Kitchen cabinets are an important part of a kitchen because they set the style, create a mood, and have functionality. Replacing, refacing, or refinishing your kitchen cabinets is a process you only want to go through once. During a kitchen remodeling job, cabinets can be one of the biggest investments. Since cabinets are the biggest item in your budget for kitchen remodeling, concern yourself with how much the project will cost, the time it will take, and the added value you are investing in your home. Keep in mind to shop around for cabinets that will be convenient and the least costly. Make sure they provide the amount of space needed for storage, are hassle-free and are to your liking. If you have extra money in your budget, add to your remodeling job a new countertop or new appliances, or change the color of your kitchen walls.

There are many reasons homeowners renovate their kitchens. Some are looking for a higher return on their investment when they sell, while others are just looking for a new look for their space. If you're trying to sell your house, the condition of a kitchen can have a major influence on a buyer's decision. Before investing in your kitchen remodeling project, check with a local real estate agent on what type of investments to make and how much the value of your house might improve. If your house is sold within a year of remodeling, the return can be up to 90 percent. If you decide to keep your house for years, the value increases, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report 2003. In 2003, the average cost for an upscale kitchen remodeling job was $68,962. The value at sale was $56,711, recouping about 79.6 percent of what was spent. For a mid-range kitchen remodeling job, the average cost was $43,804, value at sale $33,101, and the recoup about 74.9 percent.

As you decide to remodel your kitchen, think about what type of work your kitchen needs and how much you are willing to spend. If your kitchen is in good shape and you just want to change the look of it, then you may want to choose to reface your cabinets and change the countertop. This will cost a lot less than replacing all your cabinets. Do not reface if your existing cabinets are beginning to fall apart or were not built properly. Also do not think about refacing if you have rusting metal cabinets or if you have floors that have left your cabinets out of kilter; if this is the case, you will definitely need to replace your cabinets. If you decide to go with refinishing, remember it is just a cosmetic makeover and that not all cabinets and countertops can be refinished.

Refinishing

Refinishing your kitchen cabinets is the most economical solution for those who do not want to spend time and money on a big remodeling job. Pricing for repainting or refinishing will depend on the type of paint and method you will use. All wood and plywood cabinets can be repainted. Metal cabinets, laminate or melamine cabinets are difficult to paint because they require special paints, and can peel and chip with normal paint.

Before you begin painting, remove the doors and drawer fronts from the base cabinets so you can get an even coat of paint. Clean the cabinets of grease and other kitchen contaminates; if they aren't properly cleaned, you will not be able to apply the paint properly. A sprayed-on finish is recommended for repainting cabinets. It gives the best uniform coverage and leaves no marks from the application. You can paint cabinet shelves and the interiors, but do not paint the inside of the doors. Oil based primer works best because the paint sticks to it. The types of paint to use are gloss and semi-gloss, which are also oil-based, paints. If you choose water-based paint, make sure to get 100 percent acrylic.

Replacing

If you have large amounts of money to spend, you may decide to do a complete makeover to your kitchen by replacing everything in sight. Replacement is also recommended if your kitchen cabinets and countertop are physically worn down. An expensive kitchen remodeling job may consist of "gutting out" your kitchen. This is done because you need more than a cosmetic job or because you have the budget to redo your kitchen. The bulk of your money will go into replacing your cabinets. When you replace your cabinets, you can either buy stock or modular cabinets, or have them custom made. When deciding to go with stock or custom made cabinets, make sure to consider how they are constructed, the quality of finish, the materials used, interior accessories, and door and drawer hardware. You may not get all the features you want with stock cabinets. You can get the best quality material for your cabinets but may lose out on their functionality.

The materials the cabinets are made of will also determine how much you will pay. Low-end cabinets are melamine covered that come with cheap hardware. Mid-range cabinets have paint grade plywood or solid wood doors with reasonably priced hardware. The thicker the plywood, the better the quality. On the high end are hardwood veneers and stain-grade solid wood doors with better hardware and excellent fittings. Check how the cabinet joints hold together: Are they nailed or glued, or are they dovetail and dowel joints? Dovetail and dowel joints will hold up better. Look at corner blocks; plastic ones indicate a low-quality cabinet. Inspect the hinges and slides to find which hardware is of better quality. Inspect interior accessories such as shelves and baskets. Wooden and stainless steel accessories are better than coated wire. Check to see if doors and drawers close smoothly. Be certain that replacing your cabinets is the right decision for you. This project will take a long time to complete, and you will not be able to use your kitchen for much of the time.

Custom cabinets are very expensive. If you want special size cabinets and a unique design feature, this is the way to go. Custom cabinets are not a recommended do-it-yourself project to build or to install. You must go to a specialized cabinet manufacturer to discuss the specifications of your kitchen. Things to ask are what type of style, finishes, accessories and special features are available. Remember that not all craftsman cabinetmakers are the same. Check their references by requesting to view kitchens they have built and installed. Remember that with custom-made cabinets, prices will change as you decide to make changes to your plans.

Stock or modular cabinets are less expensive than custom made ones. They come in standard sizes and are offered in three-inch increments and finishes. A filler panel is used to close the gaps, instead of an unusual size cabinet. When buying stock cabinets, be aware of their construction because you always get what you pay for. Do your research and ask questions. You can buy stock or modular cabinets at your local home center stores. If you decide to install the cabinets yourself, make sure to plan your layout carefully and take good measurements.

Refacing

If you are satisfied with your existing layout and plan to live in your home for a few more years but want a new style, then consider refacing your kitchen. This is a good idea if your existing cabinets are in good structural condition and you have enough storage and counter space. Refacing is a remodeling job that gives you that custom look at an affordable price. It consists of covering the exterior surfaces of your cabinets with new laminate. The doors and drawer fronts are replaced, and the front and side panels are treated with fresh paint or new veneer. When you reface cabinets, there is less mess, no damages to your walls and floors, and hardly any disruption to your kitchen use. Most refacing jobs take a few days, but it can take longer depending how big the project is. If you can afford to, look into changing your countertop, changing your wall color, and adding a few kitchen accessories to compliment your new kitchen style.

Remodeling your kitchen cabinets is an important investment if you plan to sell your home. The look of your cabinets can influence a potential buyer's purchasing decision. As you take the big step towards remodeling your kitchen, be certain of what kind of investment is really needed. A big investment is only worth it if your kitchen really needs it or if you plan on being in your house for some time. If you are about to sell, go for a lesser refinishing investment to be sure you'll get a maximum return.