One common question I hear is ”Should I replace my countertops?”
If your countertops are damaged, no matter the price point of your home, they should be replaced. No one will purchase a home that is not well cared for. If they do, they expect a much lower purchase price. It would cost less to replace the countertops.
Another downside to not replacing them is that most potential buyers are in the market for a move-in ready home. So listing the price lower, you are more likely to lose some potential offers altogether.
The next question is, “What do I replace the counter with?”
Will updated Formica do? There is granite, quartz, Butcher block, and so many, many choices. The answer is based on a few questions about the property and your budget.
What is the condition of your home? What is your listing price, what is your budget?
If your home is well maintained and had many upgrades throughout ,then having updated counters will give you the edge to show your home as move in ready.
There are many grades of granite at different price points, so your choice should depend on the price point of your home. and your budget. Lower priced homes, stone countertops are not typically expected but would give you the edge over your competition. Higher priced homes, installing a stone finish is a must! Just remember that this is a big investment so if you are selling, choose a neutral stone finish to please the masses.
Last consideration when replacing countertops is the condition of your kitchen cabinets. They should be solid and in good condition. Shiny new counters, especially a higher-end countertop like granite, added on top of dated old cabinets makes those cabinets stick out like a sore thumb and just serves to highlight how awful they really are.
So clean them up, replace the hardware, re-stain and/or paint the cabinetry, or replace the cabinets all together, this it will compliment those beautiful new stone countertops and make your investment shine.
If you have a question for “Ask The Home Staging Expert”, please contact
Images Staged with Flair
905-980-4962
www@imagesstagedwithflair.ca
