Give Your Kitchen Cabinets and Your Appliances a Face Lift

by Sue Booth
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

You've already decided to reface your kitchen cabinets, but did you know you can reface your appliances too? Refacing can save you thousands of dollars and can be a great alternative to buying new cabinets and appliances.

Go for the Reface

If both your existing cabinets and appliances are in good condition there is no need to replace them. Give them a quick cosmetic makeover instead. Brand new kitchen cabinets can cost $30,000 and new appliances can run you thousands more. By refacing them all, you can achieve a fresh look for your kitchen at about a third of the cost of buying everything new.

To reface your cabinets, your contractor will replace your cabinet doors and drawers by gluing thin sheets of wood or laminate on top of the cabinet boxes. To reface your appliances, you can contact:

• The original manufacturers, who may be able to provide you with stock or customized face panels. They may also be able to give you some valuable tips.
• Companies that offer face panel kits. This gives you the advantage of ordering what you want. You can choose the color and type of panel, something you probably won't be able to do if you call the manufacturer for existing face panels.
• A custom order company representative who can visit your home and show you samples.

The Best Value of All

If you reface instead of replace, you won't have to spend a fortune to successfully update the hub of your home. A minor project like kitchen refacing is an ideal way to get a larger return on investment for your home. According to the 2006 Cost & Value Report, homeowners can expect to recoup as much as 85 percent of their remodeling investment at resale. Reface your cabinets and appliances and reap the benefits of an updated kitchen.

About the Author
Sue Booth is a freelance writer and a former product analyst for Good Housekeeping magazine. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.