Having a professional install the countertops

My DH does not understand why we need to have professionals come install the countertops! He can't even paint a bedroom without messing it up. He is so not a handyman that I don't want to risk messing this up. I'm trying to explain to him that if we measure wrong, or it cracks upon installation, etc. we're responsible and will have to pay for new pieces. It's about $400 for installation. To me, it's well worth the aggravation. He just doesn't get it. He's lucky I've agreed to let him and whoever else remove the countertops to save some money. MEN!

Re: Having a professional install the countertops

i agree with you..what kind of countertops are you putting in? has he done it before or is someone helping him that knows? otherwise..i agree that $400 is well spent! good luck

Re: Having a professional install the countertops

They're laminate. My DH has NEVER done anything like this before. He pretty much hasn't done anything carpentry related ever. Also, his friends haven't either. I think it's money well spend as well!

Re: Having a professional install the countertops

Countertops must be measured precisely... there is absolutely no room for error or it looks like c r a pola and then you've wasted $$$.

If you are going the granite route, unless you are buying a remnant places will come out and measure and install included in the price, at least I only know of places that will and my FIL is in the kitchen business. Even premade pieces should be measured by professionals. Depending upon your layout, chances are your counters will need to be made for you.

You can get your most money back and the quickest sale if you do your kitchen RIGHT. If it's not done with attention to detail or is too trendy, etc. then it can greatly impede the sale of the entire house. To redo a kitchen is $$$$ and stress... probably the most stressful renovation a homeowner can undertake. We all take our kitchens for granted and have no idea how often during the day we use them until we redo one. Most buyers can not be bothererd redoing a kitchen while they are living in the house. As I said, my FIL designs kitchens. He has always said, he designs for the woman, whether she cooks or not. If a woman doesn't like the kitchen, she will not buy the house. And women notice details.

Tell him this is a MUST. You MUST get as much money on the sale of this house as humanly possible and he MUST leave some things to the professionals or he's just throwing $$$ down the drain. Right now, you guys are in an incredibly tight situation and yes, you have to save money but don't be "penny-wise and pound foolish" (as the Brits say)

ETA: You need a VERY quick sale. Everyday that house does not sell, it is costing you money and bringing you closer and closer to another mortgage payment. Tell him, what's $400 when you consider the interest you are paying on your "upside down" mortage?

Message edited 10/8/2007 11:55:40 AM.