First, let’s look to see if you’ll be able to afford it? Let’s find out and see if they are worth it at all? Then let’s see why simple square foot estimates you do on your own will be very far off.
For starters, one dealer will tell you that quartz counters will cost anywhere from $50 to $100 or more per square foot, while another will give you an average of $60-$80.
Most people make a quick estimate at home with their tape measure or ruler (GASP!) to measure the existing work surface. It can get quite exciting when you do it this way. You think you are getting a good idea of the price, but in most cases, you’ll be pretty disappointed when you factor in the other costs.
The Price Per Square Foot Bait And Switch
Often, the prices you see listed are for the raw slabs themselves and don’t include any of the extras or even the installation. If you look at a website and see a counter on sale for only $39.99 per square foot, the chances are good that this is for material only, and you’ll be paying a lot more to get it fabricated into an actual countertop.
You shouldn’t put stock into a quick estimate that relies on square feet alone.
Find out precisely what is included with that
- Does the quote have a sink cutout?
- How about the edging? Will that cost extra?
- The list goes on and on.
The price per square foot for quartz countertops doesn’t mean a thing unless you know everything that is included.
What May Raise The Cost Even More
Let’s look at all the hidden costs that could be added.
Edging
Some companies will include basic edging options (i.e., bullnose) in the estimate, while others won’t charge extra. This difference can significantly increase the price, depending on the specific edge detail you choose.
Demolition
You may also have to pay for the tear-out of your original countertop and any modifications.
Cutouts
Holes need to be drilled for things like faucets, soap dispensers, instant hots, sinks, and a couple of others I’m probably forgetting.
Backsplash
These are nice and should be strongly considered. However, you can forgo one and tile the way instead. If you’re looking to save the most money, getting a backslash and painting the wall is likely cheaper.
The Total Expense
When you are comparing the price of quartz countertops from various suppliers you’ll need to make sure that you’re making a correct comparison.
For example, the $39.95 price per square foot that you see advertised may cost a lot more than the $80 per square foot option you see elsewhere. The $80 option may already include all of the extras, while $39.95 has absolutely none.
In the end, only the final total counts. On average, the price of quartz counters per square foot on a 40-square foot counter will run anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000 or more. That’s quite a wide range, so it’s important to know what’s included and where to shop to get the best price on quartz.
Beware Of Low-Quality Suppliers
Another factor to consider is the quality of the slab. You’ll need to make sure you buy from a reputable company.
Slabs are making their way over from China, and many people have problems with them. The Countertop Investigator tells us that they get an email from someone in China that sells them almost every day, and they don’t even sell any actual kitchen worktops. Imagine how actively fabricators and dealers are being pursued and how tempting it must be for them to start sourcing crazy low-cost material.
You’ll need to ensure that you buy a high-quality piece of quartz from established companies such as Silestone, Cambria®, Caesarstone, Zodiaq®, etc. This is a significant purchase, and you won’t want to rip them out again if you find they aren’t up to par.
The Return On Investment
Another thing to consider is how much they will increase the value of your entire house.
If you’re selling your home soon, you may need to replace the yellow-stained laminate you currently have with a new one. It’s estimated that you’ll see a rise in the sale price of your home by 3% to 7%. Of course, this is just an average and will vary from home to home.
The return on investment value does not only include the cost of the countertop. It also consists of the personal enjoyment you get from it and its practical value. The kitchen is where people assemble in the morning to talk about the day ahead and where people gather in the evening to enjoy a quick snack before going to bed.
The ROI of any new kitchen counter does not only include the potential rise in the home’s resale value. It should also factor in its functionality of it for cooking purposes. When trying to figure out if this kitchen upgrade is worth the expense, take into account how much quartz will add to the beauty of the kitchen.
Overall, it would help if you looked at the bigger picture when examining the cost of a bright, shiny, new quartz countertop. Get the total of the slab, the installation, and any extras you need before making any price comparisons. This is the only accurate way to determine whether you’re getting a great deal or just getting taken for a great deal.