7 Reasons Why this Summer is the Best Time to Invest in Kitchen Countertops
Did you delay plans for upgrading your kitchen countertops due to restrictions presented by COVID-19? Or, has more time at home caused you to realize how there’s opportunity for your kitchen to better serve you and your family? If you’ve been considering a countertop upgrade, you’ll be happy to know that this summer is an ideal time to begin your project. Discover why the summer months are typically a popular time for home renovation projects.
1. Predictable weather ensures a smooth installation
New England is no stranger to unpredictable, harsh winter climates. Unfortunately, bad weather can influence home improvement projects. While we operate all-year-round, we are always at the mercy of the weather, which can cause delays if it is severe enough. Upgrading your home’s countertops during the temperate spring and summer months can help move your project along. In addition, the days are a bit longer so your installation team can stay longer while more natural light is available.
In warm months, you can also open windows and doors to improve the ventilation of dust and odors during installation.
Installing new countertops may put your kitchen out of commission for a few days to a few weeks. Living without a sink and cooktop can be challenging. Fortunately, in the warm summer months, you can opt to grill outside instead or switch meal prep over to your outdoor kitchen. The summer months are usually easier for both the installation crew and the homeowners.
2. Fully Stocked Inventory
We’re happy to let you know that our natural stone inventory has not been affected by COVID-19. However, time may be of the essence if you have a specific stone in mind for your countertop upgrade. Many supply chains have been affected by COVID-19, so sourcing specific stones and colors may be more challenging in the future. We recommend taking advantage of our inventory while supplies still last, as we do not have insight into what the future can hold.
3. Increase Home Value
Have you ever heard of the real estate phrase “kitchens sell houses?”
If you’re preparing to sell your home now, or selling it further down the road, upgrading your countertops is a smart, reliable investment. Safely investing in a downturn market can be challenging. However, improving your home is a safe way to get a smart return on your investment.
The national average return-on-investment for a minor kitchen remodel, such as a countertop upgrade, is 81%. Keep in mind, the return-on-investment of upgrading a kitchen is highly dependent on your local market and level of renovation. Expertly crafted stone countertops are created to stand the test of time; when your home is ready to hit the market, you can reap the benefits of your investment and enjoy them until you’re ready to sell.
In addition, an upgraded kitchen can help your home stand out to potential buyers. Homebuyers care about the kitchen area, specifically. In fact, 80% of homebuyers state that the kitchen is in their list of the top three most important spaces in the home. Countertops can do wonders for transforming a space. Gray or white natural stone or engineered stone surfaces are modern, on-trend and can create the appearance of a larger space.
Click here to discover white granite countertop design tips for your kitchen.
4. Enjoy your outdoor kitchen
The absence of vacations, summer camps and happy hours due to COVID-19 may have you feeling a bit cooped up. Adding an outdoor kitchen or bar can help create an oasis that makes you feel like you’re away from home but in the comfort of your own backyard. An outdoor kitchen is an ultimate luxury to add to your outdoor space. They allow you to spend as much time as possible being outside during the warmer months.
For tips on selecting the best countertop material for outdoor use, click here.
5. More time spent at home
If you’re like many homeowners, you’ve spent more time at home in the last couple of months than ever before. During this time, did you notice that small burn mark on your countertop? Or does that outdated color stone simply not work in your home anymore? The downtime you experienced at home may have caused you to notice new “characteristics” in your kitchen. The benefit of being at home more, is that you have more time to research which stone, color and design aesthetic suits your home best. If you’re unsure about what countertop material is ideal for your home, please do not hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our countertop design specialists.
6. Hygienic Countertop Choices
There are new choices when it comes to hygienic, antimicrobial countertops that boast beauty and practicality. When choosing the right countertops for your home, it’s also important to consider how the surface will fit into your lifestyle. It’s not just about aesthetics, but planning how to keep your family safe as we work through COVID-19 and beyond. This is why it is a great time to upgrade or add new surfaces to your home, as there is a vast selection of highly resistant countertops to choose from.
Engineered quartz from renowned manufacturers like Caesarstone, Silestone, and MS International, among others, is non-porous, therefore inherently antimicrobial. Porcelain is another engineered stone that is relatively new to the market and also antimicrobial, incredibly durable and versatile. If you’re in the market for natural stone countertops, such as granite, marble and quartzite, you’ll be happy to learn that these surfaces are naturally resistant to microbes like bacteria, viruses and other germs.
7. Safety Precautions in Place
Like many other industries, countertop fabricators and installers have adapted to the times and are doing our part to limit the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. You can still count on receiving the same dedicated service that you received pre-COVID-19, but precautionary measures have been put in place. We have options for how you’d like to partner with us to select the right countertops for your home, whether it’s through a virtual consultation or an in-person appointment, we’re happy to work with you at your comfort level. To learn how we’re continuing to keep our customers safe, click here.
Academy Marble & Granite can help
Are you ready to go into fall with a fresh, new look for your home? Academy Marble & Granite has a large selection of granite, marble and quartzite slabs and we work with top engineered stone suppliers from all over the world. We encourage you to come in and visit our showrooms in Rye, NY and Bethel, CT to select your new countertops.
