I want to put granite countertops in my kitchen. The problem is that I am not sure if I should put in solid slab granite or granite tile because of the price. We have gotten estimates on both. Solid slab is about $4,000 and tile is about $1,400. Our house is a nice and well maintained cape cod with upgraded appliances, etc. I am hoping that someone can help me out with the difference in resale value of the house with each type of granite installed. Also if someone can offer other comments about durability or bad experiences with each type. We will probably opt for the solid slab if it will make its money back or more on resale because we may need to move in the next year and we will be using our home equity loan for this project. Thanks

Hi Trisha, Just one man's humble opinion here!

The relationship between an upgrade and added resale value tends to be somewhat loosey-goosey.

If it were ME and I was planning to live in the house 10 more years, I MIGHT upgrade to granite. For 1 more year, probably not.

There have been some posts on this BBS (and probably elsewhere too) about problems with both materials (no material is perfect). I've had tile in a couple houses and it's certainly not perfect--but it is cheaper and also quite durable. The grout lines are always a source of problems; they can be hard to clean and need to be sealed. I seem to recall a post about a cracked granite countertop. You might try some searches.

Someone I know installed granite tiles (which purport to give positive attributes of both). These were cheaper than granite, but not perfect either. And they still have grout lines.

As for resale, there are just so many factors that go into home pricing (and appeal) other than one particular upgrade. I bet most buyers would love to see granite. But the home's value is often seen somewhat mathematically. E.g., price per square foot and overall condition for the neighborhood. And something else altogether about the home might draw a buyer to it.

If you did granite, you might not want to sell, but that's beside the point!

Again, if it were ME (and I were selling in 1 year): I'd use quality materials (not over-the-top), but I'd save money where possible. Good luck!

Regards,
-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

Thanks for your comments k-2,
one note: our countertops are now awful 1-2 inch porcelin tiles.....sounds nice but the builder got a little wild with the pattern of white tiles v. grey tiles.

Too bad they got carried away with the pattern. I should mention that, our latest remodel we went for 16x24" porcelain tile countertops (alas, granite wasn't in our budget). The tiles are really huge (and difficult to cut). So, not many grout lines. But, granite it ain't! :)

Fixing a house for resale always takes more money and effort than one anticipates. Obviously countertop is just a part of the whole equation. Hopefully you're sitting pretty!

Regards,
-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

not sitting that pretty but the house looks great inside except the kitchen. It is the last eye sore room that we want to really make look great. I am just torn between granite tile and solid slab.... because of the cost. I think that tile would give it the same sort of look we are going for but I know they are alot thinner and therefore easier to crack, chip, etc. and I need to know about value added or not added to the house overall if we sold it in a year or so.

Thanks for the thoughts. I too am considering granite and have heard there are some wholesalers that can lower costs.... The research continues.

Ed

www.floridarealestate411.com
www.robot-japan.com

I would never use granite or tile for countertops in a kitchen. I think most chefs or people who really like to cook and use their kitchen for cooking purposes (as opposed to microwave-chefs, take out junkies, etc.) would agree. Breaking and chipping dishes, glasses, etc. are always an issue. Yes, it may be pretty to some, but I truly believe it is not at all practical- especially if you have expensive dishware.

Personally, I love butcherbock. It is very forgiving and it is classic. It also can be paired with most any decor (and you can cut on it, too!). It never goes out of style- unlike granite, which seems to be very trendy. I would really think twice about spending a lot of money on something that will most likely be seen as "dated" sooner rather than later.