Entertainment Magazine: Home Improvement: Kitchens

Remodeling your kitchen:
Tips and resources

kitchen cabinet remodel refaceRenovating an outdated kitchen is a practical way to improve a home and increase your comfort with newer, energy efficient appliances, updated flooring and cabinets.

The average cost to remodel and entire kitchen was $15,273, according to "Remodeling" magazine.

A remodeled kitchen can add an average of $14,195 to the resale value. But, in some strong markets, like Chicago, the added value can higher.

When remodeling a kitchen, there are several considerations. The first concern should be whether you want to replace the entire cabinets and countertops, or just reface them. Then, the second concern is the cost.

Of course, complete replacement will cost more- up to three times or more.

Refinishing, or refacing, the existing cabinets and/or counters can be a big savings with a new look and style.

Kitchen Remodeling Index

Should you replace or refinish kitchen cabinets and counters?

Kitchen Cabinets:

Kitchen Countertops:

Refinishing compared with replacement

There are two main principles behind kitchen cabinet refinishing.

Refinishing retains the framework of the kitchen cabinets and replacing the cabinet doors and drawer fronts in a new material and style.

Usually the sides of the cabinets are also refinished and new surfaces installed.

This can change the whole look of the kitchen at a relatively low cost.

Not only is the cost of the cabinets reduced, the labor necessary to renovate the kitchen is much less than a total refit.

If necessary, new kitchen cabinets can be added to the present layout, and drawers can be reformed to make sure they are sound and long-lasting.

All in all, cabinet refacing is an excellent option to consider when you’re wanting a new look for your kitchen at a relatively low cost.

Replacing the entire kitchen, or building a new one, requires more planning. But with today's advanced materials, the options are wide.

Read ideas and consderations about refacing kitchen cabinets also known as resurfacing.

Should you replace or refinish kitchen cabinets and counters?

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