When I was making the decision over the selection over granite or quartz for my kitchen countertops and the which was the better choice or was it purely aesthetics decision came into play.
I had five categories to determine the debate over granite (hard stone 100 percent natural) or quartz (manufactured with 95% ground natural quartz and 5% resins). Below were my considerations:
- Visual Aspect: Granite being natural and coming from solidified molten material, comes in many colors and patterns, can be subtle or standout and have unique mineral deposits. No two granite tops will be the same. Quartz on the other hand, as a popular choice, looks like stone but can be customized to match color schemes, makes the selection process easier.
- Price: You can save money with granite if you purchase from a wholesaler. The average cost per HomeAdvisor.com to purchase and install granite can cost between $2000-$4000. Engineered quartz is heavier than other stone surfaces with average costs ranging from $1500-$5500. Fabrication and installation of each should always be left to a professional.
- Eco Friendly: Granite is quarried and takes alot of energy, especially if shipped from overseas. Quartz as an engineered product, when using regional manufactured stone and local fabricators cuts down on transporting and can be more eco friendly.
- Maintenance: Granite is resistant to heat, because it is porous by nature it’s susceptible to stains and can be damaged by high impact blows (ie. dropping of a heavy pot). Quartz is harder and more durable almost indestructible, it is not porous, doesn’t stain and countertops can be kept relatively bacteria free. Hot pads are always recommended as excessive heat can damage quartz.
- Return on Investment: You cannot put a cost on personal enjoyment or practical value that granite or quartz offer even if not selling your home. However if you are selling or thinking of selling your home, potential buyers are checking out the kitchen as the hub of the home, they look at updates closely. Full slab (not budget friendly dated tiled granite) give potential buyers the impression that updates won’t be needed in the near future and gives a fresh, new look to the room, especially if cabinets, flooring, paint, window treatments and decor have also been updated.
Granite or quartz are worth the investment when selling if:
- Comps (comparable homes) new or updated homes in the area have granite or quartz-BUT only if the market says so.
- Buyers are shopping for move-in ready homes
- The overall look of the home will go with granite or quartz
Always choose neutral colors and patterns (brown, black, gray) to complement cabinets. Neutrals appeal to a broader range of potential buyers and may increase potential return on investment. Polished finishes add ease of maintenance, reflects light and gives a kitchen a bigger, cleaner and newer look. Some agents state that updated counters with granite or quartz may add 25% more value over the retail price paid for counter.
If you are thinking of selling your home and have any questions before installing granite or quartz, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. As a real estate professional and certified staging specialist I can tell you if the comparable homes in your market area have upgraded finishes and wheter buyers prefer move in ready to a blank slate open canvas they can do on their own.
🏡💕This is how my own kitchen turned out ➡️
