Kitchen Remodel – Recommendations?

[george]

AN: I guess the kitchen would be considered on the large side and they have an island. Also they got quoted for back splash that goes from the counter all the way up to the cabinets. Don’t know about the quality of the granite, but they got 3 quotes that all came in around the same price. I guess the ultimate question is how much are higher-end granite counter tops worth to a buyer in a $650K home?

[an]

[quote=george]AN: I guess the kitchen would be considered on the large side and they have an island. Also they got quoted for back splash that goes from the counter all the way up to the cabinets. Don’t know about the quality of the granite, but they got 3 quotes that all came in around the same price. I guess the ultimate question is how much are higher-end granite counter tops worth to a buyer in a $650K home?[/quote]
Well, I have peninsula in my kitchen and the total size of my kitchen is about 13’x11′. I used 2 slabs w/ 6″ black splash. Would be 2.5 slabs if I get full back splash. So, if they go w/ the standard granite slab at ~$1500-2000/slab, for $12k, that would be 6-8 slabs. If my kitchen uses 2 slabs, to use 6-8 slabs, you’re talking about 3-4X bigger than 13’x11′. The thing w/ granite is, it’s very personal taste. I hated some of the high end granite. It’s all about look and what’s your taste. So, if I would put in granite just to sell, I wouldn’t put in top of the line, since you probably won’t get back the same return if the buyer don’t like that particular granite.

[an]

[quote=george]AN: I guess the kitchen would be considered on the large side and they have an island. Also they got quoted for back splash that goes from the counter all the way up to the cabinets. Don’t know about the quality of the granite, but they got 3 quotes that all came in around the same price. I guess the ultimate question is how much are higher-end granite counter tops worth to a buyer in a $650K home?[/quote]
Well, I have peninsula in my kitchen and the total size of my kitchen is about 13’x11′. I used 2 slabs w/ 6″ black splash. Would be 2.5 slabs if I get full back splash. So, if they go w/ the standard granite slab at ~$1500-2000/slab, for $12k, that would be 6-8 slabs. If my kitchen uses 2 slabs, to use 6-8 slabs, you’re talking about 3-4X bigger than 13’x11′. The thing w/ granite is, it’s very personal taste. I hated some of the high end granite. It’s all about look and what’s your taste. So, if I would put in granite just to sell, I wouldn’t put in top of the line, since you probably won’t get back the same return if the buyer don’t like that particular granite.

[an]

[quote=george]AN: I guess the kitchen would be considered on the large side and they have an island. Also they got quoted for back splash that goes from the counter all the way up to the cabinets. Don’t know about the quality of the granite, but they got 3 quotes that all came in around the same price. I guess the ultimate question is how much are higher-end granite counter tops worth to a buyer in a $650K home?[/quote]
Well, I have peninsula in my kitchen and the total size of my kitchen is about 13’x11′. I used 2 slabs w/ 6″ black splash. Would be 2.5 slabs if I get full back splash. So, if they go w/ the standard granite slab at ~$1500-2000/slab, for $12k, that would be 6-8 slabs. If my kitchen uses 2 slabs, to use 6-8 slabs, you’re talking about 3-4X bigger than 13’x11′. The thing w/ granite is, it’s very personal taste. I hated some of the high end granite. It’s all about look and what’s your taste. So, if I would put in granite just to sell, I wouldn’t put in top of the line, since you probably won’t get back the same return if the buyer don’t like that particular granite.

[an]

[quote=george]AN: I guess the kitchen would be considered on the large side and they have an island. Also they got quoted for back splash that goes from the counter all the way up to the cabinets. Don’t know about the quality of the granite, but they got 3 quotes that all came in around the same price. I guess the ultimate question is how much are higher-end granite counter tops worth to a buyer in a $650K home?[/quote]
Well, I have peninsula in my kitchen and the total size of my kitchen is about 13’x11′. I used 2 slabs w/ 6″ black splash. Would be 2.5 slabs if I get full back splash. So, if they go w/ the standard granite slab at ~$1500-2000/slab, for $12k, that would be 6-8 slabs. If my kitchen uses 2 slabs, to use 6-8 slabs, you’re talking about 3-4X bigger than 13’x11′. The thing w/ granite is, it’s very personal taste. I hated some of the high end granite. It’s all about look and what’s your taste. So, if I would put in granite just to sell, I wouldn’t put in top of the line, since you probably won’t get back the same return if the buyer don’t like that particular granite.

