Kitchen Remodeling and Cabinet Refacing Checklist
by Kirk Bangstad
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
OK, so you've decided on a kitchen cabinet refacing job rather than cabinet replacement. This is a big step in your kitchen remodeling plan, but have you thought of everything? Read on to make sure your cabinet refacing project plan is complete.
Know Your Kitchen
Before you can do anything, you have to know some details about your kitchen. How can you budget for a kitchen cabinet refacing project if you don't know how many cabinets you have? Make sure you measure dimensions and understand your kitchen spacing before deciding what new appliances and countertops you need.
Make a Budget
Start pricing different items, like kitchen floors, appliances, and labor. After finding out how much kitchen cabinets cost, you'll understand why cabinet refacing has become so popular.
Get Quotes
Once you have a ballpark figure of what you can afford, get some price quotes and try to save money--the more the better.
Cutting Corners--Cabinet refacing, Vinyl Countertops, etc.
Of course you want to be proud of your new kitchen, but there are ways to cut corners that will save you money without sacrificing quality. As you guessed, kitchen cabinet refacing is one way to save money, along with using less expensive materials for your countertops and floors. Vinyl countertops come in attractive colors and styles, are easy to maintain, and they're much less expensive than granite.
Find a Contractor
A good and inexpensive contractor is hard to find. Before signing the dotted line, ask a potential contractor for a list of past customers. Check out his past kitchen cabinet refacing jobs before you let him do yours.
About the Author
Kirk Bangstad is an artist manager and singer working in Chicago, IL. Kirk holds a B.A. in government from Harvard University.
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