Kitchens make or break a house. There are few buyers who will overlook a tired kitchen when buying a house. They may overlook a tired bathroom, assuming that the cost of remodelling will be affordable. But the kitchen needs to be in move-in condition, or most people won’t move in! Here are a few things to consider when you are looking to spruce up a kitchen:
Discount kitchen cabinets. There are many options to consider in the area of discount cabinets. Many of the “big box” retailers have a line of assemble-yourself cabinets in stock. The styles may be limited, but there is no waiting and the cost is generally lower than the custom variety. IKEA has some good options, particularly in the “free-standing” area. UDDEN is a good value, with stainless steel counter-tops and cabinets that fit with the system. Of course, you need to assemble them yourself to realize savings.
Unfinished kitchen cabinets are another option. There are many smaller proprietors that sell cabinets without any paint, veneer or laminate. These are the cheapest custom cabinets, and least expensive if you have a unique space. This option also allows you to experiment with finish, or match something in your home such as an exposed brick wall.
Painting kitchen cabinets. Painted cabinets never go out of style. The reason, of course, is the ability to repaint them in the latest colors. There is a wide variety of paints and finishes, almost as many as wall paint. Melamine paint, also called plastic enamel, is the most versatile of the repainting options. The white variety is almost like painting with milk, but it becomes very hard and easy to clean. It will also work on tile, for the total kitchen makeover.
Refacing kitchen cabinets. This is easier than it sounds. Most cabinets manufactured in the last twenty years are made to standard sizes. The original manufacturer may sell you replacement doors to fit on your existing cabinet boxes. If this is not an option, there are a variety of materials available to resurface the doors. Laminate is sold in large sheets, and can be trimmed to size and glued in place. Even thin wood used for wainscoting can be glued to the front of the doors for a quick fix.
Amish kitchen cabinets. These are widely available and remain popular for their simplicity. They also never go out of style. For the handyperson, a flat cabinet door surface can be enhanced with a thin three-inch border of wood and painted for the instant “shaker” look!
Custom kitchen cabinets. While the most expensive route to a new kitchen, it can still be made affordable. Avoid designs that will quickly become dated looking, especially raised panels and excessive trim. Avoid PVC or other plastic material, which is hard to refinish later on. And choose the less expensive wood. You can stain a cheaper wood to appear like the more expensive varieties.
Kitchen cabinets online. Online shopping is always an option, and you can save money. Remember, however, that cabinets are expensive to ship, and the money you save on cabinets may disappear when the shipping costs are calculated.
Used kitchen cabinets. The environmental option. There are more and more places that sell used cabinets, both for-profit and as a way to raise money, such as the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. It takes more time and a lot of patience to find the right used cabinets, but the savings can be huge. One builder reported seeing a full shaker-style kitchen, with granite counter-tops and even stainless steel appliances for $8,000. A family moved into a renovated house and didn’t like the kitchen. The ReStore and some lucky buyer hit the jackpot.
