Want to update your kitchen without the hassle or expense of replacing the cabinets? Maybe you've just purchased a beautiful new home but hate the cabinets.If you're cabinet boxes are still in good condition and you're happy with your layout or want to keep your countertops but want to update or change the look of your cabinets, you don't have to start over and replace it all. Try cabinet refacing. It's a less expensive option that still offers the same result: a beautiful new kitchen. Cabinet refacing saves time and money by leaving your current cabinet frames intact and simply changing the appearance of your existing cabinets. Learn about the advantages from the experts.

• No need to make modifications to your cabinet boxes, plumbing, electrical, ceiling, or floor.
• Your old drawer fronts and doors will be replaced and all exposed areas of your existing cabinets will be covered with a veneer to match your new drawer fronts and doors.
• Refacing also includes new crown & mouldings.
• Cabinet refacing is entirely sized, manufactured and installed to the exact specifications of your existing cabinetry.
• Refacing can be done in wood or thermo-foil and is available in an array of wood types, door styles, colors. Only solid wood should be used for doors and custom stain color can be created that is perfect for your taste and personal style.
• You can also add to or modify your existing cabinets to meet your needs or add any special touches to improve the style/functionality of your kitchen. For example if you are looking to extend the height of your uppers they can install all new cabinets in those areas and then reface the existing base cabinets to match. Or maybe you just want to add in a few staggered cabinets above the microwave and refrigerator but reface the rest of the kitchen- no problem! In some circumstances we can even increase the overlay of the doors to give your cabinets a different look and remove those center rails for easier access.
• Good cabinets are a terrible thing to waste.
• So instead of planning an expensive, complete replacement, think about having your cabinets refaced for less time, less mess, and best of all less cost!

What you can do to prepare for refacing?

• Plan to empty out all cabinets and drawers prior to our arrival.
• In addition you will need to remove any items on the countertops and move breakables into another room. This will ensure a clear work area, which gives the installer room to transform your cabinets and space and enables him to keep his focus on the details of your project.
• Depending on the size of your project refacing can be done in less than a week and allows you to have access to your kitchen sink and most appliances throughout. This eliminates the need to go to the expense of eating out every night, which is generally the case when getting all new cabinets and countertops installed.

Wondering what to expect with the refacing process?

• The first step in refacing is removing all the doors and drawer fronts from your cabinets. The drawer boxes themselves will be reused unless you have decided to replace those as needed.
• The face of the cabinets as well as the end panels are then sanded down. This will help the veneer stick. A 3M water based contact cement is used which is applied to the cabinets as well as the veneer. Therefore when the two are joined a strong bond is formed.
• At this point in the remodel the cabinets themselves have been pretty much transformed.
• The new drawer fronts & doors are added as well as install all the new mouldings and trim to finish off the remodel.
• Handles and knobs are installed at this point and voila- a new kitchen is born!
• Your countertop and flooring remain untouched. One thing to keep in mind is that just like with any remodeling project there will be dust. This is minimized as much as possible by making most cuts outside as well as using a shop-vac to clean during the process. In addition the doorways are tapped off and drop cloths are used to protect floors.

Don't forget to do your homework. Always check out your contractor before signing any paperwork! These are all great questions to be asking to ensure you are working with the right company for you.

• Be sure to verify that they are licensed, bonded, and insured.
• What kind of experience do they have in the industry?
• How long have they been in business?
• Ask for references and call to ask about the work done in their home?