Renovating a Rental Property with Cabinet Refacing: A Complete Guide

Your rental property’s kitchen is one of the biggest factors in attracting and keeping good tenants. The challenge I see many landlords face is this: how do you update those aging cabinets without breaking the bank on a complete kitchen renovation?

The good news is, you don’t always need to rip everything out and start fresh. Cabinet refacing might be exactly what you’re looking for. Think of it as giving your kitchen cabinets a facelift – you keep the bones (the cabinet boxes) but replace all the visible parts. The best part? You’re looking at saving 30-50% compared to putting in brand new cabinets, while still getting that fresh, updated look tenants love.

Let us walk you through everything you need to know about cabinet refacing for your rental property. We’ll look at the whole process – from picking out materials and planning your budget, to working with contractors and keeping your tenants happy during the renovation. Whether you’re dealing with dated oak cabinets from the 90s or just want to boost your property’s value, we’ll help you figure out if refacing is the right choice for your rental.

Understanding Cabinet Refacing for Rental Properties

Let’s break down what cabinet refacing really means for your rental property. You’re keeping the existing cabinet framework – those boxes mounted to your walls – but replacing all the parts you can see: the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. The whole process typically wraps up in two to four days, which is a huge plus when you’ve got tenants to think about.

What is Cabinet Refacing and How it Works

Think of cabinet refacing like putting a new skin on your existing cabinets. Your contractor will start by taking off all the old doors and drawer fronts. Then they’ll cover the exposed edges of the cabinet boxes with fresh veneer or laminate (but not inside or underneath. They’ll work their way around the kitchen, replacing everything from the peninsula to the fridge cabinet surround, making sure all the visible surfaces get that new look.

Benefits for Landlords and Investment Properties

Here’s why I love recommending cabinet refacing to property owners:

• Quick Turnaround: Your tenants won’t have to deal with weeks of construction – we’re talking 2-4 days from start to finish
• Eco-Friendly Option: You’re not filling up landfills with perfectly good cabinet boxes – just updating what needs to be changed
• Kitchen Stays Functional: Your tenants can still use most of their kitchen while the work is happening

Cost Comparison with Full Cabinet Replacement

Now, let’s talk dollars and cents – because this is where refacing really shines for investment properties. You’re looking at saving 30-50% compared to ripping everything out and starting fresh. 

You’re saving big by:

• Keeping those sturdy cabinet boxes in place
• Avoiding calls to plumbers and electricians
• Cutting down on installation time and labour

The money you save here? That could go toward new countertops (180 Kitchens can help with those too) or some really nice hardware upgrades while still keeping your renovation budget in check. It’s all about making smart choices with your investment dollars.

Planning Your Rental Property Cabinet Refacing Project

The success of your cabinet refacing project really comes down to good planning. So let me walk you through what you need to think about before getting started.

Assessing Cabinet Condition and Suitability

Here’s something we always tell property owners: before you get too excited about refacing, take a good hard look at those existing cabinets. You need to check:

• Are the cabinet boxes still solid?
• How do the insides look?
• Does the current layout make sense?
• What’s the quality of that framework?
• Do you see any water damage or warping?

Budgeting and ROI Considerations

Let’s talk about the money – because that’s what this is all about, right? The numbers look pretty good: studies show you can expect an ROI of up to 83%. You’re spending about half what you’d pay for new cabinets, which is why I see so many landlords going this route. Just remember that labor will eat up more than half your budget, and if you’re in the city, those rates tend to run higher than in the suburbs.

Timeline and Tenant Coordination Strategies

The actual work takes about 2-4 days, but here’s how the whole timeline typically breaks down:

1. Getting ready and ordering materials (4-6 weeks)
2. Taking off the old doors and applying the vinyl to existing boxes (1 day)
3. Installing doors and hardware (1-2 days)

Here’s a tip from our experience: try to schedule the work between tenants if you can. If that’s not possible, work with your current tenants to find the least disruptive time.

