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Kitchen Cabinet Refacing - To Do List
Thu 22 Feb 2007 - 10:38
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing - To Do List
By Ken K. Morris
Replacing your kitchen cabinetry can be far more expensive than doing simple kitchen cabinet refacing. If you current kitchen layout is to your satisfaction, then this will be a good choice. It is one type of job that can be achieved a lot faster than remodeling, and the overall process is not as intrusive.
When you reface your cabinets you will have to install new drawer fronts, drawers and cabinet doors. Once the old doors have been removed you will notice the remains of the old refacing materials, possibly plastic or wood veneers.
Veneer is put over the finish with glue. The finished look is completed by trimming the edges, and the new drawer fronts and cabinet drawers are added. Finally, door handles, hardware and drawer handles are added.
If you are not willing to or cannot afford a new layout, you can look into unique storage ideas for your new cabinets. You can choose from a wine rack, lazy Susan, pullout garbage cans and recycling bins, or pullout shelving. Most companies that do refacing have these options. Always ask your contractor what they have available that could work for you.
In some cases, the best choice for kitchen renovation may not be refacing. A badly laid out kitchen cannot be resolved with refacing. The result will still be the old layout. However, this can be fixed with a full remodelling.
To begin with, your kitchen cabinets should be well constructed and in reasonable condition. Any structural problems or damage to your cabinets cannot be resolved with the decorative refacing. In fact, only surface problems can be fixed with refacing, but poor workmanship or deterioration cannot be helped in this way.
Dependent on the numbers and types of materials and cabinets you use, the cost will vary. The average kitchen can cost you thousands, but this is far less than completely replacing your kitchen.
Start by getting some estimates. Compare each estimate carefully, taking into account the following: countertops; old cabinet removal; door and drawer handles; plumbing jobs; mouldings; wall finishing around your cabinets; and installation expenses. If the higher estimate has all the features above taken into account then it will be far more cost effective than the lower estimate. Taking a lower estimate just because of cost and sacrificing these essentials could be far more costly in the future. Make sure you study each contract and estimate thoroughly before agreeing to anything so you get true value for money.
Finally, don't forget to do background checks on the contractor. What experience does he have? Check with people who have used his services. Were these people happy with the job he did? Ask these referees to show them their finished kitchens or at least some photographs, if they are willing to. Plus, check the contractor is properly licensed and he has the necessary insurance.
Ken Morris' publications can be found on lots of web sites linked to cabinetry and cabinet doors. You can have a look at his observations on cabinet doors and kitchen cabinet refacing over at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_K._Morris
http://EzineArticles.com/?Kitchen-Cabinet-Refacing---To-Do-List&id=464065
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