Cabinet Makeover FAQ: Straight Answers to Common Questions

Thinking about a cabinet makeover usually starts with a handful of practical questions. What are the options, how long will it take, what will it cost, and will it last? This cabinet makeover FAQ answers the most common ones.

Here are straight answers to the questions homeowners ask most often, grouped so you can jump to what matters to you.

Choosing the right type of makeover

What are my options for updating kitchen cabinets?

From smallest to biggest change, the main options are:

• New hardware: swapping knobs and pulls for a quick, low-disruption refresh.
• Organizers: adding pull-outs and storage inside the cabinets you already have.
• Refinishing: keeping your doors, drawer fronts and boxes and changing the colour and finish.
• Refacing: keeping your boxes and adding brand-new doors and drawer fronts.
• Modifications: carpentry changes such as an island, ceiling-height cabinets or converting doors to drawers.
• Full replacement: tearing out the cabinets and starting over.

What is the difference between refinishing and refacing?

Refinishing keeps everything you have and changes how it looks. Refacing keeps the cabinet boxes but replaces the doors and drawer fronts, with the frames finished to match. Refacing is a good choice when doors are swelling or damaged, or when you want a different door style. If your doors are in good shape and you like their shape, refinishing is usually enough.

When does full replacement make more sense?

If the cabinet boxes are falling apart, badly water damaged, or you want to move walls, plumbing or appliances, you are looking at a full remodel. If the boxes are solid and the layout works, a makeover keeps what is good and changes what you see.

Time and disruption

How long does a cabinet refinishing project take?

Refinishing involves about four days of work in your home, with a 7 to 10 day gap while your doors and drawer fronts are in our shop. The doors are sprayed there with an industrial two-component coating and bake-cured, while the frames are finished in your home.

Will my house be full of dust and fumes?

There is less dust and noise in your home because the doors are done in the shop rather than in your kitchen. Some work still happens on site, since the frames are finished in place. Clearing the counters and emptying the cabinets before work starts helps everything go smoothly.

How long does refacing take?

Timelines depend on the size of the kitchen and the doors you choose. Your estimator will give you a schedule with your quote. You can also read how our process works, step by step.

Cost, quotes and financing

How much does a cabinet makeover cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all price. Cost depends on the size of the kitchen, the option you choose and any add-ons like organizers or carpentry. For a ballpark, try our kitchen cost calculator, then book a free in-home quote for clear, line-item pricing.

Can I finance my project?

Yes. Financing through Financeit is available for eligible projects up to $100,000, subject to approval.

Durability and warranties

Will a refinished finish hold up in a busy kitchen?

The finish is built for cabinet use, not walls. Doors and drawer fronts get an industrial two-component coating that is bake-cured in our shop, a factory-grade process. Refinishing comes with a written 3-year warranty.

What warranty comes with new doors?

Refacing includes a written 5-year warranty on the new doors. New doors also let you change the style, for example from a dated raised panel to a simple Shaker or slab door.

Storage, layout and the rest of the kitchen

Can I add storage without changing the cabinets?

Yes. Custom-built pull-outs, garbage and recycling pull-outs, under-sink storage, spice and pantry pull-outs, tray storage and blind-corner solutions can be added on their own or with a refinish or reface. All come with soft-close hardware.

Can you change the layout?

Within limits. Our carpenters can add an island, build ceiling-height cabinets, add cabinetry or convert doors to drawers. The carpentry portion usually takes a day or two.

Do you handle countertops and plumbing?

Countertops can be coordinated through FloForm. We do not do plumbing, so any plumbing changes need a licensed plumber.

Doing part of the work yourself

Can I save by doing some of it myself?

Our DIY Kitchen Update Kit splits the work. We refinish your doors and drawer fronts in our shop, and you paint the frames with the materials and guidance in the kit.

With the Novice Kit, we remove, refinish and reinstall the doors. With the Expert Kit, you handle removal, delivery, frame painting, pickup and reinstalling. Tool rentals are available if you need them. The kit suits handy homeowners who want a professional door finish and are comfortable painting the frames themselves.

Still have a question the cabinet makeover FAQ doesn’t answer?

Since 2009, our family-owned team in Aldergrove has transformed about 7,000 kitchens across the Lower Mainland. If you still have questions, the easiest next step is a free in-home quote. We will look at your cabinets, answer what is specific to your kitchen and give you clear, line-item pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Who does the work?

Our own team. We have 30+ in-house employees, including estimators, prep, spray team, installers, carpenters, schedulers and service staff, and we do not use subcontractors.

Is my kitchen a good candidate for a makeover?

If the cabinet boxes are solid and you are happy with the layout, it very likely is. If the doors are the problem, refacing can replace them. An in-home visit is the quickest way to know for sure.

How do I book a quote?

Use our free in-home quote form to tell us about your kitchen, and we will set up a visit. There is no cost for the visit, and pricing is broken down line by line.