How to remove a kitchen

Pondering how to remove your kitchen for a fresh start as a new room? Kitchen removal doesn't have to be a headache - but be prepared for plenty of mess!

So, you've decided to convert your kitchen to another room. But before you don your overalls and brace yourself for the mess, it's important to do your homework. Kitchen designer Liam Murphy, of Second Hand Kitchens, says removing a kitchen involves a 'top-down' approach.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help make removing a kitchen hassle-free:

1. Find a professional

Enlist the professional services of a plumber and electrician to disconnect and remove the appliances, sinks, taps and special kitchen light fittings. The right tradespeople are essential for removing a kitchen. Here are the steps to successful kitchen removal.

2. Remove the wall cabinets

The removal, dismantling, transport and disposal of joinery is a step you can be involved in if you choose, as it doesn't require any special knowledge.

3. Remove kitchen benchtops

This is best left to a professional. Laminate benchtops are easier to remove (and relocate), as they're fixed by screws to the cabinets. Granite or stone benchtops are more difficult as they're glued to a solid cabinet top, and can cause the cupboard to come apart. Keep in mind they're also very heavy! Cabinets without a solid top will make the removal of granite/stone benchtops easier.

4. Remove base cabinets

Removing kitchen cabinets not already dealt with is next on your to-do list: remove the base and tall cabinets then have the relevant professionals terminate the gas, electricity and plumbing.

5. Remove wall tiles

With the cabinets out of the way, removing kitchen tiles from the wall is much easier. Usually the Gyprock will need to be cut out with the tiles, creating holes in the wall. Tiles will usually come off rendered walls a little easier. Now's also the time to remove the splashback. Remember, glass splashbacks can't be re-used - the whole wall will need to be cut out with the glass.

6. Remove flooring

To remove kitchen flooring, enlist the help of a professional. "Depending on your floor, you may need help to match the floorboards," Liam says. "Removing tile flooring on a concrete slab will likely require jack hammering - it's good to know this prior to removing your kitchen."

According to Liam, practical issues to do with electrics and plumbing are commonly overlooked. "Some people don't realise they have a water meter or hot water service inside their kitchen or a fuse box inside the house," he warns. "It can be a surprise to realise that disconnecting the kitchen means disconnecting water/gas/electricity supply to the whole house."

If you're wanting to remove old kitchen fittings and convert the space to a new room, be aware that holes in the walls and floor are inevitable - a plasterer or renderer will be required for patchwork. "Anticipate what will be left once you remove the kitchen, and the implications of its repair," Liam stresses. "Hire a skip bin and be prepared for the mess," he adds.

Search the yellowpages.com.au for tradespeople to assist in removing your kitchen: