How James McGrady Transformed His 1992 Kitchen for About a Third of the Cost
When James McGrady bought his Colorado Springs home, he knew it needed updates.
The house was built in 1992, during a recession when, as James puts it, “a lot of corners were cut.” He purchased it in 2007 — about 15 years after it was built — and slowly began improving different parts of the home.
The kitchen?
That was the last thing he tackled.
Not because it didn’t need attention. But because replacing a full kitchen is expensive. And like many homeowners, James assumed his only real options were either:
- Paint the cabinets
- Or replace them completely
What he discovered instead changed everything.
The Problem: Dated Cabinets — Without a $50,000 Budget
James originally searched for cabinet painting.
It seemed simple enough. Affordable. Quick. But as he researched further, he found something many homeowners don’t realize:
Painted cabinets often don’t hold up well over time. They can chip, peel, and flake — especially in high-use areas like kitchens.
That’s when he started exploring another option: cabinet refacing (or restyling).
When he looked into replacing all of his cabinets entirely, he was told the project could cost close to $50,000.
For many families, that’s simply outside the budget.
“I could not afford to have all new cabinets,” James explains.
But living with dated cabinetry wasn’t the answer either.
The Solution: Cabinet Restyling at About One-Third the Cost
Instead of tearing everything out, James chose to resurface the existing cabinet boxes and replace the doors and drawer fronts.
The result? A completely transformed kitchen — without the cost of a full gut remodel.
The entire project came in at roughly one-third of the cost of full cabinet replacement.
That price difference is why cabinet restyling has become such a popular option for Colorado homeowners. When cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing allows you to:
- Upgrade the look
- Improve functionality
- Avoid demolition
- Save significant money
And in James’s case, the transformation went beyond just appearance.
Smart Additions That Changed How the Kitchen Functions
During the project, James didn’t just update the exterior finish. He added features that made daily life easier:
✔ Tip-Out Trays Under the Sink
Small but highly practical. These removable trays create usable storage space in an area that’s typically wasted.
✔ Pull-Out Drawers
Instead of getting on hands and knees to dig for pots and pans, James can now simply slide drawers out.
For many homeowners — especially those thinking long-term about aging in place — this type of upgrade makes a major difference.
Cabinet restyling isn’t just cosmetic. Done right, it improves how your kitchen works.
Craftsmanship Matters: “He Was a True Professional”
One of the things James emphasized most in his testimonial wasn’t just the product — it was the installer, Marcus Cary.
“He was fabulous… a true professional and a true perfectionist.”
James shared a small but telling story.
While working in the kitchen, the installer noticed that an exterior garage door was loose. It had nothing to do with the cabinet project — but it was bothering him.
So he fixed it. That level of care reflects something deeper: pride in workmanship. James also noted that if a cabinet door didn’t close perfectly, the installer stuck with it until it did.
That’s the difference between rushing through a job and standing behind your work.
Transparent Pricing and Flexible Payment Options
Budget was a major factor in James’s decision.
He worked closely with HomePride Design Consultant, Mike Sipiora to review:
- Door styles
- Hardware options
- Finish selections
- Pricing tiers
And importantly, HomePride structured a payment plan that worked for him:
50% down and 50% upon completion.
That structure helped lower the overall project cost and made the remodel financially manageable. As James put it, HomePride worked within his budget — not against it.
For homeowners worried that remodelers will push them beyond what they can afford, that flexibility makes a difference.
What About Timeline? Here’s the Honest Answer.
James also addressed something many companies gloss over: timing.
From signing the purchase order to final installation, the process took approximately 8–12 weeks.
That included ordering materials and coordinating scheduling.
But here’s the key:
-
He received multiple phone calls throughout the process.
-
He was kept informed every step of the way.
Remodeling involves logistics, manufacturing timelines, and scheduling coordination. Delays can happen. What matters is communication. James felt informed and supported throughout the process — and that’s what built trust.
The Materials: A Unique, Easy-to-Maintain Finish
James specifically mentioned the Duracore™ materials used in his kitchen. He described them as:
- Unique
- Durable
- Easy to maintain
One of the biggest misconceptions about cabinet refacing is that it’s “just a veneer.”
High-quality cabinet restyling systems use engineered materials designed for kitchen environments — resistant to moisture, daily wear, and cleaning products. The difference between a temporary cosmetic fix and a long-term solution often comes down to materials and installation quality.
📖 Learn more about Duracore Cabinets and how cabinet restyling provides long lasting value at an affordable price by reading our article: Cabinet Restyling vs Replacement
The Final Result: “My Kitchen Is Now the Best Part of My House.”
Perhaps the most powerful line from James’s testimonial was this:
“I feel like my kitchen now is the best part of my house.”
After living in the home since 1992 and owning it since 2007, that’s saying something. He also shared that everyone who sees the kitchen “can’t believe the difference.”
That’s the power of thoughtful renovation.
Not just new cabinets. Not just new hardware. But a space that feels modern, functional, and something you’re proud of.
Is Cabinet Restyling Right for You?
James’s experience highlights a few key questions homeowners should ask themselves:
- Are your cabinet boxes still structurally sound?
- Is full replacement outside your budget?
- Are you frustrated with peeling paint or dated finishes?
- Do you want better storage without full demolition?
- Would a phased or structured payment option help make the project feasible?
If you answered yes to several of these, cabinet restyling may be worth exploring.
It’s not the right solution for every kitchen — but for many Colorado homeowners, it offers the best balance of cost, function, and long-term durability.
Thinking About Updating Your Kitchen?
James started where many homeowners start: searching for cabinet paint.
He ended with a kitchen he’s proud of — at a price that made sense.
If you’re weighing your options between painting, refacing, or full replacement, the best first step is simply getting clear information about what fits your goals and budget.
At HomePride Bath & Remodel, we walk you through:
- What cabinet restyling involves
- When replacement makes more sense
- Material options
- Pricing ranges
- Payment structures
- Timeline expectations
So you can make a confident decision — without pressure.
Want to see what’s possible for your kitchen?
Schedule a consultation and explore whether cabinet restyling is the right fit for your home.
Like James discovered, the best part of your house might just be waiting behind those cabinet doors.
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