CabDoor Direct · Cabinet Refacing Guide
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Cabinet Refacing Guide • 03 of 03
How to Find & Hire the Right Cabinet Refacing Pros
Good Work Starts With Finding the Right People.
Maybe you're doing most of the project yourself. Maybe you're hiring out the painting. Maybe you'd rather have someone manage the whole thing.
Either way, knowing who you need, where to find them, and what to ask before you hire them can make the entire cabinet refacing project run more smoothly.
We've spent more than 35 years supporting cabinet professionals. Here are some of the things we'd want a homeowner to know before inviting someone into the project.
Who Do You Actually Need?
You May Not Need a Whole Crew.
The professionals you need depend on how much of the project you want to handle yourself.
Fully managedA fully managed project may involve a general contractor plus specialized trades.
Hybrid DIYA Hybrid DIY project might mean hiring only a cabinet painter, carpenter, or experienced handyman for the portions you're not comfortable doing yourself.
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The Quarterback ROLE 01
General Contractor
A general contractor can coordinate the overall project when you'd rather have one person responsible for keeping all the pieces moving.
They may
- Source and coordinate skilled trades
- Schedule the work
- Purchase or coordinate project materials
- Determine whether permits are required
- Manage subcontracted work
- Communicate project progress
- Help coordinate selections and expectations
- Oversee the project through completion
Best fit
Homeowners who want one primary person managing a multi-trade project.
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The Fit-and-Finish Person ROLE 02
Carpenter or Experienced Handyman
New custom cabinet doors and drawer fronts may require someone comfortable with careful measuring, hinges, alignment, drilling, and installation.
They may
- Measure cabinets for new doors and drawer fronts
- Help create the door and drawer-front order list
- Confirm hinge requirements and locations
- Attach hinges
- Install and align cabinet doors
- Install and adjust drawer fronts
- Lay out and drill knob/pull holes when needed
- Install knobs and pulls
Best fit
Homeowners who are comfortable managing the project but want help with measuring, installation, adjustment, or hardware.
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The Finish Specialist ROLE 03
Cabinet Painting Contractor
Painting cabinets well involves considerably more than applying paint.
The preparation, masking, cleaning, sanding, priming, coating, and final inspection all contribute to the finished result.
A cabinet painter may
- Mask and protect the workspace
- Protect floors, walls, counters, appliances, cabinet interiors, and surrounding areas
- Remove doors, drawer fronts, hinges, knobs, and pulls as appropriate
- Clean, repair, and prepare cabinet surfaces
- Prime and paint
- Sand between appropriate coating stages
- Inspect and touch up the finish
- Remove masking and clean the work area
- Reinstall components included in their scope of work
Before You Say Yes
The CabDoor Contractor Checklist
A friendly conversation is a good start. A few good questions are even better.
The work
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Ask them to walk through how they plan to complete the work from beginning to end.
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The person quoting the project may not be the person working in your home. Find out whether the work will be performed by employees, subcontractors, or the person you're speaking with.
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Exterior house painting isn't the same as cabinet finishing. General carpentry isn't automatically the same as careful cabinet-door installation. Ask about comparable projects.
The proof
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Photos are helpful. Seeing completed comparable work in person, when practical and appropriate, can be even better.
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Ask for references from comparable projects. When possible, include both recent work and older work so you can learn how the finished project has held up.
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It's a wonderfully simple question.
The business
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Licensing requirements vary by state and municipality. Check the appropriate state and local contractor-licensing authority where you live.
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Ask what business and liability insurance applies to the work being performed.
The paperwork
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- Materials?
- Prep?
- Installation?
- Cleanup?
- Appliance movement?
- Door installation?
- Hardware?
- Touch-ups?
Make sure you understand what is included — and what isn't.
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Ask about both the work itself and scheduling.
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If something unexpected is discovered or the project scope changes, understand how additional work and cost will be approved.
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The written estimate or agreement should clearly describe the work scope, price/payment arrangement, and anticipated schedule.
CabDoor Direct · Cabinet Refacing Guide 03
Cabinet Refacing Contractor Interview Sheet
Company / Professional
Contact
Project role
- General Contractor
- Carpenter
- Handyman
- Cabinet Painter
- Other:
Questions
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1. Explain your process for this project.
Notes
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2. Who will actually perform the work?
Notes
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3. Have you completed similar cabinet projects?
Notes
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4. Can I see examples of comparable work?
Notes
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5. Can you provide references for similar work?
Notes
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6. Are required licenses current?
Notes
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7. What insurance applies to this work?
Notes
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8. What is included in the quote?
Notes
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9. What is NOT included?
Notes
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10. Who supplies the doors, drawer fronts, hinges, hardware, paint, and other materials?
Notes
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11. What is the anticipated schedule?
Notes
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12. How are project changes/additional work approved?
Notes
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13. What are the payment terms?
Notes
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14. Is the full scope provided in writing?
Notes
Final question
Would I feel comfortable having this person work in my home?
- Yes
- Maybe
- No
General homeowner guidance, not legal, insurance, or licensing advice. Requirements vary by state and municipality.
