Quartz countertop  is a high-quality and low-maintenance countertop option, and it is undoubtedly the first choice of kitchen countertops among buyers. This eco-friendly building material uses up to 90% of other quarry and manufacturing waste products, making it a beautiful and durable countertop choice for the next flip. But are quartz countertops worth the price? Find out what quartz is actually made of, how much you expect to pay, and how quartz will retain its value over time.

What is quartz?

Quartz countertops are engineered stone slabs. The countertop material is made by grinding particles from other types of stone and combining it with resin using industrial manufacturing to make it into a countertop. This process allows manufacturers to create a variety of different options in terms of color and design.

In the countertop world, the main competitor of quartz is granite. They are all suitable for high-end countertops and have similar price tags, but there are some obvious differences. Quartz is very durable; it is almost impossible to chip or crack, and it is less susceptible to stains than granite. However, if exposed to direct sunlight, it may be damaged by heat and gradually fade over time. Quartz is also a non-porous surface, which means you don't have to seal it. Compared to granite, it has a major competitive advantage in terms of maintenance. Therefore, quartz is usually the first choice for fixing and turning over high-end rental properties or countertops that require low maintenance but expensive appearance.

How much does quartz cost?

The average price of quartz materials is US$75 per square foot, the average price of installation materials is US$50 per square foot, and the price of a 30-square-foot quartz countertop is approximately US$3,750. As with any retrofit, the cost will vary based on the quality of the manufacturer, the location of the property, the total square footage of the project, and the finish chosen for the sideline. Quartz countertops are not all the same, so if you want to hold an investment for a long time, it may be wise to choose a higher quality countertop.

The price of quartz material and installation is about the same as the price of granite, but you will eventually save more money and time because you don't have to seal the countertop regularly. According to data from Home Advisor (NASDAQ: ANGI), granite needs to be resealed every year at an average cost of US$0.75 to US$1.50 per square foot. You may also need to polish once every ten years, which is about $3.00 per square foot. Therefore, for an average-sized kitchen, a 30-square-foot granite counter will bring you 450 dollars in extra income every 10 years.

What is the value of quartz？

A 2017 study conducted by Realtor.com found that 80% of participants stated that the kitchen is one of the top three most important spaces in a home. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAH) took it a step further and found that 57% of buyers want stone countertops. If you're an investor looking to flip a home, this will help get you a quick sale, and if you're a landlord in a higher-end rental neighborhood, quartz countertops may allow you to charge higher rent while having fewer maintenance issues down the road.

Installing quartz or luxury countertops will make your decoration fall into the high-end category. Not only can easily attract buyers and renters, but can also recover about 54% of your investment when you sell. But keep in mind that this may vary depending on the real estate market in your state, city, and community. If you are in a low-end community where ordinary houses are equipped with laminate countertops, it is unlikely that you will recover the cost of installing quartz countertops when you sell. Matching the characteristics of the market is the key to being able to take advantage of the upgrade value and to ensure that you are not overly improving in the region.

If you are considering refurbishing a luxurious kitchen or bathroom, then quartz should definitely be a countertop choice. Its price will be the same as other stone countertops, but it has obvious advantages. Ultimately, it will be attributed to personal preference, because the resale value will be on par with other high-end options.

Source: millionacres