Many homeowners that want to sell their homes but need to make their homes more appealing to buyers wonder how much help installing new countertops would help with the resale value of their homes. However, much of this depends on the current appearance of your countertops, the new type of material you want to install for your countertops, and the size of your countertops overall.
Do countertops increase home value? And by how much?
Yes, installing new countertops does increase a home’s value. However, figuring out “by how much” is tricky because it will depend on the type of new countertops you install, the current condition of your new countertops, the size of your kitchen, and how difficult it will be to install new countertops. In some cases, it is worth it to install new countertops before selling your home. However, in other cases, it isn’t worth it. A general rule of thumb is your new countertops will increase the home’s value approximately 3 times the value of the countertops you had professionally installed.
Since there isn’t a lot of information available on the Internet today covering countertops and how they increase home value, we created this guide to help you out. Below we’ will discuss the impact that new countertops have on the resale value of your home.
Should You Replace Countertops Before Selling?
Many homeowners wonder if replacing their kitchen countertops will make their homes more appealing when they try to sell their homes. So, if you are thinking about listing your home and you are wondering if it would financially help you to install new countertops, we’ve got you covered. We’ll start by answering some questions about new countertops, and then we’ll discuss the costs of replacing your countertops, depending on the materials you want to use.
What’s the Condition of Your Old Countertops?
Before you try to determine what material you should replace your countertops with, you should take time out to assess if you even need to replace your old countertops. If your current countertops are neutral and still appear to be in good condition, then it probably won’t help you much to replace them before you try to sell your home.
However, if your countertops are dated, stained, or have a poor appearance overall, then the countertops can deter the sale of your home. Whenever a possible buyer looks at your home and sees something expensive that needs to be fixed, they’ll remember it. If you wind up with too many of those bad marks, then it will be more challenging to sell your home. So, if your countertops are ugly or in poor condition, you may want to replace your countertops.
However, you should only replace your countertops before selling your home if you truly feel you won’t be able to sell your home without replacing your countertops. Chances are, you probably won’t get all of your money back in resale value if you do replace your old countertops before selling your home. Some people are still willing to take this monetary hit if it increases the likelihood that they’ll sell their home faster. So, if that sounds like you, you may want to replace your old countertops.
Your Kitchen Countertops
Kitchen countertops often become essential selling points for homes because the kitchen area is usually central to any home. Whether a couple or a family resides in the house, people will wind up spending a lot of time in their kitchens. Also, the person that usually does the food preparation and clean up will most likely want a kitchen they can enjoy.
Selecting Your New Countertop
If you think you want to install new countertops before you sell your home, make sure you choose your materials carefully. You want your new countertops to match still the décor that you have present in your kitchen or bathroom in its current state.
So, think about using something pretty but also versatile. Many people love neutral countertops, so these are good selections. Try to avoid something trendy and go mainstream and not too expensive if you are going to resell your home.
FAQs
A Realtor® can tell you specifically how much this highly coveted finish will add to the potential sale price of your home. However, the general perspective on this question is that you will add an amount to your home's value equivalent to at least 25 percent of the retail cost of the countertops.
Which countertop adds the most value? ›
It comes in various patterns and colors, so you can find a style that fits your kitchen. Granite countertops are a great investment because they have a high return on investment. If you're considering selling your home in the future, granite countertops are an ideal way to increase your home's value.
Do countertops affect resale value? ›
Chances are, you probably won't get all of your money back in resale value if you do replace your old countertops before selling your home. Some people are still willing to take this monetary hit if it increases the likelihood that they'll sell their home faster.
Are countertops a good investment? ›
Realize that the countertops will most likely not provide you with 100% return on investment, so it may be wise to get a more cost-effective option versus the most expensive option possible. What colors are you looking for? If you're wanting white and bright options, marble or quartz may be the best fit.
Is it worth upgrading countertops before selling? ›
A minor kitchen remodel can yield 98.5% of what you put into it. Upgrading the countertops is never a bad idea. It is a low cost that ups the value of your house and attracts buyers.
What color countertop is best for resale? ›
Light and bright is always best! Dark colors tend to come in and out of style. Granite, quartz, quartzite, and certain harder marbles are great options for versatility and durability, compared to other non-natural surface options that are currently on the market.
Which adds more value granite or quartz? ›
If other homes sold in your area have quartz countertops and sold at or under your home's value, granite doesn't make sense. In this case, quartz adds the most value. Buyers will pay extra for upgrades but not if they can purchase a home similar to yours for a lower price without them.
What countertops to avoid? ›
Avoid countertops that are largely plastic such as cultured marble, solid surface, and those that introduce formaldehyde, like laminate. If using laminate countertops, specify that the substrate be made with a no added formaldehyde (NAF) resin. Additionally, CDPH-certified laminate materials are preferred.
How much value do countertops add? ›
A Realtor® can tell you specifically how much this highly coveted finish will add to the potential sale price of your home. However, the general perspective on this question is that you will add an amount to your home's value equivalent to at least 25 percent of the retail cost of the countertops.
How often should you replace countertops? ›
Timelines for Countertops and Cabinet Installation
After a period of substantial use, cabinets and countertops are subject to the same wear and tear as the rest of your kitchen's features. They are not meant to last forever and depending on the material, they may require a full revamp every 10 to 15 years.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
What is the new trend for countertops? ›
Sintered stone slabs are on the rise as kitchen countertop trends 2024. This extremely hardwearing countertop material is a type of manufactured stone that is highly practical due to its heat-resistant and stain-resistant properties. Moreover, it comes in a range of natural stone-look designs.
Are granite countertops losing popularity? ›
Those who say that granite is on its way out point to studies like Statista's “Leading kitchen countertop materials used for remodeled homes … 2021/2022” that showed quartz with a whopping 42% of the market compared to granite's 24%.
What are the best countertops for home value? ›
Cost: Granite is generally the most budget-friendly kitchen countertop material, which is why homeowners commonly choose it when they invest in upgrades before listing and selling homes. Most granite options cost between $40 and $75 per square foot.
How much should I expect to pay for new countertops? ›
Depending on which type of countertop you choose, expect to spend between $3 and $200 per square foot. Most homeowners will spend somewhere between $10 and $150 per square foot, or $80 per square foot on average.
Should countertops be darker than cabinets? ›
Experts recommend working with a lighter countertop than a cabinet for the perfect color blend.
What is the most timeless kitchen countertop? ›
Five Timeless Kitchen Countertop Designs
- Classic Granite. Granite countertops offer a blend of elegance and robust durability. ...
- Elegant Marble. Marble countertops exude luxury and tranquility, elevating the aesthetic of any kitchen or bathroom. ...
- Stylish Quartz. ...
- Quintessential Quartzite. ...
- Beautiful Butcher Block.
Marble tops the most-expensive list due in large part to its elegant looks. The good: It will instantly lift your kitchen or bathroom to another level. The bad: It requires some regular maintenance to ensure its legacy. Plan on $75-$250 or more per square foot.
Do quartz countertops increase home value? ›
As we mentioned earlier, new quartz countertops are one of the best ways to increase the value of your kitchen and provide a good ROI. When you combine new countertops with other kitchen updates, you can drastically increase the value of your home.
