We have a rental that has outdated and worn cabinets. Just got an estimate to remodel and were shocked by the price. Looking for alternative solutions to give it a refresh. Would consider just replacing the laminate countertops, but contractor says they are glued down and will likely damage the cabinets upon removal. Since the base cabinets are in pretty bad shape, I had a thought of just replacing them along with countertop and then painting the uppers to match or to complement the lowers.

Do you think this is a crazy idea? Any other suggestions.

The unit is occupied by a long term tenant and she prefers to not

have a long project where she can't use the kitchen

I usually refresh at turnover unless there's a physical hazard. People accept them as-is at the start, since they're suitable, and any wear or damage is on them.

That said, I like 100% plywood cupboards. I used to get them from places like Floor & Decor, Seconds & Surplus, Builders Surplus, etc. I usually go with unfinished cupboards and put a few layers of poly on them. It's clean and natural-looking. The product changes based on store and time, but I think I did a 10' run of lowers and a 5' run of uppers for about $900'ish after taxes. Then I top it with a nice laminate countertop from Sutherlands. 10' runs about $100 on sale in some patterns, but others are twice that.

Figure out what the local builders stores are in your area and compare their price sheets. The best store/product combo will change every 3-5 years.

I personally wouldn't do a complete kitchen remodel while it's occupied by a tenant.

But if you are sure you want to do so, find a different contractor.

I agree with Deanna.

Have a handmay buy some birch plywood and lay over top of the existing, screw them to existing, plug the holes where the screws are with screw plugs, sand flat, then put a hardwood front edging on it that hangs down about 1.5-2" to cover the old laminate. That doesn't address the cabinet issue, only the laminate top.

Start by firing your contractor, he is trying to inflate the job to make a buck.

If it's glued down, it is as simple as running an oscillating multitool with a saw blade along the top edge of the cabinet to free it up, not a big deal at all. Will take all of 20 minutes to get a standard sized kitchen counter loose from the base.

I used Rustoleum appliance paint on a set of tops.

It is only in white, but at the time that didn't matter.

Turned out pretty good. I used a sponge roller and a sponge brush for the cove at the splash.

The only problem I had was on an edge, where the cap was. It got hit by something and the paint chipped off. Otherwise it seemed fine and was pretty tough, once cured.

I had an old countertop with chartreuse flowers and scorch marks refinished with epoxy, btw. If your actual cabinetry is solid, and you just need the countertop refreshed, that's an option. But it's very fume-y and not something I'd do in an inhabited house. Likewise, if it's just cosmetic, it's also not a priority until turnover.

Cheryl,

Why?

If it ain't broke don't mess with it.

If you install new cabinets now, they will be used/scratched/chipped cabinets when you go to re-rent the home.

Agreed, your contractor gave you an "I don't want this job" response.

Rustoleum kit to update the top if it annoys you.

I tried the unfinished cabinets from Lowes - spent lotsa time and just as much money on stain and varnish as if I'd just bought the finished cabinets. I do good work but they still looked home-made.

FYI - golden oak cabinets are OUT, old fashioned. White or gray are the top sellers.