Possibly Replacing Kitchen Counters

[The Professor]

So ... our counters are crap and we're thinking we should probably get them replaced before we try to sell our home this spring. I'm not sure that we've got the $2500 for granite; but I don't want to skimp with laminate either. On the other hand, we live in a smaller town with buyers who may not really be *expecting* granite in the first place (we bought the place with laminate counters). So here are my questions for anyone with experience:

1. Is granite *really* that worth it, even in a market in which the expectation for granite hasn't been created; or are we better off just putting a decent laminate in?

2. What do you think of granite tile?

3. Is a countertop install something that must be done by a professional; or can it be a reasonable DIY project?

OK ... enough with my questions. Please feel free to jump in if your in real estate or have recently replaced your counters.

Thanks,
~d.

[Diesel Kinevel]

granite is one of the best looking stones to use on countertops. Like you said they are pricey but I think they are worth it

[Demented]

If you were keeping the house, granite is one of the best surfaces in my opinion.

Don’t know that I would go to that expense if my plans where to sell the place, unless I new for sure it would increase the selling price enough to pay for it.

Dmntd

[ShawnP]

I have installed kitchens for 10 yrs.

With that said.

Yes granite is worth every penny and they usually bring them out and set them for you + they will do the templates for a perfect fit.

Personally I wouldn't use granite tile, 1 liquids can still seep through the grout lines.

2. Just doesn't look good IMHO.

There is nothing wrong with a nice looking laminate counter. Just have someone come out and do a template for you so everything is tight and the sink fits



Shawn

[RPB67]

Granite is great. It is just as much as Sil-Stone or Corian.

If you are selling the house go with a Granite look-a-like Formica for real short money. This can be done on your own if you know how to make the cuts and do some plumbing.

[j6ppc]

Granite is pricey and sometimes also looks odd in older kitchens.
Is there a Home Depot or Lowes nearby?
If so have a look @ the various alternatives they offer - Corian comes to mind.

I have seen both granite and slate tiles used to good effect on counters.

DIY project? Depends on your tools and expertise - measurements are hyper critical and any errors really show.

[n3uka]

I have seen some wonderfull counters done in concrete. It is a great deal less than granite and still gives a custom look.

[ShawnP]

Oh as far as DIY goes Granite NO.

Laminate you could if you feel comfortable cutting out the sink hole just right.

If you do do it yourself make sure you tape the laminate where you will be cutting and turn it upside down so the laminate doesn't chip.


Shawn

[mosesbotbol]

Granite is certainly nice. You have to consider how big your counters are and budget. Quartz countertops are worth checking out, as well as concrete and corian as some have mentioned.

If you have small counters or not too picky on color, granite might not be as expensive as you initially thought it may be.

Post some pictures of your current kitchen.

[Dux]

Originally Posted by Diesel Kinevel

granite is one of the best looking stones to use on countertops. Like you said they are pricey but I think they are worth it

Granite is Hot and will add value in the long run to your house..
We plan to redo the Kitchen and baths before we sell, and granite is on the list for the kitchen..

The Kitchen is a large deciding factor when most people buy a house...

[Andyman]

anyone familiar with modular granite countertops?

[opus]

Originally Posted by ShawnP

Oh as far as DIY goes Granite NO.

Laminate you could if you feel comfortable cutting out the sink hole just right.

If you do do it yourself make sure you tape the laminate where you will be cutting and turn it upside down so the laminate doesn't chip.


Shawn

When cutting laminate, I always use a carbide saw blade in a small circular saw,[SIZE="2"] but you have to put the blade on backwards to get a perfect smooth cut[/SIZE]. Works like a champ and you can cut from the top side and see where you are cutting. Do not install Granite yourself. Like others have said, a good template is a must. A lot of guys use 1/8 or 1/4 mahogany ply strips for this. I also agree that granite tile would not be good.

[TU09]

Granite can add value to the home but it could very well not be worth it. Remember, don't outprice your market, you never want to be the guy selling the most expensive house in the neighborhood. Stay away from Granite tile, it almost always looks dated or cheap or both, there are exceptions but I wouldn't base my decision on exceptions. Also, I would suggest you have whatever you choose to do done professionally unless you have prior experience, it would be awful to make a minor mistake and have to spend substantially more to fix it or lower the value of your home.

Best advice I can offer: talk to a realtor familiar with your area. Without being familiar with your local market it is impossible to answer your question in an informed manner.

[The Professor]

Thanks for the thoughts so far. Since they were requested, here are some pics. The first is a recent shot of the whole kitchen. The other two are from prior to our closing and will give you a better sense of the actual counter space/area. The country wallpaper was not "us."

[The Professor]

Originally Posted by TU09

Best advice I can offer: talk to a realtor familiar with your area. Without being familiar with your local market it is impossible to answer your question in an informed manner.

Good suggestion. I've got a friend who sold recently and we were probably going to use the same realtor; so I should give them a call. Thanks for that and for the other comments, too.

~d.