Your neighbor just finished a cabinet refacing project and the kitchen looks great! How does cabinet refacing work and is it the right project for you?

1. How does cabinet refacing work? With cabinet refacing, a home improvement company will come in and measure your cabinets, make new doors and drawer fronts and install them. You also can change your countertop and do other home improvement projects at the same time, depending on the company.
2. Will my kitchen be torn apart and messy? No. The beauty of cabinet refacing is that the contractor does not have to tear apart your kitchen. Instead, you keep your cabinet boxes and the contractor puts new doors and drawer fronts on them.
3. Is cabinet refacing expensive? Cabinet refacing is a very reasonable home improvement project, particularly when compared with the cost of a full cabinet replacement. You save the cost of taking out the old cabinets and installing new ones, plus any wear and tear on the walls and floors.
4. Why not just buy new cabinets? If your cabinets are in good shape, there is no need to buy new ones. The contractor can simply reface the doors and drawers to give the kitchen a new look. If your cabinet boxes are not sturdy, however, then new cabinets might be the best solution.
5. Will cabinet refacing help my home's resale value? In many cases, yes! Kitchens are a major selling point in homes and the place where most people put their home improvement dollars. By transforming your kitchen, you can help boost your home?s value. Talk to a local cabinet refacing company and a real estate agent for details.

About the Author
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years