Thinking about this more, I would either paint the cabinets or replace the counters but not both. I think both takes you over the point at which it is worth it. Also, wood tones are coming back.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. The layout is functional and we would also replace backsplash and all lighting. The cost savings of new cabinets (vs the old) would nearly pay for our master bath…

Doubtful. Your master bath is going to cost a lot more than you imagine right now. And any paint job (even offsite) won't be durable for 7+years. If you're literally re-doing everything else, get new cabinets too. We did a reno and addition last year and my approach was to be frugal whereever possible, but to make sure that we did things right. Spending all that money (new counters, appliances, backsplash) on a kitchen and keeping 30 year old cabinets is a dumb way to economize. It's not just style - it's the hinges and drawer slides and your old cabinets probably don't include many drawers, which are better for storage and ergonomics.

Can you replace just the cabinet fronts to something that is more modern? Then I would likely paint.

I think I’d try and find a way to keep the countertops and cabinets hut splurge on lighting, appliance, and backsplash.

And then I’d update the master bath.

It seems like you have already decided. Which is fine. You don’t need approval from DCUM.

If I were you, I would look at lots of before and after pictures from people who have done a similar type of update (especially painting the cabinets).

OP here. The layout is functional and we would also replace backsplash and all lighting. The cost savings of new cabinets (vs the old) would nearly pay for our master bath…

If I liked the kitchen in terms of function, here’s what I would do: I would probably repaint the walls, accessorize like mad, get a cute rug, maybe change the cabinet hardware, and replace the appliances as they break with stainless.

Especially if I planned to sell in 7 years.

I think your plan of just updating the appliances, counters, and having the cabinets professionally painted sounds great.
In addition to that as pp suggested, I would have the soffitts removed and put simple moulding at the tops of the existing cabinets to give them a finished look. Also would replace light fixtures if they look dated.

Obviously I don’t know how big your kitchen is, but you could easily spend $15,000 on the counters and $8-10,000 on appliances and $5000+ repainting the cabinets. You have to ask yourself, is it worth it? How much do you hate your current kitchen? Of course he will save money by not replacing the cabinets, but if your kitchen will still look dated, would you be better off doing it all (or none)?

How functional is the layout? I really wouldn’t sink money into cosmetic upgrades if the layout is poor.

It sounds like you have answered your own question in describing the changes you'd make, none of which are to the layout of the kitchen but which instead are to the appliances, cabinetry, and the countertops. Just consider carefully whether painted cabinets will give you the look you want, as opposed to a different stain. Consider too whether you'd want to do some electrical work to add touches like under-counter lighting and/or new light fixtures, which need not cost a lot but which might change the feel of the kitchen for the better. A new backsplash might add a bit of zip, too.

Soffits often are hiding pipes and wiring. Here is an idea to cover.
https://pinklittlenotebook.com/diy-how-to-disguise-a-kitchen-soffit/

If the kitchen is functional as is, why renovate more than you have to? Full kitchen Renos are for people who love to cook and want a more functional kitchen; or want a more aesthetically pleasing kitchen. If your kitchen works layout wise for your family there is no need to do a 75k reno.

I'd find a way to get rid of the soffits. Not worth doing otherwise.

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that inflation has driven up prices to staggering levels, OP. It's not that posters on here are telling you to add extra fancy things. It's that the most basic jobs are outrageously expensive these days. You can get a few quotes and see what happens.

I'm frugal, and not planning on renovating anything this year. Hopefully next year with the recession, contractors will lower their prices.

OP here. I’m not taking about now vs later or overall inflation. I’m essentially asking about the expense of buying new cabinets/changing layout vs. keeping existing cabinets (and painting them) and existing layout. Also keeping soffits if we do that.

The problem is that inflation has driven up prices to staggering levels, OP. It's not that posters on here are telling you to add extra fancy things. It's that the most basic jobs are outrageously expensive these days. You can get a few quotes and see what happens.

I'm frugal, and not planning on renovating anything this year. Hopefully next year with the recession, contractors will lower their prices.

We live in a lovely suburban home built in 1992. At some point prior to our purchasing the home in 2013, the prior owners renovated the kitchen. They made quality selections, but they were older and not the most stylish. Appliances are black, counters are ubatuba granite, and the cabinets are nice solid wood, but raised panel and stained a medium brown with some cherry hints. They also did not remove the soffits.

We consider ourselves to be sensible and frugal and not wasteful. We like our house and our neighborhood and plan to stay at least 7 more years until our youngest graduates and possibly more beyond that as we assume our kids will attend VA instate colleges.

There are numerous other updates the home needs (original bathrooms and floors) so a full scale $75k+ kitchen remodel just seems like a tough pill to swallow. Will we regret just updating the counters and appliances and having the cabinets professionally painted (offsite by a cabinet specific company, not a random painter)? This will free up funds for bathrooms and floors.

I purposely did not post this on the home reno forum because I feel like they always recommend spending more, not less.

Thoughts?