[an]

[quote=george]AN: I guess the kitchen would be considered on the large side and they have an island. Also they got quoted for back splash that goes from the counter all the way up to the cabinets. Don’t know about the quality of the granite, but they got 3 quotes that all came in around the same price. I guess the ultimate question is how much are higher-end granite counter tops worth to a buyer in a $650K home?[/quote]
Well, I have peninsula in my kitchen and the total size of my kitchen is about 13’x11′. I used 2 slabs w/ 6″ black splash. Would be 2.5 slabs if I get full back splash. So, if they go w/ the standard granite slab at ~$1500-2000/slab, for $12k, that would be 6-8 slabs. If my kitchen uses 2 slabs, to use 6-8 slabs, you’re talking about 3-4X bigger than 13’x11′. The thing w/ granite is, it’s very personal taste. I hated some of the high end granite. It’s all about look and what’s your taste. So, if I would put in granite just to sell, I wouldn’t put in top of the line, since you probably won’t get back the same return if the buyer don’t like that particular granite.

[SandraL]

Be really sure you like Ikea before committing. My neighbor across the street got Ikea cabinets and from the front they look gorgeous, so I was considering them myself.

Then I house sat for the neighbors for a couple of weeks while they were on vacation and took care of their dog. I still find the front facing of the cabinets lovely, but inside you have basic white melamine. Be sure you can live with that, because it does look cheap to my eye. Especially look long and hard if you are interested in one of Ikea’s darker colors, I loath the whole idea of a rich color exterior and cheesy white interior. I’m looking to do my kitchen this year as well and I’m probably going to go with Kemper cabinets.

[SandraL]

Be really sure you like Ikea before committing. My neighbor across the street got Ikea cabinets and from the front they look gorgeous, so I was considering them myself.

Then I house sat for the neighbors for a couple of weeks while they were on vacation and took care of their dog. I still find the front facing of the cabinets lovely, but inside you have basic white melamine. Be sure you can live with that, because it does look cheap to my eye. Especially look long and hard if you are interested in one of Ikea’s darker colors, I loath the whole idea of a rich color exterior and cheesy white interior. I’m looking to do my kitchen this year as well and I’m probably going to go with Kemper cabinets.

[SandraL]

Be really sure you like Ikea before committing. My neighbor across the street got Ikea cabinets and from the front they look gorgeous, so I was considering them myself.

Then I house sat for the neighbors for a couple of weeks while they were on vacation and took care of their dog. I still find the front facing of the cabinets lovely, but inside you have basic white melamine. Be sure you can live with that, because it does look cheap to my eye. Especially look long and hard if you are interested in one of Ikea’s darker colors, I loath the whole idea of a rich color exterior and cheesy white interior. I’m looking to do my kitchen this year as well and I’m probably going to go with Kemper cabinets.

[SandraL]

Be really sure you like Ikea before committing. My neighbor across the street got Ikea cabinets and from the front they look gorgeous, so I was considering them myself.

Then I house sat for the neighbors for a couple of weeks while they were on vacation and took care of their dog. I still find the front facing of the cabinets lovely, but inside you have basic white melamine. Be sure you can live with that, because it does look cheap to my eye. Especially look long and hard if you are interested in one of Ikea’s darker colors, I loath the whole idea of a rich color exterior and cheesy white interior. I’m looking to do my kitchen this year as well and I’m probably going to go with Kemper cabinets.

[SandraL]

Be really sure you like Ikea before committing. My neighbor across the street got Ikea cabinets and from the front they look gorgeous, so I was considering them myself.

Then I house sat for the neighbors for a couple of weeks while they were on vacation and took care of their dog. I still find the front facing of the cabinets lovely, but inside you have basic white melamine. Be sure you can live with that, because it does look cheap to my eye. Especially look long and hard if you are interested in one of Ikea’s darker colors, I loath the whole idea of a rich color exterior and cheesy white interior. I’m looking to do my kitchen this year as well and I’m probably going to go with Kemper cabinets.

