Kitchen Cabinet Refacing: Getting the Most Out of Your Remodeling Budget

by Gabriel Traverso
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

With home remodeling projects there are many pitfalls that can easily lead to a money-losing endeavor, rather than adding value to your home. In your Chicago kitchen this often revolves around your cabinets. Bottom line? New kitchen cabinets are expensive and not always worth the cost.

Chicago Kitchen Cabinet Remodeling

When you plan a kitchen remodel, especially if you're planning to sell the home soon, you want to make sure you get the most out of your remodeling dollars. According to Remodeling Magazine the average major kitchen remodeling project in 2006 cost $56,227 in the Chicago region but only returned $38,884 in added resale value. Upscale remodels cost $110,399 on average and returned even less: only 65.8% of the cost of the project.

The Benefits of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

As you plan your kitchen cabinet remodeling project remember this: updating the look of your Chicago kitchen doesn't mean you have to install new kitchen cabinets. Instead, consider refacing as a more cost-effective option. Kitchen cabinet refacing is the path many homeowners are taking today in order to stretch their kitchen remodeling dollars. According to Cheryl Catalano, a kitchen cabinet refacing specialist in Naperville, kitchen cabinet refacing "can save up to 50 percent compared to the cost of replacing." Installing new kitchen cabinets, after all, is incredibly disruptive. Your existing cabinets have to be torn out and plumbing or electrical wiring might need to be rerouted. You might also incur additional, unplanned costs if your floors are damaged in the process.

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Ideas

Refacing your kitchen cabinets usually involves installing a new veneer on your cabinets and drawer fronts. Many homeowners are opting today for the "shabby chic" look with distressed cabinet doors--paint sanded down to give a rustic look. New hardware will go miles in updating the feel of your Chicago kitchen and sometimes all you need is a splash of color to bring new life into your kitchen. Before you jump to the conclusion that you need new cabinets, consider whether refacing your existing kitchen cabinets might make more sense. 

About the Author
Gabriel Traverso is a freelance writer, professional musician, and an artist. He resides with his family in Reno, NV.