A Contractor and a Facelift
The kitchen cabinets are a large component of kitchen remodeling costs. You can dramatically change the look of you kitchen and save on remodeling costs by refacing your cabinets instead of replacing them. Although a do-it-yourself job can be rewarding, it’s best to hire an experienced contractor to eliminate wasteful mistakes and major headaches. But how do you find a good cabinet refacing contractor?

The Contractor Search and Negotiation
Ask around and network with your friends and neighbors for a licensed, reputable referral. Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Get to know each contractor by asking them questions about the estimates. Envision the completed job including color schemes and material with the candidates prior to hiring.

Once you’ve chosen a reliable contractor, ensure that all contractual agreements are in writing and that a written home improvement contract is with the estimate. The home improvement contract should include:

• The contractor’s name, phone number, and address
• A detailed description of the cabinet refacing project
• Cabinet refacing start and end dates
• A statement that there will be no change of plans without your approval
• A stipulation that the contractor will not violate building codes
• And details of payment: down payment, monthly payments, number of payments, and total finance cost
• The contractor’s signature and license number

Before you commit yourself to one contractor make sure that you educate yourself. Attempt to only pay a minimal down payment for materials and services. Before long, you’ll be reaping the benefits of a brand new kitchen with little sacrifice.

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Kitchen Cabinet Refacing is an affordable makeover to update your kitchen cabinets. The end results are stunning and will add value and enjoyment to your home.

Many people really want to give their kitchens a totally new look as it is one room in their home where they spend a considerable amount of time, cooking and preparing food, sitting and eating meals, or just simply relaxing and entertaining. However, kitchen facelifts are not cheap, especially if you are planning to replace all the kitchen cabinets and furnishings. In fact, the best solution to the high costs and hassle is to do kitchen cabinet refacing. It is an effective and quick procedure that is much less costly than simply replacing your entire kitchen, and it allows you to get the perfect makeover without the added cost. You can re-style your kitchen on a string-like budget and be completely surprised at the overall difference this type of makeover will make.

Kitchen cabinet refacing’s benefits give you a wide variety of choice as you can choose from a broad selection of styles for your cabinetry, and get that perfect appearance that you want. Cabinet doors can be easily replaced, as can drawer fronts, with modern, stylish replacements that can cut your project completion time and the added costs associated with getting a completely new appearance and feel for your kitchen. Added little touches like doorknobs, handles and hinges are great accessories that can also make a change in the overall appearance. With this type of home improvement, you can add needed home value and a super look to your home without the financial headaches, and enjoy the pleasure of your superb new kitchen for the time that you continue to live in your home.

Another benefit to kitchen cabinet refinishing or replacing versus simply just replacing old items is that you get a speedier resolution to getting that new kitchen that you wanted. The fact is that if you already have cupboards and cabinets that are in good condition, taking them out and just replacing them is an unnecessary use of time and money. If a facelift and a new appearance are all you are looking for then it is faster, less costly and easier to reface your kitchen. You can get that look you want for a kitchen by choosing from the huge variety of finishes that are available, and save money without compromising the choices you have. So, if improved kitchen ambience and a fresh look is what you want for your kitchen, and you are concerned about the financial or time constraints, kitchen refacing may be the best solution, giving you the best choices, value and that fresh look that you desire.

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Kitchen cabinet refacing/renovating

If you are hoping to remodel by tearing out your current kitchen furnishings and fixtures then you may feel you are facing a difficult task. However, for most people all they need is a fresh feel and look for their kitchen, meaning that they are facing wasted money and time replacing all their old fixtures. The best and most cost-effective solution is to use kitchen cabinet refacing to get the fresh look that you want. Cupboards and cabinets that are in reasonable condition can benefit greatly with refacing because you are simply giving them a super an improved appearance and new life. Other people will never realise that you have not completely replaced your cupboards with new ones because there are so many choices available. This will let you benefit from saving money by getting a cost-effective makeover for your kitchen, and one that you can show to friends and family alike.