[(former)FormerSanDiegan]

[quote=george]Is it worth upgrading to Granite counter tops?

I have friends in Carlsbad who are planning on selling their $650K house soon. They have got multiple bids to upgrade their kitchen counters and backsplash to granite. The bids all came in around $12K. The current counter tops and back splashes are white tile and look quite respectable. Is it worth doing the upgrade or should they keep their list price $12K lower?[/quote]

I would not upgrade the countertops to sell the house, unless the existing white tile is severely chipped or damaged. You typically never get back what you put in in cases like this. Plus, your selection of granite might differ from a potential buyer. Also, buyer’s now are looking for bargains. Newly installed granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances might be looked at differently today than 3 years ago.

Also, with inventory currently thin, you might be able to catch lightning in the bottle. If you wait 2-3 weeks or more to get the kitchen re-done, there may be changes in interest rates, buyer sentiment, or new inventory that puts you in a weaker position.

Stick with the tile. Get it on the market ASAP.

[(former)FormerSanDiegan]

[quote=george]Is it worth upgrading to Granite counter tops?

I have friends in Carlsbad who are planning on selling their $650K house soon. They have got multiple bids to upgrade their kitchen counters and backsplash to granite. The bids all came in around $12K. The current counter tops and back splashes are white tile and look quite respectable. Is it worth doing the upgrade or should they keep their list price $12K lower?[/quote]

I would not upgrade the countertops to sell the house, unless the existing white tile is severely chipped or damaged. You typically never get back what you put in in cases like this. Plus, your selection of granite might differ from a potential buyer. Also, buyer’s now are looking for bargains. Newly installed granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances might be looked at differently today than 3 years ago.

Also, with inventory currently thin, you might be able to catch lightning in the bottle. If you wait 2-3 weeks or more to get the kitchen re-done, there may be changes in interest rates, buyer sentiment, or new inventory that puts you in a weaker position.

Stick with the tile. Get it on the market ASAP.

[(former)FormerSanDiegan]

[quote=george]Is it worth upgrading to Granite counter tops?

I have friends in Carlsbad who are planning on selling their $650K house soon. They have got multiple bids to upgrade their kitchen counters and backsplash to granite. The bids all came in around $12K. The current counter tops and back splashes are white tile and look quite respectable. Is it worth doing the upgrade or should they keep their list price $12K lower?[/quote]

I would not upgrade the countertops to sell the house, unless the existing white tile is severely chipped or damaged. You typically never get back what you put in in cases like this. Plus, your selection of granite might differ from a potential buyer. Also, buyer’s now are looking for bargains. Newly installed granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances might be looked at differently today than 3 years ago.

Also, with inventory currently thin, you might be able to catch lightning in the bottle. If you wait 2-3 weeks or more to get the kitchen re-done, there may be changes in interest rates, buyer sentiment, or new inventory that puts you in a weaker position.

Stick with the tile. Get it on the market ASAP.

[(former)FormerSanDiegan]

[quote=george]Is it worth upgrading to Granite counter tops?

I have friends in Carlsbad who are planning on selling their $650K house soon. They have got multiple bids to upgrade their kitchen counters and backsplash to granite. The bids all came in around $12K. The current counter tops and back splashes are white tile and look quite respectable. Is it worth doing the upgrade or should they keep their list price $12K lower?[/quote]

I would not upgrade the countertops to sell the house, unless the existing white tile is severely chipped or damaged. You typically never get back what you put in in cases like this. Plus, your selection of granite might differ from a potential buyer. Also, buyer’s now are looking for bargains. Newly installed granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances might be looked at differently today than 3 years ago.

Also, with inventory currently thin, you might be able to catch lightning in the bottle. If you wait 2-3 weeks or more to get the kitchen re-done, there may be changes in interest rates, buyer sentiment, or new inventory that puts you in a weaker position.

Stick with the tile. Get it on the market ASAP.

[Author]

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