As one of Raleigh’s leading granite fabricators, we know a thing or two about countertops when it comes to making a lasting investment. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors®, about 67% of what you spend on any kitchen upgrade is recovered when selling.
So if you’re not planning to sell yet, then this should become a worthwhile investment for you. How?
Well, the study also points out that 84% of those homeowners who remodel have a higher desire to be in their homes after renovating. 69% of them enjoy being at home more, and 57% just feel happier in general.
In other words, if you’re not planning to put your house on the market yet, it allows you to actually extract value from your granite countertops in the sense of time living there and still recouping a large part of your investment in the end. Make sense?
Let’s dig into this a bit more.
Are Granite Countertops A Good Investment?
When considering how much value adding granite countertops can increase the worth of your property, there are several factors to take into account.
First off, the quality of installation plays a major role – if it isn’t done correctly, then it could actually lower the overall value of your home instead of increasing it. So please, please make sure you hire a professional granite countertop fabricator in your area.
Additionally, certain types of stone will hold more value than others, depending on where you live. Quartz countertops may have a higher perceived value than granite in different cities or states, for instance.
The current market conditions should always be taken into consideration as well. Again, if you are planning on selling the house soon, then this is something you need to discuss with your realtor now! In that same study mentioned above, it says that 30% of realtors recommend that you upgrade some aspect of your kitchen before selling.
Factors Affecting Home Value Increase
I know for a fact you’ve heard this one before! Location is the number one factor when it comes to determining the value of your home. Upgrading granite countertops is not even close! It’s the difference between a home that soars in value and one that languishes on the market.
What you have to keep in mind is that whether your home is located in a bustling, vibrant city or in a quiet, rural community, the surrounding area will have a huge impact on the value of your home. Local schools, parks, shopping, and restaurants all factor into that equation.
The second factor is the condition of your house. This has a huge influence over its market value – if there are any major repairs needed or outdated features, then potential buyers may not want to invest as much money in your home compared to another property that’s nearby and in better condition.
Investing in some renovations, such as granite countertops, could help give your property a boost when it comes time to put it up for sale!
A third factor is the local economic conditions, and a good realtor will be on top of this! If things are well, this can drive up the demand for housing and lead to your home’s valuation being higher than if it wasn’t.
There are other factors, of course, but I won’t expand on those. It’s just beyond the scope of this post. But to give you at least some reference, you can look into; interest rates, trends, zoning, and overall supply and demand across the country.
Which Countertops Increase Home Value?
We’ve already discussed granite countertops and how they can increase your home’s value. Granite has long been considered one of the top materials when it comes to adding worth to a property, but there is one other option available, in our opinion; quartz countertops!
Quartz Countertops
Not only do they look beautiful and luxurious, but they’re also incredibly durable and require very little maintenance over the years. Quartz is naturally resistant to scratches and will remain looking like new for decades if properly cared for.
Another benefit of choosing quartz countertops to increase the value of your home is its wide range of color options – you can easily find something that suits your style without compromising on quality or durability.
Granite and quartz countertops offer a great return on investment when it comes to increasing the value of your home. Granite is known for its durability and timeless beauty, while quartz offers a more modern look with excellent scratch resistance.
Are Granite Countertops Outdated?
Today’s homeowners have many different options when it comes to selecting countertop materials for their kitchen remodels. From quartz and marble to laminate, wood, soapstone, and even stainless steel!
Despite being around for decades, granite is still popular among property owners looking to upgrade their homes’ aesthetic appeal. In fact, it’s almost required by buyers in order to be considered.
But just because granite has been around for a while doesn’t mean that it’s outdated; far from it!
Granite is as stylish as ever, able to withstand years without losing its luster or becoming dated in appearance.
In our opinion, granite countertops will always remain a stunning choice for any homeowner seeking added value through renovations.
Are There Any Disadvantages To Granite Countertops?
One downside of granite is that it has a tendency to chip or crack over time. This may happen if something heavy falls on the surface or from everyday wear and tear. We’ve also replaced bad installations from low-quality fabricators who do not place the right support underneath or do not perform a proper countertop installation.
Those are just a few things to consider and keep in mind.
You can take some preventive measures by using a cutting board when cooking and chopping food. Also, by not placing hot items or pots directly onto the granite surface.
Thankfully, chips and cracks can usually be fixed with professional help. However, that would only add to your cost, ultimately diminishing your returns when selling the property.
Another disadvantage of this natural stone material is that it needs regular maintenance and cleaning to keep it looking good.
Granite surfaces need to be sealed every six to twelve months, depending on usage level, which will help protect them from becoming stained due to spills of oil or acidic liquids like vinegar or lemon juice.
In order to maintain their shine, they should also be wiped down regularly with a soft cloth dampened in warm water and mild soap, then immediately dried afterward.
Some Final Thoughts…
As a local fabricator here in Raleigh, North Carolina, of both granite and quartz countertops, I can tell you that either choice has the potential to increase your home value.
Granite tops are generally more expensive than quartz for high-end colors but often more affordable for lower-end ones. In my experience, most buyers prefer quartz over granite since it requires less care and maintenance while still providing an elegant look for their kitchen.
So Here’s The Deal!
If you’re planning to sell soon and your realtor recommends upgrading your kitchen countertops, then invest in the cheapest granite countertop color group you can find locally.
However, if you’re planning to continue living in your home for years to come and you want to fall in love with your kitchen again, then we recommend upgrading to a granite color you’ll love.
In the end, you’ll still recover most of your investment, but there’s no price for all those years you’ll enjoy them.