Should I upgrade to stone benchtops?
When selecting stone benchtops for your new home, you’ll find that the price difference is substantial.
My boyfriend and I signed a building contract at the beginning of 2020. The only thing that I asked for was to include stone benchtops as part of our base price. Why I knew how much they would cost (and how badly I wanted them). I had to budget them in from the beginning.
I was adamant that my stone benchtops be a must.
There’s probably nothing I can or should do to change your mind if you are like me. I think stone benchtops should be one of ‘s 8 must-have upgrades for your new house.
You may be unsure whether you should upgrade to stone benches.
Why choose engineered Stone Benchtops?
Benchtops in the kitchen and bathroom take a lot of abuse. You should consider wear and tear before anything else. This is especially true if you plan to rent out your apartment or live in it for a long time.
It is my opinion that engineered stone has the best longevity. It is miles ahead of laminate and natural stones such as marble or granite. It is a durable, waterproof, nonporous, and scratch-resistant surface when properly maintained.
Natural stones are porous and can easily be scratched.
Engineered stone is my preferred material. It’s not only the strongest, but it is also, in my opinion, the most beautiful!
Build your dream home
If you are unfamiliar with this term, it is a home that you plan to spend the rest of your lifetime in (or a substantial portion of it).
You may be looking for a house to raise your family or retire in. You’re invested in your home, and don’t care about the resale price or who will rent it next.
If you can relate to this, then I would recommend that you invest in stone benchtops. They are not only beautiful and luxurious, but also durable and long-lasting. Even the most energetic and young of us will outlive a benchtop made from man-made stones.
Consider it an investment in your future and happiness. A few thousand extra dollars on your home loan will not break the bank in the long run. You don’t want to regret your decision in 10 or 15 years when you see a cracked laminate countertop.
What are you building and where?
Stone benchtops are not the most important thing to consider when building a house for rental, investment, or short-term use. They shouldn’t be. There are many other upgrades you can make to your house that will increase its resale price, such as adding extra bedrooms, an outdoor area, or raised ceilings.
It will depend on the area you are buying or selling in and whether your future buyer pool is expecting to see stone benchtops. It’s a good idea to look at a few comparable homes in your area before you go into your design/selection meeting. Check to see if other new constructions in your area have upgraded their benchtops with stone. You will get a better idea of the types of homes that buyers in your area are interested in.
You’ll find them in most new homes if you build in an affluent area. The further you are from the CBD, the less likely it is that stone benchtops will be found.
If you are building a luxury high-end home to resell, you should include them. You can give them a pass if that’s not your situation.
You can upgrade to stone if you want to.
This should have been the first question I asked since budget is usually the most important factor when making a decision. Upgrades are a great example. No upgrade is worth putting you in financial trouble or stretching yourself too thin. Money is your first consideration unless you are self-funding with an unlimited budget.
Would you be willing to give up other upgrades?
Compromise is the key to building a house. The majority of us do not have the budget to get all on our wish list.
You might find these articles helpful if you are having difficulty deciding what upgrades are worth the time. You can find here a list of upgrades that you should avoid. This list contains those I consider essential.
Prioritize structural changes (windows, doors, extra storage, etc.) over cosmetic improvements such as paint, benches, and tiles. You can divide any leftover money according to your tastes.
If you choose to upgrade your counters, it could mean that you miss out on upgrades such as flooring, floor-to-ceiling tiles, and faucets.
Why Should I upgrade to stone benchtops?
Stone benchtops can be a great upgrade if you have the money and are building a dream/forever house. It depends on your location and the quality of your construction if you are building an investment home or intend to only live in your house for a short time. Check out some comps in your area to see if stone benchtops are a popular upgrade.
The Bottom Line
If you’re still wondering whether upgrading is the right decision for you, many home builders will have sales representatives/consultants who can help talk you through these kinds of decisions. You can also speak with friends, family, and our local agents.