Countertops and Cabinets

Countertops are frequently laminated plastic, commonly called Formica, but may also be ceramic tile, wood, or granite.

• The cost of replacing a laminated plastic counter top varies, but would generally be less expensive than tile or granite.
• The Formica or laminated plastic sometimes delaminates, especially around the sink and at the dishwasher. The particle board or plywood base often swells and deteriorates in wet areas.
• Countertops should be secured to the base cabinets using screws from underneath.
• Setting a hot utensil on them frequently burns the countertop.
• Ceramic tile, while fairly easy to keep clean, has a tendency to lose grout and loosen. You should carefully and lightly tap the tile on a countertop with a screwdriver in much the same manner you would around a bathtub or shower.

Cabinets

The doors and drawers on wall and base cabinets should be periodically checked. It is not unusual to find a door that does not work properly, a broken drawer or faulty hardware.

• Pulls, keepers, knobs, and handles may be missing.
• Hinges should be secure and allow door to close completely.
• Cabinets should be hung with screws as opposed to nails. It is particularly important to check this in new construction.
• Drawers should have stops to prevent drawers and contents from falling to the floor.
  
• Non-matching cabinet doors are frequently encountered.
• In a remodeling situation, it is sometimes possible to change the doors rather than the complete cabinet.
• Lazy-Susans should operate freely and be non-binding.