Hold a measuring tape up along the wall to determine how much space you have available. If your old worktop is still in place, it can serve as a useful estimate. When building around a corner, plan on connecting 2 slabs or dividing a slab into 2 pieces with a diagonal cut.  For non-square worktops, measure out the space you have available, then carefully measure out how you’ll make your cuts. Wood worktops expand and contract a lot. When using them, leave 5 mm (0.20 in) between the wood and the wall. Leave 30 mm (1.2 in) between the wood and a freestanding oven. Trace the dimensions you measured directly onto the worktop slabs. No matter what material you choose for your worktops, you can order them pre-cut. If you got pre-cut material, you will only need to do this if the worktops are too big or need to be divided. Worktop material can be wood, laminate, granite, or another material. Place some masking tape over each cutting line. Dark lines don’t show up well on dark worktops, and you’ll also be wearing safety goggles while the saw kicks up sawdust, so the yellow helps you stay on track. The masking tape can be removed when you finish the cuts. Before sawing worktop pieces, take safety precautions. Put on goggles to shield your eyes from chipped material. Face masks offer extra protection, so they may be worth the cost. The type of saw you need depends on the material you’re cutting. A jigsaw can give you precise cuts on a variety of material. If you’re cutting stone, such as marble, use a diamond-tipped circular saw. Carefully cut off the excess material until you’ve formed the worktops you need. The cuts you make will be rougher than any factory-made cuts. Plan to hide your cuts against the wall or under a joining strip, if possible. Both of these features need plenty of space. To get the most accurate estimate possible, move the worktop to the location where you’ll install it. Locate your water line for the sink and your gas or electrical lines for the cooktop or hob, as that’s where you’ll need to cut the holes. Never place these features on the joints between 2 worktop pieces. An easy way to do this is to flip them over and lay them on the worktop’s surface. Masking tape and a marker pen are perfect for creating the guiding lines. Before cutting, move all the lines inward by 5 to 10 mm (0.20 to 0.39 in). This is because the edges of these features hang over the worktop so they don’t fall through. Some sinks and cooktops come with templates you can trace on the worktop. Put on your safety gear again and fire up the same saw you used before. Carefully cut out both holes. Remember that a cut that’s too small can always be fixed, but one that’s too big can’t. Pick up a fine file or sandpaper at the home improvement store. Smooth over both the utility holes and the outer edges of the worktop. When they feel level instead of sharp, the worktops are ready to be installed.
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One-sentence summary -- Measure the size the worktop will be. Draw the measurements on the worktops. Tape over the measurements for visibility while cutting. Put on goggles and a face mask. Cut the worktop to shape. Find the spots where you’ll put the sink and cooktop. Trace the sink and cooktop on the worktop’s surface. Cut out the traced areas with a jigsaw. File down the rough edges of the worktop.


Sometimes the people you’re closest to simply don’t realize that you feel underappreciated. If this person is someone you care about, start by giving them the benefit of the doubt and asking to have an open, honest conversation. Outline why you think they’ve been ungrateful, and give them a chance to answer.  Try to use “I” statements instead of casting blame. For example, you could say “I feel like you take for granted how often I help you with work projects, even though we don’t work for the same company.”  Your tone should be firm, but open. Your friend or family member may be more receptive to your concerns if you frame them as your feelings instead of accusations. Give them a chance to address your feelings and apologize, if they feel it is necessary. Remember that no one is obligated to apologize. Give your friend or family member the chance, but understand that they may not do so. If they don't, it's your choice as to whether you want to continue addressing the issue or move past it. It's not always easy but it's important to consider the other person's perspective in a situation, even when you feel certain you are right. Try to see if there are moments where you have been demanding or ungrateful, too. You could also try to see if there are other factors outside of you that are influencing the other person's attitude. If, for example, your friend is going through a rough breakup and seems rude or needy, their attitude has nothing to do with you. They are just struggling with difficult emotions. As they heal, though, their ungrateful habits will fade and they will appreciate that you were there for them. If you feel someone in your life is taking advantage of you, outline clear boundaries letting them know what you are and are not willing to do for them. Then, hold fast on those boundaries. It may feel difficult at first, but staying firm on your personal limits is ultimately the best way to break their reliance on you. If you are the only person in your house who does the dishes, for instance, let your roommates know that moving forward you will only be cleaning the dishes you dirty. They will be accountable for their own mess. If you’re dealing with someone who is consistently ungrateful or overly negative no matter what you do, think about limiting their role in your life. Decide what, if any, role you want that person to play in your world, and limit them to that role.  Say, for example, you have a friend who constantly demands your time to do things they want to do or navigate their emotional problems, but who is unwilling to return the favor. You may choose to limit that friend to someone you only see in groups, so that you don’t have to handle their emotional burden on your own. You may also decide that you’re happier not maintaining that friendship. A person who demands your time and effort but who shows no consideration or appreciation for your efforts can become a toxic force if you let them.
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One-sentence summary --
Have an honest discussion about your feelings. Look at things from their point of view. Set up boundaries that state what you will and won’t do. Cut ties with the person if they are constantly negative.