Do All Your Cabinet Projects at Once: Why Splitting Them Up Drains Your Wallet

Let me paint you a picture. Last summer, a couple in my neighborhood decided to refresh their kitchen cabinets. They loved the results—so much so that six months later, they asked us to paint their master bathroom cabinets. Here’s the kicker: that ‘small’ project ended up costing them twice as much per cabinet as the kitchen. Why? Because they didn’t do all their cabinet work at once.

As Nick May from Walls by Design puts it, “Phasing cabinet projects is like paying for Uber rides to the same destination—one trip is cheaper than three.” Let’s break down why bundling your cabinet work isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

The $1,500 Lesson: Why Small Projects Cost Big Bucks

Here’s the hard truth: most professional painters (including us!) have a project minimum. For Walls by Design, it’s $1,500. Why? Let’s say you want just one bathroom painted:

We haul out sprayers, tents, and gear.
Set up takes hours.
We paint for a day.
Then pack up… for a job that might only cover 10 cabinets.

It’s like hiring a moving truck for a single lamp. As Nick explains, “We’d love to charge less, but the setup costs eat into small jobs.”

The fix? Bundle your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, and basement cabinets into one project. You’ll dodge repeated setup fees and stretch your budget further.

The Hidden Costs of Phasing Projects

Splitting projects isn’t just pricier—it’s unpredictable. Imagine:

You paint the kitchen now ($4,500).
Next year, the master bath will cost $2,000—thanks to that $1,500 minimum.
The laundry room? Another $2,000.

Total: $8,500.

But doing all your cabinet projects at once? You’d likely pay $7,000 for the same work. That’s $1,500+ back in your pocket for a weekend getaway.

“But What If I’m Not Sure About Painting?”

We get it! Cabinet painting feels like a commitment. But here’s the irony: Testing it on a small project often costs more.

“We’ve had clients paint a bathroom first ‘to see if they like it.’ They loved it—but spent 30% more than if they’d bundled it with their kitchen.”

Pro tip: Start with a single room if you must, but plan ahead. Ask your painter for a bundled quote so you know the savings you’re leaving on the table.

The Island Dilemma: A Cautionary Tale

One of my clients asked us to paint their kitchen but skipped the island. A year later, they call: “Can you just do the kitchen island now?”

Spoiler: It’s not “just” an island.

We still need to color-match the original paint (fading happens!).
Set up equipment.
Navigate a now-furnished kitchen.

That “small” island job? Often hits the $1,500 minimum. Moral? Do all your cabinet projects at once—yes, even the island.

How to Plan Like a Pro

Ready to maximize savings? Follow this roadmap:

List Every Cabinet: Kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room, basement bar—even built-ins.
Pick a Palette: Use Sherwin-Williams’ ColorSnap® to visualize finishes.
Schedule Strategically: Aim for a season with mild weather (paint cures best at 50–90°F).

For more tips, check out our guide: How to Budget for a Whole-Home Cabinet Makeover.

The Emotional Win: One Mess, One Timeline

Struggling to pick hardware? Here’s a quick guide:

Modern Look: Sleek bar pulls (check out Home Depot’s selection).
Classic Vibes: Cup pulls or bin handles. Check out this article for more ideas: 35 Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
Mixed Metals: Match finishes to faucets or lighting.

For more tips, explore our guide: How to Choose Cabinet Hardware That Elevates Your Kitchen.

Final Thoughts

I have a saying: “One trip, one price, one perfect result.” Whether you’re refreshing a cozy bungalow or a sprawling home, doing all your cabinet projects at once unlocks efficiency you can’t replicate piecemeal.

Still tempted to phase? Grab a calculator. Crunch the numbers. Then ask yourself: Is saving $1,500 worth six extra months of dust?

Want more info on What’s the Right Order for Kitchen Renovations? Check out our Youtube video!