Is solid-surface/granite countertop worth it in rental?

Question

I'm redoing the kitchen in a 4-bedroom rental. The Realtor I work with strongly recommends putting in solid-surface (i.e., Corian or similar) or granite rather than laminate for the countertop. The price for laminate installed will be around $1200, versus $3500 for solid-surface or granite.

That's a big price difference and I'm having a hard time believing it will be worth it. The rental is in the top 25 percent cost-wise for the neighborhood, due mostly to its being a very large unit, but most other homes in the neighborhood don't have granite or solid-surface counters. The unit is also old (about a hundred years) and although I just refinished the floors and did fresh paint throughout, it's never going to have the feel of a new-construction building where tenants expect granite or Corian as part of their "luxury" kitchen. Finally, the rest of the kitchen will be nothing special: Basic cabinets, basic linoleum floor, basic standard appliances -- so I'm not convinced that fancy countertops would even fit.

Should I believe the Realtor (whom I'm hiring to find a tenant for the place) or stick with my gut and go with less expensive laminate? I know everyone's mileage on this topic will vary depending on lots of factors, but I'm curious for thoughts.

Ned Carey · Answer

@Gusatvus Johnson this is where knowing your market is important. We now put granite in most of our rentals. These are relatively low cost rentals in Baltimore City. For us the kitchens are so small, we might only use 10-12 sq ft of granite do the difference is not much.

If your competition has granite and you don't it may take longer to rent. If your competition does not have it, it may not be needed or might give you a competitive edge.

Ozzy Sirimsi · Answer

Granite is not going to increase your rent numbers but it will help you have No Vacancy, and it lasts longer. If it sits vacant two months , there you go, that is your granite.

Also, how big is that kitchen ?

Chuy Gonzalez · Answer

I have little breakfast bars between the kitchen and living room in my rentals. As I have remodeled each unit, i put in a stone top on the breakfast bar, but leave the countertops in laminate. Its worked for me since the breakfast bar is visible as soon as you walk in the front door.

Bill B. · Answer

@Rashad S.

Hey rashad, I dont have an Atlanta reference for you, but I can tell you a ballpark price and what to look for.

Find a supplier that sells and installs 9 foot by 25” bull nosed slabs. Each one of those should cost about $200 (maybe $300 for the “upgraded” granite) installed including demolition and removal of the old countertop. If you buy more than a few they’ll usually throw in the undermount sink and installation but not the faucet as they arent plumbers.

$1,000 to MAYBE $1,500 covers every Vegas rental I buy. I agree you might not get an extra $50 - $100/mo in rent but if it rents one week faster that’s hundreds of dollars. They last longer and look modern/high end.

Natalie Schanne · Answer

@David Cruice @Dennis M. - I have granite in my rental and I want to replace the laminate counter to granite in my latest rental but I haven’t decided whether I’m keeping or trashing the wood cabinets yet. I just had a property listed in a neighborhood where granite/Stainless was not common and I’ve gotten at least 500 calls or emails about that property in 2 months. 10 applications for rental in short succession. People still call me daily about wanting to rent that property. This is a house worth 90k renting for $1400/mo. Neighbors might rent for $1250-1300. The kitchen made it stand out. You know your market. If you own it for 30 years how many times will you change it? If you put it in now, can you get at least $25 more per month? I gave the cost because Home Depot laminate counters for my flip would have been like $400-500 vs 1200. Don’t pay $50-65psf for stone. Upgrading to the cheapest granite was a no brainer. Laminate scratches. Granite weathers. My 10 year old granite looks exactly the same.

Rashad S. · Answer

@Bill Brandt thanks. Yeah this is for two flips of mines. I’m currently being charged about $3500 for a small L shaped kitchen counter. And about $5500 for a slightly larger kitchen plus 4 bathroom countertops.

Thomas S. · Answer

It's a rental. Based on market stay with laminate 99% of the time.

Sam Shueh · Answer

Granite comes in different grades and prices. You can avoid tall water back splash to save cost. Quartz is something I will not want to be involved due to highest cost.

Is solid-surface/granite countertop worth it in rental?

Is solid-surface/granite countertop worth it in rental?

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