repair or replace cabinets?

Question

My kitchen is L shaped. There are 2 bottom cabinets along the long arm, a corner sink, with the dishwasher to the right of the sink. The dishwasher leaks, and has damaged the bottom shelf of the cabinets. can those bottom shelves be removed and replaced or do I just replace the entire cabinets?
                        
                        If that bottom shelf is removed, will the structure of the cabinet be compromised? One repair man--out of 3--said it would be. (The fellow today.)
                        
                        I just got an estimate on that, the fellow said it would be better, the cabinet wouldn't stay together if the shelf was removed, that a new one couldn't be put in... and as cheap to replace the cabinets. He'll call with an estimate later today. We're talking of close to $2000.00. What say you?
                        Do I replace the entire cabinets, or the bottom shelf?

Account Closed · Answer

Most of the people I've talked to have said the shelf could be removed and replaced. I think that's what I will do. 
The man I talked to today actually sounded like he knew what he is talking about. One man said he's never done it, but thought it could be done, and he was willing to try. I'm probably hiring today's man. He's older and has much more experience. 
The dishwasher man comes tomorrow morning, I'll know more then. I hope.
ofgift

Sally Strumbo · Answer

That could be an easy fix by attaching a new shelf over the old one. If it's in the bottom of a cabinet it's not in a place that gets looked at so it really does not matter if it's less than perfect. 2K is way too much to spend for a small project such as this.

N/A N/A · Answer

You could just repair the bottom shelf by placing a new shelf over the bottom one. Leave old one in place and cover it with new plywood. If it is particle board and severly damaged and wont support the new shelf, attach a strip of 1X1 on each side right above the existing shelf and glue and screw to the sides, cut new plywood to slide in on the new rails. Cheap and easy fix. You can even put some contact paper on to Spiff it up a little.

Eric Wang · Answer

Is your current cabinets from the 60's, where cabinets are built in large section, or is it modern cabinets built by pieces? If it is by pieces, you can just replace the damage cabinet.
You would need to remove the countertop, the amount of work require depends on the type of countertop you have, if you have laminated countertop, the top can be easily removed and put back.  If you have tiles, it would require more work and money.  If overall shape of your cabinets are in good condition, I would just find someone to replace that section and not spend more money than you need too.  Is the $2,000 estimate for cabinets only? Don't forget installation, removing and dumping of old cabinet, countertop, plumbing installation for sink, etc.