Kitchen Remodel vs Refacing in Palm Beach: How To Decide?

Remodel vs Refacing: What Each Really Means

Kitchen remodeling is a complete rework of the space. It involves layout changes, new cabinetry, new surfaces, upgraded lighting, plumbing, and electrical adjustments. 

It’s the route when you need both aesthetic and functional change – storage, lighting logic, durability, and long‑term value.

Cabinet refacing is a surface-level transformation. You keep the existing cabinet boxes but replace the doors, drawer fronts, and hardware. 

It’s cosmetic, quick, and cost-effective when the bones of the kitchen are solid.

Cost, Time & Disruption in Palm Beach

Renovation costs vary dramatically depending on size, materials, and whether you touch plumbing or electrical. 

Here’s how it breaks down locally:

Cabinet Refacing in Palm Beach:

• Average range: $4,000–$9,500

• Smaller kitchens: Closer to $4K

• Larger or premium materials: $9K+

• Cost drivers: Material (laminate vs solid wood), number of cabinets, hardware quality, and labor.

Full Kitchen Remodel in Palm Beach:

• Minor refresh: $10,000–20,000

• Mid-range remodel: $25,000–70,000

• High-end, full gut remodel: $70,000–130,000+

• Cabinets alone can be 30% of total cost.

Time and Disruption:

• Refacing: Usually done in 3–7 days, minimal mess, kitchen remains usable.

• Remodeling: 8–16 weeks minimum, often longer depending on permitting and lead times.

In Palm Beach County, many properties are condos or coastal homes with HOA rules. That means noise restrictions, elevator bookings, and specific working hours. Refacing tends to fly under those constraints; remodels require planning around them.

How to Evaluate Your Kitchen?

Before choosing a direction, evaluate what you actually need to fix or improve:

• Cabinet Condition. Are boxes solid, level, and free of swelling or warping? Press the cabinet sides and bottoms; if they flex or feel soft, refacing won’t hold up.

• Layout & Workflow. Does the existing setup make cooking easy, or are you constantly walking laps between sink, stove, and fridge?

• Storage & Functionality. Could better drawer organization or vertical storage change how you use the space?

• Plumbing & Electrical. Any outlets in odd places or undersized lighting circuits? Refacing won’t address that; remodeling will.

• Appliance Fit. New refrigerators or wall ovens often need reconfigured cabinetry. That’s a remodel territory issue.

If most of your frustrations are visual, refacing can work. If they’re functional, structural, or safety-related, remodeling is the smarter route.

When Refacing Makes Sense

Refacing is ideal when:

• Cabinet boxes are structurally sound and under 15 years old.

• You like the kitchen layout and want a style update only.

• Countertops are staying, and the existing footprint works.

• You need a quick, low-mess refresh before selling or moving in.

Average life span: 10–20 years with proper installation and care.

But remember, refacing is purely skin-deep. It won’t correct bad workflow, fix sagging boxes, or solve water-damaged framing.

When a Remodel Is the Better Investment

Kitchen remodeling delivers deeper, longer-lasting value when:

• Cabinets are worn, warped, or builder-grade and failing.

• You want to open walls or rework the layout.

• You need better lighting, power, or ventilation.

• Countertops, flooring, or plumbing fixtures need replacing.

• You plan to stay in the home long-term or are renovating for resale.

It’s also the only route if you want to integrate high-end features like built-in appliances, under-cabinet lighting, or seamless millwork. 

Remodels take longer and cost more, but they reset the kitchen for decades.

Quality, Durability & Longevity

A well-done professional refacing can last 10–20 years. That lifespan depends on the original cabinet construction and the quality of veneer or finish.

New cabinets in a remodel – especially semi-custom or custom – typically last 20–30+ years. They’re built from fresh materials with upgraded joinery and hardware. 

For South Florida’s humidity and salt air, that difference in construction quality really matters.

Choosing the Right Contractor

For refacing, look for a specialist who:

• Has verified experience with cabinet veneers and finishes

• Uses solid wood or commercial-grade laminates, not peel-and-stick products

• Provides a written warranty and itemized quote

For remodeling, hire a licensed general contractor and insist on:

• Transparent, line-item proposals

• Proof of insurance and license

• References and past project examples

• Clear communication and change-order process

The lowest bid isn’t always the best bid – especially in Palm Beach, where craftsmanship and accountability separate good from regrettable.

Our Role:

We originate apples‑to‑apples proposals from vetted, licensed GCs, review every line for fairness, and act as your owner’s representative throughout. 

You contract directly with the GC, but we coordinate design, materials, and oversight so execution matches the approved plan.

Your Kitchen Remodel vs Refacing Decision Framework

When In Doubt?

Lean remodel. Even with a higher upfront cost, a remodel addresses MEP issues, storage logic, and long‑term durability – things refacing can’t. If budget allows and you plan to stay, remodeling almost always wins on daily experience and value.