Due to budget constraints, many people who are considering upgrading their kitchen are looking to upgrade their existing cabinets rather than purchase an entirely new kitchen full of cabinets. Here, we will explore many of the various issues that may cause you to prefer one approach over the other.

Are your existing cabinets structurally sound? Many earlier cabinets were built with particle board and other components that allowed the fiber to absorb moisture or otherwise deteriorate. If that’s the case, it wouldn’t make sense to spend money painting or refacing them.

Perhaps most importantly, your satisfaction with your existing kitchen in terms of its design and usefulness in your daily life. You know, times have changed and the kitchen is now, for many families, the center of family activity. If this is the case for your family, does your current kitchen layout and configuration make the most of the available space? Do you have enough cabinet space to house all your appliances, food, plates, bowls, glasses, good china, utensils, etc.? Or could more space make it easier to prepare and serve meals?

Think about the flow of traffic in your current kitchen. Are your refrigerator, stove, oven, and sink positioned correctly for family comfort and meal preparation efficiency? Would a redesign or even expansion of your kitchen space better fit your family’s needs?

Do you enjoy the modern conveniences that new cabinets can provide? You know, there have been a lot of innovations lately that make the most of previously unused spaces. Things like built-in spice racks, pop-up electrical receptacles, special storage for plates or large plates, door storage, and other conveniences are very popular now and really help improve the utility of a kitchen.

After you’ve considered all of the above, you’ll need to consider the look you want to achieve in your kitchen upgrade. Obviously, the color, texture, and trim of your cabinets, countertop, and backsplash area are the primary considerations, with particular emphasis on the countertop. There are many new types of countertops to consider, from laminate to solid surface (Corian), granite, and even marble or quartz, each bringing with it a different utility, look, and cost.

There are also several different ways to freshen up your existing cabinets, if that’s your wish. From simply painting doors and cabinets to resurfacing cabinets and replacing the door, the cost of siding can vary widely. Likewise, so does the durability and value of the project.

Every kitchen remodeling project increases or decreases the value of your home and you want to make sure you take this into account when selecting an approach. Your best bet is to contact a professional kitchen remodeling company and have a professional kitchen designer visit your home to help you determine what best suits your needs and which will add value to your home.

Experienced kitchen designers have been through all of these problems many times and have seen the results of various approaches. He/she can best advise you on your kitchen remodeling project.