What’s the true cost of modernizing your kitchen in Savannah without going broke or tearing your home apart? According to Edward Myers, founder of Reliance Cabinetry, many homeowners are spending too much, or planning to, because they don’t know they have options
In his newly released article, Cabinet Door Replacement vs. Full Remodel: What Savannah Homeowners Actually Spend, Myers breaks down real pricing, pros and cons, and hidden pitfalls of both cabinet door replacement and full cabinet remodels.
Whether you're in the Victorian District, Pooler, or Richmond Hill, this post could save you thousands and weeks of stress.
🛠The Question That Keeps Homeowners Up at Night
“You love your kitchen’s layout. It works. But those outdated cabinets? They’re a problem,” Myers writes.
That opening line in the blog hits home for Savannah residents who are tired of their honey-oak ‘90s cabinetry but unsure if a full kitchen gut is worth the expense. And Myers doesn’t just share vague insights—he brings the numbers.
Option 1: Cabinet Door Replacement
Cost: $2,500 – $12,000
Timeline: 3–5 days
Disruption: Minimal
Option 2: Full Cabinet Remodel
Cost: $12,000 – $50,000+
Timeline: 2–4+ weeks
Disruption: High
The article helps homeowners weigh both options through a Savannah-specific lens, backed by local market data and real customer examples.
💡 “Refacing” Isn’t Just for Flippers Anymore
Myers details how cabinet door replacement—also known as refacing—isn’t the cheap-looking patch job people used to fear. Today’s methods include solid wood doors, soft-close hinges, brushed hardware, and premium finishes that rival full remodels in style without touching the existing layout.
He outlines three levels of typical reface projects in Savannah:
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Basic ($2,500–$4,500): Ideal for rentals or fast flips.
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Mid-Range ($4,500–$7,500): Most popular with local families; solid wood doors, upgraded hardware, professional install.
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High-End ($7,500–$12,000): Cherry, maple, or custom finishes with glass inserts and trim details.
It’s not just about the look—Myers points out that the average job takes less than a week and usually offers better ROI than full remodels because of the lower upfront investment.
When a Full Remodel Makes Sense
Still, the article doesn’t shy away from calling out when a full cabinet overhaul is the smarter choice.
“Sometimes the boxes are warped, the layout doesn’t flow, or you’re just ready to take it down to the studs and do it right,” Myers writes.
He highlights the types of homeowners best suited for full remodels:
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Those with major layout problems or damaged boxes
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Long-term owners who want full control over materials and features
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High-end buyers looking for built-in functionality, pull-out drawers, custom organizers, or hidden appliance cabinets
Myers includes Savannah-specific pricing tiers for full remodels, from stock cabinets ($12K–$18K) to fully custom luxury builds that exceed $50K.
Cost Comparison Table: Real Numbers That Matter
The blog includes a clean head-to-head breakdown to make the decision easier:
| Feature | Door Replacement | Full Remodel |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | $2,500–$12,000 | $12,000–$50,000+ |
| Project Length | 3–5 Days | 2–4+ Weeks |
| Kitchen Usability | Mostly Usable | Fully Out of Commission |
| Layout Flexibility | None | Total Flexibility |
| Typical ROI % | 60–75% | 55–65% |
Myers adds real-life Savannah case studies, like Sarah and Mike in Pooler who spent $5,200 on new maple shaker doors and increased their home appraisal by $8,000.
Hidden Costs Most Contractors Won’t Tell You
One of the blog’s strongest sections is its transparent look at hidden expenses that surprise homeowners mid-project.
For cabinet door replacements, expect:
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Reinforcement or repairs ($200–$800)
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Paint/stain touchups ($300–$600)
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Hardware upgrades ($200–$1,000)
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Haul-away/disposal fees ($150–$300)
For full remodels, you might also need:
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New countertops ($2,000–$5,000)
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Flooring replacement ($1,000–$3,000)
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Plumbing/electrical updates ($500–$5,000)
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Temporary kitchen setup or increased dining-out costs ($300–$1,500)
To avoid budget blowouts, Myers recommends building in 15–20% margin on refacing projects and 25–30% on full remodels.
Making the Right Call for Your Home
The blog ends with a practical checklist to guide decision-making:
Go with Cabinet Door Replacement if:
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Cabinet boxes are solid
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Layout works
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You're on a budget or timeline
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You plan to sell within 3–5 years
Go with Full Remodel if:
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You need a layout change
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Cabinet boxes are failing
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You’re staying 10+ years
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You want modern storage features
Savannah Homeowners Deserve Better Options
At a time when many contractors push homeowners toward the most expensive option, Edward Myers is taking a different approach—one grounded in honesty, real-world budgets, and flexible solutions.
“My goal isn’t to upsell people. It’s to help them make the right long-term call based on how they live in their kitchen,” he says.
