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The problem is clear: you just can't go on with your cabinets looking so shabby. Their appearance brings down the entire look of your kitchen. Having ugly, poorly functioning cabinets can potentially bring down the value of your home. You now have two options: replace them entirely or have a cabinet refacing contractor work some magic.
First let's look at signs that reveal it's time for action. Your cabinets are outdated. The style reflects a long-gone era and they now look loud or obnoxious. The cabinet door-fronts and drawers have faded from sunlight and present a multicolored look from one side of the kitchen to the other.
Time is money, and money is money. That means if either of those considerations mean a lot to you, refacing or resurfacing your cabinets can make much more sense than ordering replacements. A refacing project, according to This Old House, can cost around $1,000 for adding veneer, new doors, and hardware. On the other hand, a complete replacement project entailing entire new cabinets can cost $5,000.
A refacing project still allows flexibility in hardware and features. For example, self-sticking veneers or raised panels are easily applied and give your existing kitchen cabinets a contemporary look. Or, if you're looking for a different era, there are resurfacing materials to match your style. You'll also cut down on maintenance and cleaning.
If you want to spend a little more, consider asking a professional to quote prices on add-on features like roll-out shelving, European-style doors, or high-performing drawer slides. These can all be done at the same time, keeping the work confined to a brief turnaround. Full replacements, on the other hand, can take weeks to have specifications made, materials delivered, installation and painting performed, and clean-up completed.
In terms of time, an entire refacing project can be finished in as little as a week, and you won't have to dislodge or remove cabinets and the structures that support them. It adds up to less mess, less interruption of your normal family life, and custom quality work at a lower cost.
Face Your Kitchen
This Old House
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