Multifamily property owners and asset managers are under constant pressure to increase property value, improve resident satisfaction, and control renovation budgets, all while minimizing operational disruption. In today's competitive rental environment, strategic upgrades matter more than ever.
While full-scale renovations can drive value, they aren't always the most efficient path. Increasingly, value add multifamily operators are turning to high-impact, low-disruption improvements that deliver measurable returns. Cabinet refacing has emerged as one of those strategies, offering modern design upgrades, faster unit turns, and strong ROI at roughly one-third the cost of full cabinet replacement, without the expense and downtime of traditional gut renovations.
In kitchens and bathrooms, cabinetry has an outsized influence on how a unit is perceived. Outdated finishes or worn hardware can quickly make an otherwise well-maintained apartment feel dated. Industry research consistently shows that kitchen upgrades are among the most effective ways to increase rents and overall property competitiveness.1 2
Cabinet refacing targets the most visible elements: doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, while preserving existing cabinet boxes. This allows value add multifamily properties to introduce modern styles like warm wood tones, matte finishes, and contemporary hardware without the cost or disruption of full replacement. The result is a refreshed, high-end look achieved with far less construction impact.
In multifamily operations, downtime directly impacts NOI. Lengthy renovation timelines increase vacancy loss and add strain to on-site teams.
Full cabinet replacement typically involves demolition, coordination with plumbing and electrical trades, countertop removal, and extended installation schedules, stretching renovation timelines from days into multiple weeks. Cabinet refacing avoids demolition and significantly shortens renovation timelines, allowing many projects to be completed in days rather than weeks.
Research from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University shows that value add multifamily operators increasingly prioritize cost-efficient upgrades that allow faster unit repositioning in competitive markets.3 Streamlined renovation strategies help properties reduce vacancy days, accelerate lease-ups, and complete upgrades between turns, and in some cases, in occupied units.
In a tight leasing environment, speed isn't just operationally helpful. It's financially strategic.
One of the most important considerations in value add multifamily renovation planning is avoiding overcapitalization, investing more in upgrades than the market can support in rent premiums.
Cabinet refacing offers a balanced approach. It delivers:
Rather than defaulting to full replacement, many value add multifamily operators are reassessing which elements truly drive perceived value. In many cases, upgrading what residents see, without replacing what still performs, is the smarter long-term strategy.
In value add multifamily renovation planning, impact per dollar matters. Cabinet refacing represents a strategic middle ground between cosmetic refreshes and full construction overhauls.
For multifamily owners seeking to boost property value without the cost and disruption of full renovations, cabinet refacing stands out as one of the most practical, scalable, and financially sound upgrade strategies available today.
References
1 National Apartment Association (NAA). "Value-Add Renovation Strategies in Multifamily Housing."
2 National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). 2024 Remodeling Impact Report.
3 Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. Improving America's Rental Housing.