...and then you have to live with the mess for a while.

This past weekend we (and I mean Handyman Hone) removed the countertops and repaired the damage I did while removing the tile backsplash off the wall.

When ceramic tile is put directly on sheet rock, there is virtually no way to remove it and not damage the wall.  This I learned by experience, then quickly confirmed it on the internet.  The new tile will be put on the sheet rock again, and the next one to remove it will have to replace the whole wall, not just the part behind the stove.

But this was not a bad fix, and we got the wiring for the undercabinet lighting across the back there while it was ripped down, and put up some new sheet rock.

Next step - countertop tile.  We didn't know for sure what we would find, "they" all told us until you start the demo you have no way of knowing how it was installed.    Removing the edge/trim exposes the plywood underneath.   Little shards of ceramic tile fly everywhere for this!  We had furniture blankets covering the floor and swept and vacuumed repeatedly.

We took a pry bar and seperated the two sheets of plywood and amazingly enough the tile stayed mostly intact on the top board as it was pried apart.  It came off in 3' x 4' sections.  Now we have one layer of plywood resting on the cabinets until the granite arrives the end of this week. 

This layer of plywood was screwed into the cabinets, but the screws came up easily.  The sink in still hooked up and resting on the wood, the dishwasher is also still hooked up, but not secure so we are not using it this week.  It's kind of like camping!   The tile backsplash won't be installed until the 2nd week of June which gives us time to pick something out that will go with the granite and it gives the granite a chance to settle.  The house is a disaster, but I can handle it!!

First you have to make a mess.

We are making some exciting changes!  The first changes are unsightly and messy.  I'm okay with that.  We are putting in granite countertops, but needed to make a few changes first.  We have removed the desk unit because in 22 years no one has EVER sat at it and used it like a desk.  So I had another cupboard unit made.  But before that I wanted the problem of not enough electrical outlets fixed. So Handyman Hone came and put in a new outlet hidden in the cupboard.  We now have the cable TV box, the TV, the undercabinet stereo, underbcabinet lighting and phone chargers plugged in the cupboard!

It meant hacking up the wall, but there will be tile on that wall when this mess is finished.

The new unit -- the drawers and doors are not yet done.

While the cabinet guy was here we had a new cupboard  added here- (the door is not yet finished), but it seems too me there should have been one here all along! The granite is going to be 3" wider on the bar side than the existing counter is.

Then to further mess things up, I wanted to have undercabinet lighting so Handyman Hone had to rip up the walls a bit to install a switch and electrical wiring.  Again this area will be tiled over so I am okay with this look.

I already love the lighting, even though there is nothing special lit up just yet.

There that have been MANY different granite contractors here taking maesurements and giving us estimates.  We finally decided to go with the contractors through Costco.

 Several trips to slab yards to pick out 2 slabs, so many choices.....

 Next, a digital template is made- using measurements and digital photos to detect any irregularities.  We got a sink and faucet through a mattress trade with a plumbing supply guy.

The next step is a VERY messy one.  Next week we have to remove the old tile countertop.  I am told this is extremely messy and we need to take extreme care to protect the (relatively) new hardwood floors.  Then we rip down the old ceiling light and make more messy holes to put in canned lights, then tile backsplash. 

I can hardly wait!!!!