Would You Keep an Ugly Kitchen If the Cabinets Are Actually Good?

Would You Keep an Ugly Kitchen If the Cabinets Are Actually Good?

New to Real Estate · Houston · Member since 2026 · 80 posts · 64 votes

Say you walk into a flip and the kitchen looks 20 years old. The cabinets are ugly, the hardware is dated, and the color definitely isn’t helping. But the boxes are solid. Nothing is broken, and the layout works. Are you ripping everything out because buyers expect a “new kitchen,” or painting them, changing the hardware, installing new counters, and calling it a day? I feel like this is one of those places where it’s really easy to spend $10K just because the old stuff looks old. What do you guys usually do?

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Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
2mo

IF the boxes are solid, and depending on the actual style, you can either paint them...properly! Inside and out; or you may be able to reface them with your choice of laminate. This makes a tremendous upgrade, provides reduced longterm maintenance, and, well done, will present as "new". Add an upgrade countertop or reface the existing if the style works for the purpose. New hardware, sink, and faucets completes a great image.

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  • Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2mo

    IF the boxes are solid, and depending on the actual style, you can either paint them...properly! Inside and out; or you may be able to reface them with your choice of laminate. This makes a tremendous upgrade, provides reduced longterm maintenance, and, well done, will present as "new". Add an upgrade countertop or reface the existing if the style works for the purpose. New hardware, sink, and faucets completes a great image.

  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    2mo

    Either paint & replace hardware

    or

    get new doors

    • Kevin IveyPro Member
      Flipper/Rehabber · Marysville, WA · Member since 2020 · 216 posts · 126 votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Drew Sygit:

      Either paint & replace hardware

      or

      get new doors

      do you have a good vendor for doors? 
    • Drew SygitBusiness Member
      Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
      2mo
      Quote from @Kevin Ivey:
      Quote from @Drew Sygit:

      Either paint & replace hardware

      or

      get new doors

      do you have a good vendor for doors? 

       From Google search:



      Cabinet Doors 'N' More: Ships custom-sized doors, drawer fronts, and hardware nationwide with free shipping and automatic tiered discounts up to 15% off.

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    2mo

    As others have said, paint them and get new hardware.  If you don't like the door fronts, just replace those.

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