Kitchens are the heart of the home, it is where you prepare your meals and where family comes to gather together. A kitchen remodel is a large investment; however, it can also have the most bang for your buck. Thus, kitchen remodels are becoming increasingly popular. According to Home Advisor, your kitchen remodeling budget will be broken down by:

Design fees: 4%

Installation: 17%

Appliances and ventilation: 14%

Cabinetry and hardware: 29%

Countertops: 10%

Lighting: 5%

Flooring: 7%

Doors and windows: 4%

Walls and ceilings: 5%

Faucets and plumbing: 4%

Other: 1%

Even though countertops only account for an average of 10% of your budget, choosing the right countertops can either make or break your kitchen remodel. The top two countertop materials on the market right now are granite and quartz. However, what are the pros and cons of each of these options?

Appearance

Granite offers a natural stone aesthetic with many variations in the colors and markings. Some may prefer to have a natural look to their countertops, while others are turned off by the variations.

Quartz offers a more consistent look and comes in a variety of colors from neutrals to striking colors of blues, greens, oranges, and so on.

Cost

In real estate, granite is often seen as a luxury item. It typically costs around $50-$100 per square foot. However, top-of-the-line granite can cost as much as $225 per square foot.

Surprisingly, quartz is often the more costly choice for countertops. This option can cost as much as $100-$185 per square foot.

Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of granite is its incredible heat resistance; however, it also comes with a major drawback. Granite is naturally porous, which makes is prone to stains and scratches. Depending on the type of granite and how often it is used; granite may be needed to be sealed every 1-3 years. The typical cost to have it sealed can range from $0.68 to $1.49 per square foot. Over time, this expense can add up.

On the other hand, quartz is non-porous and doesn't require annual sealing like granite. Quartz is hygienic and is durable against scratches and stains. However, it is important to note that quartz may be burned easily from hot pots and develop chips in the material. To repair chipping, a professional service is required.

Return on Investment

Given the recent scare of radon in granite, some homeowners may be weary of moving into a home with granite countertops. However, Forbes.com says, "granites contain parts per billion of radium...it is determined that there is a minimal and acceptable amount of radon in average granite building materials." Considering the radiation we experience from day-to-day life, including flying and walking around the city; the radium levels in granite should not be of very high concern. Fortunately, many of those in the market for a new home see granite as a bonus and can add as much as 75% return on investment.

Quartz comes in a close second to granite, as far as kitchen countertops go, with an average of 60% return on investment. This could be because of their lack of natural looking pigments and colors. Although quartz can come in almost any color, a neutral colored countertop would yield a much higher return than a brightly colored countertop.

Have questions about the best countertops for your kitchen remodel? Feel free to call us at 804-730-0982.