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Kitchen Remodeling With Granite, Quartz, Or Solid
Surface Countertops
Fine Living - Reimagine Your Living Spaces
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
 Updating key rooms can increase home value by twice
the remodeling cost, according to Julia Ann Pearce. Pearce is one of three professional interior designers at Von Tobel Lumber Co. in Michigan City. Kitchen and
bathroom upgrades can run from $3,000 to $10,000 for a master bathroom and $10,000 up to $50,000 for kitchens.
Pearce's first question to clients is, "How long do you plan to stay in the house?" Half of her clients are moving into new homes and the other half are
remodeling, either for their own enjoyment or for resale.
Jim Bolka, a plumbing specialist with Von Tobel, said people should choose styles they
prefer unless they plan to sell, in which case going with the most popular styles is a good
idea. As with other fashions, interior design styles change every three to four years, he
said. "If you haven't redone your home in seven years, you need to update," Bolka said
about getting a home ready for sale. Pearce specializes in remodeling kitchens, which she
calls the heart of the home. Cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring are the main
elements in kitchen remodeling. Pearce said countertops are a good place to spend a bit
extra on. "Even if you can't afford to get all new cabinets, a new countertop can really give your kitchen a well-needed face lift," she said.
Solid surfaces and natural stone are big in today's market. Quartz is made of ground
granite and is a highly-durable solid surface. This non-porous countertop keeps germs out
and withstands a hot pan. Vetrazzo stone combines is made of 85 percent recycled glass
and 15 percent concrete. This material is popular with those who want to go green. And
you can't get any more green than natural stone materials, with granite the most popular
choice right now. Granite is a very hard surface that you can cut on, set hot things on and just enjoy, Pearce said.
"Realtors and home buyers look for that little upgrade of solid surface or granite counter
tops," she said. "They can really add value and appeal." Bolka said clients' top two
concerns when discussing remodeling projects are budget and low-maintenance. "People
don't have the time these days," he said. "They're working more and want things that are
durable and easy care." They also are looking to cut bills and help the environment by using energy-efficient products, Bolka said.
Kitchen appliances tend to be stainless steel, black or white, Pearce said. Then there are
appliance panels that hide appliances altogether, making them look just like the kitchen
cabinets. And then there are high-end appliances such as Bosch, Subzero and Thermador.
"If you consider yourself a cook in the kitchen, you may choose to go with a top of the
line range and refrigerator," Pearce said. One item featured at Von Tobel is the GE
Advantium, a $1,400 unit that cooks, bakes and microwaves. Also in the showroom is a
multi-faceted stove that has griddle and gas grill surfaces. Or you can get a combination electric oven and gas stove.
The most popular upgrade for kitchen cabinets are dovetail wood drawers with full
extension guides to allow them to be pulled out for easy access. Cabinet doors in maple
and alder are hot now, Pearce said. Beach residents like the distressed look that adds a
well-worn feel; another popular choice is bead-board in the middle of the cabinet doors.
Bolka said master bathrooms are becoming like spas for people who want to relax from the
stress of daily life in the comfort of their own homes. Whirlpool tubs continue to be
popular, with 60 manufacturers to choose from. Air tubs are gaining ground, Bolka said. An
air tub has tiny air holes throughout the surface that hit 90 percent of your body and are easier to clean than whirlpool tubs.
Granite bathtubs in the $5,000 to $20,000 range are becoming popular because they look
good, keep water hot longer and have a natural, organic look. Hand-made sinks made from
boulders run from $500 to $700. The Kohler Co. makes a medicine cabinet with a
refrigerated section to store temperature sensitive medicines and an electric outlet for
charging cell phones or heating a curling iron. Pearce said the biggest enemies of floors
are sand and water - two things common to beach properties. Pearce recommends
ceramic tile for kitchens and bathrooms, since it's been around a long time. "Thousands of years have proven it's a great choice for flooring," she said.
More about The Many Countertop Materials
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