I would like to have replaced the cabinets but this option was cost prohibitive especially considering that the only reason I am doing the renovation is to sell the house. Well, it's not the only reason but it is the main motivator. Since I cannot replace the cabinets, they all are getting several coats of oil based primer and paint. The hideous tiles are now gone as is the top layer of the linoleum floor. The second layer looks to be original to the house and could potentially contain asbestos so I am going to leave it and just cover the whole area with hardwood flooring.
Although the whole project is coming along, it has been a real pain in the ass. The prep and now painting are taking forever and I still have ways to go. The cabinet doors are almost done (thanks to my wife) but the drawers still need to be sanded and painted. Cabinet hardware still needs a couple of coats of pain. The underside of the cabinets needs to be painted as do the counter tops. The counter tops will get a Rust-Oleum treatment, which is going to cost $250. What a rip-off for some paint, color flakes and a top coat. Providing that it comes out right it will still be less expensive than getting new counter tops.
With all the time and money invested in this project I still can't help but think that all I am doing is putting lipstick on a pig. No matter what I do, this will still be a 60-year old house with outdated cabinets that have been repainted for the fourth or fifth time. The walls are crooked, door and window trim is chipped and all the floors squeak.
If I were a buyer, I am not sure I would give this house a second look. This makes me sad.
