8 Risks of DIY Cabinet Refacing Every Homeowner Should Consider

Do you want to give new life to your kitchen but don’t want to invest in a full renovation with new cabinets? Refacing your cabinetry is the perfect way to save money and update your space. Many people attempt DIY cabinet refacing to avoid paying for a contractor’s time and labor but this comes with more risks than benefits. 

Discover the biggest drawbacks and risks of refacing your cabinets yourself in this in-depth guide. If you want trusted professionals to take care of your cabinet refacing project and kitchen remodel in Los Angeles County, reach out to Payless Kitchen Cabinets. We help homeowners avoid the problems below and transform their spaces into visually appealing, functional kitchens. 

1. Limited Expertise

Unless you’re a licensed contractor or take on cabinet refacing projects frequently, you’ll likely start this kitchen remodeling project with little to no knowledge or prior experience. Even the most handy homeowners will have to take the time to research everything cabinet refacing entails and follow instructions with care and precision. Starting off with limited expertise can result in poor workmanship, especially if you miss a step that professionals know not to skip. 

Reading articles or watching videos about cabinet refacing won’t make up for a lack of experience with this project. You’re better off hiring professional help for this remodeling project instead of trying it for the first time yourself. 

2. Jeopardizing Your Health and Safety

Safety concerns remain among the biggest DIY home renovation risks homeowners take. DIY cabinet refacing is no exception. If you’re not careful, you can put yourself and your family in harm’s way. 

Refacing cabinets may result in injury or health problems due to the nature of the project. Misusing power tools and exposing yourself to dangerous chemicals in paint can come with dire consequences that you might not think about when you first consider taking on home renovations. Prioritize safety above everything else and let an experienced contractor perform this project. 

Experts not only have the proper tools but they understand the correct way to use them. Many contractors choose high-quality paints and stains that feature limited amounts of chemicals. Before applying these products, they’ll inform you about the possible health risks the fumes carry and give tips for keeping your household healthy, such as:

• Opening windows for ventilation
• Allowing enough time for coats to dry before applying new ones
• Wearing masks to prevent breathing in harsh chemicals

Jumping into this project without taking the time to consider your personal health and safety can be detrimental. Rely on an expert if you want to keep yourself and other members of your household safe. 

3. Shoddy Workmanship

Cabinet refacing remains a popular alternative to cabinet replacement because it can transform the look of your kitchen for a fraction of the cost. However, DIY cabinet refacing may not yield the results you want, especially when you have no prior experience. Your workmanship may pale in comparison to professional contractors and leave your cabinets with an unsightly appearance, including:

• Uneven finishes
• Peeling paint
• Damaged materials

You may spend more time and money working on making the cabinets look professionally refaced rather than opting to have a contractor reface them from the beginning. 

4. Inaccurate Measurements

Contractors pride themselves on taking exact measurements during any home renovation. Kitchen cabinet refacing requires precise measurements so you can order the right amount of materials. If you attempt DIY cabinet refacing and don’t record the correct measurements, you might end up ordering too much material and spending more money or ordering too little and facing project delays. 

5. Extended Timelines

Cabinet refacing usually takes experts a few days to complete. Many homeowners decide to perform this project on their own and assume that it’s easy enough to finish over the course of a weekend. Without the proper tools or experience, however, it can take you much longer to complete the refacing process. 

In addition, balancing your other responsibilities may leave you with less time to commit to your remodel and delay the project. What could be done in a few days could end up taking one or more weeks to finish by going the do-it-yourself route. Be mindful of this and consider the possibility of not having a functional kitchen for as long as the project takes. 

If you’re on a tight schedule or have too many other commitments, let a professional contractor reface your cabinets. All you have to do is sit back and watch the transformation happen. 

6. Lower Property Value

Are you looking to sell your home and want to take on a few minor home improvement projects to boost your property value? Cabinet refacing can be a great, affordable way to enhance your kitchen and make it more appealing to buyers. Keep in mind that hiring an expert for the job usually garners the best results and gives you a high return on investment. 

DIY cabinet refacing will save you money upfront but it may end up hurting you in the long run. You might not receive top dollar for your home if your cabinets stand out for all the wrong reasons, including:

• Low-quality materials 
• Incohesive design that clashes with the rest of the kitchen
• Poor craftsmanship

Buyers will be less apt to make a high offer if they feel they have to invest in new kitchen cabinets. They could feel drawn to other homes with professionally remodeled kitchens and leave you struggling to receive offers on your house. 

7. Higher Project Costs

Ask someone why they prefer DIY cabinet refacing over hiring a professional and they’ll probably tell you that it saves them money. While there is some evidence to support this claim, not every homeowner will save money by refacing cabinets on their own. In fact, some might even spend more this way than if they hired a licensed contractor. 

How can DIY home improvements waste money? Your initial budget may not account for common costs that come with DIY projects, including:

• Equipment purchasing or rental: While experts come with all of the necessary tools and equipment, not every homeowner has these supplies on hand. You might have to buy various tools or rent your equipment. 
• Unexpected damage: Say you accidentally ruin some of your new cabinet doors while installing them. You’ll have to buy new materials whereas a professional would install them correctly without sustaining any damage. 
• Incorrect amount of materials: Experts measure carefully to order the right amount of materials for your cabinets rather than spending unnecessary money due to incorrect measurements. 

8. Voided Warranty

Most cabinet manufacturers have a warranty on their products which covers the cost of repairs or replacements. The conditions for these warranties typically state that professionals must perform any major renovations or else the warranty becomes void. If you try to reface your cabinets and end up damaging them, you’ll have to pay for repairs or cabinet replacement out of your own pocket. 

Consult an Expert for Superior Cabinet Refacing in Southern California

Are you ready to transform your kitchen for the better and take advantage of the impressive cabinet refacing longevity that awaits? Don’t bother with DIY cabinet refacing and all the risks that come with it. Instead, turn to Payless Kitchen Cabinets for top-notch remodeling services. 

We specialize in cabinet refacing and know how to improve your kitchen’s features without breaking the bank. Contact Payless Kitchen Cabinets if you need a trusted team to oversee your cabinet transformation. Call (866) 482-0919 to schedule a consultation with our friendly experts. Learn more now.