December 11, 2023
Let’s Talk Granite Kitchen Countertops
Have you had enough of outdated colors, ugly cabinets, discolored and dinged counter surfaces? This might be a sign that you may have reached your limit and a full or partial kitchen remodel may be in your future. Before you make a run for the sledgehammer to clear the way for new granite countertops in St. Louis, or elsewhere, let’s take a small step back.
As a granite and remodeling guy for 14+ years, I’ve seen hundreds of ugly kitchens transformed and the clients that were the happiest knew what they wanted before they called me. And, when we met and talked about possibilities, they had a list of priorities in mind. This allowed me to give them an accurate timeline, quote, include suggestions that could improve on their ideas. and deliver exactly what they wanted in the order they wanted it.
Before calling a kitchen remodeling pro or taking a trip to the home improvement store, here are 9 things to figure out so you can get the kitchen remodel you deserve.
There are different priorities when you plan to sell or stay. A kitchen remodel returns up to 77% of your cost, but your unique tastes may conflict with what potential buyers want if you want to put your home on the market in a couple of years. In this case, rethink your design choices. Skip the hot pink accents and put your money into traditional upgrades.
To ensure you get the most for your investment, a partial remodel might be the right choice rather than sinking a lot of money into a remodel that you can’t enjoy. You can skip installing new appliances and flooring, but make upgrades that you can afford, like light fixtures, change up the Formica for new granite kitchen countertops, refinish the floors and paint before changing switch-plates and drawer and cabinet pulls.
If you plan on staying in your home, then your end goal is to design a kitchen that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come. Here’s where you should start…
Kitchen remodels and life changes go hand-in-hand. If you’re buying a new house, getting married, having kids, or if they’re leaving to start their own lives, you may want a new kitchen.
Your kitchen has fit your new lifestyle. Kids require durable features, if you’re an empty-nester you might want a showcase kitchen to host wine tastings. If you’re a new homeowner, you want to make the space your own. Be clear about what will be happening in your new kitchen so that we design it to fit its new purpose.
When I’m asked about the cost of an average home remodel, I have to admit it’s a pretty broad range – from $12,000 to $30,000 (source: https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/kitchen-remodel/what-is-average-cost-remodel-kitchen). Yes, there are times when the final invoice was below $12K and far more than $30K, but on average, this is where most homeowners land. To keep the price low, don’t choose custom or design options.
If you’re planning on cash flowing your kitchen remodel, a full upgrade may have to be done in phases. Or we could find ways to reduce your cost without sacrificing the quality of the redesign.
Which features do you want to upgrade immediately? By prioritizing a list, you’ll know what you want right away, what can be downgraded to save costs, or wait until a later date.
If you want to completely change the look of your kitchen by moving your sink and appliances to different parts of the room, you may have to shell out the high cost for plumbers and electricians to reroute the plumbing and outlets.
In addition to the costs of home specialists, here are the other features you should consider when thinking about your remodel:
Light fixtures can make all the difference in a kitchen remodel. Replacing recessed lighting with fresh fixtures that bring brightness to a small kitchen can make it seem more spacious and inviting. The cost will depend on what type of fixture you want and how much rewiring and redesigning will be required. Expect to pay on average between $1,000 to $2,000.
Granite kitchen countertops can bring a more modern, sophisticated look to any kitchen, replacing old-fashioned countertops is at the top of the list. Plus, granite is a durable material and available in a wide variety of pricing options, so it can fit into any budget. The key is finding a supplier with lots of options.
Even if you think you think granite is pricey, check with a pro because they may have connections to samples and imperfect slabs that are still beautiful, but they’ll be available at a discounted price.
It’s impossible to offer a cost range because the pricing depends on the size of the surface, quality of granite, whether a large, continuous piece is required, how thick the piece is, etc.
Is this something you need right away? If want to add an island or new appliances, then flooring makes sense. Do you want flooring that looks good, cleans up well, is easy to work on, or durable enough for renters? There are a variety of surfaces that work, including vinyl flooring (inexpensive and available in a variety of colors), hardwood (starting at $10 or so a square foot), and porcelain tile (about $3 – $8 a square foot).
If your budget is limited, it may make sense to wait on the flooring.
Kitchen cabinets are another image-changer for your space. The cost of replacing the cabinetry can be prohibitive, depending on the materials. Obviously, choosing a budget-friendly material can help – but so can going with the trend of open shelving. By eliminating the cabinet altogether, open shelves offer a clean, expansive look.
Sink and faucets can be expensive if they’re designer or customized. A faucet can be $200 – $400, while a kitchen sink can trend upwards of $1,000 for a designer model. If you’re looking for clean, sturdy kitchen essentials here, the cost can be about $600. Depending on your tastes, the final cost can range from $600 to $2000.
A kitchen remodel of any size is a major project. Even if you’re skilled at woodworking and have the interests of a handyman, there’s a lot to handle, especially on your own. Connecting with a remodeling expert with experience planning remodels, sourcing, and installing kitchen granite countertops in St. Louis and surrounding areas can help save you time, money, and the heartache of having to re-do the work.
If it’s time to remodel your kitchen and you want a comprehensive estimate and options, choose an expert with a long history of success in St. Louis to provide you with options.
