By: Jenny Cazares
I have had many customers ask this question. We always advise budgeting for both options. We feel it is good information for the customer to be able to compare their options, and what might be best for their budget and for their family. Let’s examine a few pros and cons; these will help you decide if you should reface or replace your kitchen cabinets.
Refacing could simply be just painting your existing cabinets, or replacing the cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware, and covering (or finishing) the rest of your cabinets to match.
Refacing cabinets is like painting an old used car; you can make it look pretty, but it will have the same “guts” (ie. the same drawer slides, hinges, drawer boxes, etc). Will refacing give you the interior upgrades you’re looking for, to make your driving experience more pleasurable?
Needless to say, it may be a good option for some.
If a contractor provides a quote to only paint your cabinets, it should be pretty cut and dry. Refacing companies may not include everything you feel should be included. Before you sign a contract for refacing, review your quote thoroughly.
Here are a few things to look for that should be on your quote for both options.
If you are getting a quote to reface with all new doors and drawers, make sure to ask about any hidden fees. You may receive a quote that does not include the actual color or style that you want, but rather a basic door style in a white finish. You may have smaller doors with a cabinet frame showing, and you might prefer to go with larger doors for a full overlay look that will hide more of your frame.
Some companies may include only a certain number of hinges and drawer slides, and they might not be soft close. Some may not include new drawer boxes, but only the drawer front. Be sure to express exactly what you want for your new kitchen, and be sure everything is included in the quote.
Your new kitchen cabinet budget should be based on the color and style (i.e. finish selection, painted or stained wood finish) cabinetry you want, determined by the linear feet of cabinets for your kitchen.
It is important to provide your kitchen cabinet partner with as much information as possible, prior to their budgeting for your cabinetry. Examples of this are if you would like second-tier cabinets or wall cabinets with doors with glass and finished interiors. This is very helpful for your cabinet partner to have, so they can budget your new kitchen accurately. Here are the items that should be included in your budget.
The customer can then choose which budget will work best for them. Once the client has made their final selections and is happy with their design, they will receive a final quote with all their desired items included. If you are budgeting for custom cabinets, the budget should be very close to the final price, unless the customer adds additional cabinetry or additional inserts.
Take your time to weigh both options before you make a decision, never feel pressured or rushed, to decide on the best option for you and your family.