Or maybe just paint the cabinets??

Painting them still leaves you with that same arched paneling. Plus I don't believe I've seen the hardware smack in the middle like that either!

What are the insides like? Maybe you can reface them? There are a lot of kitchen experts around here somewhere.

The boxes are in pretty good shape except for a few bottom corners where our puppy chewed...
If we paint or restain we still have to move the hardware to the side instead of in the middle... And that will leave holes in the door... Hmmm...

I think the answer depends on where you live and what buyers in your area prefer. Maybe have a few real estate agents come in and make an assessment for you?

My question is why replace them now, did you just buy the house why reface them now.

The plumbing and electrical shouldn't be an issue if you stick to the same footprint. Also, the flooring won't be an issue if you keep the same footprint. You can paint them which is probably the least expensive option, but any buyers will still be looking at a full remodel so I'm not sure it will help sell the property. The feedback I've gotten on re-facing is it's surprisingly expensive, and it looks like you would need to replace the countertops as well. From the picture the appliances and floor look fine.

If I was in your situation I would price out replacement cabinets as part of your options. You should be able to go into any kitchen showroom with some pictures and get a price on cabinetry. Home Depot's stock cabinets may be too limiting, go to a local store that sells stock cabinetry. You'll get more cabinetry size choices and better looking cabinets which is the point if you decide to spend the money anyway. You should be able to get some nice cabinets for about $180/Cabinet, and you should get a new granite counter top for about $2000.

Good Luck!

It may end up being too costly to just change out the doors, as oak is not the most desirable wood for cabinets at this time, so the boxes would need to be refinished. Be sure to donate them though if you end up ripping them out. :- )

Replace the doors with paint grade unfinished wood doors and paint the cases and new doors. Use doors with frosted or clear glass on some of the upper ones. Remove the wavy curvy piece over the sink.

I find it hard to believe that replacing doors would cost more than totally replacing cabinets. You might consider raising the cabinets up higher. They look low, but perhaps it is just the camera distorting.

Painting cabinets is a lot of work. It's costly to have someone do them for you too. Since you aren't planning to stay in the home I would just give the walls a fresh coat of paint, declutter, and do a thorough cleaning when you are ready to sell. Chances are whoever buys your home will gut it and start over anyway. It is an awkward layout but it's a nice size so it has lots of potential. You need to see if it is worth your time and money to give it a facelift.

I wonder if you removed the hardware, used wood putty to repair any holes and if you stained it darker, it might update it.

You should really talk to a realtor in your area to see what people want. Are people looking for things to be completely finished already? Are they looking for a low price from you because they will need to redo the kitchen? Are they looking for DIY? You really need to do your homework on all of he options offered and talk to a realtor and then decide what is best for you in your situation.

Shauna, the old holes will show. They won't take the stain the same either. Staining something that is already sealed is a lot of work too.

Handyman is right. As a stager we face this question daily. If you can afford to replace the door's do so, if not a great fix is charcoal gray paint & brushed aluminum/ nickel hardware. The gray is a nice contrast for the white. I've done this more times than I can count. Do remove the curvy piece over the sink If you want your home to sell quickly remember no one else wants to do the work either. When you paint, you can patch holes first and move hardware wherever you want. It's worth it to have a professional paint however unless you just love to paint and are really good at it! Before you start anything do a search of homes for sale in your neighborhood. See what the competition is today. IF every home for sale right now has granite countertops and updated kitchens then you need to take that into consideration as you have to be at the same level as your selling competition when you sell. You have plenty of time however to budget for any course of action and you are smart to start thinking about it now : )

Thanks for your help :)

You should definitely check with the real estate agent . It really depends of what is the situation in the neighbourhood. This kitchen should be either completely renovated or left as is and house offered for a bit lower price .

I don't agree with that sondra. I would always want to present my house for sale in it's best state without completely renovating. I don' think there is anything wrong with fixing up what is wrong in order to generate more interest. I don't see this as an either or situation. There are many options available to help get the most out of a house, and the best price on the house. That is apparent if you have ever watched any of the hgtv shows where as little as $2000 is spent to update several areas of a house and the homes are successfully sold.

I missed the part where she said they will replace countertops, backsplash & hardware. That is already a big improvement but worthless if the doors don't get replaced. That is what I meant by saying that it needs complete reno(including appliances) .To me that is ALMOST complete kitchen reno which would definitely help selling her house.

If it were me I would want to get the best look for the least cost, so I would paint them myself and get new hardware and possibly new countertops. I actually did this at our previous home and it looked fantastic and sold in two weeks. Do it in a lighter color like creme or gray so it brings more light into the kitchen and does not make the white appliances stick out as much.

I would only replace the doors with a style that is more updated. Check out Showplace Wood Products- Renew program. It can save you money and it will look like you replaced your cabinets when your done. See photos below a BEFORE& AFTER projects that I have completed with Showplace's Renew. I have more on my Houzz page.

Note: Check out some local cabinet dealers in your area. You would be surprised to find better quality cabinets or refacing options for often less the national home improvement centers. Hint: Better service many times too.

I like the arch paneling! I would just repaint the cabinets- put wood filler in the holes where the hardware use to be, put new hardware. Paint the cabinets something different- like a creamy white, bright white, light gray- and make sure it is high shine. Put some money into a backplash and I would replace the countertops. You can get laminate ones that look like granite or marble (I did) for really cheap- something like 200-400. I'm adding a link to my blog that shows the before and after of cabinets we painted in our old house. http://bvkey.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-key-to-painting-kitchen-cabinets.html

Whatever you do, please get rid of the arched cabinet doors. We have not sold these since the early 90's and have not sold cabinets with the arch on the base cabinets since the 70's. Don't get me started on the hardware location... that as you already know has to change. I would install new unfinished paint grade doors and drawer fronts and paint the doors and cabinet boxes. Good luck.