Archives for June 2017

Kitchen Cabinets: Replace or Reface?

Kitchen Cabinets: Replace or Reface?When your kitchen cabinets begin looking shabby or out of place, they’re a top priority for your kitchen contractor.  They’re a key part of your kitchen, both in functionality and aesthetic appeal, and you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of them.

So, you’re left with two major options.  Replacing your cabinets involves installing brand new cabinets, and that’s what most people jump to as their primary option.  But did you know that refacing cabinets is sometimes an option as well?  It’s a more cost-effective and sustainable approach, and will give you the look of custom cabinets while fitting in your budget.

Not all cabinets can be refaced, however.  If you’re considering whether to replace or reface your kitchen cabinets, here are some key indicators that replacement would be necessary:

Cheap Cabinets

Sometimes, when you move in to a new home, you’ll find that the previous owner has installed cheap cabinets.  Cabinets made of particle board are much more difficult to reface, even with proper reinforcement.  It’s best in that situation to replace the whole lot.

Severe Damage

Rotting wood.  Severe water damage.  Mold.  Termites.  Plenty of things can happen to your wooden kitchen cabinets, and some of it can damage them beyond the possibility of refacing.  It’s rare that all cabinets are damaged beyond repair, though – it may be possible to mix and match replacing and refacing.

Metal Cabinets

Metal cabinets, or metal cabinet frames, are much more difficult to work with when it comes to refacing.   They used to be all the vogue – vermin-proof and modern looking and all that.  They’re not nearly as possible today as they used to be, but there are still some lying about, and they often cannot be refaced.

A Complete Kitchen Layout Change

If you’re undergoing a complete kitchen remodel, and will be moving cabinets here and there, it makes much more sense to replace them.  Trying to fit an old, refaced cabinet into a new place is often like putting a square peg in a round hole – it just ends up not working and frustrating everyone who tries.  It’s better to get entirely new cabinets in this case.

Top Questions to Ask Your Kitchen Contractor

Top Questions to Ask Your Kitchen ContractorIf you’ve never hired a kitchen contractor before, you may not know what the important questions to ask are.  Judging by online reviews or websites is a great starting point, but you should take advantage of consultations and face-to-face meetings with your contractor to ask key questions and learn more about them and their work.  Here are a few important questions to ask:

Are You A BBB Member?

A BBB Accredited Business Profile implies trust, honesty, transparency and integrity for a wide range of businesses, including contractors.  Top-quality businesses will have a BBB membership in good standing, without unresolved issues.

How Many Kitchens Have You Completed?

The more experience your contractor has, the better.  How long have they been in business, and how busy have they been?

Can You Provide References?

And not just any references – prefer recent and local references. The good work your company did in 1995 is less relevant to your needs today than someone they worked with last month.

Do You Manufacture and Install Your Own Products?

An in-house staff who can create custom stuff for you will save you money in the long run.  The best contractors will have on-site construction and a good relationship with vendors to source supplies from elsewhere.

Do They Have Staff On-Hand to Answer Questions?

If questions, concerns or complications come up during your kitchen remodel, you want to be able to communicate quickly and effectively with your contractor.  You want to make sure you get expert answers in a timely manner.

Can You Guarantee a Start Date?

Your life and schedule are very important – to the extent possible, contractors should work around your schedule, rather than vice-versa.

Are Your Installers Certified?

Installers are generally the ones doing the final work – installing flooring, cabinetry and appliances.  You want to ensure that they’re certified, so they have the proper education, training and experience needed to do the job properly.