Counter top choices - What do your buyers prefer?

Question

My contractor and I are getting into a discussion about the pros and cons of quartz v granite - what are buyers in your area leaning towards? Surveys show that younger buyers tend to prefer quartz since it's no maintenance and comes in more unique colors and patterns than granite - do you agree or disagree?

Matthew Paul · Answer

A flipper around here puts in plywood while he is showing the house . He then gives the buyer a choice of counter top . When the woman finds out she can pick the color that suits her they love it

Jennifer Hicks · Answer

From an agent's prospective (also someone that used to work for a builder) buyers are leaning more toward quartz. New and different means special and something to show off to friends. Buyer's are seeing granite as a "standard feature" rather than an upgrade thus putting less value on the choice.

On a personal note... if I see one more Santa Cecilia granite in a flip home I might lose it. :-D

Jacob Wathen · Answer

Hello @Stephen Herbert! I agree that quartz is more targeted to a younger demographic. Quartz is typically more simple than granite and as a result granite can be VERY user specific. You and your contractor may love the style of a slab but 90% of the buyers may think it looks tacky. I think quartz is always the best option for flips. I know I walk into a couple homes a day with granite and my first thought is that it's too busy.

Also, I have gotten bids on concrete countertops and they have always come in higher than bids for quartz/granite. If concrete is done right and hired out it will be expensive. I love the look of it in lofts and certain styles of homes though!

Stephen Herbert · Answer

Fair points from all contributors - thank you. In Cincinnati, granite is more cost-effective than quartz, and as noted, so long as its new and clean it will sell. We're putting in mid-to-high grade components and are appealing to a younger buyer (newlyweds with child coming in the next year or so) and quartz seemed more targeted to a younger demographic.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Aron D. · Answer

Not sure of your market and prices for Quartz countertops, but here in CA you can find that Quartz is actually cheaper than granite. Some granite prefab might be cheaper, but it is usually the brown/beige lower end finish. You can get 9x2 slabs of Quartz for around $150-$200 and get someone to cut and install for you. I've noticed that buyers don't really mind what solid surface countertop options you use as long as it is new and clean.

Darren Sager · Answer

I'd go with Quartz without thinking 2X. The prices have fallen and there's increased competition in manufacturing out of China.

I respectfully disagree with @Calvin T. about ever using Cement as a choice for a flip as a way to appeal to buyers. I think in addition to the fact that it's porous, you actually put up a roadblock from buyers with it because they don't recognize it after watching HGTV and other TV shows. Go with what sells at your price point in that area @Stephen Herbert. Everyone's opinions overall really don't matter. What sells does.

Stephen Herbert · Answer

Our house is in Cincinnati, and might be a bit too much for that market... - anyone from Cincinnati have input on that? I understand it's also a bit more complicated to install, which might run up costs.

Calvin Thomas · Answer

Have you looked into cement? It's inexpensive and looks high end. It's popular around NYC and LA/SF

Counter top choices - What do your buyers prefer?

Counter top choices - What do your buyers prefer?

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