Selecting Materials and Design Elements

The big question we get from landlords about cabinet refacing is: what materials should I use? When you’re dealing with rental properties, you need to think about durability first, looks second, and cost third. Let us help you figure out the right balance for your property.

Durable Materials for Rental Properties

Here’s what we recommend for rental properties – these materials have proven themselves time and time again:

• Plywood cabinets: These are our go-to for moisture resistance and long-term durability
• Thermofoil: You get that clean, polished look that’s easy to maintain
• Laminate: Great for fighting off scratches and stains, plus it handles heat well
• Medium-density fiberboard (MDF): If you’re watching your budget, this gives you good moisture resistance

Tenant-Friendly Colour and Style Choices

When it comes to colours, here’s what we’ve learned: keep it neutral. You can’t go wrong with white, gray, or beige – these colours work with pretty much any decor your tenants might bring in. We always suggest semi-gloss finishes over high-gloss. Why? Because they’re much more forgiving when it comes to fingerprints and everyday wear and tear.

Hardware and Finishing Options

Your hardware choices make a bigger difference than you might think. Brushed nickel, stainless steel, and aged bronze are your best bets – they’re tough and they look good. Want to really impress potential tenants? Think about soft-close hinges (these come standard when you choose 180 Kitchens for your refacing project) and full-extension drawer slides.

For those finishing touches, here’s what matters:

• Get hardware that can stand up to grease and stains
• Skip the fancy details that just collect dirt
• Make sure those finishes can handle regular cleaning

Remember, you’re not just picking materials for today – you’re choosing finishes that need to look good through multiple tenants. The right combination of materials, neutral colours, and quality hardware will keep your kitchen looking fresh for years to come.

Managing the Refacing Process

The success of your cabinet refacing project comes down to managing three key players: your contractor, your tenants, and you. The actual work takes 1-3 days to complete, but here’s what you need to know to keep everything running smoothly.

Working with Contractors

Finding the right contractor is like finding a good tenant – you need to do your homework. Here’s what I look for when vetting contractors:

• Those industry certifications and ongoing training
• Solid experience with rental renovations
• Someone who returns calls and communicates clearly
• Written estimates that spell out everything
• Strong warranty coverage for both materials and labor

Your contractor should lay out exactly how the project will unfold and keep you in the loop about any hiccups along the way. The good ones will work with you to nail down a design that looks great but doesn’t blow your budget. If you’re considering refacing your cabinets, 180 Kitchens offers free consultations to discuss your project.

Minimizing Tenant Disruption

The key to keeping tenants happy during renovations? Communication, communication, communication. You need to spell out exactly what’s happening and when. I always recommend scheduling work during regular business hours, 9-5, when most tenants are out anyway.

Here’s our checklist for keeping the peace with tenants:

• Give them that 24-hour heads up before anyone shows up
• Tell them straight up about any noise or smells they might notice
• Make sure their stuff is protected
• Think about throwing them a bone with some rent adjustment if things get messy

The Bottom Line on Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing keeps proving itself as one of the smartest moves a landlord can make. You’re getting that fresh, updated look without emptying your wallet on a complete cabinet overhaul.

Here’s what really stands out to us after seeing countless refacing projects:

• You’re pocketing 30-50% in savings compared to ripping everything out and starting fresh
• The whole job wraps up in 2-4 days – your tenants will thank you for that
• Those quality materials – plywood, thermofoil, and laminate – they’re going to take whatever your tenants throw at them

The secret to making cabinet refacing work? It’s all about sweating the details. Take your time checking those existing cabinets, pick materials that can handle the daily grind of rental use, and team up with contractors who know what they’re doing. Get these pieces right, and you’ll end up with a kitchen that not only looks great but helps keep those quality tenants happy and your property value climbing.

Want to learn more about giving your rental kitchen a facelift? Give us a call at 180 Kitchens – we’ve got you covered in Edmonton and Vancouver.

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