The Complete Guide: Everything You Should Know About Kitchen Cabinet Removal

Homeowners know that property values can decrease for a variety of reasons. One of these reasons is outdated styles in the kitchen and bathroom. In kitchens, the most obvious element that becomes dated quickly is the kitchen cabinets.

The Complete Guide: Everything You Should Know About Kitchen Cabinet Removal
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Many homeowners update the kitchen cabinets to improve the aesthetics and the home values. They may also find new ways to make the room more functional. The right cabinet design makes it easier to organize the kitchen and makes it easier to prepare meals and store cookware. When reviewing the steps for renovating the kitchen, the homeowner must review guides for removing their existing cabinets.

There Will Be A Lot of Debris

As with most renovation projects, there will be a lot of debris left behind when removing kitchen cabinets. The size of the kitchen defines how many cabinet sections there are in the living space. For example, a smaller kitchen may have no more than two sets of cabinets.

A larger kitchen could have cabinets all the way around the entire kitchen. Property owners can get a Roll Off Dumpster Rental for eliminating the debris from the property. This could decrease the risk of property damage and personal injuries.

You Must Shut Down The Water to the Kitchen

Before removing any cabinets, the property owner must shut off the water to the kitchen. This decreases the risk of a water leak or flood. All it will take is one broken water line in the kitchen and water damage is possible. When removing the section of cabinets above or below the sink, it is best to go ahead and shut off the water to mitigate these risks. 

Shutting Down the Electricity in the Kitchen

Since the property owner probably doesn't know the location of all electrical lines, it is wise to disconnect the power before removing the cabinets. This lowers the risk of electrocution or electrical fires. The wiring can flow in any direction inside the walls and, without the exact location, the property owner could be at risk. By shutting off the power, the homeowner avoids potential accidents when removing cabinets and connections. 

It Is Best To Remove Appliances Out of the Way

Appliances inside the kitchen should be removed before removing the cabinets. It is recommended that the property sets them up in an exterior space when possible. If they have an outlet that accommodates the refrigerator and freezer, they could avoid losing food. However, if they have a space outside the kitchen with the appropriate outlet, it is acceptable to plug in the appliances in a joining room. The joining room shouldn't be on the same electrical breaker as the kitchen.

Always Remove the Molding First

The molding around the kitchen cabinets must be removed first, and the property owner can lift and remove it in most cases. If they aren't removing the backsplash, they must be careful not to disturb the materials when removing the molding. Some contractors may install the molding around the top or bottom of the backsplash.

When they remove the molding, the homeowner must be careful to place the molding into the dumpster. They shouldn't leave it lying around on the floor since it will have several small nails that can increase the risk of injuries. However, if the property owner wants to use the same molding for their new kitchen cabinets, they can place it on the countertops or a table to keep it off the floor.

Cabinets Are Installed In Sections

Most contractors install the cabinets in sections. When removing the kitchen cabinets, the homeowner will remove each section individually. They will need help removing the cabinet casing from the walls as they are heavy.

Even if the cabinets are Formica, it will be difficult for one person to lift and move the cabinets out of the property. It is a great idea to remove the upper cabinets first. Once the upper cabinets are disconnected, the homeowner and their helpers can set them on top of the counter and avoid lifting them from the floor. 

It's Best to Remove the Drawers and the Cabinet Doors Before Disconnecting Cabinets

The drawers and cabinet doors can be removed first, and the property owner can just toss them into the dumpster. This could make the cabinets lighter and easier to handle. When removing lower cabinets, they don't have to keep them intact if they are throwing the cabinets away. They can disassemble the section where the drawers were by breaking them apart. It could move the project along faster and they can clear out the lower cabinets in less time.

You May Need to Do Some Sheetrock Repairs

Before the property owner replaces their kitchen cabinets, they will need to repair any wallboard damage. After a cabinet removal, there are nail holes and tears in the wallboard. The homeowner will want to use putty to fill nail holes and repair small sections of damage. However, if the wallboard has been damaged significantly, they can replace it altogether.

They can install new wallboard in sections and trim it to fit within the damaged area. Since it is not costly, the homeowner won't incur major costs for the repairs. They can paint the wallboard to match the rest of their kitchen and prepare it for the new kitchen cabinet installation.

Homeowners renovate their kitchens to update the style or to add more storage. Kitchen cabinets are one element of the kitchen that can become dated quickly. The cabinet design often defines when the property was built. If the property owner doesn't update the cabinets, they could lose value and arrive at a lower market value for their home.

New kitchen cabinet designs are more functional and may provide them with more efficient storage options. They can replace outdated cabinets with modern styles and transform a 1950s kitchen into their dream kitchen quickly. Before they can get started on the updates, the property owner must follow vital steps for removing their existing kitchen cabinets.