In any given year, more than 90 percent of homeowners say they plan to renovate their homes at some point in the near future. If you’re one of them, you’ll quickly discover that prioritizing those home renovation tasks can feel overwhelming.
There are so many things you can do to your home that figuring out where to start isn’t as simple as you might think. You want to get the most value for the money you spend and choose renovations that will stand up to the test of time.
One of the best improvements you can make for your wallet and your home’s usability is updating your kitchen countertops. Though there are many materials to choose from, granite countertops offer more benefits than most.
Here’s what you can expect by installing high-quality granite kitchen countertops.
Granite Increases Your Property’s Value
Believe it or not, making the decision to take care of minor renovations in your kitchen can increase your property’s resale value. Those renovations don’t have to be extensive. They can be as simple as updating old appliances or replacing outdated countertops.
In fact, most homeowners are able to increase their price by as much as $18,206 on average. If you’re planning to stay in your house for at least a few more years, you’ll be able to take advantage of those improvements without decreasing the value they add to your home.
Remember, prospective buyers, look for properties that feel modern, updated, and luxurious. The more you can make your kitchen stand out, the easier it will be to attract the right buyer when you sell.
Just make sure that you’re renovating the space in a way that works for you. The last thing you want to deal with is a kitchen you don’t enjoy using.
Granite Countertops Are Heat-Resistant
Almost anytime you cook, you work with intense heat. Once that heat sets into your pots and pans, you normally have to be careful about where you put them to cool.
If you’re not, they can damage your countertops and even create safety hazards in the space.
When you install different types of granite countertops, you don’t have to worry about finding a trivet or cooling rack to hold those hot pans. Instead, you’re able to place them directly on the countertop itself.
The stone can absorb the heat without cracking, warping, or otherwise getting damaged. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners that cook every day and want to eliminate the risk of wear and tear to their work surfaces.
You’ll spare yourself the frustration of hunting for a good place to let dishes cool and can instead focus on creating meals your family will love.
The Surface Is Easy to Clean
If you’ve ever spilled sticky substances on a countertop and forgotten about them, you know just how difficult cleaning up those messes can be. You need to use the right cleaners to avoid damaging your countertops and have to use serious elbow grease to get rid of the gunk.
Granite kitchen countertops, on the other hand, are much easier to clean. This is because they’re sealed against spills and grime.
All you need to do is use warm water and a gentle dish detergent to pull those spills up without a problem. Even old spills are easy to clean up and once you do, there won’t be a tell-tale ring or stain left behind.
Bacteria Can’t Soak Into the Stone
When you cook, it’s normal to create messes. Though many of those messes are harmless, some can contain tons of harmful bacteria like E. Coli, salmonella, and listeria just to name a few.
If you have laminate, tile, and other types of countertops in place, that bacteria can soak into the surface. Once it does, it can contaminate anything that comes into contact with it. Unless you disinfect your kitchen nightly, staying on top of the bacteria buildup can be almost impossible.
Granite helps reduce the risk of bacteria buildup on its own. When installed by a professional, the stone is properly sealed and is no longer able to absorb bacteria found in food.
This means you’ll be able to get rid of it just by wiping the surface off with your preferred kitchen cleaner.
Stains Won’t Mar the Surface
If you’ve ever spilled wine, juice, or coffee on a porous surface, you know that the spill will leave behind a massive stain. Unfortunately, those stains are often permanent and change the impact that your countertops have on the feel of your home.
Unless you replace the damaged portion of the countertop, you’ll end up having to live with the stain for years to come.
Granite kitchen countertops are almost completely stain-resistant. The same sealant that keeps the surface easy to clean at all times also protects the raw stone from spills.
As long as the sealant is in place and you don’t feel rough patches beneath your hand as you clean the countertop, you’ll never have to worry about stains. Even better, you won’t get left with a nasty surprise when you discover part of a spill that you missed days later.
You’ll Save Money in the Long Run
Though it might not seem like it, your countertops are among the most-used features in your home. That means they experience the most wear and tear throughout the year and will need repairs more frequently.
Worse, the harder you are on the surfaces and the more damage they experience, the more likely it is that you’ll need to replace them prematurely.
When you invest in granite countertops, you’ll pay more upfront, but will end up saving money over time. They’re naturally resistant to damage, resulting in fewer repairs.
Since the surface doesn’t get damaged as easily as other countertop options, they’ll last far longer, reducing the likelihood that you’ll have to replace them mere years after making the upgrade. The longer you can keep them in place, the less you’ll end up spending.
Every Slab Is Unique and One-of-a-Kind
Most manufacturers create countertops out of synthetic materials to provide homeowners with a consistent appearance across the board. This is fine if you’re hoping for something that looks simple and understated. However, if you want to make a statement with your kitchen, you’ll need to think outside of the box.
For most homeowners, this means installing decorative (and expensive) light fixtures, painting accent walls, and investing hundreds into dishes and décor.
When you install granite countertops, you’ll get a unique piece of stone that looks unlike any other. This makes it easy to add personality and elegance without having to invest in a custom interior.
You’re Able to Prep Foods Directly on the Surface
Since the surface is non-porous and completely smooth, it’s ideal as a primary food preparation spot. Though you’ll still want to use a cutting board to protect your knives from getting dull, you’re able to assemble, mix, tenderize, and knead ingredients right on your granite countertops.
Once you’re done, cleanup is simple and fast.
It turns your kitchen into a chef-inspired space that makes it easy to develop your culinary skills and create masterpieces every day.
There Are Different Colors to Match Your Aesthetic
If you’re worried about finding a color of natural stone that works with your kitchen and your sense of design, don’t panic. Granite comes in many different shades and is almost guaranteed to work with any kitchen.
If you want to create a beautiful and modern look, white granite countertops will do the job perfectly. You’ll get all the benefits of natural stone with the sleek and bright look that white countertops lend to the space.
For homeowners that want a more traditional and earthy kitchen, red, brown, or black granite will be the best choice. Their muted tones exude elegance but allow you to draw attention to other elements in your kitchen should you so desire.
It’s Incredibly Durable
Granite is one of the most durable countertop materials on the market. It’s heat-resistant, crack-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance over the life of your kitchen.
Their durability makes them ideal for families that plan to stay in their homes for years to come. Once you decide to sell your house, the countertops will look as good as they did the day you got them installed.
They’re a long-term investment that never goes out of style and is always in high demand.
Installing Granite Countertops Is Worth Every Penny
If you’re looking for a simple way to make your kitchen stand out while also making it more usable, installing granite countertops is your best option. Once they’re in place, your kitchen will look elegant no matter what the other fixtures are like.
Even better, granite kitchen countertops will stand up to the daily use and abuse that even the most die-hard cook can put them through.
If you’re ready to make the switch and upgrade your kitchen countertops, don’t wait. Contact our team to learn more and to discuss the granite countertop cost and options for your house.