Kitchen remodels are one of the best home improvement projects for adding value to your property. Probably the biggest problem that arises when planning to remodel a kitchen, however, is the high price; though it will definitely increase a home's value and marketability, a kitchen remodel is one of the most expensive jobs you can undertake without actually adding on to the house.
One tactic used by some homeowners to improve the look and function of a kitchen while still remaining within their budgets is to spruce up their kitchen cabinets. Pittsburgh residents who are thinking about a complete kitchen makeover, but are wary of the cost, should consider refacing, refinishing, or replacing their cabinets.
Options for Pittsburgh Cabinet Remodeling
The materials that your cabinets are made of will play a big role in what you can do with them. Cabinets made of solid hardwood are probably the most versatile when it comes to achieving a new look. Hardwood cabinets can be sanded and refinished; this will expose new wood that will have a fresh appearance without the need of changing the structure of your kitchen. As hardwood is a valuable material in almost every setting, refinishing is probably the best choice for hardwood kitchen cabinets. Pittsburgh households that are lucky enough to have classic wood cabinetry should hang onto it as long as it is in decent condition.
Cabinets made of plywood can easily be painted, but refacing is another viable option. Refacing basically means that a very thin layer of new material is cut to fit your existing cabinets and is then fixed to the exposed surfaces. Since the exteriors of resurfaced cabinets are brand new, they will look good for quite some time.
Replacement is the final choice and is good for any kind of cabinet that is beyond repair. Replacing cabinets, however, can be a pretty expensive endeavor. Homeowners that have no other option might try purchasing their replacement cabinets from salvage yards or other second-hand source. This will most likely save money, and you could end up finding some very interesting, high quality cabinetry that would be significantly more expensive brand new.
Custom Kitchen Cabinets in Pittsburgh
Having custom cabinets built nearly anywhere in the country can easily cost a few thousand dollars and that doesn't include having them installed. In Pittsburgh (or any other major city), prices will no doubt get into or above the $5,000 range. Cost aside, however, custom cabinets can actually increase the functionality of your kitchen and optimize the amount of space you have to work with. If you have the means and the desire, there is no better way to increase the appearance and efficiency of your kitchen than installing a set of custom cabinets designed specifically for your needs and space.
Prices of Pittsburgh Cabinet Remodels
Though less expensive than remodeling an entire kitchen (which can run $20,000 or even more), cabinet remodeling in Pittsburgh will still cost a few bucks. On the higher end, cabinet refacing often costs about $7,000. Those looking to refinish existing hardwood cabinets can expect a significantly smaller bill of around $2,500. Pittsburgh cabinet remodels that include only minor repairs and some DIY painting can easily be done for less than $1,000. You'll have to put in some elbow grease, but it's well worth the money you'll save. 
Jon Nunan is a freelance writer who draws on his experience in construction, ranging from landscaping to log home building, for his articles on home improvement.