Help! Should we buy new cabinets or keep existing in our kitchen?

Dear Mike and Kathe:

We are thinking about remodeling our kitchen and don’t know whether it would be better for us to keep our existing cabinets or get new? We know that the trend is to get away from oak, but we don’t mind oak and the cabinets are in pretty good condition. Any advice would be appreciated.

Joan and Mark

Answer:

Dear Joan and Mark,

Cabinets are definitely the big ticket item of a remodel and the bones of your kitchen. Here are some questions to help you evaluate your situation:

· How long are you planning to stay in your home- at least 5 years?
· How much are you able to invest in your kitchen- at least $50K?
· Will your existing cabinetry need some modifications to make your new appliances fit and/or improve the function?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then you will get a much higher value from your remodel by replacing your cabinetry. If you answered no to any of these questions, refinishing them could be a great option. Refacing is another option, if cost is not issue or you have no other choice. Refacing involves keeping the existing cabinetry boxes, replacing the door and drawer fronts, and putting a thin veneer over the cabinet box frames. Because a good refacing job can cost as much as buying new cabinetry these days, this is an option that people choose if they’ve already put new granite or quartz on their countertops and then decided that they don’t like their cabinets anymore. Once you put granite or quartz down, you can’t take it off and re-use it again.

We will be discussing the in’s and outs of cabinetry in our upcoming seminar this month: “Cabinetry 101: what you should know before you buy”. We are also presenting a companion class called “Storage Solutions for All Kitchens” on the same time. Join us for both seminars at our showroom on August 28th from 10am to noon. To register for these free seminars, visit our website at www.ourdreambuilder.com.

Mike and Kathe