Due to budget constraints, many people who are considering upgrading their kitchen are looking to refinish their existing cabinets rather than buy a whole new kitchen full of cabinets. Here, we’ll explore many of the various issues that may cause you to prefer one approach over the other.
Are your existing cabinets structurally sound? Many earlier cabinets were built with particleboard and other components that allowed the fiber to absorb moisture or otherwise deteriorate. If that’s the case, it wouldn’t make sense to spend money painting or refacing them.
Perhaps most important is your satisfaction with your existing kitchen in terms of its design and usefulness in your daily life. You know, times have changed and the kitchen is now, for many families, the center of family activity. If this is the case in your family, does your current kitchen layout and configuration make the most of the available space? Do you have enough cabinet space to house all your appliances, food, plates, bowls, glasses, good china, utensils, etc.? Or could more space make preparing and serving meals easier?
Think about the traffic flow in your current kitchen. Are your refrigerator, stove, oven, and sink positioned correctly for family comfort and efficient meal preparation? Would a redesign or even expansion of your kitchen space better suit your family’s needs?
Do you enjoy the modern conveniences that new cabinets can provide? You know, there have been a lot of innovations lately that make the most of previously unused spaces. Things like built-in spice racks, pop-up electrical receptacles, specialty storage for large plates or plates, door storage, and other conveniences are very popular now and really help enhance the utility of a kitchen.
After you’ve considered all of the above, you’ll need to consider the look you want to achieve in your kitchen update. Obviously, the color, texture, and trim of your cabinets, countertop, and backsplash area are the primary considerations, with particular emphasis on the countertop. There are many new types of countertops to consider, from laminate to solid surface (Corian), granite, and even marble or quartz, and each brings with it a different utility, look, and cost.
There are also several different ways to revamp your existing cabinets, if that’s your desire. From simply painting doors and cabinets to resurfacing cabinets and replacing the door, the cost of refinishing can vary greatly. Likewise, so does the durability and value of the project.
Every kitchen remodeling project increases or decreases the value of your home and you should be sure to take this into account when selecting an approach. Your best bet is to contact a professional kitchen remodeling company and have a professional kitchen designer visit your home to help you determine what will best suit your needs and what will add value to your home.
Seasoned kitchen designers have been through all of these issues on multiple occasions and have seen the results of various approaches. He/she can best advise you on your kitchen remodeling project.