When homeowners get the itch to upgrade or renovate their kitchen or bath, chances are it’s because they are tired of looking at their worn, out-of-date countertops. They are the first things to be replaced, and one of the areas where homeowners are willing to spend a bit more to get the product they want.
Whether in the kitchen or in the bathroom, today’s homeowners are gravitating toward more and higher-quality counter space, to satisfy their desire for both more stylish and more functional surroundings.
In terms of priority and money spent on upgrades and renovations, the countertop is king. According to a recent study by the Research Institute for Cooking & Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI), even among homeowners who are contemplating a smaller kitchen, the last thing they want to sacrifice is counter space. When homeowners were asked on what items they would be most likely to “splurge,” whether for a kitchen or bathroom remodel, countertops led the pack.
Replacing countertops was the No. 1 upgrade listed in the 2016 Houzz Kitchen Study, as well, with 93 percent of respondents saying they had recently upgraded or were in the process of upgrading kitchen counters. The National Association of Realtors’ latest Remodeling Impact Report likewise found that worn-out surfaces were the most common motivator for homeowners to upgrade or renovate kitchens (36 percent) and bathrooms (49 percent).
Homeowners not only want new counters, they want more of them. As the kitchen transitions to the social hub of the household, counters are getting wider to allow more hands to take part in food preparation. Kitchen islands are popular additions in upgrades and renovations. And 4 in 10 (39 percent) homeowners in the RICKI study want one, and many say they would spend more to have one.
In the bathroom, his-and-her vanities top the list of desirable upgrades. Plus, homeowners want more storage and organizers so they can put all their appliances and other stuff away and keep those new counters clutter-free.
As for materials, natural stone remains the far-and-away favorite, for both the kitchen and the bath. The RICKI study shows engineered quartz and quartz are favorites for bathrooms, while granite continues to be the surface of choice for the kitchen.
A row a granite slabs at a sales center.
Nearly half (45 percent) of the respondents to the Houzz kitchen study opted for granite, while 26 percent chose engineered quartz and 14 percent quartzite. Gaining in popularity are porcelain surfaces and wireless charging countertops, the latter especially for workspaces abutting or integrated into the kitchen area.
With a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, counters have become the focal point of the kitchen or bath. They help to define the look and feel of the entire space. And they are where the action is.
The next time you have clients who can’t make up their minds on whether to renovate, suggest that they consider replacing their countertops. Once they’ve made that decision, the rest will follow.
About the Author
Michael J. Berens is a freelance researcher and writer with more than 30 years of experience in association communication and management. He can be reached at mjberens@mjberensresearch.net.
This article was provide by Multibriefs.