Never before has giving your kitchen a complete facelift and different appearance been so much easier than it is today as there is such a variety of cabinetry styles available. It is amazing how refacing can make that extra difference, and that you can get that super look and ambient atmosphere using such an easy procedure. You can find the perfect finish for your cabinet doors by finding one that matches your personal tastes and/or your overall home’s décor. In fact, refacing your kitchen is quick, affordable, can improve the beauty, and can increase your home’s value, once it is done. With the kitchen’s theme you can select the best drawer fronts and cabinet doors that will complement it. So many people have opted to reface and refinish their kitchens to give a fresh look in one simple step. It has become a very popular way for most people who wish to improve their kitchen’s look without decimating their saved money and forking out a fortune.

You can find excellent deals online if you are searching for accessories, drawer fronts and/or cabinet doors for your new kitchen. You can get the handles, doorknobs, hinges, finishes of cabinet doors, and even the hinges you want that allow you to begin your project and get it done with ease. No matter which theme you decide upon, the options of products online can help make life easier for you, getting you what you desire and revamp your kitchen so it is both relaxing and a pleasant room to work in. Also, besides saving needed money when you reface versus making expensive replacements, you will also save more money by getting the materials you need online, and you are not stuck compromising the choice or quality so you can get those savings.

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Kitchen Cabinet Refacing and Training Methods using Real Bronze and Turquoise colorants. This was combined with a Indoor Wall Fountains project completed by www.BetterPaths.com

I see people in hardware stores paying out big money to buy new cabinets. I can’t help but wonder if they know about the cheaper option out there called cabinet refacing. A professional craftsman builds custom doors, veneer side panels, and changes the hardware on your current cabinet body. There is nothing tacky or cheap looking about this and it has several advantages over completely new cabinets.

1. You don’t have to spend the extra money that it cost to buy the wood framing. You only pay for the doors and some thin sheets of wood paneling.   The savings can be up to 60% over the cost of a new set of cabinets.
2. The building process is much quicker. A cabinet maker can have the new doors and sides built in just a few days and have them installed in a few hours.
3. Using a cabinet maker versus pre made cabinets gives you the ability to customize the design of the doors. You can match the molding to other doors in the house or something you’ve seen on a luxurious cabinet set.

To get a quote for this service the easiest thing to do is search online for (cabinet refacing + your city). You will see local companies in your area that can give you a quote for this service. Agieslist.com is another good way to find a cabinet maker with good reviews from people in your city. Always get a few quotes because pricing can be very different from one builder to another.

The last thing I want to mention is the option to do it yourself. There are plenty or DIY resources online and in books about reface your cabinets. I have to warn you that the quality will look much less than a professional’s work.  To keep it simple, the process entails cutting the new cabinet skin out of a thin piece of plastic vinyl and gluing it to the cabinet sides. This won’t help the value of your home and it might even devalue it.  The only advantage is instead of paying a few thousand dollars for a professional, you only have about $200 in cost.

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Complete cabinet refacing in NC and repair services by Design Werks Cabinetry. Modifications and cabinet resurfacing in NC for your kitchen cabinets and bathroom cabinets restores your home’s value. Refacing cabinets we replace your cabinet doors and drawer fronts. The exterior cabinet…

Now that you have made the decision to have your kitchen cabinets refaced, there will be a few things to remember. After finalizing all the necessary paperwork and specs for your kitchen cabinet refacing remodeling project with the hired contractor and designer, there is still some work you need to do. The remodeling of your kitchen will not take long, usually 3 to 5 days, but this preparation will help the contractor and designer remodeling your kitchen and also help yourself.

Emptying Your Kitchen Cabinets

Start moving the items that you won’t be using in your kitchen about one week before the kitchen cabinet refacing project starts. By the time the project begins, you should have moved most of the items out of the kitchen cabinets. Once the project is finished, be sure to wash all of the dishes before putting them away. Also, while your kitchen is being refaced try to keep all you items far away from the kitchen to prevent dust from getting on them.

