Cabinet Refacing Just Might Make The Sale!

Staging a house for sale might just be the most important investment you make. Nowadays, the term “staging” is commonplace, but have you ever heard anyone suggest cabinet refacing as part of that strategy?

If you’ve done any research at all, you know the basics:

Remove any hint of you ever living there. Remove photos, memoirs, heirlooms, favorite knick-knacks.
Make it look like no one ever lived there. Clean out and/or organize EVERYTHING – drawers, closets, under the sink, stairwells, behind the bed, under the bed, bookshelves.
Haul your stuff away. Get rid of extra furniture, appliances, books, seasonal clothes – this makes it look sparsely, but tastefully, furnished and filled, so the space looks bigger.
Give it that “Type A” look. Fix chipped paint, glue the tiles back on, fill nail holes, and paint tired walls.
Make it looked unlived in. Clean, clean, clean – that means, windows, drawers, cupboards, under the bed (again), behind the couch. No smudges, fingerprints, dust bunnies, dirt or stains.
Make it pretty on the outside. Rake the leaves, trim the bushes, get some beautiful flowers and cluster them together.
Put out large bowls of fruit such as polished apples, bright oranges, and luscious grapes.
Make it look like it’s just one big party to live there. Arrange colorful and fun cookbooks on the counters, candles in decorative containers (not too many, now), or trendy, colorful utensils in a bucket.
So that wasn’t so hard – but maybe there’s one more thing you can do. The one thing that will clinch the deal.

It’s no secret that kitchens are the gathering place in any home; they are the heart and soul of the family, the source of nourishment and entertainment. A fabulous kitchen will SELL a home. So doesn’t it make sense to put some thought – and maybe a little money – into making it the most appealing and attractive room in the house?

Cabinets and countertops are key. And yes, they can be expensive, and forking out thousands of thousands of dollars on new cabinets may not make sense. But cabinet refacing does! For a fraction of the cost of new cabinets – usually less than half – you can transform your kitchen into a stunning showpiece.

You can choose from an unlimited number of styles, decorative door panels, wood species, and glazing. Your cabinets will look stylish and chic – just like the brand new houses down the way that you’re competing against.

And the really good news? The job can usually be done in a week.

Remember, first impressions are everything. If you want your house to sell quickly, put your money where it matters – in the kitchen. Once you’ve refaced your cabinets, go the extra mile and install roll-out drawers, eye-catching hardware and modern fixtures. These are not only beautiful to look at but provide convenience and time saving results – two items in demand from today’s stressed-out and over-worked public.

Let the crowds come in – and when your home sells quickly, your neighbors will wonder what you have that they don’t. Tell them all you did was a little cabinet refacing! Then send them the name of your contractor.

Cost Of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

The total cost of cabinet refacing usually saves you up to 50% or more compared to a complete kitchen remodel. Refacing is a fast, less stressful way to get a new and improved kitchen without remodeling your kitchen completely. By refacing your cabinets, you can easily change the look of your tired old kitchen for something new and updated.

Depending on the size of your kitchen, the project cost will vary. Refacing cabinets cost average somewhere between $7,000 to $12,000. We have an online cabinet refacing cost estimator to help you quickly get a ballpark figure for the project.

If you want to save some money and still have a more stylish, modern-looking kitchen, then cabinet refacing is the best way to achieve it. At some point, you will want us to visit your home to give you a more accurate assessment. Getting the right company to do your cabinet refacing project is worth the time and effort.

Make sure you fully understand how the estimate is determined and what is included.

Once the vendor provides you with an estimate of the project, ask if materials and labor are included.
Ask for a rundown of the process and if it differs depending on the type and style of cabinet doors you choose.
Be sure to ask how long it will take to complete the job.

Finally, before you sign the bottom, read all the terms and conditions carefully. This may raise other questions and eliminate any future discrepancies.

