If you do this first step, a local handyman in your paper would be capable of UN/ installing it for you, the benchtop manufacturer will come to you, measure and quote off plan, and install for you. The only things is organizing an electrician and or plumber to disconnect during your removal, and then re fitting after it's done. The same trades people will do this as it's common practice. Send me your list of cabinets and room layout, I can make use of them for you, then it's a matter of contacting a handyman to reinstall for you. I will make a list of existing cabinets and note any new ones that might be necessary, keeping that to a minimum. I am a kitchen designer and have lots of experience in doing this. Yu simply go to a. Cabinet maker with your list of a few cabinets with all your preferences made, such as selecting a door profile in your solid timber from their catalogues, or a match your happy with. You can say you Want a quote for new tops and some cabinets, without knowing the details, most would be happy to do this for you, it's just the first process I mentioned you need to do, as they have little time to think for you. Where possible save time and money by planning it out, and then it should go well.

I'd suggest that the first thing on the agenda would be to come up with an actual design. If there are going to be big changes, you might want to think about a kitchen design specialist. Once you have your design, decide on a budget. That will tell you roughly whether you're looking at granite countertops, caeserstone, corian or laminate. Same with cabinetry: everything is a function of price. By all means, have a good look around kitchen places to see what sorts of surfaces are available, and what appeals to you. And don't forget appliances. Ultimately, though, most of us are constrained by budget.

yvonne.. re sanding cupboards I had mine professionally sanded because they were looking worn. timber is American Oak and it really didn't lighten very much by sanding. so depending on your timber you might not achieve much. i would change a few upper cabinets with glass doors, white perspex or remove a few doors, paint the back of shelving and hang wine glasses or whetever and break the load that way. I replaced my range hood with a pull out chrome one and that in itself made a difference nt tying in with the chrome handles. see pictures. maybe you could paint the legs or reupholster the stools to white...all part of the kitchen.

Hi again. Finally took the plunge and had the kitchen resprayed. So much lighter and a great job by the professionals. Hard to remember the mustard kitchen now, except the photos remind me.