Other Kitchen Objects To Consider Removing

Remove any magnets, pictures, and anything on your refrigerator and walls. Although the contractors may end up moving your refrigerator into another room, to prevent any damage to your property it is advisable to move these items. Also, if there is a kitchen table and chairs, you may want to move them into a near by room, this will prevent the contractor from placing heavy objects on them. All plants, or other items on the kitchen window or on the window ledge, should be moved as well.

Contractor Responsibilities and Parking

Your contractor will need an area where debris can be placed temporarily until the project is finished, the contractor will then remove it and take it to a dumping area. Tools such as table saws, miter saws and materials will require space so wood can be cut. Parking will be needed as well. If you have things that might be in their way, your vehicles for example, move them away from their path and move them back when they are gone. This will help your contractors work more comfortably and finish the job sooner. Your contractor should disconnect the stove to prevent it from turning on accidentally, your heating and air conditioning system should also be turned off, this will prevent dust or fumes from going to other rooms. The floors should be covered with protective pads or mats to prevent the floors from breaking or scratching. Finally, all the openings from the kitchen to other rooms should be covered to prevent dust and fumes from getting into the other rooms in the house.

By following the steps above you will help the contractors do a better job in a more comfortable surrounding that you have created for them and as a result a more satisfying finished kitchen remodel. Also, this will prevent any valuable items from breaking, after all, most kitchens are small to begin with!

Somewhat new in the kitchen remodeling industry… kitchen cabinets refacing has become a popular alternative for homeowners.

Kitchen cabinet refacing can save you anywhere from 33-60% off the cost of installing new kitchen cabinets. This economical alterative gives you the new design you want for your kitchen, without breaking the bank. In addition to saving money, you can improve their functionality with roll-out shelves, better drawer slides, and other accessories.

Why put new cabinets faces on old cabinets?

Often, the quality cabinets that exist in vintage homes are sturdier than many new cabinet designs on the market today. Choosing to replace solid wood cabinets, instead of refacing kitchen cabinets, can leave a customer dissatisfied and frustrated with service calls and poor quality service.

With refacing services provided by many companies through the US, it’s a wonderful alternative that many customers are looking to.

“Not only was it cheaper, but I didn’t have to wait 2 months for them to get the cabinets in before they could start the work. The refacing company was in and out in just a few days. I am very pleased with the results”, Said Angela Lamerson.

Before investing into a major refacing job, do your homework.

In some cases, refacing is the not best option. If the cabinet boxes are un-sturdy or made of poor materials, you’ll be wasting both your time and your money. When talking with a refacing company, be sure they examine the original cabinet box and can validate that it is sturdy enough to hold up for the job.

Happy Remodeling!

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Save when you upgrade your cabinets with Reface It America. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Pete Sullivan can give you the look of a new kitchen for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets. He can make your cabinets look any way you want it. Learn more about the process now. Visit us www.yellowpages.com

If replacing the cabinetry is too expensive for your budget, refacing is a less expensive alternative. Refacing involves replacing only the cabinet doors and exposed wood areas of the cabinets. The insides are left as they are to save money on the job. Painting is the least expensive option and can give the room new life. The job can be easily done over a long weekend with the right preparation.

You will need to decide if you will paint the entire cabinet, inside and out, or just the outside and the doors. To save time, consider leaving the inside of the cabinet alone, you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Preparing the Cabinets

Start by removing all hardware from the cabinets and remove the doors. Mark the doors, so you will remember which door goes on which cabinet. This will save you time and prevent aggravation later. Protect the countertops and floor with drop cloths, old bed sheets or plastic sheeting. These can be taped in place, especially on the floors. If you will be replacing the flooring, paint the cabinets first.

Clean the cabinets thoroughly before painting. This is important. Grease and oils from cooking will prevent the paint from adhering properly. You could end up with an uneven color. A wood cleaner with orange oil works well for breaking down grease residue. Be sure to let the surface dry thoroughly before you begin to apply the primer.

