Cost

• Replacing kitchen or bathroom cabinets will easily cost several thousand dollars, once you factor in hiring a remodeling team, removing old cabinets and purchasing and installing new ones. "This Old House" website estimates that replacing your kitchen cabinets will cost approximately $5,000, while refacing is possible for under $1000. Refacing your cabinets will cost between $50 and $175 per cabinet, while new cabinets cost $75 per unit for the least expensive, unfinished models and up to $300 per unit for finished, high grade models.
  
  

Replacing Cabinets

• Although it is less expensive, cabinet refacing is not always an appropriate solution. Cabinets with more than cosmetic problems may need replacing if problems interfere with the function of the cabinets. Broken shelving, water damage or damage incurred during installation of cabinets or appliances may make cabinet replacement a smarter investment than refacing. Unfortunately, replacing cabinets may leave you without a kitchen or bathroom for one to four weeks. Consider replacing only the problematic cabinets with new, matching units to offset the time and cost investments of replacing all cabinets.
  
  

Refacing Cabinets

• Remedy cosmetic problems on the outside of cabinets and shorten remodeling time to two to four days by refacing instead of replacing. The process consists of removing cabinet doors to reface both the cabinets and doors by adding veneers to the sides, face frames and door fronts. Choose from veneers made of wood, laminate or thermofoil. You may even entirely replace cabinet doors and drawer fronts instead of applying veneers. Aside from retaining the same positions and sizes, refaced cabinets give the appearance of a full cabinet replacement without the extra time, money and mess of full replacements.
  
  

Considerations

• Refinishing is a less expensive alternative to both replacing and refacing cabinets, costing less than $100 in most cases. This solution is ideal for covering small cosmetic errors such as scratches or scuffed paint. To refinish cabinets, strip away the existing paint or varnish finish, sand and re-paint or stain in a new color or shade. Paired with a new coat of paint on your kitchen or bathroom walls, a simple refinishing can make a room look entirely different. Replace hinges, drawer pulls and handles for more upgrade with less investment.