How do you handle granite gourmet kitchen adjustments?

[Wayne Henry]

How do you handle granite gourmet kitchen adjustments?

I noticed in my service area that granite and granite gourmet kitchens are selling points which realtors mention in the listings in my market. It also appears that homes that have this kitchen layout demand more in service area. My only problem is I could not find a consensus as to what a gourmet kitchen layout is. I can determine granite counter tops from the remarks and interior photos of comparable sales but I notice gourmet layout used more loosely by Realtors. I feel the kitchen should have granite countertops, a functional kitchen island (which means not just a island in the middle of the kitchen but one that has a sink or cooktop on it), updated or stainless steel appliances. What do you do if anything about quartz, silestone, corian countertops? What are your opinions?

 

[J Grant]

I'd look at interior MLS photos /and or verify . Imo, "gourmet" is a realtor word, but the kind of updated kitchens that buyers are paying a premium for typically have have granite counters, upgraded or new wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances . The quality of all the above can vary and should be appropriate for price range/type of home.

Corian is less in vogue now and below granite imo in buyer preference. If quartz or silestone is well done, it could be equivalent to granite. Demanding each kitchen have an island imo may be too specific, but if that is hot in your area, then it is.

A great way to develop a feel for upgrades and what the latest trends are is to visit builder new home models. Just sign in like you are looking to buy a house, then go tour the models. Look at new builder homes or condos/townhomes in a variety of price ranges, as they do extensive research and and offer the upgrades in kitchens, baths, and flooring that are most in demand as well as appropriate to the price point and type of house they are offering.

Buyers tour builder models as well, and that informs their expectations, even for buyers looking at resale homes. Of course we see many resale homes that get renovated and upgraded, and after awhile, you should be develop knowledge of which upgrades command the most contrib value in diff price point homes.

 

[Randolph Kinney]

While no formal definition exists for the term gourmet kitchen, it generally refers to a kitchen equipped with high-end appliances, a prep area and a pantry. Standard features also include a large space fitted with high-end cabinets.

Desirable appliances for a gourmet kitchen include a double oven, built-in microwave, separate gas or induction cooktop, stainless steel large refrigerator with built-in icemaker, a five-cycle dishwasher and a large, deep sink with a pull-out spray on the faucet.

Ellen Cheever, ASID, a well known kitchen and bath designer and industry educator, notes that new gourmet kitchens rely less on traditional design and focus more on "point of use" solutions, including warming drawers, beverage centers and customized base cabinets.

Gourmet kitchens usually have a six-burner gas range with warming drawers and a cooktop grill to mimic the flavor and appearance of outdoor grilling. In addition to standard ovens, gourmet cooks require convection ovens or wood-burning pizza ovens to achieve optimum results. Commercial-style refrigerators and freezers give cooks the advantage of storing different foods at a variety of temperatures and humidity levels. Professional dishwashers have various cycles and rack options to efficiently clean everything from delicate wine glasses to oversized pots and pans.

A centralized kitchen island is standard in most gourmet kitchens. It is normally a rectangular, freestanding workstation with butcher-block surfaces and frequently includes a utility sink with a longneck faucet and garbage disposal to facilitate peeling and preparing vegetables and fruits. Strategically placed track lighting helps cook safely use knives and appliances without dealing with shadows or dark areas. Specially designed cabinets hold glassware, small kitchen appliances and cutlery, and walk-in pantries allow easy access to nonperishable food items. Customized spice racks are traditionally part of gourmet kitchen designs.

Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges.

Other natural stone materials, like marble, limestone and soapstone, are softer than granite and require delicate use and greater care. All stone countertops must be sealed periodically.

Engineered stone countertops come in a wider variety of colors than natural stone countertops, are more durable and are a cinch to maintain.

Concrete countertops, which can be completely customized with pigments, are gaining popularity.

Wood countertops, like butcher block, instantly warm up a kitchen. They are easy to clean and any scratches can be sanded out. Water damages butcher block quite easily, though, so wood countertops must be oiled frequently to seal the surface.

 

[Pilgrum]

Granite Gourmet? A stubborn chef.
Seriously? I very seldom take anything the realturds say to heart. Most of the time it is puffery. Much of the time they simply don't know what they are talking about. Remodeled means new carpet and fresh paint. RV parking means the lawn is dead on one side from to junk that was parked there leaking oil. Look at the MLS read pots and compare to what you see and what is revealed by the municipality's records.

 

[AnonApprsr]

It may not push the condition "rating" enough by itself but it may play out in the reconciliation.

 

[hastalavista]

It may not push the condition "rating" enough by itself but it may play out in the reconciliation.

If the granite is the only difference, the above is how I typically handle it.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges.

Actually granite is a generic name for a specific rock type. The colors vary somewhat in nature but to my knowledge the classic pink feldspar granite of N. America is rarely a counter top...
Diorites, pegmatites, schists, syenite, andesite, and other igneous and metamorphic rocks make up various shades used....and many are not true rocks...more like the lick and stick "stone" veneer you see on so many houses. Concrete tops, poured resin tops with stone chips, etc...also a niche in the market. And there are fake vinyl tops that are difficult to recognize for what they are - faux granite.

Other natural stone materials, like marble, limestone and soapstone, are softer than granite and require delicate use and greater care. All stone countertops must be sealed periodically.

They are also going out of style according to some "trendy" magazines...

The popularity of TV cook shops and food channels has set the trend for "fancy" kitchens but, again, this could be faddish although cooking shows have been around for 5 decades or more. I tend to view this as overbuilt for all but a high end dwelling, and you can bet they are way under-used in any event...until the kitchen of the 1950s which was used daily.

 

[Randolph Kinney]

Countertops are not the defining part of the qualification of what constitutes a gourmet kitchen. A gourmet kitchen generally refers to a kitchen equipped with high-end appliances, a prep area and a pantry. Standard features also include a large space fitted with high-end cabinets.

 

[DTB]

All ruined /\ by that hideous faux paint job.

 

[JSmith43]

All ruined /\ by that hideous faux paint job.

DTB, it takes real talent to simulate water stains. I'm pretty sure the popularity of granite varies by region, not to mention, market segment. Granite isn't the likely material for a mountain A-Frame, for example.

Granite is cold, hard, porous. I actually prefer the newer solid surface products and/or wood.

Here is a good reference link with photos of many varied counter installations other than basic laminate:

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138308