Cabinet Restoration and Home Value
Knowing the difference between needing to restore or replace a home’s cabinets is vital to making an informed decision.
A major selling point potential home buyers consider is the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom and kitchen. Completely replacing the cabinets is a great solution, but cabinet restoration is often more cost-effective. Better still, it can significantly enhance the value of the house.
Here’s how cabinet restoration can add value to a home:
Restoring cabinets
Restoring old cabinets is best left to the professionals, who’ll likely follow these steps:
Clean and remove all dirt and grease to create a smooth base.
Deep cleaning to repair damage or blemishes.
Gently scuff the cabinet surfaces to produce a new, clean-looking finish.
Prepare a new base and apply a new finish or paint to transform the appearance of old cabinets.
Restore or replace?
Knowing the difference between needing to restore or replace a home’s cabinets is vital to making an informed decision. Here’s a comparison of the two options:
Restoring cabinets pros
It costs less than replacing: Hiring professionals to restore old cabinets is an affordable way to refresh scratched, scuffed, or faded cabinets. Restoration costs about a fifth of the cost to completely replace cabinets.
Keep the integrity of current wood cabinets: Restoring old cabinets with a new finish looks great and extends their lifespan by protecting them from food stains, scuffs, water damage, scratches, and more.
Restore the cabinets’ original beauty: Despite the care of cabinets by homeowners, the wood finish loses its luster over time, and the cabinets look shabby. Professional restoration revives a cabinet’s original beauty.
Replacing cabinets pros
It gives a home’s kitchen a modern, fresh, new aesthetic.
Replacement is a good option for cabinets that have structural damage, for example, if they’re peeling, bubbling, or cracking due to the warping or deterioration of the wood base.
Increase the storage space and change the kitchen’s layout.
The financial advantage of restoring cabinets
Restoring cabinets is cheaper than replacing them. If a home’s cabinets are structurally sound but look unappealing, restoration updates their look without the cost of completely replacing and installing new cabinets.
Updated cabinets give a high-end look
As mentioned above, updated kitchen cabinets are essential in attracting potential homebuyers. Updating old cabinets gives a kitchen a stylish, modern look without costing a fortune. A cabinet facelift creates a brighter, fresher appearance in a kitchen. Potential homebuyers also won’t need to invest in updating the cabinets themselves.
Hire professional cabinet restorers
Worn-out, shabby, and old cabinets greatly diminish the value of a home. Refinishing old cabinets enhances their durability and lifespan. Furthermore, it protects the underlying wood from future damage, thereby delaying premature replacement. A convenient, easy process, homeowners can select their preferred staining and colors to match the overall kitchen design or to give it a modern pop.
Consult with professional cabinet restorers to determine if a home’s cabinets are suitable for restoration. This way, property owners can increase the home’s market value with an updated look.
The Wood Doctor is the leader in wood restoration, refinishing and refacing in the Portland area. Call 503-560-5220 for a project consultation.