10 ways granite countertops add value to your home

When it comes to adding value to your home, there are very few investments as beneficial as granite countertops. Granite countertops, especially those installed in the kitchen, can be the deciding factor in buying or selling any home.

When properly sealed and maintained, granite countertops are virtually scratch, stain and chip resistant. No other material can flaunt it except diamond.

Maintenance is relatively simple, usually requiring no more than hot water and a soft cloth, and periodic re-sealing, which is usually once a year. Since no special cleaning agents are needed to clean stubborn stains, this can save you money.

Granite is strong enough to allow food preparation, such as cutting vegetables directly on its surface. Cutting boards can harbor bacteria over time as they build up grooves and nicks from repeated use. This is not the case with granite, as most knives do not have adequate tensile strength to damage the stone.

The cold stone surface is ideal for preparing and kneading dough for each and every baking project. This can add cheer to the holiday season if you like to bake.

It’s heat resistant, which means if you don’t use a heating pad when placing hot pans directly on its surface, you don’t need to worry about burn damage. This also applies to leaving a curling iron on the bathroom countertop in case the countertops are also granite.

Granite countertops tend to add a minimum of ten percent resale value to your home and can add about 25 percent of the retail value to your home’s appraised value. While there are no guarantees on specific numbers, it is clear that there is a marked increase and never a decrease in a well installed countertop.

Due to the way granite forms naturally with its added color variations, grain variations, and speckles, no two countertops are the same, making each one distinctive and unique. How many other features of a house provide practical use and at the same time come close to being a work of art?

The profitability of granite is seen in the cost of installation versus the longevity of the stone. With easy maintenance, it will last longer than most other features in your home. It will not degrade or need to be replaced due to aging.

Granite countertops add a sense of elegance to any kitchen or bathroom with their natural stone appeal and custom trim. Rich shades ranging from earthy to a few more colorful variations can complement a wide range of decorating styles and provide the perfect accent or focus based on preference.

Granite slabs can be cut to allow customization with sink and faucet designs for a unique look, giving your home a unique value. Special cuts can also be made to hold soap dispensations for added refinement.