Re-facing can range from simply repainting existing cabinets and drawer fronts and updating hardware to stripping cabinet doors and applying veneer or other decorative elements. Re-facing can also include completely replacing cabinet doors in a new style using new materials.
If you’re so inclined you can reface your cabinets and drawers yourself, or you can hire a company that specializes in cabinet re-facing to do the work for you. Different companies have slightly different definitions of cabinet re-facing. Some build new drawers and doors for existing cabinets while some clean, install new veneers, and add new hardware.
The key, if you choose to go with a professional, is to be clear about the range of services and what exactly they can offer you for a given price. Consider that Re-facing is an attractive alternative because it can cost 30-50% less than replacing existing cabinets with cabinets of comparable quality.
BUT it begs the most important question and that being “Added Value” of the home. If you have 25 year old cabinets and you re-face them you still have 25 year old cabinets that have not increased the value of the home but have now cost you money! However new cabinets will increase the value of your home more that any other change you can make to your home.
So should you re-face or replace?
1. If your home was built more than 30 years ago, it’s likely that the cabinets are wood or plywood and the construction is decent quality. Older drawers were often constructed using dovetails and rabbets, not just glue and staples. Often they were extra deep or wide. However finishes 30 years ago lacked a lot compared to today’s cabinet finishes.
2. If you are hiring a company to do the re-facing, they’ll provide an estimate and detail exactly the services they can provide. Because they have a vested interest in selling their service, it’s a good idea to get several estimates from a couple vendors.
3. If your kitchen has low-end cabinets made of particle board with either a vinyl or laminate finish for example, they may not be worth spending money on.
4. Cabinet cases that show signs of deterioration, shelves that bow, or drawers that don’t slide easily are indications that the cabinets should be replaced.
The caveat is to take a good look at your cabinets before you call in someone to give you an estimate. Depending on their company´s focus, they may suggest re-facing cabinets that aren’t worth it or suggest replacing cabinets that are.
If you´ve examined your cabinets closely, you’ll be less susceptible to being “sold” on services or improvements that aren’t necessary or will not show any appreciable value.
Comparative cost for replacement versus re-facing
New kitchen cabinetry can be expensive. Re-facing is an attractive alternative because it can cost 30-50% less than replacing existing cabinets with cabinets of comparable quality. But does it add any appreciable value to the home?
The average kitchen has about 15 cabinets and, at an average cost per cabinet of $500, can easily exceed $7,500 for cabinets alone. However these costs can be greatly reduced with new cabinetry from “Kitchens Now!” which have been reduced by up to 70% off retail prices.
A common rule of thumb in pricing remodeling costs is to figure the cost of cabinets and installation at 50-60% of the total remodeling budget.
The total re-facing cost depends on the number of cabinets, veneer and hardware choices, and options like replacing countertops and moldings. These costs can be as much as 50% of the cost of new cabinets without adding any appreciable vale to your home. Using the case shown above that re-facing job could cost $3,740.00. Money well spent?
A professional with solid experience and references is likely to give you the best outcome for the money. To qualify a vendor, check their references, compare several estimates, and examine their contract for scope of work, terms and conditions, as well as warranties. I’m not sure what good a warranty is with a re-facing job? With new Armstrong Allwood Cabinets you get a 5 Year Limited warranty as opposed to a typical one year warranty.
A poorly refaced cabinet can be uglier than just repainting. Spend the time needed to evaluate each company before signing an agreement for the work. There are many small companies as well as larger companies who are eager for your project, but there are also enough yahoos out there that are just as willing to take your money and leave you with a subpar result.
The time required for re-facing or refinishing kitchen cabinets depends on the size of the kitchen but usually can be completed within 3-5 days. New cabinetry from Armstrong can be installed in as little as one day providing no physical changes are made in the configuration.
By making the phone calls and doing your research, you can get the kitchen you want and not go broke in the process. We will be happy to provide you with a Free Design Consultation using our new 20/20 Kitchen Design software. Call us today to set an appointment. 214-664-3900
No comments:
Post a Comment