I read a thought-provoking article at HGTV where the writer asked homeowners to consider the cost of custom-made cabinets over less expensive, stock cabinets. Since any kitchen renovation typically includes new cabinets or refaced cabinets, you know a chunk of your budget will be devoted to them. Between the two poles of custom and stock are the semicustom models where a existing cabinet style is modified, based on the size of your available cabinet space. So which is right for you?
Custom cabinets are not always made from top-shelf materials. So even within that option, you’ll find incremental prices based on materials and workmanship. Of course, consider hardware in your budgeting. But you can generalize that custom cabinets—whether wood, glass, green materials, or metal—will be priced higher than stock models.
Refacing Options for Existing Cabinets
The greatest single cost in custom, semicustom, and stock cabinets is in the doors. So an obvious qualifying question is, how sound are the existing doors and drawer fronts? If they’re in great shape (but you want to change the color or texture pattern), you should look into refacing cabinets. You can choose among classical, modern, or hybrid style veneers in a wide range of colors and patterns that can transform your kitchen and reduce your ticket price.
You can even patch and sand slightly damaged cabinets and cover them with fresh paint or even wallpaper. Painting the kitchen walls and cabinets, swapping out old hardware for the new, and adding new backsplash colors and coordinated flooring can transform a really tired kitchen into a work of art.
Don’t feel reigned in while evaluating your cabinet options and your budget.
