How Much Should You Spend on Kitchen Cabinets?
Kitchen cabinets are one of the most important investments you will make in your home. They will withstand a lot of wear and tear and add a lot of value to your property, so it is important to choose them carefully.
How much should you spend on kitchen cabinets?
Kitchen cabinet costs can vary widely, depending on your preferences and the materials you use. Here are some tips to help you determine your budget and get the best deals on new kitchen cabinets.
Type of Kitchen Cabinets: There are three main types of kitchen cabinets, including custom, semi-custom and ready-to-assemble (RTA) or stock. Each type of cabinet comes with its own pros and cons.
Custom Cabinets
If you want to create an entirely customized look for your kitchen, you can hire a professional to design and build custom cabinets. This will require a bit more money, but it will provide a truly unique design and feel for your kitchen.
The cost of a custom cabinet will depend on the woods used, the materials and the level of detail involved. Popular choices include cherry, walnut, maple, oak, ash and mahogany. You may also opt to have the cabinets painted or stained.
Prefabricated Cabinets
Another option for homeowners on a tight budget is to buy prefabricated cabinets from stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot. These are often made from laminate and are available in many different colors and finishes.
However, they can be expensive to install and maintain, so it is important to consider your options before you decide to buy them.
Ready-to-assemble or stock cabinets are inexpensive to purchase and are usually easy to install. They are also available in a variety of styles and sizes.
The average cost of these cabinets is $1,200 to $3,800 per linear foot. This translates to about $5,400 to $8,500 for all the cabinets in your kitchen.
Refacing and Painting
Adding a fresh coat of paint to your kitchen cabinets can significantly boost the resale value of your home. It can also improve the appeal of your property for potential tenants.
A professional can do this job for $2,000 to $8,000 nationwide. This includes the cost of removing the old cabinet doors and drawers, as well as the time it takes to prep and spray the cabinets in place.
What to Expect during the Process: When choosing a pro, it is important to ask questions about their experience and qualifications. It is also a good idea to make sure they have insurance and a license, as well as references from past clients.
Before they start the project, your pro should visit your home to take measurements and plan out the layout. They should also provide you with an estimate of how long the project will take.
If you’re planning on renting your home, it is important to select high-quality appliances. A mediocre kitchen will only deter tenants from moving in.
If you are not able to afford high-end appliances, you can always look for used ones on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can also check out architectural salvage yards in large metro areas. These are a great resource for affordable and quality kitchen cabinets, as well as other home improvements that can increase your property value.