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Should You Paint Your Cabinets Before Selling Your Home?

July 27th, 2024 | 4 min read

By Kaylea Kuhlman

Kitchen painted with white cabinets and dark knobs and white backsplash.

Are you an Omaha homeowner looking to sell your house soon? Feeling overwhelmed by the list of updates and improvements needed to make your home market-ready? You may be wondering if painted cabinets sell better and the answer may be different for everyone.

At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Omaha enhance their property’s appeal through expert cabinet painting. With years of experience and a keen eye for detail, we understand what buyers look for and how to deliver results that make a difference. However, we know that cabinet painting is not the right solution for everyone’s needs.

In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of painting your cabinets before putting your home on the market. By reading this article, you can make an informed decision on if you should paint your kitchen cabinets before you sell your home.

Pros of Cabinet Painting on Home Value

1. Boosting Home Aesthetics


A well-done cabinet painting job can transform an outdated kitchen into a modern, stylish space. Since the kitchen is often a focal point for potential buyers, this improvement can make your home stand out in the competitive Omaha real estate market.

The design options for kitchen cabinet painting are endless, it can be much more than picking a solid color. The types of finishes are painting (a solid color), staining, a basic refinish or clear coat, glazing, or toning.

If you choose a solid paint color, there are ove 4,000 options in shades. You can also incorporate design trends like having a lighter shade on upper cabinets and a darker shade on the lower cabinets.

Kitchen with cabinets painted a off white beige shade with dark handles2. Cost-Effective Home Improvement


Compared to kitchen cabinet replacement or refacing, cabinet painting is much more affordable. It allows you to allocate your budget to other important areas of your home, providing a higher return on investment.

3. Increasing Market Appeal


Homes with updated kitchens tend to sell faster and at higher prices. Cabinet painting can make your home more attractive to buyers, increasing its market appeal and value.

Cons of Cabinet Painting on Home Value

1. Kitchen Remodeling Projects Can Have a Low ROI


In comparison to other home improvement projects, cabinet painting has a lower return on your investment.

In a study by Zonda Media from national data, minor kitchen remodeling projects in the Midwest region, to include cabinet painting, on average costs $27,492 and the resale value is $26,406. This equals to 96.1% of the cost recouped.

This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t repaint your cabinets before selling because there are some instances where cabinet painting can improve your resale value. One primary example of this is if your cabinets have minor damage, look worn-out, or outdated.

If you’re looking for other ways to increase the value of your home, check out how exterior painting can help your home sell and how interior painting can impact your home’s value.

Brush & Roll Painting cabinet painter spraying white paint on a cabinet door in a shop.

2. Quality and Durability Concerns


The quality and durability of painted cabinets depend heavily on the skill of the painter and the materials used. 

Poorly executed painting jobs can lead to peeling, chipping, or fading over time, which might require additional touch-ups or a complete redo. When not done correctly, cabinet painting can potentially cost you, or the new buyer, more money in the long run.

3. Time and Disruption


Cabinet painting, though less disruptive than a full renovation, still requires time and preparation. 

It takes time to search for local painters or companies, obtain quotes, and choose the best one for your project. Once you choose one, many painting companies are 3-5 weeks out on cabinet painting projects. So that process alone can take 1-2 months.

When the work begins, your kitchen might be out of use for several days, which can be inconvenient, especially if you’re trying to sell your home quickly. 

At Brush & Roll Painting in Omaha, we are typically in our customers home for 1 week working on the cabinet boxes. At our shop, we work on the cabinet door and drawer fronts for 2-3 weeks.

If you’re looking to sell your home soon, cabinet painting might not be the best option for you.

When to Consider Cabinet Painting

White cabinet door face that is peeling, revealing golden oak underneath.

Signs Your Cabinets Need Painting

If your cabinets are structurally intact but have minor damages or look worn or outdated, painting is a great option. Peeling paint, discoloration, and minor damage are clear signs that painting can enhance their appearance and function.

In some cases, these damages could harm the resale value of your home.

Situations Where Cabinet Painting May Not Be Necessary

If your cabinets are severely damaged, painting might not be enough. In such cases, a complete renovation may be more beneficial.

Choosing the Right Cabinet Painting Company

Importance of Professional Services

Hiring a professional painting company ensures quality results and saves you time and hassle. Professionals have the skills, tools, and experience to deliver a flawless finish that lasts.

What to Look for in a Painting Company

Look for a company with a solid reputation, positive customer reviews, and a portfolio of past projects. Additionally, ensure they offer a warranty on their work, which can be a valuable selling point.

The Advantage of Transferable Painting Warranties

Some painting companies offer warranties that can be transferred to new homeowners. This feature can be a significant selling point, providing potential buyers with peace of mind and adding value to your home.

Painting Your Cabinets Before Selling

Updating your kitchen with cabinet painting is a smart, cost-effective way to boost your Omaha home’s value. It enhances your home’s aesthetics, increases market appeal, and offers a high return on investment. By choosing a professional painting company, you ensure quality results that will impress potential buyers.

Brush & Roll Painting is here to guide you through the process and help you make the best decisions for your home. Ready to take the next step? Contact us today for a consultation and see how cabinet painting can transform your kitchen and increase your home’s value.

GET A QUOTE

If you’re thinking cabinet painting may not be the right option for increasing the value of your home, check out how exterior painting can help your home sell and how interior painting can impact your home’s value.

If you’re preparing to hire a professional painter for any project for your home, it’s important that you hire the best one so there aren’t any costly mistakes. Next, click the button below to download your ultimate guide to hiring a painter.

DOWNLOAD A FREE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIRING A PAINTER

Kaylea Kuhlman

Kaylea is the Brush & Roll Painting Content Manager.