Spending Less and Still Being Flexible with Refacing

by Joe Cooper
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

With a minor kitchen remodel costing around $18,000 (according to Realtor Magazine's 2005 report), homeowners looking to give their kitchen a facelift are in for an investment. And at a time when the real estate market is slower than usual, homeowners need a kitchen remodeling option that is affordable, effective, and also flexible.

Saving While Remodeling

Homeowners Bob and Kelly Pretlow in Seattle are enjoying their new kitchen, which was remodeled using state-of-the-art "green" materials and designed for environmental efficiency. Shown in the Seattle Times, their kitchen is beautiful - and it took $100,000 and over 6 months to do.

Homeowner Pam Holder of Arizona remodeled her kitchen, too--her cabinets specifically--but at around 50 percent less than what it would have cost her to completely replace them. She chose kitchen cabinet refacing and spent only $8,000.

Flexibility in Process

The Realty Times makes several suggestions for homeowners who are remodeling. Tips for the kitchen include adding extra cabinets up to the ceiling. This is an option available to homeowners who choose refacing, too. New doors, drawers, hardware, and even full cabinet boxes can be added as needed. Along with substantial savings, refacing offers homeowners as much as or even more flexibility than a complete cabinet replacement.

A Good Option Now

Particularly in a market where the average home price has fallen over the last 12 months, homeowners need affordable ways to protect and enhance their biggest investment--their home. If budget and timeline are no option, homeowners may be free to go the route of the Pretlows. But for busy homeowners looking to get the biggest bang for their buck, options like refacing are important.

Sources

Seattle Times
Arizona Daily Star
Realty Times

About the Author
Joe Cooper writes home services and design articles and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.