Cabinets are usually the most expensive single item in a kitchen renovation. Before replacing them, it's worth asking whether the ones you have are worth keeping.
Check the boxes first. Solid wood or good plywood cabinets that open and close properly, with no water damage under the sink, are strong candidates for painting. Particleboard that's swollen or peeling is not.
Painted cabinets live or die on prep. Doors and drawers should come off, every surface should be degreased and sanded, and a bonding primer should go on before the finish coats. Brushing paint over greasy, glossy doors is what gives cabinet painting a bad name.
New hardware makes a big difference for little money. Paired with fresh paint, new pulls and hinges can make a twenty-year-old kitchen look current.
Replacement makes sense when the layout doesn't work, the boxes are damaged, or you're changing counters and appliances anyway. If you're unsure, we can look at your cabinets and give you an estimate for both options.