Granite countertops are not the least expensive choice, but people don’t choose them because they’re cheap.  Natural granite is among the most beautiful, durable and easiest-to-care-for materials available for countertops.  It’s range of colors and patterns is extensive, and no two granite countertops are alike.  Your countertops will be different from any others in the world.

Still, it’s nice to save a little money when you can, and it is possible when you’re installing granite countertops.  This isn’t to say you should try to install them yourself.  No.  That is a job for a professional.  But you can help the process along by completing some of the preliminary work yourself.

A warning:  If you have doubts about your ability to complete the steps involved in prepping for new countertops, it’s probably best not to do it and to leave it up to the installation crew.  Another alternative is to call in one of those favors you’ve done for a handy friend.  Pizza and beer for a job well done is cheaper than professional fees.

Assuming you’re replacing countertops in your kitchen, the first step is to remove the water faucet and sink.  Most kitchen faucets have shutoff valves under the sink for the hot and cold water.  If yours does not, you’ll need to shut off the water at the main house valve.  Once the water is off, disconnect the supply lines and the drain(s).  You’ll probably get a little wet, so have some rags handy to wipe up any spills.

Now find the clamps that connect the countertop and sink, if there are any.  Loosen all of them and use a blade (doesn’t have to be sharp) to cut the caulk seal.  Remove the sink.

Next, if there are any other items, such as appliances, connected to the countertop, remove them.  Then take out the screws that connect the countertop to the cabinet frame.  Lift the countertop away from the cabinet frame.  The installers will most likely take the old countertops away for you.

Now you have an even larger investment in your new granite countertops — some sweat equity.  So you should be inspired to take extra good care of them.  There are several ways to do this, including keeping granite sealer, granite cleaner and granite polish on hand.

Sealing granite countertops is as simple as wipe on, wipe off, and it will help your countertops resist penetration by substances that might cause staining, giving you more time to clean them away.  Cleaning granite countertops is even simpler, especially with a good granite cleaner.  The product has been formulated to clean thoroughly without causing any damage.  Daily use is recommended.  Polishing granite countertops occasionally helps maintain their luster and beauty.