New countertops can create a dramatic change in your kitchen or bathroom, making it more attractive and functional. One of the largest obstacles homeowners run into is trying to manage installation costs while maintaining quality. Countertop installation cost can add up quickly depending on material, labor, and level of skill. Below are some suggestions that allow you to be frugal without losing your love of the look or durability of your countertops.
While natural stone, such as granite or marble, is visually appealing, it can also be cost-prohibitive. It would be better to compare engineered quartz, laminate, or solid surface materials that can mimic the appearance of stone for considerably less money. For instance, higher-end laminates available today show high-end designs mimicking marble veining and speckled granite. By choosing them, you receive the same high-end appearance without a high-end price, and you have the durability and low maintenance required in your kitchen or bathroom.
Do not accept the first quote you receive. Countertop prices vary widely from supplier to contractor as well as in various geographies. Make a point of gathering at least three quotes from reputable installers. Look at what is included in quoted prices. Some quotes will comprise removal of the old counters, sealing, or edge work, while others charge extra for these items. Following this process provides the buyer with leverage to obtain even better deals, depending on the variety of quotes they gain. By doing your homework in advance, buyers can save hundreds of dollars by not skimping on quality or professional installation.
Customization can quickly increase the cost. While beautiful edge profiles, oval designs, and waterfall designs are pretty, they require much more labor and skill to install. Normal edge profiles like square edges or eased edges require less skill and fabricator time, thereby building in less material for waste as well as labor time to produce and install. Similarly, sticking to standard finishings instead of finished treatments keeps costs low in countertops. The beauty of countertops usually has to do with the selected material anyway, so even with or without specialty edge profiles or standard finishes, your house can still look beautiful and polished if designed well while keeping costs low.
Seams and cuts add complexities and labor time and increase total installation costs. For example, when customizing shapes around things like sinks, cooktops, or unusual corners, the cutting and finishing will be more detailed. All to say, think of your layouts simply and limit seams if possible. Standard-shaped rectangular pieces are cheaper and limit installation errors. If your kitchen designs allow, have the sinks and appliances on an angle to cut your special cuts. Planning for fewer custom shapes will have you saving money without compromising durability.
Installing new countertops doesn’t have to be financially challenging. By making smart choices—from inexpensive materials and prefabricated items to timing your project wisely and doing small tasks yourself—you can enjoy substantial savings while still ending up with a quality end product. The challenge at hand is to think about value, not just price, and if it’s affordable and lasts with a decent finish/durable appearance. By taking on manageable tasks, you’ll shave costs without risking mistakes in the critical aspects of countertop installation. The above will help you achieve the facelift to your kitchen or bathroom that you desire without compromising much. In the end, saving money by planning will result in savings for you while improving your home.
