installation. Keep pets and children away from the work area to ensure everyone is safe during the installation process. Make sure our contractors have a clear path from the kitchen to the garage (where the stone can be brought in from our vehicles).
After Installation: Clean Up
After all your preparations for your new countertops, leave the heavy lifting to us. We will install the countertops of your choice with precision and care and clean up the dust and debris created in the installation process. By doing so, you can simply sit back and enjoy the results.
