Nobody likes spending tons of money on home improvements, and deciding which home improvements are a waste of money and which are a wise investment can be a real balancing act between the cost of the project and the potential return on investment (ROI). Kitchen upgrades, in particular, can actually increase the resale value of your home and provide a great overall ROI. According to the Journal of Light Construction's 2024 Cost vs Value Report, a small kitchen remodel in a mid-range home could yield a whopping 96% ROI, while a larger remodel could yield a return of around 50%. For an upscale home, the Journal estimated that a major upgrade could yield a 38% ROI.
On his website, HGTV's Mike Holmes agrees that kitchen remodels can increase home value, but warns against switching to marble countertops. Holmes acknowledges the material's beauty, but the marble care he describes might be too rigorous for the typical homeowner. Marble is relatively soft and requires regular sealing to protect it from scratches and stains. Instead, Holmes recommends quartz, which doesn't need to be resealed. In 2024, GW Surfaces compared the durability and cost of marble and quartz. Marble was priced from $80 to $250 per square foot with moderate durability and quartz was priced from $80 to $180 per square foot with higher durability. When it comes to installation, however, marble comes out on top: GW Surfaces reports an average installation cost of $3,000 for marble and $4,500 for quartz.
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Sealing, repairing and replacing
Veined Marble Kitchen Countertop with Flower Vase – artwiyanastd/Shutterstock
Marble countertops aren't the only kitchen upgrade that requires a cost analysis. For example, many people may regret the trend toward low-cost kitchen cabinets with open shelves. However, marble countertops come with an additional deciding factor: the time and money spent on regular resealing. Experts recommend resealing marble countertops every six to twelve months. And according to the home improvement website Angi, the cost of refinishing marble ranges from $0.50 to $2 per square foot. Depending on its condition, the countertop may require more than one coat. In this case, the resealing professional may need to return for several days – one for each coat – as the sealer must dry completely before the next coat can be applied. Angi estimates that polishing and refinishing costs can range from $1 to $3 per square foot. Meanwhile, HomeGuide estimates that repairs cost between $10 and $40 per square foot, compared to the typical $10 to $15 for quartz repairs.
When it comes to durability, both are strong materials. Marble is heat resistant, but due to its porous nature it is prone to staining. Vinegar, lemon juice, and other acids can also build up in the surface, which could lead homeowners to replace the countertops entirely. Quartz also cannot withstand heat and can be burned by hot cookware. However, because quartz is a non-porous, man-made material, it does not stain. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. So it's up to you to identify what your priorities are when it comes to your countertops to decide which one is right for you.
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