Refacing kitchen cabinets will cost about one-third to one-half as much as new cabinets. This will save you a lot of money that could be spent on different kitchen areas, like maybe a new kitchen counter, new flooring, or that new appliance you’ve been eyeing. For a reasonable amount without compromising on quality, your kitchen will be beautiful and stylish in no time.

Beware of Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Snobs!

In nearly every industry, there are professionals who are outdated, uninformed and stuck-in-a-rut. They do what they do well, they have been doing it for years, have a good reputation for providing skilled results, but they just haven’t kept up with modern day advances. Kitchen designers are no exception and some of them have “cabinet refacing attitude”.

Make sure you don’t get stuck with one these. They will cost you money, and, in some cases, even deliver results that are less than the quality you deserve. Here’s how to recognize them.

They will tell you the cost of cabinet refacing is nearly the same as completely replacing your cabinets.
They will tell you your kitchen will look the same as it did before; you’ll just have some new doors without scratches and dents to look at.
They will tell you new cabinets will provide more quality and stability.
Your kitchen will be the same mess for as long as a complete redo.

WRONG! On all accounts these notions come from uninformed and old-fashioned perspectives. And it borders on unethical.

The money you will save on cabinet refacing will get a family of four a vacation in the Caribbean. Cabinet refacing will cost 50-60% LESS than new cabinets.
The new look will be leaps ahead of yesteryear. Today, you can choose from the highest quality door styles, wood species, stain colors, glazing, crown molding and hardware are nearly endless. You can have the kitchen of your dreams.
New cabinets are NOT always better quality. There is one qualification you must meet to begin the process. Your cabinet boxes have to be in good condition. If they are, and your house is “older”, chances are the cabinets are full plywood construction or solid wood, not something you’d get from brand new cabinets. This means that old cabinets will be better quality and more structurally sound that new ones.
Cabinet refacing is usually completed in a week or less! New cabinets may take 12 weeks or more! That translates into less mess for a shorter period of time which, let’s face it – less frustration!

Finally, and maybe most importantly in this century, is that cabinet refacing saves trees! Furthermore you will most likely NOT have an ugly dumpster sitting in your drive for weeks on end (points with neighbors count for something, don’t they?) A cabinet refacing contractor will probably haul away any waste in the vehicle they drove up in. How’s that for doing your part for the environment?

Be informed. Don’t fall for the Cabinet Refacing Snob. He may have a good reputation for doing what he’s done, but he is ignorant about modern processes.

You know what to do now. Go out and get your new kitchen!

Cabinet Refacing In Top 10 Ideas For Selling Your Home

Everybody knows there are no guarantees for selling a house. What the experts DO know, is that people who prepare their homes correctly almost always sell faster. So don’t take the chance.

Here are a 10 ideas to consider when preparing to sell your home.

If you do nothing else, make sure the kitchen looks good. It is the center of the house, and it better be appealing. You can make a dramatic change by simply refacing the kitchen cabinets. It is inexpensive – usually less than half the cost of new cabinets – and with hundreds of styles and woods to choose from, you can create any look you want.
Repair the obvious flaws – fill in and paint the chips in the walls, replace dead lightbulbs, repair the sliding door that doesn’t slide smoothy, tack down the linoleum that you trip over every time you do the laundry.
If your drapes are looking a little faded or shabby, put up some inexpensive new ones.
Get some green going, and set colorful potted plants on your front porch or steps. You don’t have to do a full out landscaping effort. Just make it inviting.
While some personal photos and pictures make your place look homey, too many make it look cluttered and suffocating. Evaluate your arrangements honestly, or get a friend to do it, and make it sparse.
Don’t ignore the fact that you may be competing with new homes that have granite, faux walls and slick new faucets and hardware. If you think it’s an issue, try replacing your kitchen counter with granite squares which cost a fraction of a granite slab, and instantly upgrades your kitchen.
Same goes in the bathroom. Instead of forking out thousands in a remodel, consider what would really make a difference and spend your money there – a new medicine cabinet, shower doors, faucets? If you have room, add French doors, a dramatic and classy distraction from other less attractive items.
Paint any walls, inside or out, that look dreary. Paint perks up any look and gives a home a well-cared for appearance.
Add a garage door opener with a touchpad and remote.
Seal cracks in the basement walls and waterproof them before adding a nice color of paint. Any basement will be more inviting.

