Is it Worth Updating Your Countertops and Does it Help the Value of Your Home

Is it time to replace your old Formica countertops or Laminate countertops in the kitchen with something snappy, up-to-date, and that will make your kitchen pop?

If so, perhaps it is time to do away with those that are still standing and look into something a lot better. Yes, it may very well be worth updating your countertops and it could help the return on investment value of your home in the long run.

Experts and perhaps your own real estate agent may suggest the right updates can give your home value a boost before hitting the market — and help you attract as many potential buyers as possible.

If you’re not ready to sell maybe you just want a dream kitchen you can enjoy and a place you can show off as well as cook in and whip up dream dishes.

Did you know having a kitchen that you enjoy can impact your day-to-day life in positive ways? For instance,  among those who did a kitchen remodel in 2017, 33% said they have a healthier lifestyle after renovating their kitchen.

Look at it this way: even if you don’t recoup the whole cost of your remodel when you sell, updating your kitchen can still be a good return on investment for you and your family. And you can enjoy your dream kitchen while you’re still living the home every day.

Here’s what the popular looks are at the moment to help you decide about renovating the countertops.

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 improves efficiency for your personal needs or updates your cooking area to maximize the return in investment.

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 counters and quartz counters when doing a kitchen renovations 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 for minor kitchen remodels.

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

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 and upscale kitchen remodel. Granite counters 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.

Today, granite counters range from around $40 per square for lower-grade material up to $100 per square foot for higher-grade stone, plus installation costs, according to those in the real estate market. Granite grade is determined by 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 so 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 to attract prospective buyers and or potential buyers.. 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 stamp on the house. Finally, before you invest, make sure that granite countertops will work in your kitchen. If your kitchen is dated and needs 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, stone countertops, granite counters, and quartz counters 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 of 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.

The bottom line? Under the right circumstances, new countertops will increase the value of your home. It 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 countertops 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 extra maintenance.

Source: stonelinkcorp.com

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!

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