Kitchen Remodel: Replacing or Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

A kitchen remodel is among one of the most popular home renovations. Whether you’re interested in improving your home’s value, planning to sell, or simply looking for a change, your kitchen makeover can make a big difference in your home’s appearance and function. Cabinets play an important role in kitchen storage and the appearance of the whole room. As a result, they’re most likely to be a major part of transforming your kitchen either through replacing or refacing kitchen cabinets.

The wrong cabinets can really impact a kitchen’s style. When deciding how to take care of your kitchen cabinet woes, there are two major options. You’ll either want to replace or reface your kitchen cabinets. Here is a comparison of the process of replacing or refacing kitchen cabinets. We will further examine the pros and cons to help you determine which option is best for your kitchen.

The Pros and Cons of Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet replacement is a major process that requires the removal of the entire cabinet box and cabinet system. It wipes the slate and allows you to start fresh. Replacing your cabinets is a good option if the structure and/or interior is damaged, you’re changing your kitchen’s layout, or you need more space or cabinet functionality. However, cabinet replacement can be an exhaustive and expensive job. Before you launch a cabinet replacement project, consider the pros and cons of replacing your kitchen cabinets.

Pros of Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

• You can completely change your kitchen’s layout to improve function.
• Increased cabinet space.
• Replacement can improve interior cabinet durability for long-lasting results.
• The materials used in new cabinets can increase your home’s value.

Cons of Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

• Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it’s expensive.
• Typically requires professional assistance.
• Removing and replacing kitchen cabinets can be a time-consuming project.
• Cabinet removal may reveal the need for additional repairs (like adding matching flooring or wall coverings previously covered).

The Pros and Cons of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

If you can’t afford cabinet replacement and your cabinets are in good condition, there is another option. Cabinet refacing is the process of replacing the exterior components of your cabinet (doors, fixtures, and possibly covering materials). Cabinet refacing can be a good option if your cabinets are in good condition, but the exterior is damaged by scratches or other surface damage. It can also be a great choice for cabinets that look dated or fail to match the appearance of a planned remodel. However, cabinet refacing doesn’t allow you to change the layout of your kitchen.

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Pros of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

• A less expensive way to update kitchen cabinets.
• Can be accomplished by a DIYer who is experienced with tools.
• Allows you to keep your current layout if you want a remodel that maintains your current functionality.
• Takes less time than cabinet replacement.

Cons of Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

• It’s not an option if cabinets are structurally damaged or you want to change the layout of your kitchen.
• If your cabinets aren’t in particularly good shape or lack the space you need, it can be a waste of money.
• Cabinet interiors aren’t refaced during the process.
• Might still require professional assistance if you run into problems.

DIY vs Hiring a General Contractor for Replacing or Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Your cabinets are a major part of your kitchen. They take up a lot of space and have important functional requirements that improve the ways you cook, serve, and use your kitchen. While you might cut costs considerably by tackling the job yourself, cabinet replacement or refacing is a major undertaking. Thus, this isn’t a good option for someone with no experience or tools.

DIY Installation

• Refacing Kitchen Cabinets: Equipment like cabinet doors, fixtures, and finishing materials can be found at home improvement stores or directly through cabinet companies. However, the project requires specific tools and precise measurements. It also requires some general knowledge about carpentry and how your cabinets operate.
• Replacing Kitchen Cabinets: Replacing your cabinets is a major undertaking that requires the entire cabinet system to be safely removed from walls or floors without damaging the surfaces they’re attached to or resulting in injuries. Putting back new cabinets requires heavy lifting and precise leveling, so cabinets are properly positioned. A reasonably professional carpenter is required for a successful DIY cabinet replacement.

Professional Installation

• Refacing Kitchen Cabinets: There are fewer companies that reface cabinets than those that replace them, so locating a professional can be more of a challenge. However, a general contractor with experience in kitchen remodeling can handle such a project. Depending on how your contractor works, you may need to purchase the supplies for refacing while your contractor uses their own tools to complete the project.
• Replacing Kitchen Cabinets: There are many companies and general contractors who complete cabinet replacement projects. Having your cabinets professionally installed is considerably more expensive, but you can count on quality work without costly mistakes. Professionals are typically accustomed to complete remodels, so they can also address any issues with repairing any damages that are revealed during cabinet removal.

Kitchen Remodel: Replacing or Refacing Kitchen Cabinets

Your kitchen cabinets are an important part of your kitchen. While refacing can be a less expensive option, the process can become quite costly if you don’t make careful choices regarding materials and contractors. When choosing between refacing or replacing your cabinets, consider how the value of each option can improve your home.

Hiring a professional is often the best way to tackle a major remodel that requires specialized tools and experience. When choosing a contractor, make sure to do your due diligence to make sure the professional has the proper insurance and credentials to complete the job safely.

If you’re completing a major kitchen remodel, don’t forget to contact your independent insurance agent to make sure your home insurance policy reflects the value of your new changes. Remodeling your kitchen is a great way to update your home in a way that will enhance your lifestyle for years to come and add value to your home. By taking the time to conduct thorough research, you can be sure you’re making the right choice whether to replace or reface your kitchen cabinets.