How to replace kitchen cabinets?

[sammyla]

Hi

I want to remove my kitchen cabinets and install new ones. How far do I need to be removing it? Would I be stripping it down that I need to do waterproofing and tiling? 

[EricL]

Hello @sammyla 

Once you have removed your old cabinetry, I don't recommend going any further as your plaster board wall might still be in good condition. Generally speaking, it's either the plasterboard wall will need to be replaced because it is damaged, or it is kept in place as it is still in good condition. If you have a tiled wall, it would be technically quicker to just remove the plasterboard wall and replace it with a new board. The joining edges can be filled and fixed, and you can then install your choice of splash back. 

Please note that if your house was built in the late 80's or 90's I suggest having your plasterboard wall tested for asbestos before you remove them. If the results are positive, you'll need the services of an asbestos removal specialist. If the results are negative, you can continue with your kitchen renovation plans.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @sammyla 

Any chance of a few photos of the kitchen? A few overall photos and ifthere is a focus point of something a few of those.

Here is my kitychen reno from back in 2009, It shows what you can run into, especially tile removal and plastering. 

Kitchen rebuild from 2009 

Id sit down and draw a top down layout of your kitchen as is, then another one where you change it up. Once you have some ideas then you can look at specific cupboard size, types of bench tops, keeping water and power were theyare will lower costs for sure.

Dave

[sammyla]

 hi Dave. Here is a photo of my kitchen. 

[EricL]

Hello @sammyla 

Thank you for sharing that photo of your kitchen. I propose starting with the doors and removing the handles and hinges so that you can stack them neatly. I then suggest getting a plumber and electrician to remove the sink, plumbing fittings and appliances. This will then allow you to start removing the cabinetry without having to worry about those parts of the kitchen. I recommend finding a dumping spot for the panels outside your home so that it does not become a hindrance inside.

Once the cabinets are off you can then assess the condition of your walls and find out if any repairs need to be done to it. Can you please tell us the size of your kitchen. We'll be more than happy to draw up a sketch of your new kitchen.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @sammyla 

I have renovated many kitchen and typically only the cabinets needs to be removed and any plumbing and electrical made safe by respective trades. There should be in most cases no need to remove any of the wall facings unless the trades need to access parts for their bit. There is also no waterproofing requirements. 

@EricL concerns re asbestos though always an excellent concern, I would highly doubt its present in an 80-90's home.

Please send through any supporting photos should you need further advice.

regards Nailbag

[sammyla]