Countertops for basic flip

[Jennifer Marshall]

I’m wirking on a mid-level flip property with a limuted kitchen countertop budget we are installing ourselves. Because granite and other solid surface options are out of our budget and not necessarily needed in this neighborhood, would you install a nice laminate or real butcher block countertops? I have never been a fan of butcher block, but realize its coming back in style so am leaning that way.

[Jaysen Medhurst]

@Jennifer Marshall, I think if the cost is similar, the butcher-block counters are the way to go. That would certainly look more upscale than laminate.

Is there anyway you can trim the budget from somewhere else? In a mid-level SFH, I think most buyers expect granite / solid surface. Have you looked into soap stone? Looks amazing and can be worked with wood-working tools and special bits/cutters. Might be an install-yourself option (as long as you have a few strong friends).

What do other homes in your area / price-point have? You don't want to be the one house without solid counters.