Why gut it if you can repair it?

Need new cabinets or back splashes? Before replacing what you have, see if you can fix them.

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Dated kitchen cabinets

Scratched and dented surfaces may need replacing but underneath, the cabinets may be sound.

Whether you have 1970s dark oak cabinets or white laminate ones from the '80s, you can give your kitchen upscale and up-to-date style by having them refaced. Just hire a crew to wrap your existing cabinets with wood veneer and replace the doors and drawers to give them whatever look you like, as well as handy new storage features.

Cost advantage: $4,000 to $6,000, vs. $15,000 and up for new cabinets, and $3,000 and up for new counter-tops. (With refacing, installing new counters is optional.)

The catch: You have to keep your existing kitchen configuration, since refacing relies on your old cabinets.

NEXT: Scratched or rusty tubs

Last updated October 04 2010: 5:02 AM ET

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