How to Regrout Stuff

Question

I need to get my current place rent ready. 
                                                                        
                                                                        It took me 8 hours to change two faucets. I probably should not  pick up a hammer. Though it is fun at times. 
                                                                        
                                                                        My next project is to regrout my shower floor, and kitchen/bathroom counter tops. Is that even a realistic do-it-yourself project for a non contractor type. I am more of a web and software developer musician type.
                                                                        
                                                                        I hear it's not too hard. But I am wondering if I should just pay someone to do it, or tackle it myself. Any tips a good how-to regrout stuff website? 
                                                
                                                I think my biggest fear would be the shower floor done badly, then leaking into the unit below (this is an upper level condo)

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks Jenny!
                                    
                                    I will keep all this in mind. 
                                    The kitchen counter top has ugly, damaged, messed up grout. I probably have to regrout. Actually I may go with a new kitchen counter top and cabinets all together. I am currently shopping around for the cheapest cabinets and counter tops I can find - the landlord special if you will. Maybe Lowes? 
                                    
                                    Thanks for setting me straight on the cause of shower floor leaks, too.

Jenny F. · Answer

those cheap big box in stocks look fantastic with a fresh coat of paint & some swanky hardware.  Or go to Menard's and get the new door and drawer faces and paint them to save even more.  You can re-tile the counter top easily too (i actually think it easier just to replace it all than to chink out all the grout, i have done it before, it sucks) You can get nice granite tiles relatively cheap at the big box stores so you can have a granite counter top for roughly the same price as you would install a regular tile counter top.  Be aware to use the special blade for granite/marble if you go that route...
            
            happy grouting!

Jenny F. · Answer

LOL!  I havent been here for a while and I see that no one has responded to your question so I will add my few cents worth a few months later....
            
            removing grout is a complete and total pain and is very time consuming. If the grout itself looks to be in pretty good condition (just dirty)  then you have a few choices here...

edited to add: if your shower floor leaks its not because of the grout....its because of the lack of membrane underneath the cement board or improperly installed drains...
            
            the first is oxygenated bleach...you can find it on the net and i use it all the time to clean my grout in the kitchen...you mix it and let it dwell for around 2-3 hours, scrubbing lightly as you apply it.  suck it up with a wet vac and mop up the residue...once you get that done seal the heck out of it!!!!!!! if you dont seal it well you will be cleaning it again and soon....
            
            here is a link for that stuff...www.stainsolver.com
            
            another alternative is this, stain the grout line with special paint or stain....
            
            http://www.groutbrite.com/groutcolorants.htm
            
            http://www.aquamix.com/products/product_group.asp?pgID=8374
            
            either of the above alternatives are EXCELLENT alternatives to taking out the grout.  If you dont have to take it out and regrout, DONT.
            
            if you have flaking grout you can either saw away the chunks and regrout in spots or if you are insistent upon replacing the grout get a grout saw (at any big box store) and start the lengthy process of sawing out every last bit of that stuff.  Its a time consuming night mare. It also makes a mess.