Realtor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2013 · 227 posts · 35 votes
So I’ve been looking around for a minute trying to find someone who can install laminate countertops for me. I’m geting ready to rent this thing out and the countertops are kind of shot. The estimates I got were, $800, $1200, $1000..... I got a lady who who estimated GRANITE for $1160, thats including a new sink, labor, taking hauling away the old countertops and all.
With the numbers I been getting for laminate, I might as well get that granite for $1160 put in. I just feel like granite sounds too high end. And my area is not really high end. It’s like a C+ B neighborhood... I don’t think much people have granite. Although the neighborhood Im in is mostly single family homes my side of the street along with my property are all duplexes. The street behind me is a bit rough but my neighborhood is pretty walkable (a lot of older people take walks, people walking their dogs, people walk/jog, multi cultured) And I don’t think any of the duplexes have granite.... I feel like it would be over improving by doing this...
What do you guys think?
By the way I’m in Columbia, SC in case anyone knows anybody who may do it for a fair price. Thanks in advance!
We're in Bigger Pockets rehab-talk silly season again.
If you want laminate countertops, you build your countertop out of particle board or MDF, which is dirt cheap. You laminate it yourself with these big sheets of laminate you cut to rough size size, cost $80-$200 to do a whole kitchen. After you're done gluing the laminate to the MDF, you rout the edges.
Laminate is not a contractor job, it's a handyman or DIY job. Sure, you can buy the countertops premade, too and cut them to size, then only cut and glue the end piece on and then rout it down to size...same tools for a much smaller job.
If you're in low-income rentals you need to know how to do this and have a handyman who does it. You need topmount/drop-in stainless and composite sinks that can be replaced easily and cheaply and not premium farmouse or undermount sinks like you would have with granite.
Granite chips, and in ways where you can't always put in and shape some knife-grade epoxy to mask the chip. Cabinets often get destroyed in rentals -- you'll need to replace them and you won't be able to easily with epoxied-in granite. Don't throw your money away on looks without understanding the realities of running the place and turning it between tenants.
Flipper/Rehabber · Tucson, AZ · Member since 2018 · 10 posts · 1 vote
7y
@Jonathan Perez
Look into Formica countertops. For a rental property this is the way to go. Most are very affordable and actually look nice. You can get them very cheap at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Very easy to install as well
NYC, NY · Member since 2016 · 617 posts · 456 votes
7y
Have you checked comparables in your area to determine if granite is needed? If not needed, why spend the $.
You can buy preformed laminate countertops at Lowe's and probably HD. But a larger variety can be had if you buy the sheets and have them built on site. Sheets can be up to 4' wide, 12' long. They cost between $65 and $200/pc and come in a variety of colors and styles. You need strips of cardboard or dowels as spacers, contact cement and a router.
With a little patience, this is a decent DIY project. There are plenty of helpful how to videos on you tube to guide you.
A GC installed this marble look laminate in my last project.
I installed this stone look - first time - for a different project.
They both came out pretty good. Their biggest enemy is a hot pot. Otherwise, they wear great, cleanup is easy and they cost 60-80% less than granite.
Spend the money on "Bartop epoxy". You pour it on crazy thick, use a hairdryer to get the bubbles out. Let them try to damage that, they are going to have to willingly make an extra effort beyond anything that resembles normal use.
It's ridiculous how durable and maintenance free it is at that point.
I will be doing that on my next remodel where we are replacing cabinetey/counters so I'll make sure to document my next rehab for you guys.
Bill, we've used the pourable epoxy, too. Works good, lasts long time. Our only complaint is that it yellowed and hazed unevenly for us over time. I'll get the brand name to you when I can.
Rental Property Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 18 votes
7y
Home Depot sells sheets of 6' laminate countertops for like 80-90 bucks. I got a couple of these then paid a handyman to install. Avoid the section where you talk to someone and they try to sell you countertops per square foot. Laminate is not worth the prices you posted.
Cheap granite might be a better long term solution anyways.