I'm a first-time homeowner feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. I recently bought a new oven, but it turns out it's too big for my countertop space. Initially, I thought about just getting a smaller oven, but those seem really pricey. Then a friend suggested that my countertops are not in great shape and trimming about an inch and a half off each side could work since they aren't properly finished anyway. However, some coworkers have been telling me this is a bad idea and that I should just return the oven. I'm curious—should I go ahead and cut the countertops? Do I need any permits for that, or should I return the oven and just spend more?
2 Answers
Cutting those countertops sounds pretty straightforward! Just grab a jigsaw with a down cut blade to avoid chipping, and you'll be fine. And no worries about permits for this kind of thing—you don’t need one for cutting counters.
Definitely keep the oven and just cut the counters! If you're feeling unsure, hiring a handyman could be a good move, and it shouldn't break the bank—maybe around $100 if you find someone reasonable. Just remember, you typically only need permits for big structural changes or adding utilities; for this, you're good to go!
Thanks! I feel a lot more confident now. I think I’ll get a handyman to help out with the measurements and cuts.

This is exactly what I needed to hear, thanks!