Enhance Your Home's Worth: The Impact of Stone Countertops on Property Value
Facts About Property Value & Stone Countertops
Did you know property value, and even rental property value, can increase when countertops and other surface areas are updated? It’s true! According to a 2022 National Association of Realtors study, a kitchen countertop upgrade cost will be recouped by an average of 67% when a home sells. The best return on investment kitchen countertops is typically for quartz and granite due to their popularity and durability.
Why do new countertops increase home value? This is because the kitchen and bathrooms are major players helping, or hindering, prospective bids. Further, other places in the home with upgrades make a viewing more memorable to buyers. While complete remodels are not always in budget, countertop replacement and additions are affordable choices for a renovated look. Pro Tip: ask a local realtor the type of best countertops for resale value. They have plenty of experience to point you in the right direction similar to high selling homes of the past.
ROI: Return On Investment
ROI is an acronym you will see often when researching ways to improve resale value. ROI means ‘Return on Investment’, and per Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report, the national average return on investment (ROI) for a minor kitchen remodel with midrange materials, for example, is about 71.2%. It is important to remember, however, that the likelihood of recouping 100% of your expenses on any remodeling project is very low. Because of this, many homeowners opt for upgrades they enjoy for themselves a bit before selling.
Reviewing ROI numbers is also important for rental properties. What is a reasonable amount to charge for rent directly ties to how updated and upscale a house is when entering the rental pool. Further, consider what materials will it stand up to daily use, as well as what will not need replacement with every new tenant. In a 2024 material review of the best countertop for rental properties, quartz and granite were the winners over laminate or solid surfaces. Best of all: TNT stocks several builder-grade options to ensure maximum return for minimal investment. Call us for the best path to value improvement!
Kitchens & Bathroom Remodels Are Priority
A common saying among real estate agents is “kitchens sell houses,” and most experienced sellers find this to be true. The majority of meals, plus assorted activities, and regular socializing occur in and around the kitchen. This means an efficient kitchen is a highly preferred kitchen. Having updated appliances, countertops, and fixtures never hurts either! The kitchen is a priority for prospective homebuyers and, therefore, it should also be a priority to you. Another industry tip: upgrading to an under-mount sink is an easy way to bring your kitchen into the now, as overmount sinks are extremely dated.
Bathrooms and half baths with remodeled elements are also at the top of buyer wish lists; just like the kitchen, having a bathroom out of commission for use is a major disruption to daily life. After looking at houses, going through the sale processes, then packing and moving, would you want to begin a major or even minor project on either space? Having these tasks already completed is a no-brainer attention getter and property value increase.
Best Kept Secret of Home Remodeling
Designed outdoor spaces have become extremely coveted features in the last few years. Both outdoor kitchens and outdoor living spaces are seeing an 89-100% return on investment. In areas like Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas, outdoor kitchens are popular due to the amount of warm days experienced every year. Buyers in these markets are willing to pay a premium for homes with well-designed outdoor spaces. Uniquely, due to a similar amount of cooler weather days, the Sooner State also has high demand for patio spaces with heaters or fire pits. Features of outdoor areas which increase sale prices include a functional grill area with easy access to spacious countertops and cabinets, durable surfaces for heavy use, and secured, safely positioned heating elements with ample, comfortable seating.
Budget Improvements Also Get Results
Small changes as well as less expensive methods, can also impact property value. These are helpful for keeping costs low, and bridging time between a reluctance or uncertainty to sell. If this describes your situation, consider:
Doing a minor remodel. Instead of replacing appliances, cabinets, and all the countertops, choose a new surface for the island or installing a more modern backsplash. This applies to the bathrooms too: updated vanity areas and fixtures go a long way.
Keep an eye out for remnant sales! TNT Countertops has an amazing annual event featuring remnants of granite and quartz marked as selling for labor cost only.
Look for smaller places to add drama. Windowsills, tabletops, and laundry rooms are all impactful places. Stone can even be used in landscaping design to give an extra pop!
Non-Return Investments
While there are many ways to increase property value, there are also some new additions to a property which will not have a high ROI. If choosing to add these elements below, understand they would be for the enjoyment of you and your family, not for a hefty monetary return upon sale of the home.
Pools, especially an in-ground one. This is due to expensive upkeep and additional liability which can be an instant turnoff for many prospective buyers.
Additions to the structure, such as a new or enclosed room. This option is extremely expensive and often only solves a problem for the current homeowner.
Projects which are out of sync with the neighborhood. Sabbat Abid from Property Saviour instructs sellers “a high-end market may pay back a luxury finish, while a more modest one may gain a better return on basic improvements.” What is common on your street is where the most return occurs.
Unfinished Projects. Incomplete updates hurt perceived value; trusting professionals with clear timelines is the most reliable way to ensure invested updates get the right kind of attention.
Understanding updating for maximum ROI is key to making smart changes to your home. TNT Countertops is trusted by thousands of homeowners, real estate agents, and contractors every day. Stop by our shop or check out our projects online for ideas and information!
