Living at Home During a Cabinet Refacing Project

One of the reasons homeowners choose cabinet refacing is that it is far less disruptive than tearing out a kitchen. Your cabinet boxes stay where they are, and so do your countertops, sink and appliances. Still, there will be people working in your kitchen for part of the project, and a little planning makes those days much easier. That is normal for any cabinet refacing project.

Here is how to prepare your home, what to expect while work is underway, and how to keep meals, kids and pets on track.

What refacing changes, and what stays put

Cabinet refacing keeps your existing cabinet boxes and replaces the doors and drawer fronts with brand-new ones. The cabinet frames are finished to match the new doors. Because the boxes stay, the core of your kitchen does not move.

That means:

• Your countertops stay in place, unless you choose to update them separately.
• Your sink, faucet and plumbing are not disturbed.
• Your fridge, stove and dishwasher stay connected.
• Your layout stays the same, unless you add modifications such as an island or extra drawers.

The work centres on the doors, drawer fronts and frames. Your scheduler will confirm the timing for your specific project, so you know which days the team will be in your home.

Before the team arrives: preparing your kitchen

A few hours of prep before work starts pays off. Here is a simple checklist:

1. Empty your cabinets and drawers. Pack items into labelled boxes by zone, such as dishes, pantry and baking, so they are easy to find later.
2. Clear the countertops. Small appliances, knife blocks, fruit bowls and decor should all come off so the team has room to work.
3. Set aside what you use every day. Keep a small box of plates, cutlery, mugs, a pot and a pan where you can reach them.
4. Make a clear path. Move rugs, chairs and anything fragile between the entrance and the kitchen.
5. Plan for pets. A gated room or a quiet space away from the kitchen keeps pets calm and out of the work area.

Emptying your cabinets is also a good moment to take stock of what you actually use. You may find items you have not touched in years that can be donated before everything goes back in.

Setting up a temporary kitchen

Even though your appliances stay put, it helps to set up a small backup kitchen somewhere else in the house for the days work is happening. A dining room table or a corner of the laundry room works well.

Useful items for a temporary kitchen:

• A microwave, kettle or coffee maker
• A toaster oven or slow cooker
• Paper plates or a small set of dishes
• A bin for dishes that need washing
• Easy breakfast and snack foods

Plan simple meals for the in-home days, and lean on the barbecue if the weather allows. A few planned takeout nights can take the pressure off as well.

While your cabinet refacing project is underway

When the team is working, it is best to treat the kitchen as a work zone. A few habits keep things smooth:

• Keep the area clear. Children and pets should stay out while tools and materials are in use.
• Ventilate. When the frames are being finished, open windows where you can and run the range hood or exhaust fans.
• Ask questions early. If you are unsure about hardware placement or a detail on the new doors, raise it while the team is on site.
• Keep your daily routine flexible. Morning coffee and school lunches may need a different spot for a few days.

Our team is made up of 30+ in-house employees, with no subcontractors, so the installers and carpenters working in your home are part of the same company you booked with. If you add modifications such as converting doors to drawers or adding an island, the carpentry portion is usually a day or two.

Putting your kitchen back together

Once the new doors and drawer fronts are installed and the team has finished, you can start moving back in. This is the best chance you will get to reorganize from scratch.

Group items by where you use them: pots near the stove, dishes near the dishwasher, food storage near the prep area. If you found that some cabinets were hard to use while unpacking, custom organizers and space savers such as pull-outs, tray storage or blind-corner solutions can be added alongside a reface or as a separate project. Soft-close options make day-to-day use quieter too.

Take a minute to open and close every door and drawer as you unpack. If anything does not sit or close the way you expect, let us know.

Plan your refacing project with us

Knowing what each stage looks like makes the whole project feel more manageable. Our step-by-step guide to how our process works walks through what happens from your first visit onward.

Kitchen Makeovers is family-owned, based in Aldergrove, and has been refacing and refinishing kitchens across the Lower Mainland since 2009. When you are ready, book a free in-home quote and we will talk through your project, your schedule and clear, line-item pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my kitchen during cabinet refacing?

Your sink, countertops and appliances stay in place during refacing, so parts of your kitchen remain usable. On the days the team is working, it helps to keep the area clear and have a small temporary kitchen set up elsewhere.

Do I need to empty my cabinets before refacing?

Yes. Emptying cabinets and drawers and clearing the countertops gives the team room to work and protects your belongings. Keep a small box of everyday dishes and cookware within reach.

Do I need to leave home during cabinet refacing?

That is up to you. Because the cabinet boxes stay in place and the appliances stay connected, it is often possible to carry on at home with a few adjustments. Keep children and pets out of the work area, and ventilate while the frames are being finished.