As with just about any other project that you undertake in your home, you’re going to have to make some tough choices. And while many of the options that lie before you are aesthetic in nature and can be reversed relatively easily, some projects, like a kitchen renovation require a good deal of thought before a decision is made.
Specifically, we’re talking about whether or not your kitchen cabinets should be replaced or if refacing them will do the trick. Like anything else, there’s a case to be made for either option; this article however will help you to understand when replacing kitchen custom cabinets is the right choice.
Replacing has Always Been an Option. What is Refacing?
It goes without saying that saving money on home renovation projects should take priority, all else being equal. Since purchasing brand-new kitchen cabinets can be on the expensive side, opting to reface your dated-but-still-in-good-condition-cabinets is a viable choice. Refacing consists of replacing the doors and drawers of your cupboards and cabinets, updating the hardware, and applying veneer to any exterior surfaces to match. The cabinet boxes themselves remain the same. Obviously, there are some great benefits to refacing cabinetry; the process is less expensive (by some estimates, refacing can cost approximately 30%-50% less than replacing cabinets entirely) and the job can be completed in far less time. There are, however, some drawbacks to refacing cabinets. For example, since the original cabinet boxes will remain, there won’t be much that you can do if you aren’t happy with your current layout. Also, if your cabinet boxes aren’t in good shape, refacing may not be an option. Lastly, cabinet refacing doesn’t apply to the interior of the cabinets so again, if those aren’t in good shape you may be better off simply replacing the cabinets entirely. If you’re still unsure, continue reading for further kitchen remodel tips when weighing the pros and cons of your potential remodel plans.
If the Existing Cabinets are Falling Apart
If your kitchen cabinets are in such rough shape that they’re falling apart in front of your eyes, no amount of cabinet refacing could fully fix the problem. Refacing is an excellent option to spruce up cabinets with minor scratches, dents, and dings, but only if the boxes are still solid. Even if the cabinets themselves seem like they’re in decent enough shape that refacing them might work, it’s worth having someone with a trained eye to examine the current build. If the original materials used were low quality, you may be better off in the long run if you choose to replace the cabinets rather than spending the money to reface them.
If the Functionality of Your Kitchen No Longer Works
Whether you live in a home you designed, or you’ve purchased your home from a previous owner, the functionality/layout of your kitchen may no longer be to your liking. If you’re unhappy with the locations of certain appliances, looking to add an island, or expand the space into an addition, there’s really no way around it – you’ll need to replace your kitchen cabinets.
If There Are Structural Issues to Contend With
Structural issues tend to mostly impact older homes, but this isn’t always the case. Homes, like any other building, settle over time and a floor that has shifted in such a way that the cabinetry is no longer square, will likely remove the opportunity to reface your cabinets from your list of options.
If Your Project Consists of a Major Renovation
Yes, top-to-bottom kitchen remodels tend to be one of the most expensive home renovation projects you will undertake, but truth be told, if everything from the fixtures and lighting to the flooring is getting replaced, it makes sense to purchase new custom cabinetry. This way, the next time you go to update your kitchen, you know you have solid pieces to build around, and the layout is already to your liking.
If You Think Your Kitchen Will See Increased Traffic in the Years to Come
This might be the toughest tip to consider and requires a certain amount of foresight. What makes this so difficult is the fact that a cabinet refacing may make sense for you and your household now, but that may not hold true in a few years. While refacing cabinets is cheaper than a full-on cabinet replacement, the cost isn’t negligible. If, for example, your existing cabinets are on the older side but in relatively good shape, you may think that refacing them will be sufficient. But supposing your family grows, and the wear and tear of your kitchen increases along with it, you may find yourself in a position where you wished you would have installed new cabinetry capable of withstanding the increase in traffic.
If You Think Your Kitchen Will See Increased Traffic in the Years to Come
In the end, factors like cost, functionality, layout, style, and the condition of your existing cabinetry will all need to be carefully evaluated before you make your decision. Refacing and replacing cabinetry are both excellent options depending on the situation. If you’d like to speak to a qualified professional about your kitchen cabinet project, reach out to Builders Cabinet today.