Primer is an important step in the process. It provides a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere properly. Use a roller for larger areas and a brush for small areas. Be sure to coat all areas, including the underside of the cabinets. Consider using sawhorses for priming and painting the doors, for an easier time and a more even coverage.

Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before you begin to paint. Overnight is generally sufficient for the primer to dry. Apply the paint in thin coats. It’s better to apply a few thin coats than to use one thick coat. Allow twentyfour hours between coats for the paint to dry completely. Sand with a fine grit sandpaper between coats.

When the paint has dried completely, you are ready to put the doors back on and replace the hardware. Consider updating the hardware to match your new look. Door handles and hinges are inexpensive and can make a big difference in the look of the room.

Choosing Paint for Kitchen Cabinets

Don’t skimp on the paint. Use high quality paint that is right for the surface being covered. This will be different for wood or metal cabinets. If you’re not sure, ask for help at the paint store.

In general, you will want to use enamel paint. You have a few choices in the finish. Gloss, semi gloss or satin finishes are most commonly used. The higher the gloss, the stronger the finish and the easier it will be to clean. If you want less shine, consider the semi gloss finish.

Safety When Painting

Be sure to paint in a well ventilated room. Do the job when the weather is warm enough and leave the windows open.

Wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt to protect your skin from the paint. Plastic gloves can be worn to protect the skin on your hands.

Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from paint and fumes.

While the design of the cabinets, particularly for a house, is of great importance, there are also other things that need to be considered before buying one or having one custom-made to your specifications.

* Size

The size of the cabinet depends on two factors: the size of the space to be allotted for the furniture and the amount of materials that will be placed in the cabinet.

Consider the space that will be allotted for the cabinet. There should be enough space in front of the cabinet that you can easily open it and take out whatever you need.

It is also advisable to have enough walking room when the cabinet is open. This means that a person will be able to pass or stand freely in front of the cabinet while taking or placing the contents.

Also consider the amount of materials that will be placed in the cabinet. It is better that you have one cabinet for organizing related things than having several cabinet in which you need to check when looking for a single thing. It is better that your cabinet still has enough space in case you acquire more similar contents so you can fit them all in the same place.

* Vertical or Lateral

The concern on whether to have vertical or lateral drawers usually arises when deciding on what to get for keeping files.

Vertical drawers are the most common filing cabinet used in offices. These require little wall space and stack two to five drawers that contain legal-sized documents. The files are arranged from front to back and are facing the user.

These are good for storing personal files, since because of its compactness, each office employee can have one. However, because these are quite deep, they might diminish the room’s walking space when the drawers are open.

Lateral drawers, on the other hand, require a larger wall space. Even if these are not as deep as vertical drawers, they have a high capacity.

These can also contain legal files arranged in two to five drawers. The files, however, are arranged facing one side or facing the user in multiple rows.

Due to its size, not every office employee can have a lateral drawer in his or her working space. Instead, a department can have a lateral drawer in an unobtrusive location, which can be accessed by the employees.

* Construction

The commonly used materials for cabinets may be wood or steel. Wood is used usually for home cabinets, while steel is preferred for important office files, due to its strength and durability.

Wood is preferred for homes because of multiple decorating possibilities and its ability to add warmth and homey ambience.

Make sure that the drawers can be extended fully and can glide smoothly. A drawer that is stuck can lead to several other problems.

* Protection

For containing important documents, office cabinets have to be well constructed. Some cabinets also have interlocked drawers, which do not permit having more than one drawer to be open at the same time. This will prevent the cabinet from tipping.

Also consider having cabinets with locks and fire and impact resistance. Cabinets that can withstand 1700 F for 1 hour and the impact of a thirty-foot drop, bear the Underwriters’ Laboratories Class 50 rating.

