Countertop choices

[Account Closed]

I was reading an older thread and Will and others suggested granite countertops for rentals and flips. I'm going to be putting in a new kitchen and am considering what to put in for a personal residence. The property is in a high end area.

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/67/topics/46824-kitchen-countertops

[Will Barnard]

For a "personal residence" the choice is simple - granite all the way. It lasts the longest, looks the best, hold the highest re-sale value and is the easiest to maintain.

For rehab flips, again, I choose granite, mostly because that is what everbody here in CA wants so I give the buyers what they seek. Why would you want to be put in a scenario where you have to overcome an objection to your countertops when re-selling?!

For rentals, this really depends on the area and amount you get for the rent. For some of the places I have heard of here on BP, I would put in TV trays only! Ha Ha
For nicer rentals, you should have nicer countertops and you also have to consider the life span of the countertop you choose. If you use the cheap stuff, you save money, but end up having to re-do it more often. If you plan to hold for a long period of time, I again, recommend granite as the life span and the more rent you can charge outweigh the initial investment.

Concrete - I had these done in several duplex units I had built in TX. The look good and last long too, but I am still partial to granite. Since the cost has come down so far on granite, it is the most cost effective way in my opinion.