Now that the ordeal is behind me, a few more pieces of advice

1. Quartz is better than granite. Go with quartz for the countertop.

2. Cabinets are by far the highest cost in the average kitchen remodel. If you don't have to replace the cabinets, don't. I really wish I had just paid someone to put new doors and finish on my existing cabinets.

3. If you do replace the cabinets, don't use the store you bought the new cabinets from for the demolition of the old and the installation of the new. They find someone you could find via classifieds, and take a 30-50% finder's fee for doing so. You end up paying a lot more.

4. Do what you can yourself, as long as you can do it well. It will save a lot of money. I installed the floor and tile back splash, as well as most contractors would have and at a fraction of the cost. I probably could have done even more, but was hesitant because I wasn't sure I would do as good a job as a contractor.