Little things make a big difference! Learn more about kitchen remodels and cabinet refacing here.

Kitchen Cabinet Dilemma – Reface or Replace?

If your wallet is loaded and you like everything new, you will undoubtedly replace old kitchen cabinets. But for the rest of us, it’s never quite that easy a decision. Getting quality results and spending less is a much more popular quest, so let’s look at some of the pros and cons of our alternatives.

Cabinet Refacing
Ultimately, if all signals are go, this is a great choice. It costs about 1/3 the cost of new cabinets, and will look brand new, be much sturdier and will have beautiful new interiors.

However, if you want to go this route, there are still some considerations you need to deal with before embarking down this path. You could just paint or stain over them, but before heading out to the paint store, read our article “Refacing Wins Over Paint Every Time”.

Construction
Are your cabinets structurally sound, made of wood, without major damage? If the wood is in good condition, has no warps, splits or uneven angles, you have a plus.

Condition
Are the joints tight and the drawers easy to slide? How do the angles look? Are the doors hanging evenly? Is there any warping or disintegration?

Kitchen Design
If you are happy with the current design of your kitchen, it’s another plus. Refacing cabinets will not give you any new options for storage, layout or additional cabinet space. But when you plan to leave everything in place, you have another “good to go” factor.

Time
Besides saving a lot of money, another big factor for refacing kitchen cabinets is that the job can be done quicker. Removing and installing brand new ones may take 3 or 4 weeks compared to 3 or 4 days to reface.

Cabinet refacing is an excellent choice if you just want to freshen up the look of your kitchen. With the selection of styles, colors and materials, you can create just about any look you want.

We, at Home Improvements of Colorado, are happy to talk to you about your options and guide you to the best alternative for your particular situation. Email us of give us a call at 303-452-6467.

Refacing, An Affordable Alternative for Kitchen Cabinets

Are you struggling with the need to bring your kitchen into the present with a completely new look, but budget restrictions are holding you back? There is a solution to your problem. Instead of completely remodeling your kitchen, cabinet refacing can be an affordable alternative. If you like the cabinet layout, then refacing cabinets is a wise choice, rather than replacing them all with new ones.

Just by doing a little makeover by giving cabinets a face lift can be more cost effective.

With so many new designs available in the market these days, and without having to break the bank and create a mess, you can still have a stylish looking new kitchen to enjoy. Replacing the kitchen cabinets will make your kitchen non functional for many days, but cabinet refacing is a much quicker and cost effective way of improving the look. Keeping your existing structure intact you can still add the new stylish quotient to your kitchen. There are a variety of combinations of cabinet styles, colors, laminates, hinges and handles available in the market today to make your kitchen bright and custom looking. With so many limitless design options you can surely get better ideas to make the kitchen look new and refreshed.

To achieve your goals, you can get advice from a design consultant, or you can use your creative mind to implement the changes that you think will give a the right look to your kitchen. Sometimes older kitchen cabinets are much stronger then new ones as they are made from durable wood, which last longer than many of the new materials. So, without making proper assessment, just replacing your old cabinets may well be a foolish idea.

Depending on how long you plan to stay in your current home, your investment should be done accordingly. Replacing or refacing cabinets is a long term investment that adds value and comfort to your home. The longer you plan to stay, the more you will be able to enjoy the fruit of your outlay. Although appearance is important, you should also keep in mind the following functionality features.

