Home : Blogs : Susan Hilton College Station Bryan Real Estate : College Station & Bryan's Real Estate Home Sales Blog

Ever Wonder If Granite is Right For YOU?

Granite countertops used to be used almost exclusively in custom built high end homes but we are seeing it more and more in moderately priced home. It is elegant and very functional in the kitchen and bath.

Here’s what a few magazines have to say about remodeling and using stone -

Natural stone is a key part of two of the top 10 elements of design in the home that are resonating with today’s buyers: the desire for low-maintenance/no-maintenance materials and the use of natural materials inside and outside the home. — Builder Magazine/National Association of Home Builders
Homeowners who remodel recover the following percentages of their remodeling costs at resale (note: upscale projects include stone): Bathroom remodel-upscale: 92.6% Bathroom addition-upscale: 84.3% Kitchen remodel-upscale: 79.6% — 2003 Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling Magazine
In a study of materials for kitchen countertops, granite had the highest number of “excellent” ratings of any surface. — Consumer Reports

Granite usually comes in two basic thicknesses, 2cm and 3cm. Normally for less than a 10% upgrade in cost the 3cm granite can be purchased. If at all possible the 3cm granite is the better choice. This thickness is more substantial, looks more impressive and holds a much better edge. Your edge on 3cm granite may be bullnose, bevel, miature bevel, etc.

An average kitchen of 70 square feet of countertop with 3cm granite should run approximatley $3,000-$3,500. If laminate was purchased instead the cost would be about half but the additional $1,500 is well worth the expense! For the smaller rooms like bathrooms look for remnants at an even lower cost.

Susan Hilton

Susan Hilton - Realtor & Sales Trainer for Century 21 Beal

#1 in Real Estate in Bryan and College Station Home Sales

Bryan College Station Real Estate & Community Blog

Posted by Susan Hilton College Station Bryan Real Estate on 06/15/2008 06:12 PM

Comments (7)

home improvement

This post has been included in Texas Information Brazos County, TX Information College Station, TX Information
Post is included in group: Century 21 Network
Post is included in group: Texas Real Estate
Post is included in group: Century 21 Active Rainers

7 Comments on Ever Wonder If Granite is Right For YOU?

I'm now surprised when I see something other than granite used for kitchen countertops. It is the finish of choice in my marketplace.

06/15/2008 06:17 PM

by Norma Toering Rolling Hills & Palos Verdes Property (REMAX Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes Peninsula)

I put granite in my home when I remodeled. However, I feel that if a family has young children, they need to think about how hard this surface is. If your child runs into the corner of this hard "rock" surface, it could do a lot more damage to their heads or bodies. I think that laminate is better for families with small children, but granite is the true "IN" feature that most buyers gravitate to now. It does make a statement and looks great. But, if you are on a tight budget, some laminates that are out there now are really appealing. Just get advice from friends and family before you put the countertops in. It is always bad when you put in a new countertop and no one likes the color, etc. Take your time and think it through before spending the cash.

06/15/2008 06:23 PM

by Tina Beasley

It's extremely difficult to sell a home in the simi or semi-luxury class in my area without Granite.

I love it.

06/15/2008 06:29 PM

by Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Real Estate

Good blog. Thanks for the good info. Granite is definitely in but there are some good laminates out there for others on a tighter budget.

06/15/2008 08:54 PM

by Ricki Eichler, your Texas Hill Country connection (Hill Country Estate Properties)

I love the look of natural stone. Doesn't it require yearly buffing and maintenance?

Like Lenn, I am surprised to find some higher end homes that lack granite or solid surface countertops.

06/16/2008 08:55 AM

by Renee Burrows - Las Vegas NV Real Estate (Nevada Realty Solutions)

Corian solid surface is a good choice for people with kids. In fact, when they drop something on it, it doesn't hurt it either, unlike granite which pits and chips. I can sand away anything the kids have done to ours. Granite is prettier though. Just not as kid friendly as Corian solid surface.

06/16/2008 10:02 AM

by Cheri' Smith (ERA Whitaker Realty)

Great post.

I see both sides of the granite debate. The man made granites that require far less work and are much stronger are gaining in popularity and beauty (silestone, etc). You should check them out too because most people can't tell the difference and they are comparable to the Corian in strength.

Granite must be maintained too! Otherwise, it can stain. It must be sealed every 6 months-year depending on level of abuse and color and it can be chipped, broken, scolded, etc as mentioned by other readers. It is a beautiful product but, like anything beautiful, it requires work!

06/16/2008 02:25 PM

by Sara K. Braden- Villas, Garden, & Single Family (D.R. Horton Homes)

Leave a response…

Name:

Notify me of new comments:

Comment:

What does the graphic say?