Cabinet refacing is an excellent way to transform your kitchen for a fraction of the cost and downtime of a replacement. However, knowing who to entrust with your home remodel can feel overwhelming.
Because refacing is a specialized service, it requires precise installation, the right materials, and experience that goes beyond general remodeling. Knowing how to choose a cabinet refacing company can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
At Redo Cabinets, we bring more than 70 years of cabinet refacing expertise throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Here’s what to consider when hiring refacing professionals for your remodel.
What Cabinet Refacing Actually Involves
Cabinet refacing involves replacing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware while applying veneer or laminate to existing cabinet boxes. It gives your cabinets a completely new look while keeping the structural framework in place.
Because refacing is a specialized service, it requires advanced tools, materials, and expertise that a general contractor or handyman typically doesn’t have.
A reputable refacing company should also inspect your cabinet boxes before providing a final recommendation. If the boxes aren’t structurally sound, refacing may not be the right solution.
The Difference Between Refacing, Refinishing, and Resurfacing
Many homeowners use the terms refacing, refinishing, and resurfacing interchangeably, but they refer to different services. Cabinet refacing replaces doors and drawer fronts and applies new veneer to the cabinet boxes, while refinishing focuses on painting or staining the existing surfaces. “Resurfacing” is sometimes used interchangeably with “refacing” but can also refer to painting.
A company that conflates these terms in its quote or on its website may not specialize in true refacing.
Why Specialization Matters More Than General Contractor Experience
Many remodeling companies offer cabinet refacing, but few specialize in it. Dedicated reface professionals work with cabinet doors, veneers, laminates, and finishing materials every day, which often leads to better results and fewer issues.
Specialists are also better equipped to handle unique situations, including non-standard cabinet sizes, curved cabinets, and recessed panel doors. These details can have a major impact on the final result and often require specialized knowledge and materials.
Not all cabinet refacing companies offer the same level of quality, experience, or service. Before signing a contract, use these criteria to compare your options and identify companies that are equipped to deliver lasting results.
Here’s how to choose a cabinet refacing company:
Criterion 1 — Licensing, Insurance, and Business Legitimacy
A reputable cabinet refacing company should provide proof of contractor registration, liability insurance, and workers’ compensation coverage for its installers.
In Illinois, contractors on projects over $1,000 must be registered with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Many Chicagoland municipalities also require permits for home improvement work.
A qualified company will clarify permit requirements upfront. If a contractor hesitates to provide documentation within 24 hours or avoids the question, they’re not a company to hire.
Criterion 2 — Material Quality and Supplier Transparency
Ask the company to identify their door manufacturer and veneer or laminate suppliers. Experienced refacing specialists source materials from reputable, established manufacturers rather than generic or unverified suppliers. Vague answers like “we use quality materials” can be a red flag for lower-grade products.
The three primary material categories for refacing are:
(1) Rigid Thermofoil (RTF) Doors — durable and moisture-resistant, common in Chicago’s humid summers.
(2) Wood Veneer — premium look, requires proper acclimation to Chicago’s climate before installation.
(3) Laminate – most budget-friendly option, quality varies significantly by brand.
A quality contractor should be able to explain the benefits of different cabinet refacing material options and provide physical samples for you to review.
Criterion 3 — Portfolio Depth and Local Project History
Before hiring a company, ask to see before-and-after photos of completed projects in your specific style.
Look for a variety of styles, consistent workmanship, and before-and-after photos that show real transformations. A strong portfolio should demonstrate experience with different cabinet layouts, finishes, and design preferences.
View Redo Cabinet’s before-and-after project gallery to see high-quality examples and get inspiration for your refresh.
Red Flags That Signal an Unreliable Refacing Company
Knowing what to look for in a refacing company is important, but knowing what to avoid can also save you from costly mistakes. Watch for these common warning signs that signal an unreliable refacing company:
Pricing and Quoting Red Flags
- No in-home measurement before quoting: Any company that gives a firm price without measuring your kitchen in person is either guessing or planning to adjust the price after work begins. Legitimate refacing professionals measure box dimensions, count doors and drawer fronts, and assess cabinet condition before providing an accurate quote.
- Quotes that are significantly lower than competitors’: While everyone wants to save money, unusually low pricing may indicate lower-quality materials, inexperienced installers, or unexpected charges later in the project. It’s best to get at least 3 quotes for any refacing project exceeding $3,000.
