Will New Countertops Increase The Value of Your House?

Learn If New Countertops Increase The Value Of A Home

Lately, there's a new trend in home improvement television, the rise of unsellable house shows. In these programs, the homeowner is having a hard time attracting buyer interest. The show host comes in and suggests ways the can up the home's appeal. Inevitably, they end up in the kitchen. It makes perfect sense since updated kitchens sell houses! Often the suggestion is new countertops.

Ask any realtor, contractor, or interior designer, and they will tell you that one of the biggest impacts you can make in the kitchen is with a new countertop. Your countertops are a visible focal point in your home, and replacing them can certainly help with resale. But do they increase the value of your home or add visual impact and help it sell?

In this post, we're going to look at the goals and motivation for new countertops, whether granite or quartz is the best choice, and explore how to maximize your return on investment.

Why Install New Countertops?

If you're planning a kitchen remodel, you have a lot of decisions to make. Setting goals, defining your needs, and understanding your motivation for the remodel are critical when choosing finishes. How you allocate funds depends on whether your plan improving efficiency for your personal needs or updating your cooking area to maximize resale value. 

For example, if you're considering selling your home soon, you may opt for lower-end finishes that look stunning and can help you recoup your costs. However, if you're planning on staying for several years, investing in higher-quality finishes can improve your lifestyle and retain their value for when it's time to sell.

Granite or Quartz?

Today, the most popular surface has been alternating between granite and quartz. Both are desirable and offer durability, beauty, and value. Every slab of natural stone is unique and provides many options. Quartz's durability, variety of colors, and ability to mimic natural stone make it a great alternative. 

While nothing is as stunning as natural stone, manufactured quartz looks perfectly at home in any style kitchen, from traditional to contemporary. With the variety available, you're sure to find a color or pattern that perfectly meets your aesthetic. 

Let's look at the pros, cons, and return on investment for both of these beautiful materials.

Upgrading With Granite Countertops

In the past 20 years, countertops have evolved from primarily a work surface to a design staple. Your countertops telegraph personal style and have become the focal point of your interior design, especially in an open concept floor plan. Granite first entered the design scene as a staple in the late 1980s. 

It was considered a luxury finish and was priced out of the reach of most homeowners. However, by the 1990s, demand had soared. Increased production, higher volume, and lower costs made granite the go-to trend ever since. 

Get A Free Quote For New Kitchen Countertops

Today, granite countertops range from around $40 per square for lower-grade material up to $100 per square foot for higher-grade stone, plus installation costs. Granite grade is determined by the vein patterns, markings, thickness, and other characteristics. 

According to HomeAdvisor, the national average cost to purchase and install granite countertops is $3100. In a recent National Association of Realtors Remodeling Impact Report, 54% of Realtors suggest that sellers complete a kitchen upgrade before listing their home, although they only recoup 57% of the cost. 

Upgrading is often conditional. If every other home listed in your neighborhood features granite countertops, it might be a good idea to upgrade so that you can price your home competitively. Ask your local realtor if homebuyers in your location prefer move-in-ready homes and are willing to pay a little more or if they prefer to put their own stamp on the house. Finally, before you invest, make sure that granite countertops will work in your kitchen. If your kitchen is dated and needing a full remodel with new countertops might be like putting lipstick on a pig. One expensive upgrade won't change the fact your kitchen needs work.

Choosing Quartz Countertops

In the past few years, quartz has become a favorite material of both interior designers and homeowners. It's durable, beautiful, and comes in a wide range of colors and styles. Its ability to mimic the beauty of marble (without the cost) has made it a popular alternative. 

Man-made quartz looks at home in any style kitchen, from contemporary to industrial to traditional. If you're weighing the pros and cons of quartz vs. granite, quartz offers several benefits. They include no long-term maintenance, a smooth, non-porous, and durable surface that will not harbor bacteria and is scratch and stain-resistant. 

Quartz typically costs between $55 and $155 per square foot. Prices vary based on the brand, color, and pattern of the material. Much like granite, whether you invest in new quartz countertops depends on the circumstance. If you are staying in your home for several years, you will gain personal enjoyment and practical value. 

New countertops made with quartz will add value to your home, but generally, granite offers a higher ROI in terms of resale. 

Tips for Maximizing Return

The bottom line? Under the right circumstances, new countertops will increase the value of your home. It really depends on your goals and circumstances. If you're planning to stay in your home and are considering a kitchen remodel, new countertops will add enjoyment, aesthetic beauty, and functionality to your kitchen. 

If you are considering selling, new countertops can offer advantages. These include adding visual appeal to your home and attracting more potential buyers to your listing, as well as providing a decent return on your investment. Making smart decisions when remodeling can help you recoup the maximum return from your investment when you choose to sell. 

Here are a few tips to consider for maximizing the ROI on new countertops.

  • Opt for Neutral Colors that Compliment Your Cabinetry - The safest and most popular options for granite or quartz countertops are neutrals like brown, black, or gray color variations. A neutral color palette will appeal to more buyers and increase potential ROI. If you have lighter cabinets, a dark gray or black can add a modern contrast. Similarly, darker cabinets can look great with light cream, beige, or light gray countertops.

  • When Choosing Granite, Select the Slab in Person - If you choose to invest in natural stone, always see a full slab to know exactly what you are getting. It can be difficult to visualize a large expanse of countertop from a small sample stone. Make sure it is free from defects and has the movement you're looking for. 

  • Darker Colored Granite Can Mask Visible Stains - Granite, like all-natural stone, is porous and susceptible to staining. A darker-colored granite with a less complex pattern will show less staining over time. To resist staining, seal your granite annually with a quality penetrating sealant.

  • Quartz is man-made and non-porous, so it offers excellent resistance to staining and scratching.

  • Select a Polished Finish for Easier Cleaning - You typically have a few options for finishes with both granite and quartz countertops. A shiny reflective surface makes your kitchen look cleaner, newer, and larger. Other finishes require more specific and consistent maintenance. However, they can add a unique touch to your countertops. However, it might not attract the most buyers. They may not like the style or want the extra maintenance.

An Excellent Fabricator is a Key to Adding Value

No matter what material you choose, to add the most value to your home, find an experienced fabricator to cut, finish and install your new countertops. Countertops that are not properly installed are more likely to chip, crack, or stain. 

When it comes time to sell, choosing a neutral color palette that matches your cabinets and home style is always a good choice. And as always, working with an experienced professional who can get the job done right will add the most value to your home!

If you live in the greater Boston Metrowest/Worcester area and would like to learn more about the products and options we offer, contact us here! Stonelink Marble & Granite now serves all of New England. Give the experts at Stonelink Marble & Granite a call at (508) 393-0720. Let us show you the many exciting options available for enhancing your kitchen or bathroom design!