Refrigerator Cabinet Removal: Costs & Process
Taking down a refrigerator cabinet usually takes about an hour to two hours, but the cost and time can change depending on the layout of your space. In this post, we'll break down the entire process, from the steps involved to the expected costs.
Steps to Remove a Refrigerator Cabinet During Kitchen Remodeling
After measuring your site, the first thing we do is protect the surrounding areas to make sure we don't damage any nearby furniture. Then, we locate all the electrical wiring and plumbing before we start dismantling the structure using carpentry tools.
- Move appliances out of the way and clear the surrounding area.
- Protect the floor and adjacent furniture from scratches.
- Systematically cut and dismantle the upper cabinets and side panels.
- Finish up the cut edges and haul away any leftover debris.
Comparing Costs and Methods for Structure Removal
The final quote depends on how many people and what kind of equipment we need, which is determined by the scope of the job. There's a big difference in difficulty between just removing the upper cabinets versus taking out the entire built-in cabinetry.
| Category | Simple Upper Cabinet Removal | Complete Built-in Structure Removal |
|---|---|---|
| Time Needed | Under 1 hour | 2 to 3 hours |
| Average Cost | 100,000 KRW | 250,000 KRW |
| Personnel | 1 person | 2 people |
Apartment Rules and Elevator Usage Guidelines
If you're working in a multi-unit dwelling, you must go through the proper reporting procedures with the building management office. Many apartments require you to post construction notices and only allow work during specific hours to keep resident complaints to a minimum.
You absolutely have to take thorough precautions to protect the elevator floors and walls from damage to prevent issues with the building management. If you neglect these steps, you could face penalties from the management office. When disposing of trash, you must either drop it off at the designated area for the apartment or attach a large waste sticker to it for pickup.
What Problems Can You Run Into When Trying to Take It Out Yourself?
If you try to tear it out yourself without the right professional tools, you'll often end up damaging things like your wallpaper or flooring. Especially if you force those mounting screws, you risk breaking the drywall behind it, which means you'll have to pay extra for repairs.
Also, many times the electrical outlets or switch boxes are built right into the refrigerator cabinet. If you work without shutting off the power, you could cause a short-circuit. For a safe and clean finish, it's usually more efficient to hire a professional removal company to handle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just hire someone to remove the refrigerator cabinet without a full renovation?
Yes, many people just need the refrigerator cabinet removed to make room for new appliances or to free up space. Most professional teams can come out and finish the job in half a day.
What happens to the wood debris after the demolition?
Typically, the company that does the work will take care of hauling away all the trash for you. However, some areas require you to file a separate bulky waste disposal report with your local district, so make sure to check during the quoting process to see if waste removal is included.
Can you widen the space to fit a double-door refrigerator?
We can cut down parts of the existing built-in structure to make room for a large refrigerator or a kimchi refrigerator. However, we cannot make structural changes that affect load-bearing walls or main support columns, so you need to check the internal structure first.
If you're planning to remove your refrigerator cabinet, it’s crucial that you measure your appliances accurately beforehand so you can decide exactly what needs to be worked on.