- Large upfront deposits: Most reputable cabinet pros require a reasonable deposit of 10-30% to secure materials and scheduling. Any company requiring 50% or more upfront before ordering materials has a cash flow problem or is at risk for non-completion.
Process and Communication Red Flags:
- No written contract: Your agreement should clearly outline materials, door styles, hardware, project scope, and warranty information. Vague contracts often lead to misunderstandings and protect the contractor, not you.
- No cabinet box assessment: Cabinet refacing only works when the existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound. Companies that skip this inspection may not be following best practices.
- No workmanship warranty: Materials often come with manufacturer warranties, but labor should carry a separate workmanship warranty from the company. In most cases, the industry standard for labor coverage ranges from 1 to 5 years. Always confirm this in writing before signing a contract.
Questions To Ask Before Hiring Reface Professionals
Knowing how to choose a cabinet refacing company starts with asking the right questions. Here are questions to ask your refacing contractor to ensure they’re the best fit for your project:
Questions About Credentials and Process
1. Are you registered as a home improvement contractor in Illinois, and can you provide your registration number?
A reputable company will provide its registration number immediately or shortly after a request. Avoid contractors who hesitate or claim registration is not required.
2. Will you assess my cabinet boxes before finalizing the quote, and what happens if you find structural issues?
A professional contractor will inspect your cabinet boxes in person and explain how any necessary repairs or reinforcements will be handled before work begins. Those who quote without an inspection may be overlooking key details.
3. What specific doors and veneer materials will you use, and can I see samples?
A qualified company will identify its materials, explain the differences between options, and provide physical samples for review. Vague answers like “high-quality materials” may signal lower-grade products.
Questions About Timeline, Warranty, and Cleanup
1. How long will the installation take, and will my kitchen remain functional during the project?
A reputable contractor will give a clear timeline and explain daily expectations. Vague estimates often indicate limited experience or planning.
2. What does your workmanship warranty cover, and how long does it last?
A trustworthy company will clearly explain what is covered, how long the coverage lasts, and provide warranty details in writing. Avoid contractors who only offer verbal assurances.
3. Who will be completing the installation?
A professional company will identify who performs the work and confirm that proper training and insurance are in place. Vague responses like “our team” can indicate a lack of transparency or qualification.
FAQs — Choosing a Cabinet Refacing Company
How many quotes should I get before hiring a cabinet refacing company?
It’s a good idea to get at least three written quotes from companies that have inspected your kitchen in person. Quotes based on photos or verbal descriptions are unreliable. Comparing multiple estimates can help you identify unusually high or low pricing and make a more informed decision.
Does a cabinet refacing company need to be licensed in Illinois?
In Illinois, home improvement contractors working on projects over $1,000 must be registered with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Always ask for a contractor’s registration number and verify it before signing a contract.
What’s the difference between a cabinet refacing company and a general contractor?
A cabinet refacing company specializes in replacing cabinet doors, drawer fronts, hardware, and veneers. While many general contractors offer refacing services, specialists often have more experience, a wider range of materials, and produce more consistent results.
How do I know if my cabinets can be refaced?
Most cabinets can be refaced if the existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound and the current layout still works for your needs. Reputable refacing professionals will inspect your cabinets before providing a quote. If they skip this step, that’s a red flag.
What warranty should a cabinet refacing company offer?
Expect a minimum of one year for workmanship from any reputable refacing company, separate from the manufacturer’s warranty on doors and hardware. Always ask for warranty details in writing before moving forward with a project.
Ready to Choose the Right Cabinet Refacing Company?
If you’re ready to refresh your kitchen with a cost-effective, simple solution, cabinet refacing might be right for you. Knowing how to choose a cabinet refacing company will ensure you get a beautiful result that meets your style and budget.
At Redo Cabinets, we make your decision easier. With over 70 years of trusted craftsmanship, homeowners throughout Chicagoland rely on us for quality cabinet refacing done right the first time. We’ll help you compare options, provide an honest estimate, and guide you toward a confident decision.
Request a free in-home consultation to get started.
If you’re still evaluating your options, see our cabinet refacing cost comparison to help you understand the value of refacing versus replacement.
