Cabinet Refacing Kitchen Cabinets in Phoenix & Scottsdale

I’m often evaluating kitchens where homeowner’s are stuck between the options of refacing their cabinets, or starting from scratch.   There are a few questions you should ask yourself to get started:

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1. Are you happy with the function and layout of your cabinets?
2. Does your current appliance and window situation suite your needs?
3. Have you recently redone your counter top, backsplash, or flooring?
4. Will you be staying in your home for at least 5 more years?

If you answered yes to these questions, cabinet refacing may be an economical option. Most of the time, the answers will be a combination of yes and no, and some further questioning will be required.  Here are a few rule of thumbs that I follow if you’re not planning  to resell anytime soon (Also, you can view our cabinet selection guide for more information):

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If you don’t like the way your cabinets function or layout, or you don’t like the appliance layout and there are clear and better design options, don’t invest any further into those cabinets.  They eventually have to go if you stay in your home!  Often, finances can make it difficult for a complete kitchen remodel and brand new cabinets, so give yourself some time but start planning now!  Wait until you have the finances to do it exactly the way you want it, you’ll be happier in the long run.

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Ever look at a picture of yourself from the 80s or 90s and said, “Wow, my hair and those clothes are awesome!” …probably not. The same situation plagues many homeowners with their kitchens. It’s very likely a homeowner remodeled their kitchen 5, 10, maybe 15 years ago. Kitchen remodeling trends, like fashion, are constantly evolving. A remodeled kitchen from 15 years ago may have a good layout and work well for the homeowner’s needs, but the style is clearly out of date. In a situation like this, it’s best to get comparison bids. One bid with a line item estimate for specific modifications to the cabinet refacing and a second bid showing the cost of new cabinets and counter tops designed the way you want them.

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You will typically find that cabinet refacing in Phoenix is about  65-75%  the cost of new cabinets.  Add to that the “a la carte” functional changes on your wish list and you could be approaching 80%.  Now that you have all the numbers, (your contractors bid and your bank statement), it’s time to debate the “value ratio”.  (See the Cost vs Value article on our blog for data about home remodeling ROI)How bad do you want it, versus how much home investment can you stomach with home values either on a mild decline or stagnant at best.   If you’re married, than add another complexity to this debate.  If you are skilled enough to negotiate to the point of agreement without outside counsel, consider yourself the winner of a remodel project.  If not, either put it on the shelf and wait for circumstances to change in your favor, or go back to the drawing board.

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I know, the process sounds cumbersome , but if you start by surrounding yourself with the right builder and designer, in the end you can create a space that will provide years of enjoyment.  It really is worth it!

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