Quartz countertops to raise rental value?

Question

I am reconstructing after near total demo , and was looking at a quartz or replica ish countertop for $40/sq ft. Vicostone is really nice, silostone is really nice -- it feels a lot more elegant than granite. I also like the lack of noise, and having minimalist light countertops with a more textured kitchen tile. It suits the home. What is my best bet for purchasing by the square foot instead of by the slab? (grade 2 and up, the 1's were terrible). Cambria quartz is great as well, Calcutta quartz looks great. Trying my best to get them in my price range.

I realize these are premium, but what are methods I can use to get aesthetically pleasing choices for under $4,000 with install if I have 100 sq feet of countertop space in different cuts? Basically $40/sq ft + a little waste without paying by the slab. Should I just check the scrap yards of stone cutting places? So much of my budget has gone to expensive repairs by negligent tenants that just didn't care to report the issue in a timely fashion, the cash to splurge just isn't there.

Also, for flooring, is luxury vinyl recommended for homes with higher rental price points ($3,000+ a month), or do you stick with engineered woods? Will post pics when complete.

Tyler Scholes · Answer

Hi John, I'm a Countertop specialist for a retail store that sells granite/quartz by the square foot.  For rental property  I would stick with builder grade for the most part.

Quartz at $40sqft would mostly be solid colors.  Which would allow you to have a more intriquette backsplash.  Quartz holds up the best with scratches, stains, and because its nonporous you would never have to seal it.

For my first rental property I will be installing lower tier granite.  As long as you make sure the fabricator pre-seals the stone then it should be very easy to maintain and clean.  Lowest grade in my area for box stores starts around $32ish Sqft

Keep in mind all of this pricing info is from a retail store and I've seen fabricators that are willing to have a capped rate for any remnant.  This can be a steal if you find it.  If a fabricator charges a straight price of $35 sqft with install on any remnant then take it.  I would pick out a high end/priced quartz/granite that normal goes for $67+ sqft if they charged $35

Calacatta quartz - $89sqft retail - i noticed you picked that one out.  My office desk is made of it

If it's just a rental and not my personal living space then I would still go with builder grade level stones.  Granite or Quartz will hold up just fine.  Normally upgrading past builder grade wont add more to your property.

Braden Downs · Answer

@John Collins Hello, we just remodeled our house and I'm happy with the quartz.

We went to a local builders grade store (Builders Warehouse) and bought cash and carry slabs, then we just found a worker at the store and hired him independently to install the tops and sinks. All in all we paid under $31/ft for quartz.

You can get less thick countertops which saves you some money (who cares about 1cm in difference). Also, remember the extra costs of install. The sign may say $34/sqft, but they will charge you extra for your sink installation, cuts for faucets, and any weird angles, etc.

Jim Goebel · Answer

@John Collins

Here's how it turned out:

https://www.zillow.com/homes/3827-E-Douglas-Ave-Des-Moines,-IA,-50317_rb/?view=public&mmlb=g,17

John Collins · Answer

It's part of an entire aesthetic that is raising the rent about $4-500 from what it was previously, but the house was outdated, not functioning the best and in need of major changes. It also allows the home to compete with pool homes in the area (pool homes are very popular amongst renters in Texas, but not everyone wants a pool and lots of people with kids specifically do not want them).

Quartzite looks great - do you mind telling me what brand you found and at what price/sq ft including install?

Jim Goebel · Answer

We have successfully used granite remnants to good effect for $300-$800 decent quality installs.

We have one 'quartzite' type of counters that are solid grey and look very nice!

My take is when thinking about these projects estimate the delta in what you'd get in monthly rent, by having the nicer upgrade available.  Then, compare that $delta to how much you'd pay.  If you can get 1.5 year or less payback for something like what you're talking about, then go for it!

So, if you can get nice counters for $3000, are you going to get an extra $167/mo in rent?  I guess its possible but realistically that is a lot of money to pay for something, and that's a generous assumption for increased rent simply tied to one feature.

John Collins · Answer

That is interesting - I am heading to a warehouse that has leftover slabs of granite and quartz tomorrow, they are certified and have great recommendations from someone who has used a couple pieces 6 years ago (still look great). We will see how the selection is. I also found several flooring & tile companies have a selection of popular samples they charge by the sq foot instead of by the slab, but it's still a markup over getting the slab yourself and prefabbing it.

Jim Goebel · Answer

@John Collins

Hi there,

We had a Bosnian neighbor that was in the business and I think we paid something like $1800 for labor/materials on the installation, for something like 26 sq feet if my memory serves.

I don't know the brand on the material.  We just went to his shop and he gave us a couple samples of what he had available.

It didn't really have much of a stone / marbled look, it was more of a solid grey but I think it worked really really well with the rest of the interior design.

Quartz countertops to raise rental value?

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