When is it a good Idea to reface cabinets as opposed to replacing them ?
Quite often clients come to us with a Low Budget and a desire to have a new look for their Kitchen or bathroom cabinets. As long as their existing cabinets are well built and just need a facelift, this is where resurfacing may be a low cost alternative to give your room the desired look without breaking the bank. Here is a link to a reface we completed that will show you that anything is possible 
http://www.mmfww.com/blog/kitchen-transformation-reface-mv/
When budget is a concern refacing cabinets can be a great solution. The important thing is to ensure that the cabinets you have are still in good condition. If so, there are solutions available that can make a big difference when it comes to budget.
I do both new cabinetry and refacing. When I am contacted most of the time budget is the main concern but not always. I have done small and large kitchen refacing jobs. If the layout is good and condition is good you can achieve a completely new look by refacing. many times when I am refacing I will also modify something in the kitchen to help the layout work better. Sometimes the homeowner just doesn’t want to tear apart the kitchen and that can be a good way to go.
I always look at the wood the cabinets are made out of. If they are hard wood face frame and plywood boxes I say re-face.
If they where made out of particle board and even worse if water has gotten in there you should replace them.