Reface or Replace? Homeowners sometimes ask themselves if they really need to replace the cabinets. Why not just "reface" them? Positive Results You May Obtain by Refacing Your Cabinets •Keep your existing counter tops •Fresh, new look for your cabinets •More pleasant or up-to-date environment •Possibly interior functional features for extra cost •More appealing to potential home buyers Refacing Cautions •Same old traffic, workspace and storage problems have not been improved upon. •No opportunity to enhance the kitchen with specialty cabinets like dish or wine rack, glass doors, etc. •Interior of cabinet remains the same; so does interior maintenance •Warranty is for new products only. Basic cabinets are not covered Positive Results You Can Expect by Replacing Your Cabinets •The opportunity to improve the traffic, work patterns and storage space in your floorplan •One time sink and countertop replacement. (If a few years after refacing you decide to tackle the entire kitchen and make general improvements, countertops and sink cannot be re-installed on new cabinets •Stronger, more durable cabinets throughout •Solid wood face frames, not veneer applied to the surface •The possibility of enhancing the beauty of the kitchen by adding specialty cabinets such as a wine rack or display cabinet •Light, attractive easy to clean interiors •Warranty on the entire cabinet, not just the doors and drawers Best Advice The price difference between refacing and replacing may be minimal when the overall value is considered. Replacing cabinets does dictate the replacement of countertops, sink, built-in appliances and probably floor covering. The additional cost for completely new cabinets compared to refaced old cabinets may be quite small. In some instances, the difference is as little as 10%. Be a wise shopper!