The surface material should be easy to clean and maintain. Grease shows up more in wood surfaces and can be tough to clean. Laminated cabinets are much easier and the available looks are endless.
Make sure the cabinets you choose have enough storage capacity. To keep your kitchen organized, it’s important to have enough space to fit your pots and pans and other containers easily.
Don’t forget your countertops when doing your kitchen cabinet refacing, Consider that granite or stone countertops have lots of durability, and are heat resistant. Many homeowners think this is a one time investment which will last for many years to come.

If you have doubts whether to replace or reface cabinets, then always bear in mind that cabinet door refacing will save you around 60% over replacing. However if you are not satisfied with the current basic structure of your kitchen cabinets then replacing it is a wiser option rather than refacing the doors, drawers, handles etc.

Adding stronger and more durable cabinets in your kitchen will make your kitchen come to life and will add tremendous value and enjoyment for years to come.

Lyptus – The Exotic, Green Refacing Alternative

Lyptus® (the trademarked name) is a wood product produced by cross breeding two varieties of eucalyptus trees. Because it embodies a fully sustainable and renewable resource, it is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most noteworthy hardwood lumbers.

Why Choose Lyptus® for Your Kitchen Cabinets? Read on…

Why Choose Lyptus® for Your Kitchen Cabinets?

It’s Sustainable & Renewable
Lyptus® symbolizes a new model in forest management. The harvest is grown on plantations in Brazil alongside indigenous trees that protect native ecosystems, so there is no risk deforestation or vulnerable tree species.

Unlike most forests where trees take up to 100 years to mature, Lyptus® may be harvested in as little as 14 to 16 years and a Lyptu®s forest produces 30 times the volume of lumber as compared to an unmanaged forest.

Only the best Lyptus® seedlings are selected to become marketable lumber. Specially selected nursery plants are given new homes in the forests, and then painstakingly nurtured and pruned. It is only harvested, when a Lyptus® tree has matured enough to produce long lengths of clear wood.

It’s Resilient
Although most fast-growing woods cannot boast of long-lasting durability, Lypus® can. A truly high grade hardwood, Lyptus® will sustain a dent resistant quality – much like maple, teak or cherry – for years.

It’s Beautiful
The appearance of Lyptus® competes grandly with cherry and mahogany. Varying widely in tones, it has a natural deep, warm coloration. The grain design adds character and fluctuates significantly, so every creation has it’s own unique look.

It’s Affordable
Compared to genuine mahogany and domestic cherry, Lyptus® is priced favorably.

It’s Versatile
The wood accepts common finishes, including various pigments, oil and wax, and solution-based lacquers for an unlimited choice of looks and character which makes it well suited for kitchen cabinets and flooring.

Where to Find Lyptus®
Lyptus® is available through a variety of outlets, and if you’re planning to build your own, your best bet for convenient access is to Google it in your locale. If do-it-yourself is not your thing, ask your local contractor. If he’s up to date, he will know how to get Lyptus® and know how to use it.

Reactions from Cabinet Makers

It is hard like hickory, so it sands really nicely. It won’t ding, and it stains beautifully

It makes oak feel like balsa wood. What I got was heavy! I don’t think you could ding it if you wanted to

I loved working with it, plus it finished great. No blotches and no toning required unless you want to adjust the shade. The color and grain look phenomenal. I liked it so much I’m going to try and sell it as my number one material.

I really like working with it. It is affordable by the board foot, and the finish ply is about the same as hickory, alder, etc. It machines well and does not fuzz like mahogany. It sands well and definitely finishes very well.

Lyptus® strikes an important harmony between the personal demands of humanity and the ever-growing desire to protect the environment. If you’re looking for a new twist that has multiple benefits to you and the earth you live on, take some time to look into Lyptus®.

Home Improvements of Colorado is glad to talk to you about Lyptus®. For over 20 years they have provided happy Coloradans with eye-catching kitchens. Call 303-452-6467 or visit their website.