* Mobility and Ease of Cleaning

If you will need to move furniture around the house when cleaning, choose a cabinet that is not too heavy to be moved a little when cleaning. It may also be better to choose cabinets that are elevated by a few centimeters from the floor for ease of cleaning.

For office cabinets, if you will need to move your files around the office, you can use a mobile file cart. Some of these also have the security features of file cabinets. These are compact and can be stored under the table when not being used.

After deciding what type of cabinet you will need, don’t forget to check online for the best deals on furniture and to compare prices.

Capacity & Space : Since media units are constantly on the expansion drive, it is important to choose the largest unit you can buy in the space you have on hands. Try to accommodate a bigger unit for the continually expanding CD and DVD collections.

Size of the room : Measure up the room and the area you need to put up the unit. What all would like to have in your media unit—Plasma/ DVD and CD players, speakers and other media collection? You get low-slung units that allow you all of it and some more space to display art and collectibles. Then there are regular media units with racks for storing CDs DVDs and music. Compare standard shelf size and determine the kind of space you will need to store and keep adding.

Some of the storage style options and their Shelving Units

Shelving Units : Shelving units are functional furniture pieces. Metal and wood shelving systems also come equipped with casters for mobility, and are found in all different sizes to fit in almost any dimension. There are modular units that can be assembled and dissembled easily and arranged the way you like, even hung from top. You get shelving systems in conventional and unconventional material for home and offices, bamboo shelving look great and bestow a room with a decorative and utilitarian value.

Bookcases : You have bookcases that can be used to store and display books and collectibles. Then there are ledger units that allow you the freedom to stack and display in style. You get units that allow multifunctional uses in style. Some bookcases are designed to be a combination of storage and display with a glass door and extra shelving cases and drawers for displaying art and collectibles. Pay attention to the depth of the shelves to accommodate larger books, ideally a 12-14 inch shelf is great for storing different sizes of books. Normally, bookcases are designed to stack against a wall to draw support, you can get creative and also use bookcases for dividing spaces, storing books, decorative and other uses. You get wooden bookcases constructed with hardwoods, glass, metal and a combination of material to fulfill modern and traditional decorative tastes.

Media Cabinets/ Entertainment Unit : Media Cabinets are available in all designs and sizes to accommodate sleek plasmas and TVs, and also provide space for storing collection and artifacts. Traditionally, media units were sort of shelving systems with limited space. Over the recent times, with media and storage consisting of CDs and DVDs, while the size of TVs getting slimmer, media units have come to mean modified Entertainment systems that allow you to stack your players and plasmas and collections and also allow open space to display. You can also opt for models placed on spinners with shelves on four sides, like those often seen in book stores for your collection.

Curio Cabinets : Curios are great furniture units with set of shelves and a large glass door. Normally used to store collectibles, glittering chinas and antique pieces, the curio shelving system is normally mirrored at the back and some are equipped with spotlights for display. It is a decorative unit often placed in the living area, and the designs are a great combination of wood and glass. Some even entail glass shelves for a transparent display. Used normally as a decorative unit, check out if the styling and design goes with the overall theme in your living area.

Wall Mounted Shelves : For limited space, wall-mounted shelves look great. You get free-standing units and wall mounted ones, depending on your availability of space and convenience, consider factors like mobility while deciding on the best choice. Once mounted on a wall, shelving units are difficult and time consuming to move them to another location, whereas free-standing shelves can simply be picked up and moved easily.

Corner Shelves : Corner shelves are useful as both free standing and wall mounted units. Usually fashioned to fit any wall corner between two walls, they are designed to save space and provide utility and decorative value to a space. Ideal for small spaces and apartments, you can buy corner shelves in different materials and turn it into a functional corner. Used in bathrooms, kitchens and lobbies to display and hold in style.

Shelf Liners : To protect shelves, you get liners made of cloth or plastic. They majorly help you protect the surface and make it easier to clean a shelving unit. Available in a range of color and finish, they are great for preventing slipping of small items through wire mesh shelves and can be cut to fit any size.