Things to Consider When Replacing Your Kitchen Cabinets

If you know what you’re doing, cabinet renovation in Davie, FL, can be one of the best ways to give your kitchen a new look. However, it’s worth noting that the entire process isn’t as easy as taking your cabinets down and putting up a duplicate. This relatively straightforward process won’t be enjoyable without careful planning and proper research.

Although replacing kitchen cabinets isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s worth it. Besides making your kitchen space look completely brand-new, this project will make it feel like your entire home got a makeover. However, taking each step at a time is crucial to building the kitchen of your dreams. 

While the kitchen is the heart of a home, the cabinets make it functional. Since you’ll be using them for years to come, you’ll want to ensure you get the perfect ones that meet your needs. We’re to make your life easier by compiling several factors you’ll have to consider to ensure your project goes off without a hitch.

What You Should Consider Before Replacing Your Kitchen Cabinets

Your Budget

Start by researching the average cost of kitchen cabinet renovations to come up with a budget that suits your goals. Try to check out a wide range of options to understand pricing better. If you’re looking to sell your home soon, you might want to get higher-quality cabinets to increase your property’s overall value significantly.

Deciding on a budget can help you determine what’s important and where to compromise. For example, you might want to have new cabinets but scale back on the countertops and backsplash. You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll go the DIY route or have a professional install the cabinets for you because this will affect the overall cost.

It’s easy to go over budget when doing a home improvement project. With so many options, you may be tempted to go for kitchen cabinets with a higher price tag. However, if you want to avoid overspending, it’s best to stick to your budget.

Cabinet Type

Once you’ve decided on a budget, you’ll want to figure out whether you’ll go for custom, semi-custom, or stock cabinetry.

Custom cabinets are specifically built to meet your specifications. In other words, they’ll look exactly the way you want them to look. However, having the freedom to choose your cabinets’ size, color, material, and finish won’t come cheap.  

If you decide to replace your old cabinets with custom-made ones, expect to pay up to five times more, or even higher, than other options. Additionally, custom cabinetry takes the longest to deliver because a professional cabinet maker has to build it from scratch.

Alternatively, semi-custom cabinetry starts with stock cabinets. However, it allows you to make some alterations in terms of size and style. You can buy semi-custom cabinets and have some freedom to pick the door detailing or choose the drawers’ dimensions. While this option is cheaper than custom cabinets, they’re more expensive than stock cabinets and take longer to deliver.

Stock cabinetry is the most affordable option because you won’t have to pay extra to design the kitchen of your dreams. Moreover, they only take a few days to deliver because they can come pre-assembled. Besides offering excellent functionality, stock cabinets come in different styles, colors, and materials.  

Cabinet Dimensions

There’s more to kitchen cabinet dimensions than meets the eye. Most people say it’s better to “measure twice and cut once.” However, it’s best to measure three times when positioning cabinets. Although these dimensions are standard across the industry, they can be produced in various widths. For this reason, you’ll want to work with the dimensions that your kitchen cabinet manufacturer supplies.

Whether you’re dealing with countertop or cabinet height, you’ll have to figure out interior dimensions to determine whether or not your new cabinets will fit. After all, you wouldn’t want your cabinets hanging too low or feel awkward to open.  

Style and Color Palette

Modern-looking kitchen cabinets won’t go well with an antique-inspired kitchen. Likewise, updated kitchen cabinets will look out of place if the rest of your kitchen’s still outdated. If your new kitchen cabinets don’t complement your existing countertops, flooring, and backsplash, you’ll be dealing with additional expenses to have them redone. It’s best to carefully consider the style and color palette before installing your new cabinets.

Electrical and Plumbing

While updating your cabinets won’t likely mess with building or electrical codes, finalizing electrical and plumbing is something you wouldn’t want to forget. Concerns may arise, and codes might need to be considered and met as your kitchen takes shape. For instance, you might have to update electrical connections or move outlets to accommodate your cabinets.

If all the basic work isn’t out of the way, you’ll run the risk of hitting pipes or electrical wiring when installing. However, it’s best to leave the electrical and structural updates to the professionals.

Countertop Removal

While you may not realize it, changing your cabinets may require removing your current countertops to avoid damage. However, if you’re not particularly careful and precise while you’re doing this, you could end up ruining your countertops.  

Your situation and expertise will determine your ability to get the job done without causing minor or significant damage. If you don’t have the skills to do it, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional. The last thing you want is to face an added expense that you didn’t initially anticipate.

Cabinet Reinforcement

You’ll want to reinforce your new cabinets with horizontal blocking behind the drywall. Unless you do so, they won’t be able to properly hold the weight of the items you plan on storing inside.  

Installation

You can always find YouTube videos and DIY guides that can walk you through a kitchen cabinet renovation. However, it’s important to note that tackling home improvement projects yourself involves more significant risks than having a professional do it for you. Unless you have the skills and expertise to handle the task, you could end up causing damage to the cabinets or installing them incorrectly.

Looking for an Expert in Cabinet Renovation in Davie, FL?

Cabinet Direct Club is more than a company you order cabinets from. We’ll be with you every step from design to installation to help you make your dream kitchen a reality. Contact us today to make an appointment.