What Is Careful Cabinet Removal?
Careful cabinet removal is the first step of a new kitchen done properly: counters and boxes come out without damaging walls, floors or the cabinets themselves, services are capped, and the room is left ready for templating. It sounds simple. It is often where renovations go wrong, with gouged floors, broken drywall, open water lines and old cabinets dumped when they could have been reused.
We remove cabinets ourselves, with our own WSIB-covered crews, because the next step depends on it. Proliner laser templating has to read the real walls, which you only see once the old boxes are gone.
Removal Options
Removal with a full build
Included in every custom kitchen. Removal and templating are usually the same day.
Standalone removal and disposal
For clients who are renovating in stages or working with another trade. Quoted per project.
Removal and donation
Usable cabinets removed intact and dropped at Habitat for Humanity ReStore where accepted.
Removal and storage
Pieces you want to reuse, such as a hutch or island, are wrapped, stored and returned.
Removal Pricing
| Scope | Price | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Removal with a full custom build | Included | 1 day |
| Standalone removal + disposal | Quoted per project | 1 day |
| Removal + donation drop-off | Quoted per project | 1-2 days |
| Removal + storage | Quoted per project | Ongoing |
Why we template after removal
Old cabinets hide bowed walls, out-of-square corners and sloped floors. A tape measure taken around old boxes measures the boxes, not the room. That is how new cabinets end up 3/8 inch short.
Common Removal Problems We Prevent
Damaged floors
Prevented with protection boards from the door to the kitchen.
Open water lines
Prevented by capping supplies and drains before boxes come out.
Old cabinets in a landfill
Prevented by careful removal and donation where possible. After templating, our white-glove delivery and install crews bring the new kitchen in.
Preparing Your Home for Removal Day
A little preparation makes removal day faster and safer. Empty every cabinet and drawer, including the space under the sink. Move small appliances, plants and rugs out of the kitchen and the path to the door. If you are keeping the counter or any cabinets for reuse, tell us during the walkthrough so we can plan how to remove them intact.
Arrange where you will cook and wash dishes during the renovation. Many clients set up a temporary kitchen in the dining room or basement with a microwave, a kettle and a folding table. We can leave the sink connected until the last day of removal if you need it.
What Happens to Your Old Cabinets
Donation
Cabinets that come out intact and in good condition can often go to Habitat for Humanity ReStore. We wrap them, deliver them and give you any receipt the store provides.
Reuse
Some clients keep boxes for a garage, basement workshop or laundry. We remove and stack them where you want them.
Storage
Pieces you want back, such as a hutch or a vintage island, are wrapped and stored, then returned after the renovation.
Disposal
Damaged boxes, broken counters and old particleboard go in a bin or haul-away.
Safety on Removal Day
We shut off and cap water supplies and drains. Gas lines to ranges and electrical circuits to appliances are made safe by licensed trades where needed. Floors, doorways and stairs are protected, and dust barriers keep the rest of the house clean.
Questions to Ask Before Removal
- Who caps the plumbing, gas and electrical?
- How will my floors be protected?
- Can my old cabinets be donated?
- Will you template the walls right after removal?
- Is your crew insured and WSIB-covered?
Removal Across the GTA
We handle removals in Bloor West Village, Swansea, Long Branch and Kingsway South houses, and in condo towers such as those around Grange Park, with elevator and dock bookings. Removal is usually booked as the first step of a new kitchen from our GTA cabinet shop.
